Australian Subclass 189 vs 190 Skilled Visas: A Complete 2026 Comparison

Australia's skilled migration programme offers multiple pathways for qualified professionals seeking permanent residency. The Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) and Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) visas represent two of the most popular routes, each with distinct advantages and requirements. Understanding their differences is crucial for maximising your chances of success in Australia's competitive points-based system.

Key Differences Overview

The fundamental distinction between these visa subclasses lies in state involvement and geographical flexibility. The Subclass 189 operates as a completely independent pathway, whilst the Subclass 190 requires state or territory government nomination, creating different strategic considerations for applicants.

Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) This visa offers complete freedom to live and work anywhere in Australia without state restrictions. It's entirely merit-based, relying solely on your points score across factors like age, English proficiency, work experience, and education qualifications.

Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) This pathway requires nomination from an Australian state or territory government, which adds 5 points to your total score. However, it comes with a two-year commitment to live and work in the nominating state.

Points Requirements and Scoring

In 2026, both visas require a minimum of 65 points to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), though competitive scores typically range much higher. Recent invitation rounds have seen successful applicants scoring 85+ points for popular occupations.

The Subclass 190's 5-point nomination bonus often proves decisive for borderline candidates. This advantage can transform an otherwise insufficient application into a competitive one, particularly for those scoring 75-80 points independently.

Factors affecting your points score include: - Age (maximum 30 points for 25-32 years) - English language ability (up to 20 points for Superior English) - Skilled employment experience (up to 20 points) - Educational qualifications (up to 20 points) - Australian study requirements (5 points) - Specialist education qualification (10 points) - Professional year programme (5 points) - Partner skills (5-10 points)

If you're unsure about your points score or which pathway suits your circumstances, consider using a pathway checker to evaluate your options comprehensively.

State Nomination Process

The Subclass 190 nomination process varies significantly across states and territories. Each jurisdiction maintains its own priority occupation lists, nomination criteria, and application procedures. Popular destinations like New South Wales and Victoria tend to have more competitive nomination processes, whilst states like South Australia or Tasmania may offer more accessible pathways for specific occupations.

State nomination typically requires: - Meeting state-specific occupation demand - Demonstrating genuine intention to live and work in the nominating state - Sometimes showing employment prospects or existing job offers - Meeting additional state requirements (work experience, English scores, etc.)

Processing times for state nominations range from 6-16 weeks, adding to overall visa processing timeframes.

Processing Times and Priority

Current processing times (as of 2026) show significant variation: - Subclass 189: 8-14 months - Subclass 190: 8-12 months (plus nomination processing time)

The Department of Home Affairs prioritises applications based on points scores, with higher-scoring candidates receiving invitations sooner. Subclass 189 applications compete in a broader pool, whilst Subclass 190 applications benefit from state-specific quotas.

Comparison Table

| Feature | Subclass 189 | Subclass 190 | |---------|--------------|---------------| | State nomination required | No | Yes | | Extra points for nomination | 0 | 5 points | | Minimum points threshold | 65 | 65 | | Typical competitive scores | 85-95+ | 80-90+ | | Location flexibility | Live anywhere in Australia | 2-year commitment to nominating state | | Processing complexity | Single-step process | Two-step (nomination + visa) | | Occupation list | MLTSSL only | MLTSSL + STSOL (state-dependent) | | Total processing time | 8-14 months | 10-16 months | | Application cost | AUD $4,640 | AUD $4,640 + state fees | | Strategic advantage | Maximum flexibility | Lower points threshold |

Who Each Visa Suits

Choose Subclass 189 if you: - Score 85+ points independently - Prefer maximum location flexibility - Work in a high-demand occupation on the MLTSSL - Want to avoid state commitment obligations - Prioritise faster, single-step processing

Choose Subclass 190 if you: - Score 75-85 points and need the 5-point boost - Are comfortable committing to a specific state - Your occupation appears on state occupation lists but not MLTSSL - Have existing connections to a particular state - Face high competition in Subclass 189 invitation rounds

Making Your Decision

Your choice between these path