If you have already checked your eligibility, passed the points test and are preparing your Expression of Interest (EOI), you may have reached one of the biggest decisions in the skilled migration process: should you pursue a subclass 189 vs 190 visa?
Both pathways can lead to Australian permanent residency, but they offer different advantages. The subclass 189 gives skilled migrants greater freedom to live and work anywhere in Australia without state or territory nomination. The subclass 190, meanwhile, requires nomination by an Australian state or territory government but provides additional points towards your score.
If you are considering the subclass 189 visa, it is important to understand how its independent structure affects your options. Likewise, if you are considering the subclass 190 visa, you need to understand the nomination requirements and your commitment to the nominating state or territory.
So, which pathway is right for you?
What is the subclass 189 visa?
The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) is a points-tested permanent visa for skilled workers who want to live and work anywhere in Australia.
For the points-tested stream, you do not need sponsorship from an Australian employer, family member or state or territory government. Instead, your eligibility is assessed based on factors such as your age, English language ability, qualifications and skilled employment experience.
To be eligible for the points-tested stream, applicants generally need to be under 45 years of age, nominate an eligible occupation, obtain a suitable skills assessment and demonstrate at least Competent English. Health and character requirements also apply.
The first step is to submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect. You do not apply for the visa simply by submitting an EOI. You must first receive an invitation to apply.
Competition for the subclass 189 can be strong. Invitations are ranked according to points score, with tie-break arrangements applying where applicants have equal scores.
One of the biggest advantages of the 189 is flexibility. Once granted, the visa allows you to live and work anywhere in Australia.
For applicants who can achieve a competitive score and receive an invitation, this independence can make the 189 an attractive option.
What is the subclass 190 visa?
The Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) is also a points-tested permanent visa, but it requires nomination by an Australian state or territory government.
Unlike the 189, state or territory nomination is an important part of the pathway. Each jurisdiction has its own nomination requirements and may consider factors such as your occupation, employment, experience, English ability, location and connection to the state.
Applicants submit an EOI through SkillSelect and identify the state or territory they would like to nominate them. Depending on the jurisdiction, you may also need to submit a separate Registration of Interest or nomination application.
The trade-off is that you are expected to settle in the state or territory that nominated you. Before pursuing this pathway, you should therefore consider whether you are genuinely prepared to live and work there.
189 vs 190 visa: the key differences
| Feature | Subclass 189 | Subclass 190 |
|---|---|---|
| Nomination requirement | No state or territory nomination required. | State or territory nomination required. |
| Points awarded | No nomination points. | 5 additional points for nomination. |
| State residency commitment | No state-specific commitment. | Expected to live in the nominating state or territory. |
| Geographic flexibility | Can live and work anywhere in Australia. | Greater flexibility after grant, but applicants are expected to settle in the nominating jurisdiction. |
| Invitation frequency | Federal SkillSelect invitation rounds. | Timing depends on state or territory nomination programs. |
How the extra 5 points from state nomination can change your outcome
For some applicants, the difference between a subclass 189 and 190 invitation can come down to just a few points.
For example, imagine you have 70 points based on your age, English, qualifications and skilled work experience.
You submit an EOI for the subclass 189. However, the invitation threshold for your occupation is higher than your current score. Your EOI therefore remains uninvited.
You may then consider state or territory nomination.
If a state nominates you for the subclass 190, you receive five additional points, taking your points score from 70 to 75 points.
That doesn’t guarantee an invitation or nomination. States and territories have their own criteria, allocations and selection processes, and invitation outcomes can vary by occupation and program year. However, the additional points may significantly improve your position.
This is why it is important to look beyond your raw points score and consider which skilled migration pathways you may realistically be competitive for.
Before submitting your EOI, use AVIE’s tool to check your points score and consider whether state nomination could strengthen your options.
189 vs 190 visa invitation rounds in 2026
The timing of invitations is another important difference between the two pathways.
For the subclass 189, invitations are issued through federal SkillSelect rounds. Applicants should keep their EOI accurate and up to date while waiting for an invitation.
The subclass 190 works differently. State and territory governments review EOIs and determine who they wish to nominate based on their individual requirements and available allocations. A nomination from a state or territory triggers the invitation process.
This means there is no single national invitation schedule for subclass 190. Each state and territory manages its own program, criteria and timing.
State and territory nomination allocations are also set for each program year, meaning availability can change from year to year.
This section should be reviewed and updated each program year, as invitation schedules, nomination allocations and state criteria can change.
What if you are invited to both?
If you are considering both pathways, you do not necessarily have to choose one at the beginning of your planning process.
You can submit an EOI for more than one skilled visa pathway where you meet the relevant requirements. SkillSelect allows EOIs for the subclass 189, 190 and 491 pathways.
If you receive an opportunity to proceed with both a 189 and 190, compare what each pathway means for your circumstances.
The 189 offers maximum geographic flexibility because you can live and work anywhere in Australia.
The 190 may be attractive if the additional five points help you secure an invitation and you are happy to settle in the state or territory that nominates you.
There is also the subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional visa, which can be another option for skilled applicants who do not have a competitive pathway through the 189 or 190. The 491 has its own eligibility requirements and regional conditions, so it should be assessed separately.
Ultimately, the strongest pathway is not necessarily the one with the highest number of points. It is the pathway that best combines your score, occupation, circumstances, state options and long-term plans.
Get advice on the right skilled visa pathway
Choosing between the 189 and 190 can be difficult when your eligibility depends on several moving parts.
Your points score is important, but so are your occupation, skills assessment, English results, work experience and the nomination criteria of the states or territories you may be eligible for.
State nomination requirements can also change between program years, and nomination allocations are limited.
Rather than submitting an EOI based on assumptions, consider speaking with a Registered Migration Agent who can assess your circumstances and explain which pathways may be available to you.
At AVIE, we can help you review your points score, understand your state nomination options and make a more informed decision about your skilled migration strategy.
The goal isn’t simply to choose between a 189 and 190. It’s to choose the pathway that gives you the strongest realistic opportunity to achieve your Australian migration goals.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between 189 and 190 visa?
The subclass 189 is a points-tested skilled visa that does not require state or territory nomination, while the subclass 190 requires nomination by an Australian state or territory. The 190 provides an additional five points for nomination. The 189 also offers greater geographic flexibility because it allows successful applicants to live and work anywhere in Australia. See the comparison table above for the key differences.
Is the 189 or 190 visa easier to get?
Neither visa is automatically easier to obtain. The subclass 189 is highly competitive because invitations are ranked by points and other selection factors. The 190 may provide an advantage because state nomination adds five points, but applicants must also meet the relevant state’s nomination requirements. Your occupation, points score and circumstances will determine which pathway is more realistic for you.
How long does a 189 vs 190 visa take to process?
Processing times change and should always be checked against the latest Department of Home Affairs information. The information provided as of 4 August 2026 indicates 50% of subclass 189 applications were processed within seven months and 90% within nine months. For subclass 190, the figures were 12 months and 17 months respectively. These are indicative rather than guaranteed processing times.
Can I apply for both the 189 and 190 visa?
You can submit an EOI for both the subclass 189 and subclass 190 if you meet the relevant requirements. SkillSelect supports EOIs for both pathways. If you receive an opportunity to proceed with either, compare the benefits and requirements carefully. Consider whether the geographic flexibility of the 189 or the additional points from 190 nomination better suits your circumstances.
What is the difference between the 189, 190 and 491 visas?
The 189 and 190 are permanent skilled visas, while the 491 is a provisional regional visa. The 189 does not require state or territory nomination and allows you to live and work anywhere in Australia. The 190 requires state or territory nomination and provides five additional points. The 491 is designed for skilled migrants who will live and work in designated regional areas and has its own pathway to permanent residence.
