Can you move states on your 190 visa in Australia? The permanent visa lets you move freely across Australia after approval, but things aren’t that simple.
A significant detail needs your attention: your nominating state expects you to stay and work within their borders for two years. Moving to another state without proper thought could impact your citizenship applications and other visa processes down the track.
The bright side? You’ll find legitimate ways to switch states when needed, especially when suitable work becomes scarce in your sponsoring state. Understanding these rules helps both skilled workers planning their next move and employers managing their core team make better decisions about moving between states.
Let’s dive into the ground rules and requirements you should know about relocating on a 190 visa.
Understanding 190 Visa Conditions After Grant
Your 190 visa makes you a permanent Australian resident with several benefits and conditions you should know about. The Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) lets you live in Australia forever, though you’ll need to renew the travel portion after five years from when it’s granted.
Getting this visa gives you these important benefits:
- Access to Australia’s public healthcare scheme (Medicare)
- Right to sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence
- Freedom to work and study anywhere in Australia without restrictions
- You can travel to and from Australia for five years at first
The 190 visa doesn’t legally stop you from moving around Australia. All the same, each state and territory expects you to honour a “moral obligation” to live and work in the state that nominated you – usually for two years. This agreement exists between you and your nominating state, not the Department of Home Affairs.
To name just one example, see how Tasmania wants a two-year commitment after they approve your nomination, while the Northern Territory looks for three years. South Australia also needs nominees to meet their state rules along with federal requirements.
You should know that breaking this commitment won’t put your visa at risk. A government source made this clear: “This obligation does not impact your visa conditions.” On top of that, states realise finding the right job can be tough, and you might have to move elsewhere for work.
If you leave your nominating state before you complete your commitment period, you’ll still need to fill out any required surveys. So keeping in touch with your nominating state matters, whatever state you end up calling home.
Legal Process for Moving States on 190 Visa
The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) requires proper notification procedures if you plan to move from your sponsoring state on a 190 visa. You must update your address details right away after any move.
Official Notification Requirements
DHA needs to know about your address changes when you have a pending visa application and plan to live at a different address for 14 days or more. Your updated address details will help DHA reach you whenever needed, even with an approved visa.
You can notify DHA about your address change through three official methods:
- ImmiAccount Update: Log into your ImmiAccount and update your contact details online (available for some applications only)
- Form 929 Submission: Complete and submit the “Change of address and/or passport details” form
- Written Notification: Provide a written notice including your full name, date of birth, application details, and either your client number or immigration file number
Your accurate contact information prevents missed communications with DHA. It will give a smooth delivery of significant documents and help you stay compliant with visa obligations.
Communicating with Your Sponsoring State
The 190 visa doesn’t legally restrict you to stay in the nominating state. However, you should talk to the state government agency before moving. The agency might:
- Release you from your commitment after seeing genuine efforts to find suitable work
- Help solve the problems of your employment
- Better understand your situation, especially with compelling reasons to move
You can technically move without state approval, but this choice might affect future applications, including citizenship. On top of that, you must complete any required surveys from your nominating state after moving.
Keep records of all correspondence with authorities. Make sure you provide accurate information and respond quickly to requests for additional details to avoid delays in your visa matters.
Potential Consequences of Changing States
Breaking your commitment on a 190 visa by moving between states can mean trouble for your future in Australia. The two-year state commitment isn’t legally binding like other visa conditions, but it’s a moral obligation that can still have serious effects.
Your decision to move before completing your promised residency might affect your citizenship application down the line. Immigration officials could ask why you didn’t stick to your commitment with the nominating state. Of course, it won’t automatically disqualify you, but you’ll need a well defined explanation.
On top of that, it could affect your future visa applications. To cite an instance, see how Resident Return Visa officers might look at your history and question whether they can trust your future commitments. A migration expert points out that “reneging on previous commitments does not technically affect the processing of your application,” but it raises questions about your reliability.
The best way forward is to talk to your sponsoring state before making any moves. These states have put resources into your nomination and might help if you’re facing difficulties. Here’s what good communication could lead to:
- You might get released from your commitment if you show you’ve tried hard to find work
- The state could offer extra help to solve your problems
- You’ll avoid questions about your reliability in future immigration matters
Not telling authorities when you change address breaks your agreement – something many call a serious offence. You might also miss crucial updates about your residency status.
Note that each state has its residency rules. Tasmania wants a two-year commitment, while other states may ask for different timeframes. You can technically move as a permanent resident, but doing this without proper communication could create problems in your immigration experience.
Conclusion
A 190 visa holder must think about their rights and obligations before moving states. Your legal right as a permanent resident allows relocation. However, your commitment to the nominating state remains most important to your future in Australia. If you need help with immigration matters, you may connect with a registered immigration agent to help you with the process.
Direct communication with authorities works best if you plan to relocate. Your sponsoring state can help find solutions that benefit everyone, especially during job-related challenges. This approach prevents future issues with citizenship or visa applications.
Your nominating state’s investment deserves respect through proper procedures. The DHA needs your updated address details right away. Complete required surveys and keep records of all correspondence to protect your immigration status.
Everything about interstate movement on a 190 visa helps you make smart choices that safeguard your residency goals. Your decisions today will influence your immigration prospects tomorrow.