Should you be intending to apply for permanent residence in Australia under the skilled migration program, you have most likely heard of two very similar-looking visas on the front face: Subclass 189 and the Subclass 190. They both are points-tested permanent residence visas. They both are heading towards a common goal, which is permanent living and working in Australia. It is very different, however, in the mode of getting there, and the conditions, which are to be fulfilled.
This guide will stipulate the precise distinction between the 190 and 189 visa in such a way that you can make an informed choice on which pathway would be suitable to your profile and circumstances.
What Is the Subclass 189 Visa?
The Subclass 189 is termed as the Skilled Independent Visa. The most important word is the word “independent”. It means that you do not require a government of a state or territory to patronize you, and you do not require an employer to provide you a position. You are entirely assessed on your merit and based on your points score and occupation.
In order to be invited to apply for a 189 visa, your occupation must be on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and you need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect. In case your points score is sufficiently high when compared to other applicants of the same occupation, the Department of Home Affairs will send an invitation to apply.
Upon approval, the 189 visa provides you and your family with permanent Australian residency with no restrictions attached to it. You can work and live anywhere in the country, in any job, and in any state.
What Is the Subclass 190 Visa?
The Subclass 190 is referred to as the Skilled Nominated Visa. The key difference is that you have to be nominated by a government of a state or territory before you are allowed to apply. The state nominates you because your occupation falls under their specific list of skilled occupations and they have determined that they need your skills in their region.
As a reward for that nomination you are given 5 additional points to your SkillSelect points score — which is often the margin between receiving an invitation or not. However, it comes with a condition: you are supposed to reside and work in the nominating state after the grant of your 190 visa, for at least two years.
The Core Difference Between 190 and 189 Visa
The basic difference between the 190 and 189 visa comes down to three things: sponsorship, the number of points required, and where you will live when you arrive.
The 189 does not need any sponsorship. The 190 requires nomination by a state or territory government. Because of the additional 5 nomination points, competition for the 189 is significantly higher, meaning the 189 generally requires a much higher points score to get an invitation. The 190 gives you those 5 extra points but binds you to live and work in a particular state for two years.
All other features such as visa duration, permanent residency status, right to travel, access to Medicare, and the right to sponsor eligible family members are identical for both visas.
The Points Test for Both Visas
The points test is the same for both the 189 and 190 visas. Your points are calculated based on factors such as age, English language ability, skilled work experience, education, study in Australia, and partner skills, among others.
The minimum points requirement to even submit an EOI is 65 points. However, achieving 65 points and actually receiving an invitation are very different. In competitive occupations, the invitation threshold for the 189 has regularly been 85 or 90 (or more) points in recent rounds. The 190 is generally more accessible because you start with 5 additional points from state nomination, often allowing invitations at 70 to 80+ points.
Occupations Eligible Under Each Visa
One of the most important differences between the 190 and 189 visa is eligibility from an occupation perspective.
Only occupations listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) are eligible for the 189 visa. This is a more selective list that includes jobs with proven long-term national demand in Australia.
The 190 visa, depending on the state or territory, can include occupations from both the MLTSSL and the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL). Each state publishes its own list of occupations for 190 nominations, which is regularly updated according to local labour market demands.
This means there are occupations that may be eligible under the 190 visa in a specific state but not under the 189 visa. If your occupation is not on the MLTSSL, your main option for skilled permanent residency (without an employer sponsor) is the 190 visa through state nomination.
State Nomination Process for the 190 Visa
Obtaining state nomination for the 190 visa is a separate process that occurs before you submit your main visa application. Every state and territory runs its own nomination program with its own eligibility criteria, occupation lists, and intake limits.
In most cases, you will need to:
- Have an active EOI in SkillSelect with 65+ points
- Be on the skilled occupation list of the relevant state
- Meet the specific requirements of the state, which usually include a genuine intention to live and work in that state, relevant work experience, and sometimes higher English language requirements
- Apply through the state government’s own portal
Some states are more competitive than others. New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland often have higher requirements and more competition. South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania have historically been more accessible, especially for occupations in strong local demand.
State nomination is not guaranteed. States regularly open and close their lists, update occupation requirements, and adjust nomination caps throughout the year.
The 2-Year Residency Requirement for 190 Visa
When a state nominates you for a 190 visa, they expect you to live and work in that state for at least two years after your visa is granted. This is a genuine visa condition, not just a formality.
After two years, there are no further restrictions. You are free to live and work anywhere in Australia.
190 vs 189 – Which One Should You Apply For?
This depends on your points score, your occupation, and your personal circumstances.
The 189 visa is better for you if:
- You already have a high enough points score to be competitive without the extra 5 points
- You want complete freedom to live and work anywhere in Australia from day one
- Your occupation is on the MLTSSL with high invitation cut-offs
- You do not want to be tied to any specific state for two years
The 190 visa is better for you if:
- Your points score is marginal and the extra 5 points would help you receive an invitation
- Your occupation is not on the MLTSSL but is on a state’s skilled occupation list
- You are willing (or prefer) to live in a particular state for the first two years
- You want a better chance of receiving an invitation sooner rather than waiting for a high 189 cut-off
Can You Apply for Both 189 and 190 Simultaneously?
Yes. You can submit an EOI that makes you eligible for both 189 and 190 visas at the same time. If you indicate interest in state nomination in your EOI, states can contact you. If you receive both a 190 nomination and a 189 invitation, you can choose which one to accept.
The Role of a Registered Migration Agent
While the difference between the 190 and 189 visa looks simple on paper, in practice the process is complex. Choosing the right state, maximising your points, timing your EOI, and preparing a strong application requires up-to-date knowledge of constantly changing migration rules and state programs.
MARA-registered migration agents at Asia Pacific Group have extensive experience with both 189 and 190 visa applications across different states and occupations. Whether you are just starting to calculate your points or are ready to lodge your application, our team can provide honest advice on the pathway that gives you the best chance of success.
