Difference Between 189 and 190 Visa: Trusted Insights 2026

When you are working out which pathway in the Australian skill immigration process that you are best to apply for, one of the main differences you will need to consider in difference between the 189 and 190 visa which affects what sort of work life and where you live you have and a variety of other points, because one needs absolutely no sponsoring by a company to work for and another requires you to work for the specific region where you receive your state sponsorship for. The 189 visa, or Skilled Independent visa allows you to go live and work anywhere in Australia with a sponsored not needing to look for work by a company or an individual, and you simply work off your personal points score for migration. However, with the 190 visa, you have state nominations from a region in Australia for being skilled in their area. 

What Is the Main Difference Between 189 and 190 Visa?

The most obvious difference between 189 visa and 190 visa criteria is sponsorship: the Subclass 189 is not sponsored, you are free to live anywhere in Australia, whereas the Subclass 190 needs a nomination by an Australian state government in return for five additional points and a condition to live in that state for two years. 

Pro Tip: Don't choose a visa by name recognition; choose based on whether your current points score meets the effective invitation mark for your occupation, which is often well above the 65-point pool mark for 189 in competitive fields.

Also Read: Difference Between 189 and 190 Visa: Complete 2026 Guide

How Do the Points Requirements Compare for 189 and 190 Visa?

The minimum score is still the same (65 for both options); however, the main difference between 189 and 190 visas is the weightage attached to your score via state nomination. If you are nominated by the State for 190, you will receive an additional 5 points automatically on your profile. Basically, if you have an average of 70 (not including the bonus points from state nomination), it effectively turns to 75 on the 190 visa, which is why the 190 visa is usually a lot easier to get than the 189. The 189 visa, however, solely utilises your own score without the assistance of any bonus points. 

Key Note: Meeting 65 points only gets you into the SkillSelect pool; it does not create an entitlement to an invitation. Check current invitation trends for your specific occupation before assuming either pathway is "in reach."

Which Occupation Lists Apply to the 189 vs the 190 Visa?

One of the most important differences between the 189 and 190 visa streams is access to the lists of eligible occupations. For an 189 visa, the occupation must be present on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

• The MLTSSL (National Long-Term Demand) occupations are professions for which there are "ongoing nationwide shortages". The MLTSSL is the only list for which an occupation can be assessed under the 189 visa stream. Hence, only those occupations, such as registered nurses or civil engineers, with a definite high and continuing demand at a national level can apply for this visa stream.

• The STSOL (Shorter-Term/State Demand) occupations list those professions required on a more localised level. These are professions that do not appear on the MLTSSL. Hence, they cannot apply for the independent 189 visa, but must instead be nominated by the state/territory or a nominated employer.

• Independent State Lists: Every state and territory government maintains its own individual state lists, from which only occupations listed there can be considered. The states and territories derive this list from the MLTSSL and STSOL but have the final decision. There is no certainty that the same occupations will be included in each list. What might be required by the government of South Australia, could be completely unavailable to an immigrant working in New South Wales.

• Conclusion on Lists: In a lot of cases, occupation lists simply choose a skilled migrant. If skills assessment leads to a qualification not on the MLTSSL list, the 189 visa is out of the question, and the 190 visa is the next appropriate step toward permanent residence.

As per TerraTern Expert: If your occupation isn't on the MLTSSL, the 190 visa, not the 189, is likely your only General Skilled Migration route to full PR without an employer or family sponsor.

What Are the Settlement Obligations After Getting a 190 Visa?

After receiving a 190 visa, most Australian states and territories expect nominees to live and work in the nominating state for around two years.

• This is an important difference between 189 and 190 visa pathways: the 190 visa carries a settlement commitment linked to state nomination, while the 189 visa has no state sponsorship or settlement expectation.

• The two-year commitment is generally a state nomination policy, not a legislative visa condition that automatically leads to visa cancellation if you relocate.

• Settlement expectations vary by state. For example, South Australia and Western Australia clearly state a two-year commitment in their nomination policies, while other states may use slightly different wording.

• States may request updates on your employment or residential status during the settlement period.

• Although there is typically no automatic visa cancellation for moving interstate, failing to honour your commitment may affect your credibility for future state nominations, sponsorships, or government support.

• Before relocating, review the latest settlement obligations published by your nominating state, as policies can change over time.

 Expert Tip: Treat the two-year state commitment as a serious policy expectation tied to your nomination's integrity, not a fine-print technicality, but don't let inaccurate "you'll lose PR" claims elsewhere online cause unnecessary panic.

How Do Processing Times Compare for 189 and 190 Visa?

Processing times for both visas vary significantly by points score, occupation, and application completeness. A key difference between 189 and 190 visa timelines is the 190’s two-stage process, meaning its total wait includes a state-side assessment that varies widely by jurisdiction.

Important Note: A "decision-ready" application, with a complete skills assessment and all evidence for every point claimed uploaded at lodgement, is the single biggest lever you control over processing time, regardless of which visa you choose.

Can You Apply for Both the 189 and 190 Visa at the Same Time?

Yes. You can submit separate Expressions of Interest (EOIs) in SkillSelect for both the 189 visa and 190 visa at the same time.

• This is a widely recommended strategy because it increases your chances of receiving an invitation through either pathway.

• One EOI can be used to indicate interest in multiple visa subclasses, including both 189 and 190, with your eligibility assessed for each.

• A key difference between 189 and 190 visa pathways is that the 190 visa includes state nomination, which adds 5 extra points to your score after nomination.

• There is no penalty for keeping both visa pathways active while waiting for an invitation.

• If you receive an invitation for one visa, the other pathway does not automatically cancel unless you choose to withdraw it or proceed with one application.

• Before accepting an invitation, compare eligibility, processing timelines, settlement expectations, and long-term goals to decide which option best suits your circumstances

Expert Advice: Running both EOIs in parallel costs nothing extra and only expands your options — there's rarely a good reason not to do it if you're eligible for both.

What Are the Visa Application Fees for 189 and 190 Visa?

From 1 July 2026, the base government charge is AUD 6,135 (Subclass 189) and AUD 6,140 (Subclass 190), a difference of AUD 5, so not a deciding factor.

• The difference between 189 and 190 visa application fees is only AUD 5, so cost is rarely the deciding factor. 

• Second instalment (if no functional English at grant): AUD 5,090 per adult, AUD 1,275 per child.

• Partner/child additional-applicant charges apply.

• State nomination may add separate state fees; check each state.

• All charges non‑refundable, even on refusal.

Important Tip: Budget for the second English-language instalment even if you're confident in your test score, a borderline result discovered late in processing can add AUD 5,090 per adult applicant to your bill with no advance warning built into the base fee.

Do 189 and 190 Visa Applicants Need the Same Skills Assessment?

Yes. For the difference between 189 and 190 visa, the skills assessment requirement is the same: you need a positive assessment in your nominated occupation from the relevant assessing authority before lodging an EOI.

1. The assessment is tied to your occupation/ANZSCO code, not whether you are applying for subclass 189 or subclass 190.

2. That means one valid skills assessment can support EOIs for both the 189 and 190 if the nominated occupation is the same and the assessment remains valid.movingtoaustralia+1

3. Common assessing authorities that Indian applicants often see include:

•   ACS for IT/ICT roles.

•    Engineers Australia for engineering occupations.

•    ANMAC for nursing and midwifery.

•    AHPRA for regulated health professions.

•    TRA for many trade occupations

•    VETASSESS for many general professional occupations

As per our TerraTern Expert Shreya, get your skills assessment right the first time, since it underpins both a 189 and a 190 EOI equally; an error here doesn't just cost you one pathway; it stalls both at once.

Can You Include Family Members in a 189 or 190 Visa Application?

Yes, both the 189 and 190 visas allow the inclusion of a partner and dependent children on the same application; included family members receive the same PR rights (Medicare, work, education) as the primary applicant.

• A partner can contribute points to your EOI if they meet the skill/competent English requirements.

• Additional visa charges apply per family member.

• No difference between 189 and 190 visa regarding family benefits.

Pro Tip: If you're claiming partner points, keep your relationship status and your partner's skills assessment evidence consistent from EOI through to visa lodgement; a change in circumstances partway through can put your claimed points at risk under either subclass.

What Rights and Benefits Do 189 and 190 Visa Holders Get?

Both grants identical core rights: permanent residency, unrestricted work rights, Medicare, access to education and social services, travel rights, a pathway to Australian citizenship, and the ability to sponsor eligible family members.

• The only practical difference between 189 and 190 visa is the 190’s state settlement expectation (typically the first two years).

• Primary keyword: difference between 189 and 190 visa

Key Note: Don't let the state-nomination requirement make the 190 feel like a "lesser" visa — once granted, a 190 visa holder has exactly the same permanent residency rights as a 189 visa holder, with a temporary settlement expectation as the only trade-off.

Which Visa Should You Choose — 189 or 190? 

A key difference between 189 and 190 visa pathways is that the 189 visa offers complete freedom to live anywhere in Australia, while the 190 visa requires state nomination and carries a settlement expectation. 

• No universally better option; choose based on points, occupation list eligibility, and willingness to commit to a state.

• Decision checklist: Is my occupation on the MLTSSL? Am I near the current invitation mark? Would a specific state’s job market and settlement expectations suit me?

• Strong scorers with location flexibility often prefer 189; moderate scorers or state-only occupations lean 190.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are some differences between the 189 and 190 visas, but both have benefits and advantages of their own. Both visas give skilled workers opportunities to reside and work in Australia. It allows people to grow professionally in their careers and have a better lifestyle. Australia is known for its high quality of life, which attracts skilled professionals from diverse fields around the globe for work opportunities. The country has a leading market sector that creates plenty of opportunities for people in every field. These jobs provide stability and security to the people coming to Australia to work. If you’re looking to apply for an Australian visa 189 or 190, then TerraTern is right here to help you out with immigrating to Australia. Start your journey today in Australia with the help of our excellent executives.