189 vs 190 Visa Australia 2026: Differences, Points, Processing Time & Which Is Easier

Choosing between the Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) and Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) visa is one of the most consequential decisions on the General Skilled Migration pathway, and in 2026, the gap between the two has widened. Quarterly invitation rounds, tighter occupation prioritisation, and falling 189 ceilings have pushed many applicants, even those with 90+ points, to reconsider state nomination. The Department of Home Affairs is now issuing a far larger share of invitations through state and territory programs than through the independent stream, and processing times reflect that shift.

Our immigration experts guided you on how to compare the 189 Visa and 190 side by side using the 2026 settings: current points cut-offs, processing benchmarks, official fees, eligibility thresholds, document requirements, state nomination criteria for every state and territory, and the strategic question most applicants overlook, whether to lodge both Expressions of Interest at the same time. 

189 or 190, which one fits your profile?

Skip the guesswork. Get an accurate 2026 points score and a personalised pathway recommendation from MARN-registered agents before you lodge a single EOI.

Check your points with our Australian PR Points Calculator 2026

What is the difference between the 189 and 190 visas?

The core difference is sponsorship: the Subclass 189 requires no nomination and lets you live and work anywhere in Australia, while the Subclass 190 requires nomination by a state or territory and adds five points to your score in exchange for a two-year commitment to live and work in that state. Both grant permanent residency on arrival, both use the same 65-point minimum, and both feed into the same pathway to Australian citizenship after four years of lawful residence.

Where they diverge in practice:

• Invitation source: 189 invitations come directly from the Department of Home Affairs through SkillSelect. 190 invitations require a state or territory to nominate you first.
• Points threshold in 2026: 189 cut-offs sit at 90+ points for most non-priority occupations; 190 invitations commonly land at 75–85 points after the 5-point nomination bonus.
• Occupation list: 189 draws from the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). 190 uses MLTSSL plus the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), giving a much wider pool of eligible jobs.
• Geographic freedom: 189 holders can settle in any capital city or regional area from day one. 190 holders are expected to live and work in the nominating state for at least two years.
• Processing time: 50% of 190 visas are finalised in roughly 5–7 months in 2026, while 189 sits closer to 6–10 months for the same percentile.

What are the eligibility requirements for the 189 and 190 visas?

Both visas share an identical core eligibility framework, with the 190 adding state nomination on top. You must satisfy every item below; missing any one of them will block the invitation or trigger a refusal at the decision stage.

Core eligibility checklist (applies to both 189 and 190)

• Age: Under 45 years at the time of invitation.
• English language: Competent English minimum (IELTS 6.0 each band, PTE 50 each, or equivalent). Proficient (IELTS 7) earns 10 points; Superior (IELTS 8) earns 20 points.
• Skills assessment: A positive assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation (e.g., ACS for ICT, EA for engineers, VETASSESS for many others, CAANZ/CPA for accountants).
• Occupation on the right list: MLTSSL for 189; MLTSSL or STSOL for 190.
• Minimum points score: 65 points to submit an EOI, but in 2026, you will need significantly more to be invited.
• Health requirements: Pass a panel medical with an approved Bupa Medical Visa Services clinic.
• Character requirements: Police clearances from every country you have lived in for 12 months or more in the last 10 years, since age 16.
• No debt to the Australian Government and no prior visa cancellations.

Additional requirement for the 190 visa only

• State or territory nomination: You must be approved by one of the eight Australian states or territories under their current nomination criteria for your occupation.
• Commitment letter: Most states require a signed declaration that you intend to live and work in the nominating state for at least two years after the grant.
• State-specific extras: Some states ask for job offers, settlement funds evidence, family ties, or a completed study in the state.

How many points do you need for the 189 and 190 visa in 2026?

The official minimum is 65 points, but the practical 2026 cut-off is much higher: 189 invitations are landing at 90+ points for general occupations and 85+ for priority sectors, while 190 invitations are clearing at 75–85 points (including the 5 nomination bonus) for most states. Healthcare, education, construction, and engineering occupations sit at the lower end of those ranges because they are designated priority skills.

2026 Points Breakdown by Category

Use our Australia PR Points Calculator to score yourself accurately before lodging an EOI.

What are the 189 vs 190 visa processing times in 2026?

The Subclass 190 is processing faster than the 189 in 2026, with median grants in 5–7 months versus 6–10 months for the 189. The Department’s quarterly invitation model and priority-occupation focus have widened that gap, especially for healthcare, teaching, construction trades, and engineering roles.

Current processing benchmarks (Department of Home Affairs, 2026)

• Subclass 189 — 50% of applications: 6–10 months
• Subclass 189 — 90% of applications: 14–18 months
• Subclass 190 — 50% of applications: 5–7 months
• Subclass 190 — 90% of applications: 11–14 months
• Priority occupations (both subclasses): 3–6 months when “decision-ready”

A “decision-ready” application, complete skills assessment, all character and health documents uploaded at lodgement, and evidence for every point claim typically halves processing time. Live status is published on the official global visa processing times page.

How much do the 189 and 190 visas cost in 2026?

Both visas use the same Department of Home Affairs fee schedule; the only meaningful cost difference comes from state nomination fees that some states charge for the 190. Expect to budget AUD $5,000–$10,000+ in government fees alone for a family of four, before skills assessment, English testing, medicals, and migration advice.

2026 government fees

• Main applicant (189 or 190): AUD $4,765
• Additional applicant 18+ (partner): AUD $2,385
• Additional applicant under 18 (child): AUD $1,195
• Second Instalment (low English partner): AUD $4,890
• State nomination fee (190): $0–$330 depending on state (NSW charges $330; VIC, QLD, SA, TAS, NT, ACT are free; WA varies)
• Skills assessment: AUD $300–$1,200 depending on authority
• IELTS/PTE test: AUD $375–$410
• Medical examinations: AUD $350–$500 per adult
• Police clearances: AUD $42 (Australian) plus overseas equivalents

What are the state nomination requirements for the 190 visa?

Each Australian state and territory runs its own 190 program with separate occupation lists, points thresholds, and commitment rules, meaning your eligibility can change dramatically depending on which jurisdiction you target. Below is a 2026 snapshot to help you shortlist.

State and territory 190 nomination criteria 2026 snapshot

• New South Wales (NSW): Invitation-only based on EOI ranking. Generally requires 90+ points, NSW connection or Australian study, and an occupation on the NSW Skills List. Nomination fee AUD $330.
• Victoria (VIC): Two streams, Target Sectors (health, education, IT, engineering, advanced manufacturing) and Living and Working in Victoria. Requires Registration of Interest before invitation. No state fee.
• Queensland (QLD): Onshore working stream (6+ months QLD employment) and offshore stream for select priority occupations. Currently very selective, focused on health and education. No state fee.
• Western Australia (WA): WA Skilled Migration Occupation List (WASMOL) covers Schedule 1 (general) and Schedule 2 (state-specific). Requires 12 months of WA work for some occupations.
• South Australia (SA): Streams for graduates of SA institutions, current SA residents, and high-point talent. Strong focus on construction, health, defence, and ag-tech.
• Tasmania (TAS): Pathways for established residents (6+ months in Tasmania), graduates of Tasmanian institutions, and overseas applicants with job offers.
• Australian Capital Territory (ACT): Uses Canberra Matrix, a competitive ranking system favouring ACT residents, Canberra graduates, and applicants with job offers from ACT employers.
• Northern Territory (NT): Offshore and onshore streams. Offshore applicants must demonstrate a strong NT connection or commitment plus genuine job prospects.

Check each state’s official Skilled Migration page before lodging an EOI criteria change every program year, and many states open and close streams without warning.

Can you apply for both the 189 and 190 visas at the same time?

Yes, SkillSelect allows you to submit separate Expressions of Interest for the 189 and the 190 simultaneously, and doing so is one of the smartest strategies available in 2026. There is no penalty, no fee for an EOI, and no impact on your processing if one EOI is invited before the other.

How the dual-EOI strategy works

• Submit two EOIs: One for the 189 (independent) and one for the 190 (state nominated) — you can also add a 491 regional EOI for triple coverage.
• Different point scores: The 190 EOI automatically shows 5 extra points after a state nominates you, increasing your ranking.
• Whichever lands first: Accept the first invitation that suits your circumstances. If your 190 invitation arrives before 189, you can decline it within 60 days if you would rather wait for independent.
• Withdraw the other: Once you accept and lodge a visa application, withdraw the duplicate EOI so it does not occupy a slot.
• Best for applicants between 80–95 points: Below 80 points, the 190 is almost always faster. Above 95 points, the 189 is usually competitive enough on its own.

What documents do you need for the 189 and 190 visa?

Both visas require the same core document set: identity, skills, English, work experience, character, and health, with the 190 adding a state nomination approval letter. A complete document pack at lodgement is the single biggest factor in fast processing.

Document checklist for 189 and 190 applications

• Identity: Valid passport (bio page), birth certificate, national ID card, marriage certificate, and change-of-name documents if applicable.
• Skills assessment: Positive outcome letter from the relevant assessing authority, valid at the time of invitation.
• English proficiency: IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, OET, or Cambridge English Advanced (CAE) results within validity (typically 3 years).
• Qualifications: Degree certificates, transcripts, and academic awards for all post-secondary studies claimed.
• Work experience: Reference letters on company letterhead with duties, dates, hours, and salary; payslips; tax returns; superannuation statements (for Australian work); employment contracts.
• Partner skills evidence: If claiming partner points — partner’s skills assessment, English test results, and qualification documents.
• Health: Bupa Medical Visa Services examination (Form 26 chest x-ray, Form 160 medical, HIV test for 15+).
• Character: Police clearance from every country lived in for 12+ months in the last 10 years since age 16, including an Australian Federal Police check.
• Relationship: Marriage certificate, joint bank statements, lease agreements, shared bills, photographs (for de facto partners, minimum 12 months cohabitation).
• State nomination approval (190 only): Nomination letter from the state or territory issued through their portal.
• Form 80 and Form 1221: Personal particulars forms for all applicants over 16.

What is the 2-year commitment for the 190 visa?

The two-year state commitment is a moral and contractual obligation — not a legal visa condition — but breaking it has real consequences. When a state nominates you, you sign a declaration committing to live and work in that state for at least two years from the date your visa is granted. The visa itself has no geographic restriction in the legislation, but states share data with the Department of Home Affairs, and failure to honour the commitment can affect future applications, partner sponsorships, and citizenship character assessments.

What the 2-year commitment actually means

• Reside in the nominating state: Establish primary residence lease or property purchase, utilities in your name, driver’s license, and Medicare address.
• Work in the nominating state: Genuine effort to find and maintain employment locally, even if not in your nominated occupation.
• Interstate travel is fine: Short trips for work or family are not breaches; the commitment is about your primary base.
• Releases are rare: Some states allow early release for compelling reasons (job loss after genuine attempts, family emergency, medical need) — apply in writing before relocating.
• Impact on citizenship: The Department can refer to commitment breaches under the “good character” test when assessing your citizenship application.

189 vs 190 visa: which is easier to get in 2026?

The 190 visa is significantly easier to be invited for in 2026 because the 5-point nomination bonus, lower competition within state programs, and wider eligible occupation list combine to lower the practical points threshold by 10–15 points compared to the 189. For an applicant with 80 points and an occupation on a state list, the 190 is realistic this year; the 189 is not.

Quick comparison: 189 vs 190 at a glance

• Easier to get invited: 190 (lower points cut-off, wider occupation list)
• Faster processing: 190 (5–7 months vs 6–10 months at the 50th percentile)
• More geographic freedom: 189 (live and work anywhere from day one)
• Wider occupation list: 190 (MLTSSL + STSOL vs MLTSSL only)
• Lower cost: 189 (no state nomination fee)
• Best for high-points applicants (95+): 189 (competitive on its own)
• Best for mid-point applicants (75–90): 190 (nomination bonus tips the balance)
• Best for regional opportunities: Consider the 491 instead

What is the difference between the 189, 190, and 491 visas?

The 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa is the third option on the General Skilled Migration ladder, and many 2026 applicants choose it because the 189 and 190 are out of reach. The 491 is a five-year provisional visa with a pathway to the permanent 191 visa after three years of regional living and minimum income earnings. It adds 15 points to your score and uses a much wider regional occupation list.

189 vs 190 vs 491 key differences

• Subclass 189: Permanent, no sponsorship, anywhere in Australia, 90+ points needed, MLTSSL only.
• Subclass 190: Permanent, state-nominated, 2-year state commitment, 75–85 points typical, MLTSSL + STSOL.
• Subclass 491: Provisional 5-year, state or family sponsored, regional Australia only, 65–80 points typical, ROL + MLTSSL + STSOL, 15 bonus points, pathway to permanent 191.

Read our detailed How to Apply for a 491 Visa in Australia? for a deeper breakdown of regional pathways.

What are the most common reasons for 189 and 190 visa refusal?

Most 189 and 190 refusals in 2026 trace back to four issues: insufficient or unverifiable evidence for claimed points, skills assessment problems, character concerns from undisclosed history, or failure to meet the genuine intent test for state nomination. Refusals are appealable to the Administrative Review Tribunal, but the process adds 12–24 months and a high cost.

Top refusal reasons to avoid

• Overclaimed work experience: Claiming points for work that does not match your nominated occupation’s tasks under ANZSCO.
• Weak employment evidence: Reference letters without duties, dates, hours, or salary; missing payslips or tax records.
• Skills assessment lapsed or wrong occupation: Assessments expire (typically 3 years) and must match the EOI exactly.
• English score below claim: Submitting a lower-band result than the points claimed in the EOI.
• Undisclosed criminal history: Even minor matters disclosed late are treated more harshly than serious matters disclosed upfront.
• Health failure: Tuberculosis, certain chronic conditions, or significant healthcare cost projections can trigger refusal of health waivers, which are rare for 189/190.
• Genuine intent failure (190): Lack of evidence that you intend to settle in the nominating state, no rental enquiries, job applications, or research.
• Form 80/1221 inconsistencies: Dates, addresses, or employment history that contradict skills assessment or EOI data.

How do partners and dependants get included in the 189 or 190 visa?

Partners and dependent children can be included as secondary applicants on both the 189 and 190 — they receive the same permanent residency on grant as the main applicant. Including them requires extra fees, documents, and a Functional English assessment for partners or a Second Instalment fee if their English is below that level.

Including family members

• Partner (married or de facto): Must prove relationship — 12-month minimum cohabitation for de facto unless registered. Provide joint finances, shared residence, and social recognition evidence.
• Dependent children: Under 18 automatically dependent. 18–23 must be financially dependent and not married/in a de facto relationship.
• Functional English for partner: IELTS 4.5 average, or pay the Second Instalment of AUD $4,890.
• Health and character for everyone: Every family member needs medicals and police clearances.
• Non-migrating family: Must still be declared and undergo health checks (Form 1022).

What is a bridging visa, and do you get one with a 189 or 190 application?

If you lodge a 189 or 190 application while you are in Australia on a substantive visa, you are automatically granted a Bridging Visa A (BVA) that activates if your current visa expires before a decision is made. The BVA allows you to remain in Australia legally with the same work rights as your current visa, but does not allow re-entry if you leave for travel; you must apply for a Bridging Visa B (BVB).

Bridging visa basics for 189/190 applicants

• Bridging Visa A (BVA): Automatic, sits dormant until your substantive visa expires, then activates.
• Bridging Visa B (BVB): Apply separately if you need to travel internationally during processing.
• Work rights: Generally inherited from your current visa; full work rights for most substantive visa holders.
• Medicare: Bridging visa holders are not automatically eligible for Medicare, and must keep private health insurance until a grant.
• Offshore applicants: Cannot hold a bridging visa from offshore; you remain on your current visa or status in your country until the 189/190 is decided.

What is the pathway from 189 or 190 to Australian citizenship?

Both the 189 and 190 are permanent residency visas, which means they start the clock on the four-year residence requirement for Australian citizenship from the date of grant (or earlier if you held an eligible temporary visa). The pathway is identical for both subclasses; your residence in the nominating state for the 190 still counts toward citizenship eligibility.

Citizenship timeline from 189/190 grant

• 4 years total lawful residence in Australia immediately before application
• 12 months as a permanent resident immediately before the application
• No more than 12 months’ absence in the 4-year period (no more than 90 days in the final 12 months)
• Pass the Australian Citizenship Test
• Meet character requirements
• Intend to reside in Australia

How The Migration helps you choose between the 189 and 190 visa

Most applicants spend months building a points profile that targets the wrong subclass, with high English scores aimed at the 189 when their occupation has a saturated ceiling, or state nomination applications to a state that does not currently invite their ANZSCO. The Migration’s registered migration agents (MARN-registered, members of the Migration Institute of Australia) audit your full profile against live invitation round data and current state nomination criteria before you spend on tests, assessments, or applications.

What you get when you work with us:

• Eligibility & strategy assessment, accurate points scoring, occupation ANZSCO check, and a clear recommendation: 189, 190, 491, or employer-sponsored alternative.
• State nomination targeting current criteria, occupation list status, and competition data for all 8 states and territories.
• Decision-ready document preparation for every claim evidenced before lodgement to avoid the 14–18 month tail of processing times.
• Skills assessment guidance, choosing the right assessing authority and avoiding common assessment refusals.
• Dual-EOI lodgement 189 and 190 EOIs are strategically structured to maximise invitation chances.
• End-to-end application management from EOI through to visa grant and beyond.
• Offices in Sydney (Harris Park) and Melbourne CBD for in-person consultations, plus video meetings Australia-wide and internationally.

Book a consultation with our team through the contact page or explore our full General Skilled Migration services.

Conclusion:

The 189 vs 190 decision in 2026 comes down to three numbers and one preference. If your points score is 95+ and your occupation is on the MLTSSL with low competition, the 189 remains the cleanest pathway with full geographic freedom, no state commitment, and identical permanent residency. 

Our points sit in the 75–90 range. The 190 is almost always the faster route because the 5-point nomination bonus and wider occupation list dramatically improve your invitation odds, and the trade-off is a two-year commitment to a state you would likely choose to live in anyway. If you are below 70 points or your occupation is not on MLTSSL or STSOL, the 491 regional visa is your strongest play, with the 191 conversion to permanent residency after three years. Book your consultation with The Migration.

Frequently Asked Questions