For professionals eyeing a future Down Under, two standout options are Independent Skilled Visa vs State-Sponsored Visa. In the competitive landscape of Australian skilled migration, choosing the right visa pathway can make all the difference in securing permanent residency.
Both are permanent residency visas designed for skilled workers, but they differ significantly in requirements, flexibility, and accessibility. As of September 2025, these visas remain popular amid Australia’s ongoing demand for talent in sectors like healthcare, engineering, IT, and trades.
A critical component of eligibility for both visas is demonstrating competent English language proficiency. The Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic is a favoured option due to its quick results and AI-scoring accuracy.
If you’re preparing for PTE, resources like ptezone.com offer tailored practice materials and mock tests to help you achieve the required scores efficiently.
In this guide, we’ll delve into the types, subtypes, eligibility, processes, and a head-to-head comparison to empower your decision-making. Whether you’re a solo applicant or a family unit, understanding these nuances is key to a successful application.
Understanding the Subclass 189: Skilled Independent Visa
The Subclass 189, officially known as the Skilled Independent Visa (Points-tested stream), is a flagship pathway for highly skilled professionals who don’t need employer or state sponsorship.
Introduced under Australia’s points-based system, it targets occupations on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), ensuring migrants fill long-term skill shortages nationwide.
This visa grants permanent residency from day one, allowing holders to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia without restrictions.
Types and Subtypes of Subclass 189
The Subclass 189 primarily operates through a single main stream: the Points-tested stream. However, it accommodates specific applicant categories as subtypes, making it versatile:
- Points-tested Stream (Primary Pathway): This is the core subtype for most applicants. It requires submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect, the Department of Home Affairs’ online platform. Invitations are issued in periodic rounds based on points score, occupation demand, and capping. As of the August 2025 invitation round, over 15,000 spots were allocated for the 2025-26 program year, with pro-rata occupations like accountants and software engineers facing higher competition.
- New Zealand Stream (Eligible New Zealand Citizens): A subtype for New Zealand citizens who have lived in Australia on a Special Category Visa (Subclass 444) for at least five years and meet income thresholds. This bypasses the points test, focusing on residency history rather than skills assessment.
- Hong Kong and British National (Overseas) Stream: Introduced in 2021 and extended into 2025, this subtype targets eligible Hong Kong or BNO passport holders. It waives the points test for those aged 18-35 with competent English, offering a five-year temporary visa leading to permanent residency under Subclass 189.
These subtypes ensure the visa caters to diverse global talent pools while prioritizing Australia’s economic needs.
Detailed Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 189
To qualify, applicants must meet stringent criteria across multiple dimensions. Here’s a breakdown:
- Age Requirement: You must be under 45 years old at the time of invitation. Points are awarded as follows: 25 points for 18-24 years, decreasing to 0 for 45+.
- English Language Proficiency: Competent English is mandatory, with superior, proficient, or IELTS-equivalent scores earning bonus points (up to 20). PTE Academic scores of 50 (Competent), 65 (Proficient), or 79 (Superior) are accepted. For PTE preparation tips aligned with visa needs, ptezone.com provides targeted modules on speaking and writing sections that often trip up migrants.
- Skilled Occupation and Assessment: Your occupation must be on the MLTSSL (e.g., registered nurses, civil engineers). A positive skills assessment from the relevant authority (like VETASSESS or Engineers Australia) is required, validating at least three years of relevant experience.
- Points Test: A minimum of 65 points is needed, calculated via factors like age, English, work experience (up to 20 points for 8+ years), qualifications (up to 20 for a PhD), and Australian study (5 points). Community language or partner skills can add extras.
- Health and Character: Standard medical exams and police clearances are non-negotiable.
Family members (spouse/partner and dependent children) can be included, provided they meet health/character checks.
Application Process for Subclass 189
- Skills Assessment: Obtain from your assessing body (2-4 months).
- EOI Submission: Lodge via SkillSelect, claiming points honestly.
- Invitation to Apply (ITA): If selected in a round (e.g., bi-monthly in 2025), you have 60 days to apply.
- Visa Lodgment: Submit online with documents; pay AUD 4,640 (main applicant) plus biometrics.
Processing times average 4-12 months in 2025, faster for high-demand occupations. Success rates hover around 70% for invited applicants.
Benefits of Subclass 189
- Full mobility across Australia.
- Access to Medicare, Centrelink (after two years), and citizenship after four years.
- No job offer needed, ideal for independent professionals.
Understanding the Subclass 190: Skilled Nominated Visa
The Subclass 190, or Skilled Nominated Visa, builds on the independent model but requires nomination by an Australian state or territory government. This endorsement adds 5 points to your tally, lowering the effective threshold in competitive rounds.
It’s tailored for regional skill needs, with states like Victoria, NSW, and Queensland leading nominations in 2025-26. Like the 189, it’s permanent but ties you to the nominating state for two years.
Types and Subtypes of Subclass 190
Unlike the 189, the Subclass 190 doesn’t have formal streams but varies by state-specific nomination pathways, effectively creating subtypes:
- Standard State Nomination Pathway: The primary type, open to occupations on state lists (often STSOL or MLTSSL). Each state has unique criteria—e.g., NSW prioritizes healthcare via its Skills List, while South Australia favors onshore graduates.
- Graduate or Onshore Pathway: A subtype for those studying in Australia. States like Tasmania offer streamlined nominations for recent graduates in high-demand fields, waiving some work experience requirements.
- Regional or Offshore Pathway: Some states (e.g., Western Australia) have subtypes for offshore applicants committing to regional areas, aligning with the 2025 push for balanced migration.
These subtypes reflect federal-state collaboration, with 2025-26 allocations favouring states with labour gaps.
Detailed Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 190
Criteria mirror the 189 but incorporate nomination:
- Age Requirement: Under 45, with identical points allocation.
- English Language Proficiency: Same as 189—PTE 50 minimum. States may require higher standards for nomination. PTE aspirants can leverage ptezone.com’s visa-specific drills to nail the 79+ scores for max points.
- Skilled Occupation and Assessment: Must align with the state’s occupation list. Positive assessment mandatory.
- Points Test: 65 minimum, boosted by 5 nomination points. States assess EOIs for additional alignment (e.g., job readiness).
- State-Specific Obligations: Commit to living/working in the state for two years post-grant. Some require job offers or prior ties.
- Health and Character: Unchanged.
Key Differences: Independent Skilled Visa vs State-Sponsored Visa
To visualize the contrasts, here’s a comparison table:
Aspect | Subclass 189 (Independent) | Subclass 190 (State-Sponsored) |
Sponsorship | None required | State/territory nomination mandatory (+5 points) |
Occupation List | MLTSSL only (national) | State-specific (STSOL/MLTSSL, varies by region) |
Geographic Freedom | Live/work anywhere in Australia | Must reside in nominating state for 2 years |
Points Threshold | 65+ (highly competitive; 80-95 often needed) | 65+ (easier due to +5; 70-85 typical) |
Invitation Process | Federal SkillSelect rounds only | State EOI + federal invitation |
Processing Time | 4-12 months | 6-12 months (state delays possible) |
2025-26 Allocations | ~15,000 spots (capped occupations) | ~30,000 spots (state-allocated) |
Best For | High-point scorers seeking flexibility | Mid-point applicants targeting specific states |
Data sourced from the 2025 Department guidelines. The 190’s state tie-in reduces mobility but opens doors for those without top-tier points.
Application Processes Compared
Both start with skills assessment and EOI, but diverge at nomination. For 189, it’s purely federal; for 190, apply to a state first (e.g., via NSW’s portal), secure nomination, then EOI. Costs are similar (AUD 4,640 base), but 190 may incur state fees (AUD 200-330). In 2025, digital biometrics and ImmiAccount streamline both processes, although the 190’s dual approval adds 1-2 months.
Pros, Cons, and Which to Choose?
Subclass 189 Pros: Ultimate freedom, no strings attached.
Cons: Fierce competition—2025 rounds demanded 90+ points for IT roles.
Subclass 190 Pros: Nomination edge, state support (e.g., job networks).
Cons: Two-year commitment, varying state quotas.
- Choose 189 if you score 80+ points and crave nationwide options.
- Opt for 190 if you’re state-flexible or need the points boost—ideal for regional ambitions.
- Consult a MARA agent for personalized advice.
Paving Your Path to Australian PR
Navigating Subclass 189 and 190 requires strategic planning, from skills audits to English mastery. With Australia’s 2025-26 migration intake at 190,000, these visas offer golden opportunities for skilled talent.
Remember, strong PTE performance can elevate your points—head to ptezone.com for expert guidance, including free webinars and score predictors tailored for visa applicants. Whether independent or sponsored, your Australian dream is within reach. Start your EOI today and turn ambition into residency.
