Please select Menu Source

How to Apply for a 190 Visa If Your Regional Work Visa Is Expiring?

Are you currently on a regional work visa and wondering if it can lead to permanent residency (PR) in Australia? You might be closer to your PR goals than you think. In this blog, we’ll guide you through how regional work visas can serve as a stepping stone to securing permanent residency, the key requirements you need to meet, and the steps to successfully transition.

Obtaining the 190 visa (Skilled Nominated Visa) after your regional work visa marks a critical point in your journey toward permanent Australian residency. A permanent Australian life becomes possible for applicants who fulfil the requirements through proper 190 visa application procedures. 

In this guide, we’ll break down the steps you need to take to apply for the 190 visa, including the key requirements and strategies to increase your chances of success. Whether you’re in the final months of your regional work visa or just starting to consider your options, this step-by-step approach will ensure you’re prepared for a smooth transition to permanent residency in Australia. Keep reading to learn how to make this process as seamless as possible and achieve your goal of permanent residency in Australia.

Apply for a 190 Visa Before Your Regional Work Visa Expires?

Book a Consultation with Our Expert Immigration Lawyers Today!

*Our Expert Migration Lawyers Offer 15-minute General Advice Or 45-minute In-depth, Tailored Consultations To Suit Your Needs.

Understanding the 190 Visa

Skilled workers know the 190 visa as a permanent residency visa enabling them to work and live in Australia. Your application for the 190 visa requires official nomination from either your state or territory government.

Australian permanent residency through the 190 visa status enables you to settle in any Australian location for work or education. People who hold regional work visas approaching expiration can use the 190 visa to stay longer in Australia.

Check out the 190 Visa Eligibility

When applying for the 190 visa, applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements, including:

  • Step 1: Relevant Occupation: All 190 visa candidates need their professions included on the official 190 visa occupation list. Professional positions that are in demand in Australia and align with your skill set and education standards.
  • Skills Assessment: You must complete the required skills assessment for your specific occupation. You need to secure a solid skills assessment result to prove your proficiency for the role you applied for.
  • Points Test: The points test for visa eligibility requires you to achieve at least 65 points by demonstrating proficiency in English, education, work experience, and age.
  • State or Territory Nomination: The application process for a 190 visa begins with state or territory government nominations.
  • Age Requirement: The visa application is open to candidates aged between 18 and 44 years.
  • English Proficiency: The application requires proof of adequate English language proficiency.
  • Health and Character: All applicants must fulfil both health and character criteria to qualify for Australian work visas..

Transitioning from a Regional Work Visa to a 190 Visa

A regional work visa holder gains access to the 190 visa benefits of permanent residency and expanded job location choices. Follow this step-by-step process to transition successfully:

  • Step 1: Meet Eligibility Criteria: Check that your 190 visa eligibility includes occupations from Australia’s Skilled Occupation List and a successful skills assessment. Regional work experience can help build your points score for the visa assessment.
  • Step 2: Apply for State Nomination: Every 190 visa application must obtain state or territory approval. Each state uses distinct nomination processes targeting specialised occupational fields specific to its regional workforce needs. Your profession must serve a genuine purpose while adhering to state-approved standards.
  • Step 3: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI): Submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) to SkillSelect, detailing your qualifications, work experience, and English proficiency results. Your application will gain strength through your regional work experience.
  • Step 4: Wait for the Invitation: A successful selection leads to an application invitation for the 190 visa. Gather all requested documents before proceeding.
  • Step 5: Submit Your Visa Application: After receiving your invitation, submit your 190 visa application within 60 days, including identity documents, health evaluations, and police clearance certificates.

Benefits of Transitioning from a Regional Work Visa to the 190 Visa

  • Permanent Residency in Australia: As a 190 visa holder, you become a permanent resident of Australia and have unrestricted access for living, working, and studying indefinitely. Permanent residency status under this visa provides better protection and flexibility than temporary regional work visas.
  • Access to Medicare: A 190 visa enables you to benefit from Medicare, Australia’s national healthcare system. Permanent residency confers free, unlimited medical care through Medicare, which reduces the need for private health insurance expenses.
  • Freedom to Work Anywhere in Australia: The 190 visa provides broader access compared to regional work visas since it permits you to work anywhere in Australia’s territory and states. Your living options expand and career opportunities increase because the visa lets you live anywhere within Australia.
  • Pathway to Australian Citizenship: Owning a 190 visa creates the possibility to obtain Australian citizenship. The permanent resident period enables you to qualify for Australian citizenship, after which you gain the right to participate in federal elections.

Partnership with a Qualified Work Visa Lawyer

Applying for the 190 visa demands time and complex procedures until completion. A qualified work visa lawyer becomes mandatory for anyone seeking assistance throughout the application process or requiring details about their eligibility. Immigration law specialists will help you through your application process when they review all needed documentation, in addition to helping fulfil Australian government requirements.

Work visa lawyers provide specialised guidance about state and territory nominations, which improves 190 visa invitation opportunities and prevents typical application errors. The successful migration to permanent residency through the 190 visa becomes more achievable when you have legal representation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The regional work visa to 190 visa transition period includes some typical errors that damage application success.

  • Missing Deadlines: You must start the process early, as waiting may cause your regional work visa to expire before your 190 visa is granted.
  • Incorrect Documentation: Visa applications may face delays or be rejected if applicants submit incorrect documentation or incomplete information.
  • Not Meeting State Nomination Requirements: Skilled worker selection criteria exist individually throughout all Australian states and territories. Failure to meet state nomination requirements may result in visa denial.

Conclusion

Pursuing the 190 visa after your regional work visa allows you to obtain permanent residency in Australia. The 190 visa application demands thorough attention to state or territory nomination, along with the Expression of Interest submission and satisfaction of all eligibility requirements. A professional work visa lawyer will help you complete this process effectively and boost your application chances.

Consider transitioning to the 190 visa application immediately before your regional work visa expires. Your 190 visa application will enable you to pursue permanent residency in Australia while benefiting from both work and residence in Australia.

FAQs

The 190 visa functions as a permanent residency arrangement that enables skilled workers to enter Australia through state or territory government nominations.

Your transition requires eligibility verification, receiving state or territory nomination, and submitting your Expression of Interest (EOI) before waiting for an invitation to apply.

Applicants who work in designated regional areas can boost their point scores during their 190 visa application process.

Permanent residency through this visa grants you Medicare benefits, complete mobility to work across Australia, and potential citizenship eligibility.

A work visa lawyer can help you with your application process, but their assistance is not mandatory to fulfil all requirements.

Our Latest Blogs

Clear Filters

Can You Bring Your Family to Australia with the 491 Visa for Regional Work?

Wondering if you can bring your family to Australia on the 491 visa? Discover how this regional work visa allows family inclusion and offers a pathway to permanent residency.

Can You Apply for PR through a Regional Work Visa in Australia?

Curious if a regional work visa can lead to PR in Australia? Explore the requirements, process, and benefits of transitioning from a regional visa to permanent residency.

How to Apply for the 491 Visa and Secure a Pathway to Permanent Residency?

Wondering how to apply for the 491 Visa and secure PR in Australia? Learn about eligibility, family sponsorship, and the benefits today with our lawyers.

Can I apply for a Partner Visa while on a Bridging Visa?

Check if you can apply for a Partner Visa while holding a Bridging Visa in Australia. Understand Bridging Visa types & get expert advice tailored to your situation.

OUR VISA LAWYER REVIEWS

Our Happy Clients

Explore Our Comprehensive Legal Services

Book a consultation

Our expert migration lawyers offer paid consultations to suit your needs—choose a quick 15-minute session for general advice or a comprehensive 45-minute session for in-depth discussion and tailored guidance.

Preliminary Migration Law Consultation

Comprehensive Migration Law Consultation

Distribution Template Free Download

Distribution Agreement Template
Address:
Suite 904, 10 Help Street Chatswood NSW 2067
Phones:
Phone: +61 02 8386 8592
Working Hours:
Monday-Friday: 9:00 – 17:00 Saturday-Sunday: Closed