How Can I Make Myself Eligible for the 189 or 190 Visa?

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Table of Contents

• Subclass 189 and 190 Visas
• Tip 1: Ensure You Have Competent English
• Tip 2: Ensure You Have Work Experience in Your Nominated Occupation
• Tip 3: Ensure Your Educational Qualifications Are Recognised
• Additional Points
• Key Takeaways

In Australia, there are two main visas that allow skilled workers to live and work in Australia permanently. They are the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) and the Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190). Both the subclass 189 and 190 visas are points-tested visas. This means that when you submit your expression of interest (EOI) for the visa, your eligibility for the visa is assessed based on the points you score. These points are based on a range of factors including:

• your age;
• English language skills;
• employment experience; and
• educational qualifications.

You will be required to provide evidence supporting your claims when you lodge your visa application. This article will explain the key points criteria for the subclass 189 and 190 visas and provide some tips on how to maximise your score to satisfy the points-test. 

Subclass 189 and 190 Visas

Although the subclass 189 and 190 visas share many similarities, there are a few distinguishing elements. The following table outlines a few of the key similarities and differences between the subclass 189 and 190 visas.

Here are a few tips when it comes to maximising your score, and subsequently your eligibility, for these visas.

Tip 1: Ensure You Have Competent English

Both the subclass 189 and 190 visas require you to have at least competent English. However, you will not be able to claim any points for this criterion unless you can demonstrate that you have proficient or superior English. This table outlines the requirements for each English skill level and how many points you can claim at each level. 

Tip 2: Ensure You Have Work Experience in Your Nominated Occupation

You may also be able to claim points if you have paid work experience in your nominated occupation (or closely related occupation) inside or outside Australia. This requires you to work in the occupation for at least 20 hours per week and be employed within the last 10 years from the date you are invited to apply. This table outlines how many points you can claim for paid work experience inside and outside Australia.

Tip 3: Ensure Your Educational Qualifications Are Recognised

You can also claim points if you have an educational qualification from an Australian Educational Institution (AEI). If you hold an overseas qualification, you can also claim points if your skills assessing authority determines that your qualifications are comparable to the relevant Australian qualification. 

Additional Points

You can earn additional points if you can demonstrate any of the following criteria:

• a Masters degree by research or Doctorate degree from an AEI that included at least two academic years’ study in a relevant field (5 points);
• you meet the Australian study requirement (5 points);
• completion of a Professional Year in Australia (5 points);
• a recognised qualification in a credentialled community language (5 points);
• at least 1 degree, diploma or trade qualification from an AEI that satisfies the Australian study requirement obtained while living and studying in regional Australia (5 points);
• your spouse or de facto partner is also an applicant and meets the age, English and skill criteria (5 points); or
• you were invited to apply for the subclass 190 visa and the nominating agency has not withdrawn their nomination (5 points).

Key Takeaways

Both the subclass 189 and 190 visas are points-tested visas which allow you to live and work in Australian permanently. To maximise your score, you should ensure that at the time you are invited to apply, you have: 

• competent English or higher;
• employment experience in your nominated occupation; and
• recognised educational qualifications. 

You will be required to provide evidence supporting your claims when you lodge your visa application. For a full list of the points criteria, visit the DOHA website.

If you have any questions about subclass 189 or 190 visas, our experienced immigration lawyers can assist as part of our LegalVision membership. For a low monthly fee, you will have unlimited access to lawyers to answer your questions and draft and review your documents. Call us today on 1300 544 755 or visit our membership page.