What is the Difference Between 189 and 190 Visas? Get the Answer Here!
Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) and the Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) are popular among skilled workers seeking a work visa and settling in Australia. However, what is the difference between 189 and 190 visas?
Just sit tight! This article explains the differences between the 189 and 190 visas to help you make an informed decision. Be sure to choose the visa that aligns with your current circumstances to minimize the risk of refusal!
What is Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189?
The 189 visa is a work visa that empowers skilled professionals with the freedom to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia without sponsorship. It grants permanent residency and offers a direct path to Australian citizenship, giving you the independence to shape your future.
Discover: Comprehensive Information About Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189
Benefits of 189 Visa Australia
In addition to permanent residency, the 189 visa offers several advantages:
- Sponsoring your relative
- Enroll in Medicare
- Travel in and outside of Australia
- Acquire Australian citizenship
However, to become a citizen of Australia, you must pass the eligibility criteria before processing your application.
Learn more: Australian citizenship requirements and document checklist
189 Visa eligibility criteria
To qualify, you must meet the following eligibility criteria.
- Be under 45 years old
- Have an occupation listed in the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
- Obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant authority
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and receive an invitation to apply
- Score at least 65 points on the points test
- Have a competent English-level
- Meet the health and character requirements
Since the 189 visa is points-based, achieving a score higher than 65 improves your chances of receiving an invitation. Points are calculated based on qualifications, experience, language skills, etc.
Read more: How to score 65+ points for a skilled visa
What is Skilled Nominated Visa Subclass 190?
A skilled nominated visa, also known as the 190 visa, is a skilled visa designated for skilled workers who wish to live in an Australian state or territory permanently. To apply for this visa, you must be nominated by a state or territory government.
Benefits of 190 Visa Australia
Other than living permanently, the 190 visa offers the following benefits.
- Sponsoring your relative
- Enroll in Medicare
- Travel to and for Australia
- Becoming a citizen of Australia
Citizenship only applies to permanent residents who meet the Australian citizenship eligibility criteria.
See more: How to apply for Australian citizenship
190 Visa Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria.
- Be under 45 years old
- Have a nominated occupation on the specific state or territory’s occupation list
- Obtain a positive skills assessment
- Receive a nomination from a state or territory government
- Submit an EOI and be invited to apply
- Score at least 65 points on the points test
- Have a competent English-level
- Meet the health and character standards
Like the 189 visa, you must score at least 65 points on your EOI. Remember to support your claim on your EOI by attaching the evidence when you lodge your application.
Learn more: How to apply for Skilled Nominated Visa Subclass 190
Why should you have a skilled visa?
The 189 and 190 visas are essential for anyone looking to begin their career journey in Australia. Both visas offer permanent residency and a pathway to Australian citizenship, allowing you to enrol in Medicare and sponsor family members to join you.
Besides, Australia constantly needs skilled professionals in various sectors, and having a skilled visa allows you to contribute to the country’s growing economy. In return, you receive the benefits of living in a country known for its quality of life, multicultural environment, and diverse career opportunities.
Find out: How to get a work permit in Australia
The key difference between 189 and 190 visa
The 189 and 190 visas share similarities but differ in several critical areas. Here’s the comparison:
| Criteria | Skilled Independent Visa (sc 189) | Skilled Nominated Visa (sc 190) |
|---|---|---|
| Nomination requirements | No | Yes, you must have a nomination from the Australian state or territory government |
| Residence option | You can reside anywhere in Australia | You must live in an Australian state or territory |
| Application location | Onshore and offshore | Onshore and offshore |
| Occupation ceiling | Yes | No, it is based on state and territory needs |
| Occupation list | Your occupation must be in the MLTSSL | Your nominated occupation must be on the specific state’s list and on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List |
| Be invited to apply | Yes | Yes |
| Invitation round | Monthly basis | Based on state or territory needs or shortage |
| Point test | Score at least 65 points | Score at least 65 points |
| Skills Assessment | Yes | Yes |
| Duration of stay | Permanently | Permanently |
| Permanent Residency | Yes | Yes |
| Pathway to citizenship | Yes | Yes |
| Age limitations | Under 45 years old | Under 45 years old |
| English level | Competent | Competent |
| Enroll in Medicare | Yes | Yes |
| Travel permission | Yes | Yes |
| Sponsoring family member | Yes | Yes |
| Visa condition |
|
|
| Cost | From AUD 4,675.00 | From AUD 4,770.00 |
| Criteria | Skilled Independent Visa (sc 189) | Skilled Nominated Visa (sc 190) |
|---|---|---|
| Nomination requirements | No | Yes, you must have a nomination from the Australian state or territory government |
| Residence option | You can reside anywhere in Australia | You must live in an Australian state or territory |
| Application location | Onshore and offshore | Onshore and offshore |
| Occupation ceiling | Yes | No, it is based on state and territory needs |
| Occupation list | Your occupation must be in the MLTSSL | Your nominated occupation must be on the specific state’s list and on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List |
| Be invited to apply | Yes | Yes |
| Invitation round | Monthly basis | Based on state or territory needs or shortage |
| Point test | Score at least 65 points | Score at least 65 points |
| Skills Assessment | Yes | Yes |
| Duration of stay | Permanently | Permanently |
| Permanent Residency | Yes | Yes |
| Pathway to citizenship | Yes | Yes |
| Age limitations | Under 45 years old | Under 45 years old |
| English level | Competent | Competent |
| Enroll in Medicare | Yes | Yes |
| Travel permission | Yes | Yes |
| Sponsoring family member | Yes | Yes |
| Visa condition |
|
|
| Cost | From AUD 4,675.00 | From AUD 4,770.00 |
Which one is suitable for you?
The decision between the 189 and 190 visas should be based on your unique circumstances and preferences. Choosing the visa that best aligns with your goals and situation is crucial.
- If you prefer the flexibility to live anywhere in Australia without relying on sponsorship, the 189 visa is your best bet.
- If you want to live in a specific state or territory and need a nomination to increase your chances, the 190 visa is the better option.
Since the 189 visa is highly competitive, skilled workers with higher points are likelier to receive invitations. If you’re unsure about achieving a high score, consider applying for the 190 visa, which may offer less competition.
If you are still unsure which work visa is good for you and whether you can meet the requirements, we are here to help you. We have over a decade of experience handling visa applications, including complex cases. Thus, we will assist you through your visa process with the utmost care and ensure you can get your visa as soon as possible.
Secure your skilled work visa with ONEderland Consulting
Securing a skilled work visa can be challenging due to competition or requirements. We at ONEderland Consulting will help you save time and make a secure process during your visa application and health insurance enrollment. Our team of highly qualified and experienced migration specialists is dedicated to putting in a lot of effort and planning ahead of time on your behalf. We pay close attention to every detail and apply our extensive knowledge to handle even the most complex cases.
We are committed to being open and honest with you, keeping you updated and involved at every stage. We will work tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome for your future in Australia, and you can rely on us to be your dependable partner and advocate.
We are complex visa specialists. As registered Australian migration agents with the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA), we are regulated in our professional practice and bound by the profession’s Code of Conduct issued by the MARA.
Take the first step and contact us. Our team members are professional and honest and speak various languages, such as Mandarin/Chinese, Bahasa Indonesia, Arabic, Japanese, and Thai. Contact us by email at [email protected] or by phone at 1300 827 159. Alternatively, you may book your consultation online, and it is backed by our 100% Money Back Guarantee Program.
