If you’re planning to move to Australia through skilled migration, you’ve probably come across the debate around the 189 vs 190 Visa Australia. At first glance, both visas may look similar. They’re part of the Australian skilled migration visas program, both follow the Australian PR points system, and both offer a pathway to permanent residency.
But when you look closer, the difference between 189 and 190 visas can significantly impact your chances of getting invited, your required points, and even where you can live in Australia.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about skilled migration 189 vs 190, including eligibility, points comparison, processing timelines, and which visa may suit your profile better.
Whether you’re an offshore applicant or planning your Australian PR journey, this comparison will help you understand the right pathway under the General Skilled Migration Scheme and make a more confident decision.
What Is the 189 Visa Australia?
The Subclass 189 visa is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers who want to live and work anywhere in Australia without needing employer or state sponsorship.
189 Visa Australia Requirements
To qualify, applicants must:
- Have an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List
- Pass a skills assessment
- Score a minimum of points in the Australian PR points system
- Submit SkillSelect EOI Australia
- Receive an invitation to apply
- Meet English language requirements
- Be under 45 years of age
Key Feature
189 visa without state nomination, fully independent migration. This makes it highly competitive but offers maximum flexibility.
What Is the 190 Visa Australia?
The Subclass 190 visa is a state nomination visa 190 Australia, where an Australian state or territory sponsors your application.
190 Visa Australia Requirements
Applicants must:
- Meet all general skilled migration criteria
- Receive a state nomination in Australia
- Have an occupation on the state’s skilled list
- Commit to living in the nominating state
- Submit SkillSelect EOI
- Meet English and health requirements
Key Feature
✔ Extra 5 points added through state nomination.
This improves invitation chances significantly.
189 vs 190 Visa Australia: Key Differences Explained
The main difference between the 189 vs 190 Visa Australia lies in independence versus state sponsorship. The Subclass 189 visa is a skilled independent visa that does not require state nomination, while the state nomination visa 190 Australia requires sponsorship from an Australian state or territory.
Both fall under Australian skilled migration visas and follow the Australian PR points system, but they differ in eligibility, points advantage, processing pathway, and location flexibility.
Understanding the difference between 189 and 190 visas, including 189 vs 190 visa requirements, 189 vs 190 visa points, and general skilled migration 189 vs 190 pathways, helps applicants choose the right option for Australian PR.
Factor | Subclass 189 Visa (Skilled Independent) | Subclass 190 Visa (Skilled Nominated) |
Visa Type | Skilled Independent Visa | State Nomination Visa 190 Australia |
State Nomination Requirement | Not required (189 visa without state nomination) | Mandatory state nomination in Australia is required |
Program Category | Australian skilled migration visas under the General Skilled Migration Scheme | Australian skilled migration visas under the General Skilled Migration Scheme |
189 vs 190 Visa Requirements | Skills assessment, EOI submission, points test, invitation to apply | Skills assessment, EOI submission, state nomination, points test, invitation |
189 vs 190 Visa Points | Minimum 65 points (usually a higher invitation score is required) | Minimum 65 points + 5 extra points from state nomination |
Points Advantage | No additional points | Extra 5 points increase chances of invitation |
Occupation List | Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) | State-specific occupation list (varies by state) |
Location Flexibility | Can live and work anywhere in Australia | Expected to live and work in the sponsoring state initially |
Competition Level | Highly competitive due to limited invitations | Lower competition due to state sponsorship |
Invitation Chances | Lower if points are moderate | Higher due to nomination support |
SkillSelect EOI Australia Process | Submit EOI and wait for federal invitation | Submit EOI and apply for state nomination |
189 vs 190 Visa Processing Time | Typically 6–12 months | Typically 6–10 months (plus state nomination stage) |
Australian PR Status | Direct permanent residency | Direct permanent residency |
Australian PR Benefits | Full work rights, Medicare, family sponsorship, and a citizenship pathway | Same PR benefits as 189 visa |
Commitment Requirement | No location commitment | Commitment to stay in the nominating state |
Best Suitable For | Applicants with high points seeking independence | Applicants with moderate points seeking higher chances |
Chances of Getting 189 vs 190 Visa | Lower for average scores | Higher due to state nomination advantage |
189 vs 190 Visa for Offshore Applicants | More competitive for offshore candidates | Better selection chances for offshore applicants |
Which is better, a 189 or a 190 visa for Australia?
The choice depends on your profile. The 189 visa Australia is better if you have high points and want to live anywhere in Australia without restrictions. The Australia 190 state nomination visa is better if you have moderate points and want higher chances of an invitation through state sponsorship.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the difference between 189 and 190 visas, along with the 189 vs 190 visa requirements, eligibility criteria, and points system, helps you make a confident decision under Australia’s General Skilled Migration Scheme.
Both visas provide a strong pathway to Australia PR through the Australian PR points system, but the right option depends on your individual profile and strategy.
Taking time to assess your eligibility, explore your points, and understand opportunities under skilled migration 189 vs 190 can significantly improve your chances of success.
If you’re unsure which pathway suits you best, professional guidance can make the process smoother. At Visafast Migration Consultancy, our team of Registered migration agents in Adelaide helps applicants understand their eligibility, calculate points, manage SkillSelect EOI Australia, and navigate the visa process with clarity and confidence, helping you take the right step toward your Australian PR journey.
Frequently asked Questions(FAQs)
1. What are the latest updates on the 189 vs 190 visa in Australia?
Recent Australian skilled migration visa trends show higher competition for the 189 visa and increased focus on state nomination in Australia under the 190 visa. States are prioritising specific occupations based on skill shortages, and invitation points thresholds may change regularly.
2. What are the minimum points for a 189 vs 190 visa?
The official minimum under the Australian PR points system is 65 points for both visas. However, the 189 visa typically requires higher scores (85+), while the 190 visa offers 5 extra points through state nomination, improving selection chances.
3. What are the chances of getting a 189 vs 190 visa?
The chances of getting a 189 vs 190 visa depend on your points, occupation demand, and English proficiency. Generally, the 190 visa has higher approval chances due to state nomination support, while the 189 visa is more competitive.
4. What is the 189 vs 190 visa for offshore applicants?
For offshore candidates, the 190 visa Australia often provides better opportunities because states nominate applicants based on labour market needs. The 189 visa for offshore applicants is more competitive due to limited invitations.
5. What is the main difference between a 189 and a 190 visa in Australia?
The main difference between the 189 and 190 visas is state sponsorship. The 189 visa does not require nomination, while the 190 visa requires state nomination in Australia and includes an additional 5 points.
6. Which visa is easier to get, 189 or 190?
The 190 visa is generally easier to obtain because state nomination provides extra points and increases invitation chances under the general skilled migration 189 vs 190.
7. Does a 190 visa guarantee PR?
Yes, the Subclass 190 visa provides Australian permanent residency once granted. However, applicants must first meet eligibility criteria and obtain a state nomination before approval.
8. Is state nomination compulsory for a 190 visa?
Yes, state nomination in Australia is mandatory for the Subclass 190 visa. Without state sponsorship, you cannot apply for this visa.
