The Subclass 190 visa is a permanent residency visa that requires state nomination. While it does not have a legally binding requirement to stay in the nominating state, there is a moral and contractual obligation to live and work there for at least two years after the visa is granted. Once your Subclass 190 visa is granted, you become a permanent resident of Australia, meaning you have full rights to live, work, and move anywhere in the country. However, there are a few important considerations:
Key Considerations Before Moving:
Commitment to the Nominating State – When you apply, you agree to live and work in that state. Moving immediately after the visa grant could affect future visa applications or Australian citizenship eligibility.
State Monitoring & Compliance – Some states track whether nominated applicants stay and contribute to the local workforce. Frequent movement could impact future PR pathways for others.
No Legal Penalty, but Ethical Obligation – While there are no direct penalties for moving, breaking the commitment may impact your standing with the state government.
What If You Need to Move?
If you have genuine reasons (e.g., job opportunities, family circumstances), it’s best to inform the state government and provide a reasonable explanation.
Moral Obligation–When accepting a 190 nomination from a state, you agree to live and work there for at least two years as part of their commitment requirements. While this is not legally binding, breaking this commitment too soon may impact future visa or citizenship applications.
State Monitoring–Some states may track whether you have settled in their region and could ask for updates. Consistently failing to meet the commitment could affect your chances of future sponsorship or nominations.
PR Rights–Since the 190 visa grants you unrestricted PR rights, there is no legal restriction stopping you from moving to another state. However, if possible, it’s best to fulfill your obligation unless there are strong personal or professional reasons to relocate.