There are two types of student visas available in Australia: 189 visas and 190 visas. If you're planning to study in Australia, you must understand the differences between these two visa types before applying. While they're similar in some respects, there are important differences that could make or break your visa application and affect your eligibility to stay in Australia after you complete your studies. 

Read on to learn more about Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189 vs. Skilled Nominated Visa Subclass 190 Australian visas!

Key Differences between 190 and 189 Visas:

If you're looking to move to Australia, you may wonder which visa is right for you. Here are some key differences between the two visas 

• The 189 visa is points-based, while the 190 visa is state-sponsored. 
• A 189 visa holder must qualify at least 160 out of 200 points and can only work in certain occupations that Australians do not want or need. A 190 visa holder does not require occupation-specific qualifications and will get at least 12 months of sponsored employment.
• An application for a 189 visa costs AUD 400 per person, while an application for a 190 Visa costs AUD 1,800 per person plus their airfare.
• With a 189 visa, there is no limit on how many people can come into Australia under one sponsorship; with a 190 visa, however, there are limitations on how many people can go in and what occupations they are qualified for.
• A 189 visa is best if you're planning to move to Australia permanently and don't mind working in an occupation Australians don't want or need.

When Can anyone Apply for 189 and 190 Visa?

You'll need to apply for a visa if you want to live and work permanently in Australia. The most common visas are the 189 and 190 visas. These two types of visas allow people to stay in Australia for four years or more, depending on their circumstances. The difference between the two is that 189 visas have stricter requirements than 190 visas. 

For example, if you already have permanent residency or citizenship in another country (or if you've been living outside of Australia), it will be much easier to get a 189 visa than a 190 visa.

List of documents required for 189 Visa

If you're looking to apply for a Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189, you'll need to have a few documents in order. 

1. You'll need a valid passport.
2. You'll need to have an occupation on the skilled occupation list. 
3. You'll need to have a positive skills assessment for that occupation.
4. You'll need to meet the English language requirements.
5. You'll need to have enough points to pass the points test. 

List of documents required for 190 Visa

When applying for a Skilled Nominated Visa Subclass 190, you'll need to provide the following documents:

• A completed application form
• Your passport or another travel document
• Two recent passport-sized photographs of yourself
• Proof of your identity
• Any supporting documents required for your specific situation
• Evidence that you can meet the cost of living in Australia.

The type of evidence required will depend on whether you apply from within Australia or outside Australia for Skilled Nominated Visa Subclass 190.