Australia PR: Visa 189 vs. 190 Pros & Cons

Here’s a comparison of the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) and the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190):

Advantages of Visa 189 Over Visa 190:

1. No State/Territory Commitment – You are not tied to any specific state or territory, allowing flexibility in where you live and work in Australia.

2. More Freedom in Employment – You can work in any occupation or industry without state-specific conditions.

3. No State Nomination Required – You do not need to meet additional criteria imposed by states, making the process potentially simpler.

4. Processing Priority – Historically, Visa 189 applications have been processed faster than some state-nominated visas.

Disadvantages of Visa 189 Compared to Visa 190:

1. Higher Points Requirement – Visa 189 typically requires a higher points score to receive an invitation, making it more competitive.

2. Less Frequent Invitations – Fewer invitations are issued for Visa 189 compared to Visa 190, especially for occupations with high demand.

3. No Extra Points from State Nomination – Visa 190 applicants get an extra 5 points from state nomination, which can be beneficial for meeting the required score.

4. Fewer Pathways for Occupations – Some occupations are only eligible under state-nominated (Visa 190) lists, limiting opportunities for Visa 189 applicants.

Conclusion:

• Choose Visa 189 if you qualify with a high points score and want full freedom in choosing where to live and work.

• Choose Visa 190 if you need extra points for eligibility and don’t mind fulfilling a state residency requirement for at least two years.