Difference Between 189 and 190 Visa

Key Requirements, Benefits, and Which to Choose

Australia remains one of the top destinations for skilled migrants. Among the most valuable permanent residency (PR) pathways are the Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent 189) and the Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated 190).

Both visas are highly regarded because they grant permanent residency from the moment you arrive in Australia. This means holders and their families enjoy the same rights as citizens in many areas, including access to Medicare and the ability to live and work anywhere (with some conditions for the 190).

Because of their value, applicants who meet the criteria for both visas often apply for both the 189 and 190 visas to maximize their chances of success. But what exactly is the difference between 189 and 190 visa, and how do you decide which option is better for you?

This guide explains the key requirements, benefits, and differences between the two visas, based on official information from the Department of Home Affairs.

Table of Contents

Subclass 189 Visa (Skilled Independent)

The Subclass 189 visa Australia is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, state, or family member.

Key Features

Direct permanent residency from day one.
No state or employer sponsorship required.
Based entirely on the points test (minimum 65 points).
Invitations are issued directly by the Department of Home Affairs via SkillSelect.
Freedom to live and work anywhere in Australia after grant.

Important: In the 189 visa program, priority for invitations goes to those with the highest points. Because of this, competition is fierce, especially in popular occupations.

For more detailed information on the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa, please visit our comprehensive guide on Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189).

Subclass 190 Visa (Skilled Nominated)

The Subclass 190 visa is also a permanent residency visa but requires nomination by an Australian state or territory government.

Key Features

Permanent residency from day one.
Requires state/territory nomination.
Grants 5 extra points on your SkillSelect points test.
Invitation process happens in two stages:
1. First invitation from the state/territory (“pre-invitation”).
2. Final invitation from the Department of Home Affairs after state approval.
Ethical commitment to live and work in the nominating state for at least 2 years.

Important: Unlike the 189 visa, where invitations are solely points-based, states may use additional parameters when selecting candidates. These can include factors such as English proficiency, work experience, or age. For example, the ACT uses its own Canberra Matrix system to rank applicants.

Key Differences Between 189 vs 190 Visa

Aspect	Subclass 189	Subclass 190
Type of visa	Permanent residency	Permanent residency
Sponsorship	None	State or territory nomination required
Extra points	No	+5 points from nomination
Invitation	Directly from Home Affairs	First from the state, then from Home Affairs
Selection priority	Based only on points	States may use additional criteria
Location flexibility	Live anywhere	Expected to live in nominating state (2 years)
Costs	Visa application fee only	State nomination fee in most states (except Victoria)
Competition	Higher, limited invitations	Often easier with state support

Occupation Lists and Eligibility

Eligibility depends partly on the occupation list your job is on:

If your occupation is on the MLTSSL (Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List) → you can apply for both 189 and 190 visas.
If your occupation is only on the STSOL (Short-Term Skilled Occupation List) → you can apply only for the 190 visa.

Invitation Process: 189 vs 190

189 Visa

Invitations issued directly by the Department of Home Affairs.
Selection is highly competitive and based strictly on points ranking.

190 Visa

Stage 1: Pre-invitation issued by the nominating state/territory.
Stage 2: After you submit and the state verifies your documents, the final invitation is issued by the Department of Home Affairs.

State Nomination Costs and Obligations

If you are nominated for the 190 visa, you must usually pay a state nomination fee.
The only exception is Victoria, which does not charge for sponsorship.
Nominees are expected to live in their sponsoring state for at least 2 years. This is an ethical commitment rather than a legal requirement.

Even if you move away earlier, your PR remains valid. However, migration lawyers often recommend honoring this obligation, since compliance may help avoid issues later when applying for citizenship and a passport.

Which Visa Should You Choose?

189 Visa:
Ideal for applicants with high points scores who want the freedom to live and work anywhere in Australia.
190 Visa:
Best for applicants who:
- Need the extra 5 points to meet the threshold.
- Want to improve their chances in competitive occupations.
- Are happy to live in a particular state or territory.

190 Visa: Excellent for applicants with lower points who can benefit from state sponsorship, or where competition for their occupation in the 189 visa is extremely high.

Benefits of Both Visas

Both visas grant immediate permanent residency.
Family members can be included.
Full access to Medicare and other PR rights.
Pathway to Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements.
No age limit once PR is granted.

Conclusion

When comparing 189 vs 190 visa, the right choice depends on your circumstances:

If you have strong points and want full independence, the 189 visa may be the best option.
If you need the extra 5 points or your occupation is only on the STSOL, the 190 visa is the more viable pathway.

For many applicants, applying for both visas at the same time is the smartest strategy—ensuring the highest chance of receiving an invitation to migrate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between the 189 and 190 visa?

The main difference is that the Subclass 189 visa is a skilled independent visa that does not require sponsorship, while the Subclass 190 visa requires state or territory nomination. The 190 visa also gives you 5 extra points towards your SkillSelect score.

Does the 190 visa give permanent residency like the 189 visa?

Yes. Both the 189 and 190 visas grant permanent residency from the day they are granted. The difference lies in the nomination requirement and the conditions tied to the 190 visa.

Can I apply for both 189 and 190 visas?

Yes. Many skilled migrants apply for both visas if they are eligible. This maximizes their chances of receiving an invitation, especially since 189 invitations are highly competitive.

Is 190 visa easier to get than 189?

In many cases, yes. Because the 190 visa adds 5 points from state nomination and states may prioritize certain occupations or profiles, the 190 pathway can be easier. However, you must commit to living in the nominating state for at least 2 years (ethical obligation).

What happens if I move away from the sponsoring state on a 190 visa?

The 2-year state commitment is considered an ethical obligation, not a legal requirement. Your permanent residency is not cancelled if you move earlier, but it is generally recommended to respect the commitment, especially for future citizenship applications.

Which occupations qualify for the 189 and 190 visas?

If your occupation is on the MLTSSL (Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List), you can apply for both 189 and 190 visas.
If it is only on the STSOL (Short-Term Skilled Occupation List), you are only eligible for the 190 visa.

Who issues the invitations for each visa?

For the 189 visa, invitations are issued directly by the Department of Home Affairs.p
For the 190 visa, the state or territory government issues the first invitation, and after document verification, the final invitation comes from the Department of Home Affairs.