Skilled Independent (subclass 189) vs Skilled Nominated (subclass 190)
🇦🇺 Australia · SC 189vs🇦🇺 Australia · SC 190
189 (Skilled Independent) is the federal points-tested visa with no state nomination required — you settle anywhere in Australia. 190 (Skilled Nominated) requires a state or territory nomination, which adds 5 points to your invite score and commits you to that state for at least 2 years. With 189 paused since August 2024 for most occupations, 190 has become the primary skilled-migration route for most candidates in 2026.
At a glance
Which one fits you?
- 01
189 occupation status
Pick SC 189Your occupation is on the active 189 list
Pick SC 190Your occupation is paused or off the 189 list
- 02
Mobility preference
Pick SC 189Want freedom to settle in any Australian state
Pick SC 190Comfortable committing to a specific state for 2+ years
- 03
Points score
Pick SC 18965+ points without state-nomination boost
Pick SC 19060-65 points and need the +5 from nomination to be competitive
Read the full pathway
Skilled Independent (subclass 189)
Australia's points-tested permanent residency visa with no state sponsorship or employer required.
Full SC 189 guideSkilled Nominated (subclass 190)
Points-tested permanent residency with state or territory nomination. Nomination adds 5 extra points to your score.
Full SC 190 guideStill can't decide?
Take the 14-question quiz. We'll score your specific profile against SC 189, SC 190, and 60+ other pathways and tell you which is the best fit — with the why.
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