Australia 190 Visa vs 189 Visa: Which Is Better for Sri Lankans?
Australia remains one of the most popular destinations for skilled migrants seeking permanent residency. Among the most sought-after pathways are the Australia 190 Visa and 189 Visa, both designed for qualified professionals who want to live and work in Australia permanently.
The Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa) is a points-tested visa that allows skilled workers to obtain Australian permanent residency without requiring sponsorship from a state, territory, employer, or family member. On the other hand, the Subclass 190 Visa Australia pathway, also known as the Australia Skilled Nominated Visa, requires nomination from an Australian state or territory, such as 190 Visa Victoria or 190 Visa NSW.
Both the Subclass 189 and Subclass 190 offer a direct route to a permanent visa Australia, providing benefits such as unrestricted work rights, access to healthcare, and the opportunity to apply for Australian citizenship in the future. However, their eligibility criteria, nomination requirements, and application processes differ significantly.
If you are planning to apply for Australia PR, understanding the differences between the Skilled Independent Visa 189 and Subclass 190 Visa is essential. In this guide, we’ll compare the 189 Visa requirements, 190 Visa requirements, benefits, and application process to help you choose the most suitable pathway for your Australian permanent residency journey.
For expert guidance, Giecglobal Education and Migration – Sri Lanka can help assess your profile and identify the best visa option based on your qualifications, occupation, and migration goals.
Eligibility for Australia Subclass 189 Visa
The Subclass 189 visa is designed for skilled professionals who wish to live and work anywhere in Australia without requiring state or territory nomination. Applicants must meet several eligibility requirements before receiving an invitation to apply.
Basic Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, you must:
Be under 45 years of age when you receive an invitation.
Have an occupation listed on the relevant skilled occupation list.
Obtain a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation.
Meet the minimum points requirement under Australia’s points-tested migration system.
Demonstrate competent English language proficiency.
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect.
Receive an invitation from the Australian Government to apply.
Points Test Requirements
Points are awarded based on factors such as:
Age
English language ability
Skilled work experience
Educational qualifications
Australian study qualifications (if applicable)
Partner skills and other additional factors
A higher points score generally improves your chances of receiving an invitation.
Health and Character Requirements
All applicants must:
Complete required medical examinations.
Meet Australia’s character requirements.
Provide police clearance certificates where applicable.
Documents Commonly Required
Applicants may need to provide:
Passport and identity documents
Educational certificates
Employment references
Skills assessment outcome
English test results
Health and character documents
Meeting these requirements is essential before lodging a visa application.
Eligibility for Australia Subclass 190 Visa
The Subclass 190 visa is intended for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian state or territory government. In addition to meeting the general skilled migration requirements, applicants must satisfy the nomination criteria of their chosen state or territory.
Basic Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, you must:
Be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation.
Have an occupation that is eligible in the nominating state or territory.
Receive a positive skills assessment in your nominated occupation.
Meet the required points threshold.
Demonstrate competent English language proficiency.
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).
Obtain nomination from an Australian state or territory government.
Receive an invitation to apply.
State or Territory Nomination Requirements
Each state and territory sets its own nomination criteria, which may include:
Relevant work experience
Specific occupation demand
Commitment to live and work in the nominating region
Minimum income or employment requirements
Additional documentation requested by the state authority
Requirements may vary and can change based on labour market needs.
Health and Character Requirements
Applicants must also:
Meet Australia’s health standards.
Satisfy character requirements.
Provide police clearance certificates when required.
Documents Commonly Required
Supporting documents generally include:
Passport and identification documents
Educational qualifications
Employment records
Skills assessment outcome
English language test results
State nomination approval
Health and character documents
Since nomination criteria differ across states and territories, applicants should review the latest requirements before submitting their application.
Australia 190 Visa vs 189 Visa: Key Differences
Although both pathways provide an opportunity to obtain permanent residency in Australia, there are several important differences that applicants should understand before making a decision.
Nomination Requirement
One of the biggest differences is the nomination process.
One pathway requires nomination from an Australian state or territory government.
The other allows applicants to apply independently without state sponsorship.
Freedom of Location
Where you can live and work may also differ.
Independent applicants generally have the flexibility to settle anywhere in Australia.
State-nominated applicants are usually expected to live and work in the state or territory that supported their application, at least initially.
Points Allocation
The points system plays a major role in skilled migration.
State nomination provides additional points, which can improve the chances of receiving an invitation.
Independent applicants must rely solely on their own points score.
Occupation Availability
Occupation eligibility can vary between pathways.
Some occupations may be available through state nomination programs even when competition is high at the federal level.
Availability often depends on current workforce needs and government priorities.
Invitation Opportunities
The invitation process is also different.
Independent applicants compete nationally for invitations.
State-nominated candidates may receive additional opportunities through state migration programs.
Understanding these differences can help applicants choose the pathway that best matches their qualifications, work experience, and long-term goals.
Benefits of the Australia 190 Visa and 189 Visa
Both skilled migration pathways offer significant advantages for individuals and families looking to build a future in Australia.
Permanent Residency from the Start
Successful applicants receive permanent residency, allowing them to live in Australia on a long-term basis without needing temporary visa extensions.
Work and Study Opportunities
Visa holders can:
Work for eligible employers across Australia.
Pursue further education and professional development.
Access a wide range of career opportunities.
Access to Healthcare
Permanent residents can benefit from Australia’s public healthcare system, helping reduce medical expenses for themselves and their families.
Family Inclusion
Applicants can include eligible family members in their application, allowing families to migrate together and enjoy the same residency benefits.
Pathway to Citizenship
After meeting residency and eligibility requirements, permanent residents may become eligible to apply for Australian citizenship.
Travel Flexibility
Visa holders can travel in and out of Australia while maintaining their permanent resident status, subject to visa travel conditions.
Strong Quality of Life
Australia offers a high standard of living, excellent infrastructure, quality education, and a stable economy, making it an attractive destination for skilled professionals and their families.
These benefits make both pathways popular choices for individuals seeking long-term settlement and career growth in Australia.
Application Process: Australia 190 Visa vs 189 Visa
The application process for the Australia 190 Visa and 189 Visa is similar in many stages, but the key difference is that the Australia Subclass 190 requires state or territory nomination, while the Skilled Independent Visa 189 does not. Understanding each step can help you prepare a stronger application and improve your chances of obtaining a permanent visa Australia.
Step 1: Check Your Occupation Eligibility
Before starting your application, confirm that your occupation is listed on the relevant skilled occupation list. This is an important requirement for both the visa subclass 189 and subclass 190 visa Australia pathways.
Step 2: Obtain a Skills Assessment
Applicants must receive a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for their occupation. This step is mandatory whether you plan to apply for 189 visa or pursue the Australia skilled nominated visa route.
Step 3: Meet English Language Requirements
You must demonstrate the required level of English proficiency through an approved language test. Higher English scores can also help increase your points score.
Step 4: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Create and submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect. Your EOI includes details about your qualifications, work experience, and points score.
Step 5: Apply for State Nomination (For State-Nominated Applicants)
If you are applying under the subclass 190 Australia visa pathway, you must submit a separate application to an Australian state or territory government.
Popular options include:
190 Visa Victoria
Subclass 190 Victoria
190 Visa NSW
Each state has its own occupation lists and nomination requirements.
Step 6: Receive an Invitation to Apply
After your EOI is assessed, you may receive an invitation to lodge your visa application.
Applicants pursuing the skilled independent visa 189 receive invitations directly from the Australian Government.
Applicants under the subclass 190 visa receive invitations after obtaining state nomination.
Step 7: Lodge Your Visa Application
Once invited, you can submit your 189 application or subclass 190 visa application online. At this stage, you must provide supporting documents, including:
Identity documents
Skills assessment results
English test scores
Employment evidence
Educational qualifications
Health and character documents
Step 8: Complete Health and Character Checks
All applicants must satisfy Australia’s health and character requirements before a final decision is made.
Step 9: Receive Your Visa Outcome
If your application is approved, you will receive a permanent visa Australia, allowing you to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely.
Whether you choose the 189 skilled visa or subclass 190 visa, both pathways offer excellent opportunities for skilled professionals seeking Australian permanent residency. If you are unsure which option suits your profile, professional guidance from Giecglobal Education and Migration – Sri Lanka can help simplify the process and support your goal to apply for Australia PR.
