Top 5 Differences Between 189 and 190 Visas [2025–2026 Guide]

Meta Description: Confused about the 189 vs 190 visa? Our 2025 guide breaks down the 5 key differences in sponsorship, points, processing, and obligations to help you choose the right skilled visa for Australia.

Slug: difference-between-189-and-190-visa

TL;DR
The core difference is that the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) does not require any sponsorship, while the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) requires nomination by an Australian state or territory government. The 190 visa offers a crucial 5 extra points for your Expression of Interest but comes with a commitment to live and work in the nominating state, typically for your first two years. According to the Department of Home Affairs, both are permanent residency visas that allow you to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia indefinitely.

Choosing the right skilled migration pathway is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make. While both the 189 and 190 visas lead to Australian Permanent Residency, their eligibility routes, requirements, and strategic implications are distinct. Getting this choice wrong can delay your application by months or even years. This guide cuts through the complexity, comparing the five fundamental differences between these two popular visas to empower your decision with clarity and confidence.

What is the Main Legal Difference Between the 189 and 190 Visa?

The main legal difference is the requirement for government nomination. The subclass 189 is a purely points-tested visa that does not require sponsorship or nomination from any party. You are invited directly by the Australian federal government based on your points score and occupation. In contrast, the subclass 190 requires you to be nominated by a specific Australian state or territory government (e.g., New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia) before you can receive an invitation to apply.

This distinction creates two separate pathways:

• Subclass 189 (Independent): You compete in a national pool. Your success depends solely on your points score against other candidates in your occupation.
• Subclass 190 (Nominated): You must first secure an invitation from a state. Each state has its own unique occupation lists, eligibility criteria, and application processes, which are often more detailed than the federal requirements.

According to the Department of Home Affairs’ official Skilled Visa page, both visas are permanent, but the 190 carries the legal condition of a state nomination, which usually translates into a commitment to live in that state. To accurately see how nomination affects your points total, using a precise tool like the NovenAI EOI Points Calculator is essential, as it accounts for all state nomination bonuses.

How Do the Points Requirements Differ for the 189 vs 190 Visa?

The 190 visa provides a 5-point bonus for state nomination, effectively lowering the points threshold you need to be competitive. For the 189 visa, you must reach the pass mark (currently 65 points) and then score highly enough to be invited in a competitive round. For the 190, you still need 65 points before the nomination bonus, but the extra 5 points can be the key to reaching a competitive score.

Let’s break down the strategic impact:

• Competition Level: The 189 visa often has higher de facto invitation points because you are competing with every eligible candidate nationwide. High-demand occupations like Software Engineer or Accountant can see 189 invitation scores soar to 85-95 points.
• State Strategies: States use the 190 visa to attract skills they specifically need. You might be invited with a lower points score if your occupation is in high demand in that region. For example, a Civil Engineer might need 90 points for a 189 invite but only 75 points (including the 5-point bonus) for a 190 nomination from a state with major infrastructure projects.

Key Facts:

• The 5-point nomination bonus is automatically added in SkillSelect.
• States can set their own minimum points requirements, which are often above 65.
• Occupation ceilings (the maximum number of invites per occupation) apply differently to each visa stream.

Does the Application and Processing Time Differ Between the Two Visas?

Yes, the 190 visa process is typically longer and involves an extra step, but it can lead to a faster overall PR grant if you secure a nomination quickly. The 189 has a more linear, albeit highly competitive, path: submit EOI → wait for federal invitation → lodge visa application. The 190 path is: submit EOI → apply for state nomination (a separate, detailed application) → receive nomination → receive federal invitation → lodge visa application.

Processing times can vary significantly:

• State Nomination Stage: This adds 4-12 weeks (or more) to your timeline, depending on the state’s processing backlog and application complexity.
• Visa Processing Stage: According to the latest Home Affairs global processing times, 75% of 189 applications are processed in 8 months, while 75% of 190 applications are processed in 10 months. However, these are averages and your experience may differ.

The strategic takeaway is that the 190 can be a “fast track” for candidates who perfectly match a state’s urgent needs, as some states have direct pathways or priority processing. To gauge your likely timeline and success chances for either stream, a data-driven tool like the NovenAI Visa Success Predictor can provide personalised insights based on current trends.

What Are the Residency Obligations for the 190 Visa Compared to the 189?

The 190 visa has a moral, and often legally stated, commitment to live and work in the nominating state for at least the first two years. The 189 visa has no such conditions—you are free to live and work anywhere in Australia from day one.

This is a crucial lifestyle and planning difference:

• Subclass 190 Commitment: When you accept a state nomination, you sign a declaration agreeing to live in that state. While this is not a legally enforceable visa condition (your visa is permanent and unconditional), states monitor this and failing to comply can harm your reputation and affect future sponsorship for other migrants. Some states may require you to provide settlement updates.
• Subclass 189 Freedom: As a 189 holder, you have complete mobility. You can move between Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, or a regional town at your discretion, which offers flexibility if job markets change.

It’s vital to research your nominating state’s economy, job opportunities, and lifestyle to ensure you can genuinely settle there. The official websites of states like NSW Government and Victoria State Government provide detailed settlement information.

Which Visa Should I Choose: 189 or 190?

Choose the 189 if your points are very high and you value complete freedom of movement. Choose the 190 if the extra 5 points make you competitive or your occupation is in strong demand in a specific state where you intend to settle.

Your decision should be strategic:

1. Calculate Your Points Accurately: Use a reliable calculator. If you are sitting at 70-80 points, the 190’s 5-point bonus could be a game-changer.
2. Check Occupation Lists: Consult both the federal Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) for the 189 and each state’s skilled occupation lists for the 190. An occupation on a state list is your gateway.
3. Assess Your Settlement Plans: Are you willing to live in South Australia or Tasmania for two years for a clearer pathway? If yes, the 190 is compelling.
4. Monitor Invitation Rounds: 189 invitations can be unpredictable. The 190 can offer more certainty if you meet a state’s specific criteria.

Key Facts:

• You can lodge EOIs for both the 189 and one or more 190 nominations simultaneously to maximise your chances.
• The application fee for the main applicant is identical for both visas.
• Both visas allow you to include family members in your application.

Don’t underestimate the importance of English scores in reaching your points target. For a clear breakdown of how PTE, IELTS, or TOEFL results translate into points, see our detailed English Level Guide.

Navigating the 189 versus 190 decision is about aligning your personal profile with the most efficient pathway to Permanent Residency. The “independent” 189 offers ultimate freedom, while the “nominated” 190 provides a strategic boost and a regional opportunity. In a landscape where rules and state priorities shift, having access to current, analysed information is paramount. Platforms like NovenAI integrate live policy updates and state nomination criteria into their guidance, helping applicants move from confusion to a clear, actionable plan.

Your Australian dream is unique, and your visa pathway should be too. Ready to map out your precise strategy? Start your personalised assessment with NovenAI today and take your first confident step towards Australian PR.