The skilled independent subclass 189 and skilled nominated subclass 190 visas are two prominent ways through which skilled employees can become permanent residents in Australia. Both these visas offer permanent residence, but they differ in multiple aspects. Their requirements of nomination, eligibility, and conditions set them apart. In this blog, you will come to know about the key differences between 189 and 190 visas:
What is the Skilled Independent Subclass 189 Visa?
The skilled independent subclass 189 visa is mainly for:
- Invited workers
- Eligible Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) holders of a passport
- Eligible New Zealand citizens
This visa permits them to live and work permanently in cases where they possess skills in high demand in Australia.
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1. 189 Visa Australia Requirements
The 189 visa Australia requirements highlight that you need to meet certain eligibility criteria to qualify successfully. Understanding these requirements is necessary for you to apply for the visa program. Given below are the requirements that must be mandatorily fulfilled:
- To be invited, you will have to be under 45
- You must be invited to apply
- Satisfy the points test
- Have an occupation that is on the relevant skilled occupation test
- Have a skills assessment suitable for the occupation
2. 189 Visa Australia Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria are:
- You have to get a score of 65 or above on the points test
- You must have competent English at the time of the invitation
- Health and character standards will have to be met by you and your family
- You must compulsorily pay back any debt that you or your family members owe to the Government of Australia
What is the Skilled Nominated Visa Subclass 190?
The Skilled Nominated Visa Subclass 190 is also a permanent visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian territory or state.
1. 190 Visa Requirements NSW Specific in Australia
You must meet the following criteria to be considered for NSW nomination:
- Residency: You will have to ensure that you are currently residing in NSW or have continuously resided in NSW for at least six months. You can also have continuously resided offshore for a period of six months.
- Skills assessment: You must have a valid skills assessment for an occupation that is listed on the eligible skilled occupation list. It should also fall in an ANZSCO unit group recognised on the NSW Skills List.
- Visa Eligibility: Make sure that you satisfy all visa requirements outlined by Home Affairs.
2. Visa Subclass 190 conditions: Obligations After Grant
There are certain obligations and conditions that you must adhere to after the visa is granted. They are:
- After you are granted the visa 190, you are required to work and live in Australia for a minimum of 2 years.
- You must mandatorily comply with all laws and regulations of Australia.
- You should maintain health insurance for emergencies
ALSO READ: IMPORTANT FACTS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU APPLY FOR THE SUBCLASS 189 VISA
189 Visa Occupation List vs 190 Visa Occupation List
Both the 189 visa occupation list and the 190 visa occupation list consist of occupations that are in high demand across Australia. They both have their own tailored occupation list, and there are multiple differences between them. You can understand the differences through the table given below:
| Criteria | 189 Visa Occupation List | 190 Visa Occupation List |
| List name | Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) | Occupation Lists vary by state and territory |
| State/Territory Nomination Requirement | State Nomination is not required | Territory or state nomination is required |
| Occupation Criteria | Has to be on the MLTSSL to apply for the 189 visa | Has to be on the State-nominated occupation list for the particular state or territory |
| Changes in List | Updated regularly based on the labour needs of Australia | Varies from state to state, and updates are made independently |
| Examples of occupations | Accountant, software engineer, architect | Registered nurse, construction project manager, software and applications programmer |
190 Visa Processing Time Compared to 189 Visa
The processing times for the Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) and the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) are significantly different. There are differences in how they are processed and factors impacting their processing times. The following table will help you to get a general overview of the processing times and factors affecting them:
| Parameters | 190 Visa | 189 Visa |
| Processing Time | Usually 3 to 12 months | Generally, 11 weeks to 4 months |
| Factors affecting processing time | Nomination by the state or territory requires time to process | Processing time is slightly quicker since nomination is not required |
| Priority processing | Some applications are prioritised on the basis of particular occupations | State prioritisation is not there. Applicants can receive priority when they are invited quickly. |
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Key Differences Between 189 and 190 Visa Australia
Both of these visas are pathways to permanent residency in Australia for skilled workers. In spite of that, differences are present in terms of eligibility, nomination criteria and locations of living and working. Here is a table that will help you choose the right visa for your migration needs:
| Criteria | 189 visa | 190 visa |
| Nomination Requirement | State or territory nomination is not required. | Nomination required by an Australian territory or state. |
| Eligibility for occupation | Occupation must be present in MLTSSL. | Occupation must be present in the occupation list nominated by the state. |
| Points Test | 65 points minimum. | 65 points minimum. |
| Flexibility of Location | Flexibility of residing and working anywhere in Australia. | Must reside and work in the nominating territory or state for a minimum of 2 years. |
| Processing Time | Usually 6 to 12 months | Usually 11 weeks to 4 months |
| Family and Dependents | Immediate family members can be included. | Immediate family members can be considered in the application. |
ALSO READ: AUSTRALIA SUBCLASS 190 DOCUMENT CHECKLIST 2025
Conclusion
While applying for a skilled independent visa subclass 189 or a skilled nominated visa subclass 190, it is important to know the differing requirements for your visa application to be successful. You can consult with an immigration agent if you are searching for professional assistance.
You can partner with an immigration agent in Perth for getting regional insights as well. This agent will be familiar to the national and state-specific requirements of these visas. It is advised that you seek professional advice to make sure that your application follows current immigration policies and procedures.
FAQs
1. What is the main difference between the 189 and 190 visas?
Subclass 189 allows you to live and work anywhere in Australia, whereas subclass 190 requires you to be nominated by a state or territory in Australia. You must reside in that state for at least 2 years.
2. Do I need a job offer to apply for these visas?
No, you do not need a job offer for these visas. Your eligibility will be based on criteria like skills in demand, qualifications, English, and others.
3. Do both visas require a points test?
Yes, you also need to score a minimum of 65 points on the test.
4. Can I live anywhere in Australia with a 190 visa?
No, initially you cannot, but after a minimum of 2 years in the nominated state or territory, you will have the freedom to move out.
