190 Visa vs 189 Visa: Which Skilled Visa Should You Choose?

Choosing between the 189 and 190 visas is one of the most important decisions skilled migrants face when planning their move to Australia. Both visas offer pathways to permanent residence, but they have distinct differences in requirements, sponsorship, and processing times. At Widen Migration Experts, our MARA agent Keshab Chapagain (MARN 1576536) in Campsie, Sydney, helps skilled professionals navigate these options to find the best fit for their circumstances. This comprehensive guide compares these two visas to help you make an informed decision.

Understanding the 189 Visa (Skilled Independent Visa)

The 189 visa is Australia’s independent skilled migration visa, designed for skilled workers who don’t require state sponsorship. This visa is points-based and purely merit-driven, making it attractive to high-achieving professionals across various fields.

To be eligible for a 189 visa, you must have an occupation on the skilled occupation list, meet the age, English language, and skills assessment requirements, and accumulate a minimum of 60 points. The visa is valid for five years and leads directly to permanent residence, allowing you to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia without restrictions.

One of the primary advantages of the 189 visa is the freedom it provides. You’re not obligated to work for a specific employer or live in a particular state, giving you complete flexibility in your career and location choices. However, the competition is fierce, and typically requires higher point scores due to greater demand.

Exploring the 190 Visa (Skilled Nominated Visa)

The 190 visa is a state-sponsored skilled migration option that requires nomination from an Australian state or territory government. This visa combines points with state sponsorship, creating an alternative pathway for skilled workers who may not meet the high points threshold for a 189 visa.

State nomination provides additional points—typically 5 or 10 points depending on the state—which can significantly boost your overall score. This makes the 190 visa more accessible for many skilled professionals. However, state sponsorship comes with obligations: you must generally live and work in the sponsoring state for a specified period, usually two years.

The 190 visa also leads to permanent residence after five years and offers similar rights to the 189, including access to Medicare and education benefits. Processing times are often slightly faster than the 189 visa due to state sponsorship involvement.

Key Differences: Points Requirements and Eligibility

The most significant difference between these visas lies in the points system. For a 189 visa, you need a minimum of 60 points, but competitive applicants typically have 65-75+ points due to high demand. Points come from factors like age, English proficiency, work experience, qualifications, and state sponsorship (if applicable).

The 190 visa requires the same minimum of 60 points, but state nomination adds 5-10 bonus points, making it easier to reach the threshold. This is particularly beneficial for professionals in mid-career stages or those whose occupations are in lower demand nationally but needed by specific states.

Both visas require:

• An occupation on the skilled occupation list
• A positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority
• English language proficiency (usually IELTS 6.5 or equivalent)
• Age between 18 and 45 (points decrease significantly after 45)

If you’re struggling with points or your occupation isn’t in high demand, the 190 visa significantly improves your chances of visa approval.

Location Flexibility and Lifestyle Considerations

For those prioritizing location independence, the 189 visa is superior. You can live anywhere in Australia immediately and relocate without restrictions. This appeals to professionals who want to choose their city based on job opportunities, lifestyle, or family connections.

The 190 visa imposes regional requirements—you must typically reside in the sponsoring state for the initial visa period. However, this isn’t necessarily a disadvantage. Many applicants prefer this trade-off because it provides certainty, easier state-sponsored pathways, and often faster processing times. Additionally, some states actively encourage settlement in regional areas with additional support and incentives.

Consider your long-term plans. If you have a specific state preference or are open to regional opportunities, the 190 visa’s location requirements become less restrictive. If you value flexibility and wish to explore different Australian cities, the 189 visa offers superior freedom.

Processing Times and Costs Comparison

Processing times vary, but the 190 visa often has a slight advantage. While 189 visas typically take 8-12 months, 190 visas may process in 7-10 months because state nomination streamlines the process. However, you must account for additional time spent on state sponsorship application, which usually takes 2-4 weeks.

Cost-wise, both visas have similar visa application fees (approximately $4,290 for the main applicant in 2024). However, the 190 visa may incur additional state sponsorship fees, which vary significantly—ranging from free to $300+ depending on the state. Skills assessment costs are identical for both visa types.

While the 190 visa has marginally higher total costs, the improved approval likelihood often justifies the investment for applicants unable to secure 189 points independently.

Which Visa Should You Choose?

Choosing between the 189 and 190 visas depends on your individual circumstances:

Choose the 189 visa if:

• You have high points (65+) and competitive qualifications
• You value location flexibility and want to live anywhere in Australia
• Your occupation is in high national demand
• You prefer no state sponsorship obligations or restrictions
• You want faster processing times without state nomination delays

Choose the 190 visa if:

• Your points fall below 65 and the state bonus makes a crucial difference
• Your occupation is in demand within specific states
• You’re open to living in a particular state long-term
• You want higher approval likelihood and faster final processing
• You’re willing to trade location flexibility for visa certainty

Our migration services at Widen Migration Experts can help you assess your eligibility for both visas and determine which pathway offers the best outcome for your situation.

Key Takeaways

• 189 Visa: Independent visa, requires 60+ points (typically 65+), offers complete location flexibility, no state sponsorship needed
• 190 Visa: State-sponsored visa, requires 60 points plus state nomination (5-10 bonus points), requires 2-year state residence, often faster processing
• Points Advantage: 190 visa is more achievable for those below 65 points due to state sponsorship bonus
• Location Trade-offs: 189 offers freedom; 190 requires state commitment but provides regional opportunities
• Processing: Both take 8-12 months; 190 may be slightly faster but includes additional state nomination timing
• Professional Advice: Each case is unique; MARA agents can assess which visa maximises your approval chances

Making the right choice between the 189 and 190 visas requires careful evaluation of your points, occupation demand, location preferences, and long-term Australian migration goals. Both pathways lead to permanent residence, but they suit different applicant profiles.

At Widen Migration Experts, MARA agent Keshab Chapagain and our experienced team in Campsie, Sydney, specialise in assessing skilled migration cases and recommending the most strategic visa pathway. We understand the nuances of both visas and can guide you through the entire application process, maximising your chances of success.

Don’t leave your migration to chance. Get expert advice tailored to your circumstances and take the next step towards your Australian career. Learn more about the 190 Skilled Nominated Visa and discover how state sponsorship could transform your Australian migration journey today.