Difference Between 186, 189, and 190 Visas

After the pandemic, the Australian Migration programs aim to strengthen the economic position and recover from the losses. It has led them to invite more competent foreign employees. The Department of Home Affairs has offered enhanced opportunities to interested applicants to apply under the skill stream for better work opportunities. 

Australia provides several employment visas to invite applicants, even from overseas, to work in Australia under a sponsored Australian employer for a specific duration. Among these, the three most significant employment visa categories are Visa subclass 186, 189, and 190.

Visa 186 allows applicants selected by a sponsored employer belonging to a particular state or territory. In comparison, visa subclass 189 and 190 cover the other applicants not having a sponsored employer from any state or territory in Australia. While this is just the tip of the iceberg, let’s cover the in-depth differences between the three subclasses:

Differential Points 

Let’s plunge into the differences between Visa subclass 186, 189, and 190:

Detailed Explanation of Visas 186, 189, and 190:

Here is a complete description of various Visa subclasses:

Subclass 186

Visa subclass 186 is an Employer Sponsored Visa, meant for applicants selected by sponsored employers to work in Australian states or territories. It means that if you wish to apply under this category, you need to get appointed by apply under this category, you need to get appointed by a particular Australian employer. Further, you must be less than 45 years of age to apply for subclass 186.

However, this is not enough. You should also meet all the necessary qualifications, skills, and documents to enter Australia as a legally valid employee under this visa. Further, clearing the English proficiency test is crucial, or else you won’t get permission to apply for a GSM via a Skilled Independent Visa.

The three critical streams in Visa subclass 186 are Labour Agreement Stream, Direct Entry Stream, and Temporary Residence Transition Stream.

Subclass 189

The subclass 189 visa is a Skilled Independent Visa presented to applicants on their merit to secure a job position without any employer of a state or territory. Since there’s no employer sponsoring the applicant, having the necessary skills and capabilities is critical for them to manage the job assigned. 

The applicant should be below 45 years of age and should crack the English competency test by obtaining a minimum of 65 points. 

Subclass 190

The Skilled Nominated Visa, Subclass 190 is a GSM visa similar to subclass 189 with regard to meeting requirements and capabilities. Meeting the English proficiency test and minimum points of 65 is critical. The difference here is that the nominated Visa allows the employer to choose the candidate from any Australian state or territory.

Particulars	Subclass 186	Subclass 189	Subclass 190
Time for Processing	The processing times for subclass 186 visas are 12 and 8 months, respectively, for around 75% of applications.   On the other hand, the wait times are 19 months and 16 months, respectively, for 90% of the applications.	Processing times for subclass 189 and 190 visas are identical. It takes 6 months for 75% of the applications.	Essential processing time is 6 months for 75% of the applications.
Duration	It allows working and living in Australia permanently from the validation date.	Allows staying and working permanently in Australia under a sponsored employer from the validation date	Permits working in Australia permanently from the date of validation.
Visa Consequences	An Employer Nomination Scheme Visa Subclass 186 allows the holder to live and work in Australia indefinitely. It covers all three streams- the Direct Entry Stream, the Labour Agreement Stream, and the Temporary Residence Transition Stream.	The Visa Subclass 189 covers two essential streams: Point Tested Stream and New Zealand Stream. Both let the visa holder live and work in Australia indefinitely.	Similar to Visa 189, the individual can enter, live, and work in Australia permanently.
MLTSSL and PMSOL*	Minimum 65 PMSOL points are necessary to become eligible	If PMSOL points are to be considered, then a minimum of 65 points are necessary.    However, if MLTSSOL is considered, then the applicant should have 90 to 100 points to get invited to the 189 subclass.	It works the same as a subclass 189 visa.

* MLTSSL is the abbreviation for Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List

*PMSOL is the Priority Migration Skilled Occupations List. Along with other labor market tests, it forms the basis for the sponsorship of skilled workers. It permits them to return to Australia to fill in essential positions in various sectors. It has two goals: to support the Australian economy’s recovery and developing new jobs.

Conclusion

Talented professionals get an edge as they become eligible to obtain employment rights and permanent residency benefits in Australia. The employee-sponsored and general skill migration (GSM) visas demand the necessary skills from the applicant. If you possess all of them and consider Australia a fit for the rest of your life, consider applying for these visas.

Consult an expert visa lawyer from migration agent Sydney to get free advice here.