Australia PR: Key Difference Between 189 and 190 Visa
In your skills migration journey in Australia, you will have to pick the best option for you based on the difference between the 189 and 190 visas. Both visas have access to Australian permanent residency (PR), are under Australia’s General Skilled Migration (GSM) program, and are point-based. Nevertheless, the variation in the 189 and 190 visas lies in their sponsorship, state nomination, processing, and other eligibility.
This comprehensive blog will answer the 189 vs 190 visa processing times, what the specific occupation lists are, and what the specific point calculations are. We will also provide timely insights into invitation rounds to make it as beneficial as possible for professionals, tradespeople, new graduates, and anybody else to help them in determining which visa is best suited for their plans and aspirations.
What is the 189 Visa?
The Skilled Independent Visa is the 189 Visa, so called, which means that the skilled people can live and work in any part of Australia without state or employer sponsorship. It presupposes that your job must be included on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and the invitations are made according to the points ranking system. Processing is also slower than the 190 visa because there are fewer invitations, and competition is higher.
What is the 190 Visa?
The 190 Visa is for skilled professionals who want state or territory sponsorship, offering 5 extra points. It requires your occupation to be on a state’s skilled occupation list, and you must commit to living and working in the nominating state for at least two years. With more frequent invitation rounds, it often offers quicker processing than the 189 visa.
Comparison: 189 Visa vs. 190 Visa
By now, you might already have some idea of the difference between 189 and 190 Visas that the Skilled Nominated Visa grants you some obligations to where you are meant to be, while the independent visa holders do not.
Feature | 189 Visa (Skilled Independent) | 190 Visa (Skilled Nominated) |
Sponsorship Requirement | No sponsorship: completely independent | State or territory nomination required |
Occupation Lists | Occupations on the MLTSSL (Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List) | Occupations must be included on state-specific lists (MLTSSL, STSOL, ROL) |
Invitation Rounds | Invitations based on points ranking by the Department of Home Affairs | Invitations based on state government’s criteria |
Processing Time | More unpredictable, with irregular rounds | More predictable, with regular rounds by states |
State Obligation | No obligation to live in a specific state | Must live and work in the state that nominated you for at least 2 years |
Nomination Points | No extra points for nomination | 5 points added for state nomination |
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189 vs 190 Visa Processing Time
When talking about the difference between 189 and 190 visas, focusing on processing time, there’s something worth mentioning. The 189 Visa Processing Time would be less predictable due to the irregular rounds. In the case of Visa 190, however, the Processing Time is more predictable due to the quotas and regular invitations that can be state-specific. Both visas will involve equal preparation and adherence to the requirements of eligibility.
189 Visa Points Calculator vs 190 Visa Points Calculator
A 189 visa points calculator or 190 visa points calculator should be used to indicate whether you qualify under the minimum points requirement (normally 65 points). The following is a brief breakdown of the point allocation of the two visas.
Criteria | 189 Visa Points | 190 Visa Points |
Age (25-32) | 30 points | 30 points |
Superior English | 20 points | 20 points |
Overseas (8+ years) | 15 points | 15 points |
Skilled Employment – Australia (8+ years) | 20 points | 20 points |
Bachelor’s Degree | 10 points | 10 points |
Specialist Education Qualification | 5–10 points | 5–10 points |
Partner Skills | Not applicable | +5 points |
State Nomination Bonus | Not applicable | +5 points |
Minimum Points Required | 65 points | 65 points |
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Choosing the Right Visa for You: 189 vs 190 Visa
This is among the commonly asked questions to individuals who want to migrate and settle in Australia. When making a decision between Australia 189 and 190 visas, it is important to take into consideration the following factors:
1. Independence vs. Sponsorship
Select the 189 Visa for total freedom and no obligations for any particular state. If you’re ready to be in one state for at least two years, go for a 190 visa, as you will get quicker invitation rounds and 5 extra points.
2. Occupation Requirements
The 189 visa contains a national occupation list, as is the case with the 190 visa, there may be more lenient state-specific lists. In case your occupation has been listed on the Skilled occupation list, you can check which visa offers more opportunities.
3. Processing Speed
If you want quicker processing, the 190 visa is your best bet, as state governments conduct invitation rounds more regularly.
4. Long-Term Flexibility
The Australia 189 Visa is more advantageous if you value flexibility and desire the ability to choose your residence in Australia.
5. Minimum Stay Requirement
You must accept to live and work in the state that nominated you for at least two years.
Benefits of Holding a Skilled Independent or Skilled Nominated Visa
Both visas give additional benefits when they are approved, such as the ability to:
- Have Permanent Residency Status
- Have access to Australia’s Medicare
- Sponsoring family members
- Path to Australian citizenship.
How to Apply for a Skilled Independent (189) or Skilled Nominated (190) Visa?
Applications made for both the 189 and 190 visas are similar in terms of checking their eligibility and making an Expression of Interest, and both occupation and points requirements are required to be met. Applicants for the 190 visa also need to get a state nomination before an invitation is sent.
Documents Required for 189 and 190 Visa
So far, you have detailed answers to the difference between 189 and 190 visas to live permanently. Now, we have listed the necessary documents to receive a visa for your Australian skilled migration.
- A copy of your passport
- Your skills assessment
- Your English test results (IELTS, or PTE)
- Work references
- Your education certificates
- A police clearance certificate
- Results of your health exam
- You may need additional documents for a 190 visa, including approval for state nomination and proof of funds for settlement.
What Assistance do CDR Australia Writer Offer?
CDR Australia Writer is well aware of the difference between 189 and 190 visas and delivers exactly what you ask us to do for you. Our expert services are here to help engineers navigate the migration process with a professional Competency Demonstration Report (CDR). Here’s how our service can boost your visa application:
- Full Report Package: You would be provided with a complete CDR package, which consists of Career Episodes, Summary Statement, and CPD, which are developed by professionals to fulfill the migration requirements.
- Improved Visa Eligibility: A properly developed CDR makes your Skills Assessment more effective, and your Skills Assessment is likely to help you obtain the 189 or 190 visa.
- Saving of Time and Minimising Risk: CDR writing outsourcing will reduce the non-compliance risks, formatting errors, and delays, thereby freeing up time to consider other vital elements of your visa application, which include points calculations and occupation lists.
The professional assistance from CDR Australia Writer assures that you can present your engineering credentials effectively, which will improve your chances of success in the competitive migration process. Reach out for more details on pricing, policies, and client reviews!
Also Read: Top CDR Writing Service in UAE for Engineers
Conclusion: 189 Visa vs 190 Visa: Which is Right for You?
When you score highly in the points and you are flexible, the 189 Visa is excellent, as it will permit you to work and stay anywhere in Australia. Nonetheless, in case you want to follow a quicker path to permanent residence and are ready to dedicate your life to the residence in a particular state, you can opt for the 190 Visa. This specific visa type is designed as a state-sponsored one, which provides more points and faster processing.
In an engineer’s case, the skills assessment plays a major role in determining your success in the visa. That’s why you need to meet the qualification requirements set by Engineers Australia. CDR Australia Writer can assist in preparing required documents, including Competency Demonstration Reports, Summary Statements and CPD records, that are compliant with the requirements of Engineers Australia. Overall, our writing services offer quality plagiarism-free and properly structured reports, along with unlimited rewrites and are delivered on time. As a result, your technical competence can be brought out in an optimal manner to be used in your visa application.
Are you Ready to Apply?
Knowledge of difference between 189 and 190 Visa is a background to carrying out your visa processing. Knowing your score will be the other thing to do to make a step closer to your new life in Australia. Calculate your score using either a 189 visa points calculator or a 190 visa points calculator and make your preparations now.
Frequently Asked Questions: FAQs
1. Which is better, a 189 or 190 visa?
The 189 visa is more flexible since you can live and work anywhere in Australia, but the 190 visa requires state nomination, although it has additional points, and it may be faster. The 189 would be superior when you need freedom. It would be the 190 in case you want to process faster and are willing to make a commitment to a state.
2. Can I apply for 190 and 189 at the same time?
Yes, you can apply in EOIs of both visas. But you may at most have one invitation at once.
3. Does a 190 visa lead to PR?
Yes, the 190 visa leads to PR, but you have to spend at least two years of your life in the state where you are being nominated to work.
4. What are the benefits of a 189 visa in Australia?
The 189 visa provides permanent residency without restrictions of location, Medicare access, citizenship prospects and the right to sponsor family members.
5. Who is eligible for a 189 visa in Australia?
You are considered to be eligible for a 189 visa in Australia if you occupy the following.
- MLTSSL, with a minimum of 65 points.
- Have a successful skills assessment.
- Be aged.
- Possess English and character qualifications.
6. Will there be 189 rounds in 2025?
Yes, the invitation rounds of the 189 visa are anticipated to run all through 2025, but the frequency and quantity of the invitations can change. Such rounds are usually organized periodically (usually every 3-4 months) and the number of invitations is determined based on such factors as occupation ceilings and amount of free visa places. Regardless, one must consider a recent update of the Department of Home Affairs in order to determine the date and eligibility requirements.