Head-to-head comparison
Australia 189 vs 190 Visa: Which Should You Choose?
Both are permanent skilled visas scored on the same points test. The 189 is fully independent; the 190 adds a state nomination worth 5 points — in exchange for a two-year commitment to that state.
| Skilled Independent 189 Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) | Skilled Nominated 190 Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | 🇦🇺 Australia | 🇦🇺 Australia |
| Leads to PR | Yes — permanent residence | Yes — permanent residence |
| Government fees | ~$3,000 | ~$3,000 |
| Typical timeline | 6–24 months | 6–18 months |
| Mandatory requirements | 5 | 6 |
| In depth | RequirementsCostsTimeline | RequirementsCostsTimeline |
Choose the Skilled Independent 189 if…
- Your points are genuinely competitive without help (recent 189 rounds have favored 85–95+)
- You want zero strings — live and work anywhere in Australia from day one
- Your occupation is on the MLTSSL (the 189 list is the narrower one)
Choose the Skilled Nominated 190 if…
- You need the +5 points to clear realistic invitation thresholds
- A state actually wants your occupation — each publishes its own demand list
- You are happy committing to one state for two years (it is still a permanent visa)
Our verdict
In practice the 190 is the workhorse: 189 invitation volumes have been thin for years, and the +5 points plus state-specific lists make the 190 the realistic route for most profiles. Apply to multiple states’ programs at once.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Skilled Independent 189 and the Skilled Nominated 190?
Both are permanent skilled visas scored on the same points test. The 189 is fully independent; the 190 adds a state nomination worth 5 points — in exchange for a two-year commitment to that state.
Which is cheaper: Skilled Independent 189 or Skilled Nominated 190?
Government filing fees are approximately $3,000 for the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) and $3,000 for the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190). Supporting costs (tests, translations, medicals, optional legal help) apply to both.
Which is faster: Skilled Independent 189 or Skilled Nominated 190?
The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) typically takes 6–24 months; the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) typically takes 6–18 months. Individual timelines vary with caseload and completeness of evidence.
Should I choose the Skilled Independent 189 or the Skilled Nominated 190?
In practice the 190 is the workhorse: 189 invitation volumes have been thin for years, and the +5 points plus state-specific lists make the 190 the realistic route for most profiles. Apply to multiple states’ programs at once.