The difference between 189 and 190 visa Explained

When it comes to moving to Australia as a skilled professional, two of the most popular permanent residency pathways are the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) and the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190).

At first glance, they look very similar. Both are points-tested visas. Both grant permanent residency. Both are designed for skilled workers whose occupations are in demand.

But the differences between them can significantly impact your eligibility, obligations, and long-term flexibility in Australia.

In the table below, we break down the key differences between the 189 and 190 visa in clear, practical terms so you can understand which pathway aligns best with your qualifications, career goals, and migration strategy.

Type of Visa	Subclass 190
Permanent residence	Yes – State-Sponsored Permanent Residence
Skills Occupation List (SOL)	The SOL for both 189 and 190 is the same Occupation must be on the relevant SOL, i.e. MLTSSL or STSOL
English Requirements	You must have at least competent English To prove that you have competent English you must provide evidence of one of the following: · You hold a valid passport issued by the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada, New Zealand or the Republic of Ireland and you are a citizen of that country. · You have achieved a score of at least 6 in each of the four test components (speaking, reading, listening and writing) in an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test that has been undertaken in the three years immediately prior to lodging the visa application. · You have achieved a score of at least ‘B’ in each of the four test components of an Occupational English Test (OET) that has been undertaken in the three years immediately prior to lodging the visa application. · You have achieved the following minimum test scores in each of the four test components: 12 for listening, 13 for reading, 21 for writing and 18 for speaking, in a Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based test (TOEFL iBT) test that has been undertaken in the three years immediately prior to lodging the visa application. · You have achieved a test score of at least 50 in each of the four test components (speaking, reading, listening and writing) in a Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic that has been undertaken in the three years immediately prior to lodging the visa application. Speak to a Lawyer today If you are interested in getting more information about a visa, get in touch with Emerson Migration Law for a consultation. The more detail you provide, the better we can assess your enquiry and direct it to the right person. · You have achieved a test score of at least 169 in each of the four test components (speaking, reading, listening and writing) in a Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) test that has been undertaken on or after 1 January 2015 and prior to lodging the visa application.
Visa Application Charges payable to the DHA	Same for 189 and 190 Base application fee – $4,910.00 (+online payment surcharge) $2,455.00 (+ online surcharge) for each additional applications (18 & over) $1,230.00 (+online surcharge) for each additional applicants (under 18).

Visa Application Process	Stage 1: skills assessment Stage 2: EOI and State sponsorship application Stage 3: Visa application
Processing times	Stages 1 and 2: depends on the occupation & state sponsorship processing time (there is no guarantee to receive an outcome for Stage 2) Stage 3: average 3 to 6 months
What can you do in Australia?	Generally, no work/study conditions or restrictions apply
Where can you live?	You sign an undertaking to reside in the sponsoring state for the first 2 years.

Type of Visa	Subclass 189
Permanent residence	Yes – Independent Skilled Permanent Residence
Skills Occupation List (SOL)	The SOL for both 189 and 190 is the same Occupation must be on the relevant SOL, i.e. MLTSSL or STSOL
English Requirements	You must have at least competent English To prove that you have competent English you must provide evidence of one of the following: · You hold a valid passport issued by the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada, New Zealand or the Republic of Ireland and you are a citizen of that country. · You have achieved a score of at least 6 in each of the four test components (speaking, reading, listening and writing) in an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test that has been undertaken in the three years immediately prior to lodging the visa application. · You have achieved a score of at least ‘B’ in each of the four test components of an Occupational English Test (OET) that has been undertaken in the three years immediately prior to lodging the visa application. · You have achieved the following minimum test scores in each of the four test components: 12 for listening, 13 for reading, 21 for writing and 18 for speaking, in a Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based test (TOEFL iBT) test that has been undertaken in the three years immediately prior to lodging the visa application. · You have achieved a test score of at least 50 in each of the four test components (speaking, reading, listening and writing) in a Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic that has been undertaken in the three years immediately prior to lodging the visa application. · You have achieved a test score of at least 169 in each of the four test components (speaking, reading, listening and writing) in a Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) test that has been undertaken on or after 1 January 2015 and prior to lodging the visa application.
Visa Application Charges payable to the DHA	Same for 189 and 190 Base application fee – $4,910.00 (+online payment surcharge) $2,455.00 (+ online surcharge) for each additional applications (18 & over) $1,230.00 (+online surcharge) for each additional applicants (under 18).

Visa Application Process	Stage 1: skills assessment Stage 2: EOI Stage 3: Visa application
Processing times	Stages 1 and 2: depends on the occupation (there is no guarantee to receive an outcome for Stage 2) Stage 3: currently at 12 months
What can you do in Australia?	Generally, no work/study conditions or restrictions apply
Where can you live?	Anywhere in Australia