Difference Between 189 and 190 Visa

Difference Between 189 and 190 Visa in Australia

Deciding between the subclass 189 and 190 visas is an important choice for skilled migrants looking to permanently live and work in Australia. At first glance these two visa options likely appear very similar – after all they both offer pathways to permanent residency for qualified workers. 

However, there are main differences between these visa subclasses that applicants should understand before applying.

In particular, the key distinction involves nomination and sponsorship conditions. The 189 does not require sponsorship – this is an independent visa. Applicants can gain this visa and become permanent residents without needing sponsorship from an employer, state or territory. 

This allows them the flexibility to live and work anywhere in Australia. On the other hand, the 190 visa does require nomination from an Australian state or territory government. This provides 5 extra points but ties the applicant to that particular state or territory for at least two years after being granted the visa.

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

190The subclass 189 visa is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers who want to live and work in Australia. Often referred to as the “Skilled Independent visa,” this visa subclass allows holders to live and work anywhere in the country without being sponsored by a specific state or employer. 

To be eligible for this visa, applicants must:

• Occupation must be in the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
• Get a positive skills assessment for their nominated occupation.
• Meet the points test pass mark of 65 points.
• Meet other general visa requirements related to health, character, English language skills, etc.

A key benefit of the 189 visa is flexibility. Since visa holders are not tied to any particular state or territory, they have the freedom to move and work anywhere in Australia. This makes the 189 a popular choice for many applicants.

Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

The Subclass 190 visa is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers who have received sponsorship from an Australian state or territory government. The purpose of this visa is to help states and territories fill skills shortages in occupations critical to their local economies. 

It allows them to attract and retain skilled workers committed to living in that state/territory long term.

To be eligible for nomination by a state/territory, applicants must:

• Have an occupation on their skills shortage list.
• Meet minimum work experience and English requirements.
• Commit to living in the state/territory for at least 2 years after visa grant.

Each state or territory has their own eligibility and application process for 190 nominations.

Once nominated, applicants can submit a visa application including evidence of skills assessment, English tests, health checks, police clearance and other requirements. The minimum points threshold is 60.

The main benefits of the 190 visa are faster processing time compared to the 189 visa, easier to meet points threshold with state nomination points and clear pathway to permanent residency for in-demand occupations

The trade-off is being required to stay in the sponsoring state/territory for the initial years after visa grant. But for many applicants, the faster and surer pathway is worth this compromise.

Key Differences Between Visa Subclass 189 and 190

When deciding between the 189 and 190 visa pathways, there are some notable differences to consider:

• Nomination/Sponsorship Requirements

189 has no nomination or sponsorship requirements while 190 requires nomination/sponsorship by an Australian state/territory.

• Points Test

189 requires 65 points on the points test while 190 requires 60 points (5 extra points from state/territory nomination).

• Visa Flexibility and Conditions

189 visa holders can live and work anywhere in Australia while 190 visa holders must stay in a sponsoring state/territory for 2 years.

• State/Territory Specific Requirements

To be eligible for state or territory nomination, your occupation must be listed on their skills shortage list, and you must typically meet work experience requirements ranging from one to three years. A commitment to residing in the nominating state or territory for the initial two years is essential, along with the completion of supplementary nomination forms and documentation. Furthermore, you will need to provide evidence of thorough research on the specific state or territory, submit detailed resumes, and furnish proof of sufficient funds.

Applicants must satisfy both general visa and specific state/territory nomination criteria. Thoroughly reviewing each jurisdiction’s current requirements is essential.

Which One is Harder to Get: 189 or 190 Visa?

At first, it may seem like the 190 would be more difficult since it requires securing sponsorship from a state or territory – an additional step. 

However, when you look at the overall process, there are a few key factors that make the 190 route simpler for many applicants:

• States and territories are actively looking to nominate qualified workers in occupations they need to fill local shortages. If you meet their criteria, chances of nomination are good.
• The 190 has a lower 60 point pass mark thanks to the 5 extra points from state/territory sponsorship. This makes it easier to meet the threshold.
• 190 visa applications are typically processed faster than 189s, so you get your visa decision sooner.

In contrast, the 189 requires a higher 65 point minimum and no buffers. Plus processing is often slower without priority sponsorship.

So while the 189 offers the flexibility to live and work anywhere nationally, the overall process is more difficult. For those willing to make the initial location commitment, the 190 represents an easier and faster pathway to Australian permanent residency.

Application Tips for Both Visa Categories

When applying for either the Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) or Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) visas, there are some key steps all applicants should take:

Gather Necessary Documents

It’s essential to start gathering all required documents as early as possible. For both visa subclasses you’ll need:

• Skills assessment for your nominated occupation.
• English language test results.
• Educational transcripts and qualifications.
• Employment evidence like pay slips, tax docs, references.
• Police clearance certificates for every country lived in.
• Health checks.

Any additional documents like birth certificates, passports, business registration certificates should also be prepared. Organise and file all documents so they can be easily referenced.

Prepare for the Points Test (189 Visa)

A key part of the 189 visa application is getting at least 65 points on the points test. Go through each section methodically to ensure you maximise points for your age, English ability, skilled employment, qualifications, partner skills and more. Having all your evidence and documents ready will help you accurately target points.

Seek Professional Advice

AfNavigating Australia’s visa system is complex, with many nuances and pitfalls. Working with an experienced Australian immigration agent can help optimise your visa application. They can assess visa eligibility, review your documents, improve points claims and ensure your application addresses all requirements. 

Their guidance can save time and prevent costly mistakes. Preparing a complete application with all evidence organised takes significant time and effort. Following these tips and seeking professional assistance maximises the likelihood of visa success for both the 189 and 190 visa pathways.

Conclusion

The core difference between the skilled 189 and 190 Australian visas comes down to state/territory nomination and the flexibility that provides. For those who highly value visa flexibility and mobility, the subclass 189 may be the better skilled visa. 

But if faster processing is your priority, applying for the 190 with state/territory sponsorship could be advantageous.

Carefully assessing your circumstances, priorities and eligibility for each visa is crucial before applying. With thorough research and quality guidance from Australian immigration consultants, you can determine which pathway best matches your own migration goals.

If you need professional visa assistance, book an appointment with Parish Patience Immigration Lawyers today.