Australia Skilled Visa (Subclass 189 vs 190) for UAE Residents: Key Differences

The main difference between Australia’s Subclass 189 and Subclass 190 skilled visas is state or territory nomination. Both are popular skilled migration pathways for eligible applicants seeking permanent residence in Australia.

The Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa allows you to apply without nomination from an Australian state or territory. 

If granted, it allows you to live and work anywhere in Australia.

 On the other hand, the Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated visa requires nomination by an Australian state or territory. 

Each state and territory has its own nomination criteria and skilled occupation requirements.

So, which visa is the right choice for you?

In this guide, we compare the Subclass 189 and Subclass 190 visas, including their key differences, eligibility requirements, the Australian points test, and the documents required for each visa. 

We will also help UAE residents understand which skilled visa pathway may be more suitable for their Australian permanent residence journey.

Let’s get started.

Reminder: This article is for general information only. Australian skilled migration rules, occupation lists, points requirements, state nomination rules, fees, and processing times can change. Always check the latest information on the Australian Department of Home Affairs and the relevant state or territory website before submitting your EOI or visa application.

The Visa Guy does not assist with Australian Skilled Migration visa applications.

 

What Are the Australia Skilled Visas (Subclass 189 & 190)?

Subclass 189 and Subclass 190 are skilled migration visas for qualified workers who want to live and work permanently in Australia. 

Both visas follow a points-tested system, where factors such as age, English language ability, work experience and qualifications can contribute to your points score.

For both visa pathways, you must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through Australia’s SkillSelect system. 

Meeting the minimum points requirement does not guarantee an invitation to apply, as invitations depend on the relevant visa pathway and selection process

Subclass 189 vs Subclass 190: Quick Comparison

Who Is Eligible for Each Visa?

To be eligible for an Australian Subclass 189 or Subclass 190 visa, you must meet certain requirements. Here are the key eligibility criteria.

• Age: You must be under 45 years old when you receive an invitation to apply.
• Eligible Occupation: Your occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list for the Subclass 189 visa.
• Skills Assessment: You must have a suitable skills assessment for your nominated occupation.
• Points Test: You must score at least 65 points. However, meeting the minimum score does not guarantee an invitation, and invited applicants may need a higher score.
• English Proficiency: You must have at least competent English. For example, an IELTS score of 6 in each test component may meet this requirement, depending on the accepted test rules.
• Expression of Interest: You must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and receive an invitation before applying for the visa.

Understanding the Australia Points Test

Both the Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189) and Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190) are points-tested permanent visas. You need at least 65 points to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect. 

However, meeting 65 points does not guarantee an invitation. The score needed can be higher depending on your occupation and the invitation round. 

• Age: You can earn points based on your age. Applicants aged 25–32 can receive the highest age score of 30 points.
• English Language: You can earn 0, 10, or 20 points based on your level of English.
• Skilled Work Experience: You can earn points for eligible skilled work experience in Australia and overseas.
• Education: Your highest recognised qualification can give you additional points. A doctorate can provide up to 20 points, while a bachelor’s or master’s degree can provide 15 points.
• Australian Study: You may receive 5 additional points if you meet the Australian study requirement.
• Specialist Education: You may receive extra points for certain eligible specialist qualifications completed in Australia.
• Regional Study: You may receive 5 points if you meet the requirements for study in regional Australia.
• Community Language: You may receive 5 points if you hold an eligible credential in an Australian community language.
• Partner Skills: You may receive additional points based on your partner’s skills and English level, depending on your circumstances.
• State Nomination: A Subclass 190 nomination gives you 5 additional points. The relevant state or territory must nominate you before you can receive an invitation for this visa.
• Minimum Points: You need at least 65 points to be eligible for an invitation. However, 65 points does not guarantee an invitation because the required score can be higher depending on the visa and invitation round.

Subclass 189 vs Subclass 190

• Subclass 189: You do not need state or territory nomination. You apply independently through the points-tested pathway.
• Subclass 190: You need nomination from an Australian state or territory before receiving an invitation. Subclass 190 gives you 5 additional points for state or territory nomination.

What Is State Nomination?

State nomination is a process where an Australian state or territory selects skilled workers who have the skills it needs. Each state and territory sets its own nomination criteria based on its workforce and population needs.

• Each state has its own requirements: States and territories decide who they want to nominate based on their local needs.
• Occupation lists can differ: A state may need workers in certain occupations, while another state may focus on different skills. This is why an occupation eligible for nomination in one state may not be eligible in another.
• You must meet the state’s criteria: You need to check the specific requirements of the state or territory you want to apply to. These can include your occupation, skills, work experience and other factors.
• Nomination helps you apply for Subclass 190: If a state or territory nominates you, you can receive an invitation to apply for the Subclass 190 visa.
• You can gain extra points: A Subclass 190 nomination gives you 5 additional points under the points test.
• It can create another pathway to PR: If your profile does not make you competitive for an independent visa, state nomination may provide another skilled migration pathway to permanent residence.

Pros and Cons of Subclass 189

Advantages

• No state nomination: You do not need a nomination from an Australian state or territory.
• Live anywhere in Australia: You can live, work and study anywhere in Australia after your visa is granted.
• Permanent residency: Subclass 189 is a permanent visa, so you can stay in Australia indefinitely.
• No employer sponsorship: You do not need an employer to sponsor you for this visa.
• Independent pathway: You do not have to depend on a particular state or employer to support your application.
• Family options: You can include eligible family members in your application.

Disadvantages

• High competition: You compete with other applicants for invitations, and the required score can be higher than the minimum 65 points.
• Invitation is not guaranteed: Submitting an EOI and meeting the minimum points requirement does not guarantee an invitation.
• Limited occupations: Your occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list for Subclass 189.
• Strong profile needed: Your age, English skills, qualifications and skilled work experience can affect your points score and your chances of receiving an invitation.
• No state nomination advantage: Unlike Subclass 190, Subclass 189 does not give you the additional 5 points available for state or territory nomination.

Pros and Cons of Subclass 190

Advantages

• Permanent residency: Subclass 190 is a permanent visa. It allows you to live, work and study in Australia indefinitely.
• Extra 5 points: State or territory nomination gives you 5 additional points under the points test.
• Another pathway to PR: If you do not receive an invitation for Subclass 189, state nomination can give you another skilled migration pathway.
• Work and study anywhere in Australia: Once you hold the Subclass 190 visa, you can work and study anywhere in Australia.
• Different state opportunities: Each state and territory has its own nomination criteria, so you can explore the options that match your occupation and profile.

Disadvantages

• State nomination is required: You must receive nomination from an Australian state or territory before you can apply for the visa.
• Each state has different rules: States and territories set their own requirements, so eligibility can vary depending on where you apply.
• Limited nomination places: States and territories receive a set number of nomination places each program year, so competition can be high.
• You still need to meet the points test: You must have at least 65 points to be eligible for an invitation, but the required score can be higher depending on the invitation.
• Your occupation must be eligible: You need an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list and a suitable skills assessment

 

Which Visa May Be Better for UAE Residents?

For UAE residents, there is no single visa that works best for everyone. 

Your points, occupation, and eligibility can help you decide whether Subclass 189 or Subclass 190 is the better option for you. 

Here, our Australian visa experts explain different situations and help you understand which visa pathway may suit your profile.

 

 Documents You’ll Typically Need for both Visas

• Current Passport: Provide a clear colour copy of the pages showing your photo, personal details, and passport validity.
• National ID: Include your national ID card if you have one.
• Name Change Documents: If you have changed your name, provide documents such as a marriage certificate, divorce certificate, or official name-change document.
• Skills Assessment: Provide a valid skills assessment for your nominated occupation.
• English Test Results: Provide proof of your English language skills if you claimed points for English.
• Employment Documents: Provide documents that support your work experience, such as employment references, contracts, payslips, tax records, or superannuation records. Your employment reference should include your job title, employment dates, duties, working hours, and salary.
• Education Documents: Provide your degree or diploma certificates and other documents that support your education claims.
• Police Certificates: Provide police certificates from every country where you lived for a total of 12 months or more during the past 10 years since turning 16.
• Health Examinations: Complete the required health checks if Home Affairs asks you to. If you complete an eligible health examination in advance, include your HAP ID in the application.
• Character Forms: You may need to complete Form 80 and Form 1221 as part of the character assessment.
• Relationship Documents: If you include a partner or children, provide documents that prove their identity and your relationship with them.
• English Translations: If your documents are not in English, provide the original documents along with English translations that meet Home Affairs requirements.

 

Before You Apply: Key Things to Check

 

Choosing the Right Skilled Visa for Your Australian PR Journey

Both Subclass 189 and Subclass 190 can lead to permanent residency in Australia. The right option depends on your occupation, points score, and overall eligibility. Subclass 189 gives you more flexibility because it does not require state or territory nomination. 

However, competition for invitations can be strong. Subclass 190 requires state or territory nomination and can give you an additional 5 points, which may help strengthen your profile.

Before choosing a pathway, check your occupation, calculate your points, and review the current nomination requirements of the states or territories that may suit your profile. 

These requirements can change, so always check the latest information before submitting your EOI or visa application.

This article is for informational purposes only.

The Visa Guy does not assist with Australian Skilled Migration visa applications, Subclass 189 or Subclass 190 applications, or state nomination processes.

However, you can contact us for assistance with other types of visas, including tourist, business, and student visas.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between Subclass 189 and Subclass 190?
   Subclass 189 is a Skilled Independent visa and does not require state or territory nomination. Subclass 190 requires nomination from an Australian state or territory.
2. Which visa is easier to obtain?
   Neither visa is automatically easier. Your occupation, points score and eligibility for state nomination can affect which pathway is more suitable for you.
3. Does Subclass 190 give additional points?
   Yes. State or territory nomination for Subclass 190 gives you 5 additional points under the points test.
4. Is Subclass 189 a permanent residency visa?
   Yes. Subclass 189 is a permanent visa that allows successful applicants to live in Australia permanently.
5. Can I live anywhere in Australia with a Subclass 190 visa?
   The Subclass 190 is a permanent visa, but you should follow the commitments and requirements connected to the state or territory that nominated you.
6. Do I need a job offer for either visa?
   No. Neither Subclass 189 nor Subclass 190 requires employer sponsorship as part of the points-tested pathway.
7. What is the minimum points requirement?
   You need at least 65 points to be eligible for an invitation. However, reaching 65 points does not guarantee an invitation, and the required score can be higher.
8. Can UAE residents apply for Australia’s Skilled Migration Program?
   Yes. You can submit an EOI from outside Australia, so eligible UAE residents can apply through the skilled migration process.
9. How long does the application process usually take?
   There is no fixed timeframe because the process includes the EOI, invitation, visa application and assessment. Processing can vary depending on your application and the checks required.
10. What happens if I don’t receive an invitation?
    Your EOI can remain in SkillSelect, and you can update it if your circumstances change. You may also improve your profile and points if you become eligible for additional points.
11. Can I apply for both Subclass 189 and 190?
    You can submit an EOI for the skilled visa pathways you may be eligible for. Subclass 190 also requires a state or territory to nominate you before you receive an invitation.
12. Does state nomination guarantee visa approval?
    No. State nomination allows you to receive an invitation for Subclass 190, but you must still meet all visa requirements and provide the required evidence for the visa application.