The Australian government guarantees that the Skilled Occupations List (SOL) is consistently updated to appropriately reflect the needs of the Australian labour market and who should be granted work visas since Australia understands how important it is to draw in qualified individuals.
The General Skilled Migration Programme works in Australia is an innovative, points-based strategy implemented in three steps. It’s essential that your application be correct and thorough and that you stay informed at every stage if you want to increase your chances of success.
General Skilled Migration Visas
The General Skilled Migration programme draws talented people from all across the world. The following three primary subclasses:
- Skilled independent visa 189
- Skilled nominated visa subclass 190
- The Regional Visa for Skilled Work (Provisional) (Subclass 491)
While the Subclass 491 visa is a 5-year temporary visa that allows for permanent residency after a minimum of 3 years, both the Subclass 189 and 190 visas are applications for permanent residence.
The Skilled Migration Australia Programme does not require a nomination or sponsorship from an Australian business.
Let us discuss these three individuals to understand the differences between them.
Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189
It is regarded as among the best because it is a permanent visa. It makes it possible for applicants to live and work in Australia permanently. Due to the limited number of occupations eligible for this visa, it is a competitive visa that only specific professionals can apply for. Applicants must receive at least 65 points on the point assessment to qualify for a Skilled Independent (Subclass 189). Candidates must submit an expression of interest (EOI) and be invited by SkillSelect to apply for this visa.
The pertinent professions are listed on the MLTSSL (Medium and Long-term Strategic Skilled List). It is difficult to apply for a 189 visa to Australia due to a lack of government invitations. Currently, pandemics are causing even fewer invitations to be sent out.
Skilled Nominated Visa Subclass 190
This visa is also permanent, and the application procedure is the same as a 189 visa. However, the federal government (SkillSelect) does not permit the applicants to apply; instead, a state or territory offers an invitation to them. This sponsorship is one of the 190 visa requirements. Additionally, to apply for this visa, the applicant must have an Australian State or Territory nominate them, and each State or Territory has different criteria for who they will sponsor. People who fall into specific categories can only enter Australia with permission from the Australian Government.
Skilled Regional Visa Subclass 491
A 190 visa type is no different and calls for state or territory nomination. The 491 visa is only valid for five years, making it transitory compared to the other two. This sort of visa requires you and your family to live in an Australian regional area for at least three years after receiving it, together with continuing a yearly income of $53,900. The permanent visa Subclass 491, which would finally let you live and work in Australia permanently, should be available once you have satisfied these 491 visa requirements. The Australian government is giving 491 visas priority over 190 type visas, which is significant given that the 491 subclass visa requires the applicant to reside in an Australian regional area for at least three years. Your eligibility to apply for visa subclass 491 in the State Nominated Stream, which will put you fairly and squarely on the route to permanent residence after three years, may be determined by whether your occupation is on the list and whether you meet the other eligibility requirements.
Regardless of the type of visa, it is crucial to have a trustworthy companion who can help you navigate all the pressures involved.
Differences Between Visa Subclass 189, 190 And 491
1. Sponsorship Requirement
No sponsorship or nomination is necessary for a 189 visa.
A State or Territory Government agency must nominate an applicant for the subclass 190 visa. But applicants for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa Subclass 491 must be sponsored by an eligible relative who lives in a regional area. The subclass 189 visa, on the other hand, does not require such nomination or sponsorship.
The Department of Home Affairs allows a quota of 190 or 491 state nominations to each state or territory each fiscal year, and each State or Territory Government agency will then establish its criteria for selecting candidates. Therefore, applicants must review the requirements set forth by each state to ascertain whether they can fulfil the criteria for nomination. Candidates must periodically examine those requirements because they are subject to change.
Several governments or regions are also providing a streamlined pathway for PhD graduates.
An agency of the State Government does not participate in the 491 sponsorship of qualified relatives. The DHA is in charge of the 189 visas and the invitation for the 491 sponsored visa by an eligible relative.
2. Occupation List
The Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) and Regional Occupation List (ROL) (491 only) share significantly more skilled jobs than those restricted to the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) for 189 visas. The vocations they choose from the MLTSSL, STSOL, or ROL available for their nomination are at the sole discretion of each State or Territory agency. Additionally, they may introduce additional qualifications or raise the bar for some specific professions.
Candidates should occasionally check the relevant state or territory’s occupation lists to ensure their chosen occupation is still open for nomination because the lists of available nominated jobs may be constantly updated.
3. Invitation For Application
The Department of Home Affairs controls is accountable for invitations for 189 visas and 491 visas sponsored by eligible relatives. The top-ranked EOIs are invited through the SkillSelect mechanism. However, the invitation is subject to occupation ceilings, meaning that only a specific occupation can receive a certain number of invitations per fiscal year. Additionally, it has been noted that only particular professions are invited during pandemics.
Such a deadline does not apply to 190 State or Territory nominations. The approval of nominees for the entire fiscal year is at the sole discretion of the state or territory government. After the nomination is accepted, the individual will get a call from SkillSelect inviting them to submit a 190 or 491 visa application.
The rejection rate for 189 visa
The rejection rate for the Subclass 189 Independent Skilled Visa was 13.8% in the 2021-2022 fiscal year. It’s important to remember that even if your Expression of Interest (EOI) is selected and you receive an invitation, this doesn’t guarantee visa approval.
190 visa processing time 2024
Subclass 190 visa – Australia PR Visa Processing Time
Applicants for the Subclass 190 Visa may receive a direct visa grant approximately 6.5 months after submitting their application, provided all required documents are complete and meet the necessary standards.
Conclusion
Australia is a land of dreams for individuals interested in studying there and those seeking rewarding work prospects. The GSM program covers 189, 190, or 491 visas, though each category has its procedures and requirements. Some professions may qualify for the 190 or 491 visas but not the 189 visas. Even if they are not eligible for permanent visas, some candidates may continue to consider the provisional visa. You may have more opportunities if your nominated occupation falls within the MLTSSOL and STSOL, as you may be eligible for 189 and 190 visa subclasses. Don’t hesitate to contact a registered migration agent in Perth if you’d like to learn more about your eligibility for GSM visas.
FAQ
189 visa delay
On average, the processing time for an 189 visa can range from 8 months to a year. Unfortunately, there’s not much we can do to speed up this process.
Is 189 harder than 190?
The primary distinction between the 189 and 190 visas lies in the requirement for sponsorship. Only the 190 visas mandate sponsorship from an Australian state or territory, adding specific eligibility criteria that must be met to qualify for this visa.
How often is the 189 Invitation Round?
Invitation rounds for Skilled Independent Visas (Subclass 189) and Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visas (Subclass 491) – Family Sponsored are typically held quarterly. The frequency and number of invitations in each round depend on the volume of applications received and processed by the Department of Home Affairs.
