One of the most significant questions that applicants face during the permanent migration process of Australia is “What is the difference between 190 and 189 visa?” For many skilled professionals, moving to Australia is not just about finding better career opportunities. It is also about achieving long-term stability, global exposure and future benefits for permanent residency.
If you are interested in applying under the Skilled Migration Australia program, it is important to know about both types of visa to make an informed and strategic choice.
What Is A 189 Subclass Visa?
The subclass 189 visa, also referred to as the skilled independent visa subclass 189, is a permanent visa for skilled visa holders who can qualify without employer sponsorship or state nomination.
This is a points-based visa, and is perfect for applicants whose occupations are included in Australia’s skilled occupation list. Since there is no state involvement, successful applicants can live and work anywhere in the country.
The subclass 189 visa Australia category currently has three streams.
Points Tested Stream
The most popular pathway for the skilled independent visa 189 is the points-tested stream. It is for applicants with an occupation available on the eligible migration list and those who obtain the required points. Applicants get points based on:
- Age
- English language proficiency
- skilled work experience
- education qualifications
- partner skills
- Australian study experience
Since this stream does not offer extra points through state sponsorship, competition for invitations can be high. Candidates can:
- Work and study anywhere in Australia.
- Sponsor qualified family members for long-term residency
- Get Australian citizenship if the eligibility conditions are met.
Skilled professionals who seek total flexibility in settling to Australia often choose the 189 permanent residency route.
New Zealand Stream
The New Zealand Stream was available for qualified New Zealand applicants living in Australia. However, this stream of visa applications has now been closed from 1st July 2023.
Hong Kong Stream
The Hong Kong Stream is applicable to Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport holders who meet Australian temporary residence criteria.
This stream acts as a direct path to permanent residency in Australia. Candidates can:
- Work and study from anywhere in Australia
- Apply for permanent residency for eligible family members
- Be eligible for Australian citizenship upon fulfilling residency requirements
The subclass 189 visa is attractive for many applicants looking for permanent residency in Australia because of the long-term settlement benefits.
What Is A 190 Subclass Visa?
The visa subclass 190 is a permanent visa for skilled migrants who are nominated by an Australian state or territory government.
This visa requires a nomination from a participating state. Every state keeps their own list of occupations based on local workforce shortages and economic demands.
Candidates can:
- Permanently live and work in Australia
- Study at Australian educational institutions
- Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residency
- Apply for Australian citizenship if eligible
What is the difference between a 190 and a 189 Visa?
Knowing the difference between 189 and 190 visa pathways is important before submitting your Expression of Interest.
| Feature | Subclass 189 Visa | Subclass 190 Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Type | Independent skilled visa | State-nominated skilled visa |
| Sponsorship Requirement | No sponsorship needed | State nomination required |
| Residency Flexibility | Can live anywhere in Australia | Expected to stay in the nominated state initially |
| Occupation Eligibility | MLTSSL occupations only | State-based occupation lists |
| Additional Points | No extra points | 5 points through nomination |
| Invitation Competition | Usually more competitive | Often comparatively accessible |
| Permanent Residency | Yes | Yes |
| Citizenship Pathway | Available | Available |
The difference between skilled visa 189 and 190 is largely based on whether the applicant is eligible based on merit or with state sponsorship.
How Many Points Are Required For Both Visas?
The skilled independent visa Australia program is based on a points system for both visa categories.
Applicants get points on factors such as:
- Age
- English language test results
- Educational qualifications
- Overseas and Australian work experience
- Partner qualifications
- Australian study history
The minimum score required to submit an Expression of Interest is currently 65 points.
However, reaching 65 points does not guarantee an invitation.
For the 189 visa, invitation rounds can become highly competitive, especially for occupations with strong demand. Higher scores during invitation rounds may be required for some professions.
With state nomination, it is often easier to obtain the subclass 190 visa Australia pathway as it adds an extra 5 points. This assistance can have a big impact on opportunities for invitations.
Applicants looking for Australia permanent residency points should also be aware of the fluctuation in invitation scores as per the demand for jobs and targets set by migration.
Which Occupations Are Eligible Under Each Visa?
The 189 visa requirements include jobs only listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). These consist of occupations that are essential for the future development of Australia’s labour market.
The visa 190 is more flexible regarding occupation since regional labour shortage positions may be nominated by state governments.
Depending on the state, eligible occupations may come from:
- Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
- Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)
- State-specific occupation lists
This implies that certain professions can be eligible for a subclass 190 visa Australia even if they do not meet the requirements of an independent visa.
The Australia immigration occupation list is subject to change depending on the needs of the Australian labour market.
189 and 190 Visa: Which One Is Suitable To Apply for?
Choosing between these visa subclasses depends on your profile, occupation and migration goals.
The skilled independent visa pathway may suit applicants who:
- have a high points score
- qualify under the MLTSSL
- prefer complete location flexibility
- do not want state nomination obligations
The 190 visa Australia pathway may suit applicants who:
- require extra points support
- have occupations in demand within specific states
- are comfortable settling in a nominated state initially
- want stronger invitation opportunities
When comparing the visa 189 vs 190 processing time, processing periods can vary based on invitation rounds, occupation demand and application volumes.
Conclusion
The difference between 190 and 189 visa Australia pathways mainly comes down to flexibility versus nomination support. Both visas offer the opportunity to obtain permanent residency and long-term settlement, but have very different terms of eligibility.
The skilled independent visa 190 option might boost the chances of an invitation due to state sponsorship, while the subclass 189 visa Australia pathway offers greater independence and location flexibility.
Start Your Australia PR Journey With Expert Migration Guidance
Applying for a work visa Australia pathway can feel overwhelming when dealing with points calculations, occupation lists, and changing immigration rules. Working with an experienced immigration agent in Perth can help to ease the process and enhance the application strategy.
A reliable visa consultant Perth will help you through the process of eligibility assessments, state nomination opportunities and permanent visa routes by providing you with expert guidance tailored to your migration goals.
FAQs
1. What is 189 and 190 visa?
The 189 visa is an independent skilled migration visa that does not require sponsorship. The visa subclass 190 requires nomination from an Australian state or territory government.
2. Which visa is better, subclass 189 or subclass 190?
The decision depends on your job, points score and eligibility profile. The key difference between 190 and 189 visas lies in state nomination and visa invitation competitiveness.
3. Is the 190 visa easier than the 189 visa?
The 190 visa pathway to Australia is more accessible, as there are extra points available for state nomination.
