The Australian government offers two types of visas for skilled workers who wish to migrate to Australia: the 189 visa and the 190 visa. Both visas are designed to attract highly skilled individuals who can contribute to the Australian economy. However, there are some key differences between the two visas that applicants should be aware of.
The 189 visa is a Skilled Independent visa that allows skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, a state or territory, or a family member to live and work in Australia permanently. On the other hand, the 190 visa is a Skilled Nominated visa that requires applicants to be nominated by a state or territory government agency. This means that applicants must have the skills and experience that are in demand in a particular state or territory.
It is important to note that the eligibility requirements for both visas are quite similar, and both require applicants to undergo a skills assessment and meet certain English language proficiency standards. However, the 190 visa requires applicants to obtain a nomination from a state or territory government agency, which can be a more competitive process. In the following sections, we will explore the key differences between the 189 and 190 visas in more detail.
Difference between 189 and 190 visa in Australia
Skilled visas are designed for individuals who possess specific skills and qualifications that are in demand in Australia. These visas allow skilled workers to live and work in Australia on a temporary or permanent basis.
There are several types of skilled visas available in Australia, including the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190), Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 489), and Skilled Regional visa (subclass 887). Each visa has its own specific requirements and eligibility criteria.
The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) is a permanent visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia without the need for sponsorship from an employer or family member. To be eligible for this visa, applicants must meet certain age, language, and skill requirements.
The Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) is a permanent visa that requires the applicant to be nominated by a state or territory government agency. This visa is designed for skilled workers who are willing to live and work in a specified regional area of Australia.
The Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 489) is a temporary visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in regional areas of Australia for up to four years. To be eligible for this visa, applicants must be nominated by a state or territory government agency or sponsored by an eligible relative living in a designated area.
The Skilled Regional visa (subclass 887) is a permanent visa that allows holders of the Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 489) to live and work in Australia permanently. To be eligible for this visa, applicants must have lived and worked in a designated regional area of Australia for at least two years.
Overall, skilled visas provide a pathway for skilled workers to live and work in Australia, contributing to the country’s economy and society.
Eligibility Criteria for 189 Visa
Age Requirements
To be eligible for a 189 visa, an applicant must be under the age of 45 at the time of application. However, there are some exemptions to this requirement for certain occupations or exceptional circumstances. It is important to note that points are awarded based on age, with maximum points given to applicants between 25 and 32 years of age.
Skill Assessment
All applicants for a 189 visa must have their skills assessed by a relevant assessing authority. The assessment must confirm that the applicant’s qualifications and work experience meet the requirements for their nominated occupation. It is important to note that different occupations have different skill assessment requirements, and it is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure they meet these requirements.
Language Proficiency
Applicants must meet the minimum English language proficiency requirements to be eligible for a 189 visa. This can be demonstrated through achieving the required scores in an approved English language test such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE. The required scores vary depending on the applicant’s occupation and the level of proficiency required for that occupation.
Overall, eligibility for a 189 visa requires meeting specific age, skill assessment, and language proficiency requirements. It is important for applicants to carefully review these requirements and ensure they meet them before submitting their application.
Eligibility Criteria for 190 Visa
State Nomination
To be eligible for the Skilled Nominated 190 visa, an applicant must first receive a nomination from an Australian state or territory government. Each state or territory has its own specific nomination requirements, which may include having a particular occupation on their skilled occupation list, meeting certain work experience or language proficiency requirements, or having a genuine intention to live and work in the state or territory.
Occupation Lists
In addition to state nomination, an applicant must also have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list for their chosen state or territory. These lists are updated regularly and may vary between states and territories. It is important for applicants to carefully review the occupation lists to ensure their occupation is eligible for state nomination.
Residency Obligations
Once granted a 190 visa, an applicant must fulfill certain residency obligations in order to maintain their visa status. This includes living in the sponsoring state or territory for at least the first two years of their visa, and continuing to work in their nominated occupation for at least one year. Failure to meet these obligations may result in the cancellation of the visa.
Overall, the eligibility criteria for the 190 visa require careful consideration and planning on the part of the applicant. By meeting the state nomination requirements, having an eligible occupation on the skilled occupation list, and fulfilling residency obligations, applicants can increase their chances of successfully obtaining a 190 visa and beginning their new life in Australia.
Application Process for 189 Visa
Expression of Interest
To apply for a Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189), an applicant needs to first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect. The EOI should include details about the applicant’s skills, work experience, education, and language proficiency. The EOI is ranked based on the applicant’s points score, and the highest-ranking applicants are invited to apply for the visa.
Invitation to Apply
If the applicant’s EOI is selected, they will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for the visa. The ITA will specify the deadline for submitting the visa application and the documents required. The applicant must ensure that they meet all the visa requirements and submit the application before the deadline.
Visa Application Submission
The visa application for subclass 189 is submitted online through the Department of Home Affairs website. The applicant must provide all the required documents, including proof of skills assessment, English language proficiency, and health and character certificates. The visa application fee must also be paid at the time of submission.
After submitting the application, the applicant will receive a confirmation email from the Department of Home Affairs. The processing time for the visa application varies based on the complexity of the case and the number of applications being processed. The applicant can check the status of their application online using the ImmiAccount portal.
Overall, the application process for subclass 189 visa is straightforward and requires careful attention to detail to ensure all requirements are met.
Application Process for 190 Visa
State Nomination Application
To apply for a 190 visa, the applicant must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and be nominated by a participating state or territory government agency. Each state or territory has its own eligibility criteria, and the applicant must meet the requirements of the state they wish to be nominated by. The applicant must also indicate their interest in the 190 visa subclass in their EOI.
Receiving State Approval
Once the applicant has been nominated by a state or territory government agency, they will receive an invitation to apply for the 190 visa subclass. The invitation will include a unique identifier and a deadline for submitting the visa application. The applicant must provide evidence of their nomination, as well as other supporting documents, such as proof of English language proficiency and skills assessment.
Finalizing Visa Application
After submitting the visa application, the applicant will receive an acknowledgment of receipt. The application will be processed by the Department of Home Affairs, and the applicant may be asked to provide additional information or attend an interview. If the application is approved, the applicant will be granted a 190 visa, which allows them to live and work in Australia permanently.
It is important to note that the application process for a 190 visa can be complex and time-consuming. Applicants are advised to seek professional advice and ensure that they meet all eligibility criteria before submitting their EOI.
Visa Costs and Fees
When it comes to applying for an Australian visa, there are certain costs and fees that applicants must be aware of. The cost of a visa varies depending on the type of visa, the applicant’s circumstances, and the processing time.
For the 189 visa, the base application charge for the primary applicant is AUD 4,045. For each additional applicant over 18 years old, the charge is AUD 2,025, and for each additional applicant under 18 years old, it is AUD 1,015. There may also be additional charges for skills assessments, health assessments, and police certificates.
For the 190 visa, the base application charge for the primary applicant is AUD 4,045. For each additional applicant over 18 years old, the charge is AUD 2,025, and for each additional applicant under 18 years old, it is AUD 1,015. In addition, there may be additional charges for state or territory nomination, skills assessments, health assessments, and police certificates.
It is important to note that these fees are subject to change, and applicants should always check the latest fees before applying. It is also important to ensure that all fees are paid in full and on time, as failure to do so may result in the application being refused.
Overall, the costs and fees associated with applying for an Australian visa can be significant, and applicants should carefully consider their financial situation before applying.
Processing Times
Processing times for both the 189 and 190 visa can vary depending on a number of factors, including the volume of applications received, the completeness of the application, and the complexity of the case. Generally speaking, processing times for both visas can take several months, and applicants should plan accordingly.
The Department of Home Affairs provides estimated processing times for both visas on their website, which can be a helpful resource for applicants. However, it is important to note that these times are only estimates and can vary depending on the individual circumstances of each case.
It is also worth noting that processing times can be affected by changes in government policy or staffing levels, as well as external factors such as natural disasters or global events. As such, it is important for applicants to stay up-to-date on any changes or updates that may affect their application.
To help ensure a smooth and timely processing of their application, applicants should ensure that their application is complete and accurate, and that all required documentation is included. They should also respond promptly to any requests for additional information or documentation from the Department of Home Affairs.
Overall, while processing times for the 189 and 190 visa can vary, applicants can take steps to help ensure a timely processing of their application by being prepared and staying informed.
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Permanent Residency Pathways
Direct Entry
The 189 visa is a permanent residency pathway that allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia. The Direct Entry stream is designed for those who have never worked in Australia or have only worked in Australia for a short period of time.
To be eligible for the Direct Entry stream, applicants must meet the relevant skills and qualifications requirements, as well as the English language requirements. They must also be under 45 years of age at the time of application.
Transition from Temporary Visas
The 190 visa is another pathway to permanent residency in Australia. This visa is for skilled workers who have been nominated by a state or territory government. To be eligible for the 190 visa, applicants must have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list and meet the relevant skills and qualifications requirements.
Applicants must also be nominated by a state or territory government and score at least 65 points on the points test. They must also be under 45 years of age at the time of application.
Overall, both the 189 and 190 visas offer skilled workers a pathway to permanent residency in Australia. The Direct Entry stream of the 189 visa is designed for those who have never worked in Australia, while the 190 visa is for skilled workers who have been nominated by a state or territory government.
Benefits and Limitations of 189 Visa
The 189 visa is a popular choice for skilled workers who want to migrate to Australia permanently. Here are some benefits and limitations of the 189 visa:
Benefits
- No sponsorship required: The 189 visa does not require sponsorship from an employer or family member, which gives applicants more flexibility in choosing where to live and work in Australia.
- Permanent residency: Successful applicants are granted permanent residency, which means they can live and work in Australia indefinitely.
- Access to public services: As permanent residents, 189 visa holders have access to public services such as healthcare and education.
- Pathway to citizenship: After living in Australia for a certain period of time as a permanent resident, 189 visa holders can apply for Australian citizenship.
Limitations
- Points-based system: The 189 visa is subject to a points-based system, which means applicants must meet certain criteria to be eligible. This can be challenging for some applicants, especially if they do not have a high level of education or work experience.
- Limited occupations: The 189 visa is only available for certain occupations that are in demand in Australia. Applicants must have skills and experience in one of these occupations to be eligible.
- Competitive process: The 189 visa is a popular choice among skilled workers, which means the application process can be highly competitive. Applicants must have a strong application to be successful.
- No guarantee of employment: The 189 visa does not guarantee employment in Australia, and applicants must be able to support themselves financially.
Overall, the 189 visa can be a great option for skilled workers who want to migrate to Australia permanently. However, it is important to consider the limitations and requirements of the visa before applying.
Benefits and Limitations of 190 Visa
The 190 visa is a permanent residency visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia. The visa is sponsored by an Australian state or territory government, which means that applicants must be nominated by a state or territory government agency before they can apply for the visa.
Benefits of 190 Visa
One of the main benefits of the 190 visa is that it allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia permanently. This means that they can enjoy the benefits of living in Australia, including access to healthcare, education, and other services. In addition, the 190 visa allows skilled workers to bring their families with them to Australia.
Another benefit of the 190 visa is that it provides a pathway to citizenship. After living in Australia for a certain period of time, skilled workers who hold a 190 visa may be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship.
Limitations of 190 Visa
One of the main limitations of the 190 visa is that applicants must be nominated by a state or territory government agency. This means that the number of visas available each year is limited, and competition for the visas can be fierce.
In addition, applicants for the 190 visa must meet a number of eligibility requirements, including having the necessary skills and qualifications, meeting health and character requirements, and demonstrating proficiency in English.
Overall, the 190 visa can be a good option for skilled workers who are looking to live and work in Australia permanently. However, it is important to carefully consider the eligibility requirements and limitations of the visa before applying.
Choosing Between 189 and 190 Visa
Choosing between the 189 and 190 visa can be a difficult decision for prospective immigrants. Both visas offer permanent residency in Australia, but there are some key differences that applicants should consider before making a decision.
The 189 visa is a skilled independent visa, meaning that applicants do not require sponsorship from an employer or family member. This visa is ideal for individuals who have skills and experience that are in high demand in Australia. Applicants must also meet certain age, language, and health requirements.
On the other hand, the 190 visa is a skilled nominated visa, which means that applicants must be nominated by a state or territory government agency. This visa is ideal for individuals who have skills that are in demand in a particular state or territory. Applicants must also meet the same age, language, and health requirements as the 189 visa.
One advantage of the 190 visa is that applicants may receive additional points towards their application for being nominated by a state or territory government agency. This can be beneficial for applicants who may not meet the minimum point requirement for the 189 visa.
It’s important to note that the application process and requirements for both visas can be complex and time-consuming. Prospective immigrants should carefully consider their individual circumstances and seek professional advice before making a decision.
In summary, the choice between the 189 and 190 visa ultimately depends on the individual’s skills, experience, and desired location in Australia. Applicants should carefully consider the requirements and benefits of each visa before making a decision.
