Head to head · Checked 30 October 2026
189 Skilled Independent vs 190 Skilled Nominated
Same points test, one big difference: the 189 needs no state and has no strings, but its rounds are fiercely competitive and list-limited; the 190 adds 5 points and a much wider set of occupations via state lists, in exchange for a two-year commitment to the nominating state. For most applicants the 190 is the realistic one; the 189 is for high scorers in the invited occupations.
By Keshab Chapagain, registered migration agent (MARN 1576536) since 2015 · WIDEN, Sydney · Reviewed 30 October 2026
Keshab Chapagain · MARN 1576536 · Registered since 2015 - Sponsor/nominator
- None · A state or territory
- Extra points
- 0 · +5
- Occupations
- Narrow federal rounds (see the tracker) · Each state's own list
- Obligation
- None · Live/work in the state ~2 years
The migration agent that other migration agents learn from. WIDEN is an OMARA-approved CPD provider — our training is rated ★4.8 by 40+ registered migration agents.
About the CPD →Side by side
| 189 Skilled Independent | 190 Skilled Nominated | |
|---|---|---|
| Sponsor/nominator | None | A state or territory |
| Extra points | 0 | +5 |
| Occupations | Narrow federal rounds (see the tracker) | Each state's own list |
| Obligation | None | Live/work in the state ~2 years |
| Both are | Permanent residency | Permanent residency |
Charges are the current government application charges (from 1 July 2026, main applicant) — see the fee calculator for your family's total. Checked 30 October 2026.
The honest verdict
Same points test, one big difference: the 189 needs no state and has no strings, but its rounds are fiercely competitive and list-limited; the 190 adds 5 points and a much wider set of occupations via state lists, in exchange for a two-year commitment to the nominating state. For most applicants the 190 is the realistic one; the 189 is for high scorers in the invited occupations.
Which side of that line you fall on depends on facts a table cannot hold — your age, score, occupation's lists, and what evidence you can actually assemble. That is consultation territory, not guesswork territory.
More head-to-heads: 482 vs 494 · 190 vs 491 · 482 vs 186 · 407 vs 482
General information only, not migration advice. Settings shown are the general rules; exemptions and stream variations exist. Migration advice is provided by Keshab Chapagain (MARN 1576536) after a paid consultation under the Migration Agents Code of Conduct.
Book 30 minutes with Keshab.
Keshab Chapagain, registered migration agent (MARN 1576536), reads your situation with you and tells you which route fits, what it costs and what happens next.
Video consultation. A$330 inc. GST for 30 minutes, credited in full if you go ahead. Free questions are closed: advice on your own case is the consultation.
Book a consultation — A$330 inc. GST, credited In writing, no call — A$550
Need 60 minutes, or bringing a partner, employer or documents to go through? Extended consultation, A$550 inc. GST.
MARN 1576536 · practising since 2015 · contact details
Not sure which visa fits you?
Answer three questions. An automated guide points you to the route that usually applies. General information only.
Questions we get asked first
189 Skilled Independent or 190 Skilled Nominated — which is better?
Same points test, one big difference: the 189 needs no state and has no strings, but its rounds are fiercely competitive and list-limited; the 190 adds 5 points and a much wider set of occupations via state lists, in exchange for a two-year commitment to the nominating state. For most applicants the 190 is the realistic one; the 189 is for high scorers in the invited occupations.
What is the main difference between the 189 Skilled Independent and the 190 Skilled Nominated?
Sponsor/nominator: 189 Skilled Independent — None; 190 Skilled Nominated — A state or territory. Extra points: 189 Skilled Independent — 0; 190 Skilled Nominated — +5. Occupations: 189 Skilled Independent — Narrow federal rounds (see the tracker); 190 Skilled Nominated — Each state's own list.
Keep reading