Is the Skilled Independent (subclass 189) or the Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) faster to get?

The Skilled Independent (subclass 189) (SC 189) is typically faster, around 6–18 months, versus 9–18 months for the Skilled Nominated (subclass 190). Real timelines depend on the country's caseload and how complete your application is.

How much do the SC 189 and SC 190 cost?

Both carry roughly $3,035 in official government fees. That figure excludes legal help, document translation, skills assessment, and relocation, which often dwarf the visa fee itself.

Can I get permanent residency with the Skilled Independent (subclass 189) or the Skilled Nominated (subclass 190)?

The SC 189 offers a direct path to permanent residency, while the SC 190 offers a direct path to permanent residency. If long-term settlement is the goal, weight the route with the clearer PR pathway more heavily.

Do I need a job offer for the SC 189 or the SC 190?

No. Neither the SC 189 nor the SC 190 requires a job offer to apply. Both assess you on your own profile (points, qualifications, or funds) rather than employer sponsorship.

Skilled Independent (subclass 189) vs Skilled Nominated (subclass 190)

Australia · SC 189vs Australia · SC 190

Quick answerUpdated 2026-05-02

The SC 189 is the faster route (6–18 months), both lead to permanent residency. Which fits depends on your nationality, profession, and whether you already have a job offer, the breakdown below maps each visa to a profile.

Maintained by Senne Bels, Founder, Transita

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.

Further reading: Australia 189 visa guide

Section 01

At a glance

SC 189

SC 190

Processing time

6–18 months

9–18 months

Application fee

$3,035

Initial validity

5 yrs

Path to PR

Yes

Points-based

Yes

Employer sponsor

Not required

Minimum salary

—

Language test

Required

Verified

2026-05-02

Section 02

Which one fits you?

01
189 occupation status
Pick SC 189
Your occupation is on the active 189 list
Pick SC 190
Your occupation is paused or off the 189 list
02
Mobility preference
Pick SC 189
Want freedom to settle in any Australian state
Pick SC 190
Comfortable committing to a specific state for 2+ years
03
Points score
Pick SC 189
65+ points without state-nomination boost
Pick SC 190
60-65 points and need the +5 from nomination to be competitive

Section 03

Common questions

Is the Skilled Independent (subclass 189) or the Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) faster to get?: The Skilled Independent (subclass 189) (SC 189) is typically faster, around 6–18 months, versus 9–18 months for the Skilled Nominated (subclass 190). Real timelines depend on the country's caseload and how complete your application is.
How much do the SC 189 and SC 190 cost?: Both carry roughly $3,035 in official government fees. That figure excludes legal help, document translation, skills assessment, and relocation, which often dwarf the visa fee itself.
Can I get permanent residency with the Skilled Independent (subclass 189) or the Skilled Nominated (subclass 190)?: The SC 189 offers a direct path to permanent residency, while the SC 190 offers a direct path to permanent residency. If long-term settlement is the goal, weight the route with the clearer PR pathway more heavily.
Do I need a job offer for the SC 189 or the SC 190?: No. Neither the SC 189 nor the SC 190 requires a job offer to apply. Both assess you on your own profile (points, qualifications, or funds) rather than employer sponsorship.

Section 04

Read the full pathway