The first question that comes to mind regarding applying for PR via the GSM program in Australia is:
Is it better to apply for a Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189) or the State Nominated visa (Subclass 190)?
Both visas provide permanent residency, unlimited employment possibilities, health insurance via Medicare, and an opportunity to become a citizen of Australia. Yet the two visas have different eligibility criteria, process of invitation, point scores, and involvement of the state government.
In this article, we will make a comparison between Skilled Independent vs State Nominated visas in Australia
What is the Skilled Independent (Visa Sc 189)?
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is a points-based permanent visa for skilled individuals who do not have any sponsorship from either their employer, their relative, or the state/territory of Australia.
Invitations are given directly to the applicants by the Australian Government depending upon their Expression of Interest (EOI), Occupation, and Points Score.
Important Characteristics
- Permanent Residence right from the day of visa grant
- Does not require sponsorship from state or employer
- Can live and work anywhere in Australia
- Entitlement to Medicare
- Eligible to sponsor relatives
- Path to Australian Citizenship (if eligible)
What Is the State Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)?
The other type of visa which can be used to gain permanent residency in Australia is known as the State Nominated Visa (subclass 190). However, before applying for this visa, an individual must get nominated by the Australian government.
Each state has its own occupation list, eligibility criteria, employment requirements, and nomination policies.
By getting nominated, individuals become eligible for an extra 5 points.
Key Features
- Permanent residency
- Requires state or territory nomination
- Additional 5 points
- Full work and study rights
- Medicare access
- Australian Citizenship pathway
SC 189 vs SC 190 Visa: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Subclass 189 | Subclass 190 |
| Permanent Residency | Yes | Yes |
| State Nomination Required | No | Yes |
| Additional Points | No | Yes (+5) |
| Employer Sponsorship | No | No |
| Live Anywhere in Australia | Yes | States generally expect nominees to contribute to the nominating state initially |
| Medicare | Yes | Yes |
| Citizenship Pathway | Yes | Yes |
Eligibility Requirements of SC 189 & SC 190
Both visas require applicants to:
- Have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list
- Obtain a positive skills assessment
- Meet English language requirements
- Lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI)
- Be under the applicable age limit at the time of invitation
- Meet health and character requirements
- Achieve the minimum points required to be eligible
For the SC 190 visa, applicants must also satisfy the nomination criteria of the relevant Australian state or territory.
Points Test: Which Visa Is More Beneficial for You?
The General Skilled Migration program involves a points test. An extra 5 points are awarded to applicants of the Subclass 190 visa following state nomination.
For instance:
| Your points | 75 |
| State nomination | 5 |
| Invitation points | 80 |
This may be a substantial addition when you apply for an occupation with tough invitation criteria.
State Nomination Overview
In contrast to the SC 189 visa, the SC 190 visa needs nomination from an Australian state or territory.
Nomination requirements vary depending on each state and could be as follows:
- Occupation availability
- Work experience
- Residency requirements
- Working in the state
- Commitment to help the state economically
Nomination requirements could vary depending on the time of the year; therefore, it is necessary to check them before application submission.
Invitation Steps
For Independent Skilled Visa SC (189)
- Skills Assessment
- English Test
- Make Expression of Interest
- Await invitation from the Government of Australia
- Submit visa application
For Nominated Skilled Visa SC (190)
- Skills Assessment
- English Test
- Make Expression of Interest
- Nomination Application (where applicable)
- State Nomination
- Invitation
- Visa application submission
Can You Live Anywhere in Australia?
One of the most significant distinctions is flexibility.
- Subclass 189: You can live, study, and work anywhere in Australia right after obtaining the visa.
- Subclass 190: Despite being a permanent visa, successful candidates are usually required to help out the nominating state or territory by working and living there, especially in the first few years of arrival.
Which Visa Is Easier to Obtain?
There is no clear answer.
If your profession is highly competitive, then receiving an SC 190 visa nomination will give you better opportunities for an invitation due to the additional 5 points.
But nomination by the states does not automatically happen. You will have to fulfill the requirements of the nomination of the corresponding state or territory.
It all depends on your profession, points, language skills, working experience, and current requirements for state nomination.
For more information, book your appointment with our Registered Migration Agent.
Advantages of SC 189 Visa & SC 190
|
Advantages of the SC 189 Visa |
Advantages of the SC 190 Visa |
|
State nomination not necessary |
Five extra points |
|
More options regarding location of settlement |
May increase chances of being invited |
| No commitment to any particular state | Permanent residency |
|
Ideal for applicants who have a good number of points |
State nomination due to occupational demand |
Are You Eligible to Apply For 189 and 190 Visas at the Same Time?
Yes. Most skilled immigrants apply for both subclasses under their Expression of Interest if they qualify for it.
This would give them a chance to get an invitation, based on government invitation rounds and state nominations.
Common Application Errors
- Believing that all occupations can be nominated by the states
- Failing to look at the new requirements for state nomination
- Misinformation regarding points
- Submitting applications without proper skills assessment
- Neglecting English Language Requirements
- Not updating an EOI soon enough
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is the 190 visa easier to obtain than the 189 visa?
Not always. The extra 5 points help in making the application more competitive, although you need to be eligible for state nomination first.
Q2: Is the 190 visa a permanent residency visa?
Yes. The Subclass 190 visa is a permanent residency visa.
Q3: Is it possible to apply for 189 and 190 visas at the same time?
Yes, if you are eligible for both of them.
Q4: Which visa is better?
This will depend on your occupation, points, eligibility for state nomination, and migration purposes. Applicants with highly competitive points might find the 189 visa preferable to pursue, while others would benefit from applying for the 190 visa.
Conclusion
The Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) and the State Nominated Visa (subclass 190) are both great ways of gaining Australian permanent residency.
The 189 visa gives more flexibility because it does not need state nomination, whereas the 190 visa may help to improve your chances of receiving an invite by adding another 5 points, provided that you satisfy the nomination criteria of one of the states.
Your choice will be dictated by such factors as your occupation, points score, language level, work experience, and nomination eligibility, so before making your Expression of Interest, it might be useful to check out the most recent government and state requirements.
In case you find it difficult to choose a visa pathway for yourself, then you should consider getting professional migration consulting services.