If you’re considering migrating to Australia, you may be wondering about the differences between the two most popular visas – the 189 and 190. Both are skilled visa options that allow you to live and work permanently in Australia, but understanding the key differences between the two is essential for choosing the right visa for your individual circumstance.

Here are the key takeaways you need to know about the 189 and 190 visas:

Key Takeaways:

• The 189 visa is a permanent Skilled Independent visa that lets you live and work anywhere in Australia, while the 190 visa is a permanent Skilled Nominated visa that requires you to live and work in a specific state or territory.

• To be eligible for the 189 visa, you need to have an occupation that is in demand under the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) and meet the necessary points test. For the 190 visa, you need to be nominated by a state or territory government agency and meet the relevant points test.

• The application process for both visas is similar and involves providing evidence of your skills, qualifications and experience, as well as undergoing health and character assessments.

• The 189 visa offers more flexibility in terms of where you can live and work, while the 190 visa offers additional benefits such as state sponsorship, access to healthcare benefits, and priority processing.

Now that we’ve gone through these key takeaways, let’s take a deeper dive into the differences between the 189 and 190 visas.

Eligibility Criteria

One of the main differences between the 189 and 190 visas is the eligibility criteria. To be eligible for a 189 visa, you must nominate an eligible occupation from the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) and score at least 65 points on the points test. Points are awarded based on a range of factors, including age, English language proficiency, qualifications, work experience, and other factors such as study in regional Australia, partner skills, or professional year.

On the other hand, the 190 visa has a slightly different eligibility criterion. To apply for a 190 visa, you’ll need to be nominated by a state or territory government agency and score a minimum of 65 points on the points test. Nomination requirements will differ based on which state or territory you are applying to. Additionally, your occupation must be available on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) or the state or territory skilled occupation list of the nominating state.

Application Process

The application process for both visas involves submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the Department of Home Affairs skill select system. Once a valid EOI is submitted it is ranked and then an invitation to apply may be issued by the Department of Home Affairs based on the ranking of your EOI.

After receiving an invitation to apply for either the 189 or 190 visa, you’ll need to provide supporting documents, including proof of your qualifications, work experience, English language proficiency, health assessments, and character assessments.

In addition, you’ll need to pay a visa application fee, which can vary depending on which visa you’re applying for. After completing the application and providing all necessary documentation, it can take anywhere from several months to more than a year to receive a decision on your visa application.

Benefits of the 189 visa

The 189 visa provides skilled workers with the opportunity to live and work in Australia permanently. This visa is not tied to a specific state or territory; this allows you to live and work anywhere in Australia. Some benefits of the 189 visa include:

• Permanent residence status in Australia, with the ability to apply for citizenship after meeting the eligibility criteria.
• Freedom to work for any employer, in any location in Australia
• The ability to sponsor eligible family members for permanent residence
• Access to education and healthcare services on the same basis as Australian citizens
• No need for a sponsorship or nomination from an Australian employer or an Australian State or Territory.

Benefits of the 190 visa

The 190 visa, on the other hand, is state-sponsored and requires the holder to live in the nominating state or territory for at least two years. Some benefits of the 190 visa include:

• Permanent residence in Australia.
• Access to healthcare and education services on par with Australian citizens.
• Eligibility to sponsor eligible family members for permanent residence.
• Priority processing of visa applications.
• Chance to live and work in your chosen state or territory.

Limitations

While both visas offer a range of benefits, there are also some limitations to consider. For example:

• The 189 visa requires you to score at least 65 points on the points test, which can be a challenge for some applicants.
• The 190 visa requires you to live and work in a specific state or territory.
• Both visas require you to meet strict health and character requirements, which can impact your ability to obtain a visa.

FAQs

Q: Is there a difference in the processing time of the 189 and 190 visas?

A: Not really. The processing times can vary depending on individual circumstances and the number of applications being processed by the Department of Home Affairs.

Q: Is it possible to apply for both the 189 and 190 visas at the same time?

A: Yes, it is possible. However, you’ll need to submit two separate applications and meet the eligibility criteria for each visa.

Q: Do I need to have a job offer to apply for the 189 or 190 visa?

A: No, you do not need a job offer to apply for either visa. However, having a job offer can help you gain additional points towards the points test, which can improve your chance of receiving an invitation to apply.

Conclusion

Both the 189 and 190 visas offer skilled workers an excellent opportunity to live and work permanently in Australia. Understanding the key differences between the two is crucial to ensure you select the right visa for your individual circumstances.

By considering your skills and qualifications, where you want to live, and your personal goals, you can determine which visa is the best fit for you. If you’re still unsure which visa to choose, professional advice from a registered migration agent can help guide you through the process.