One of the most attractive visas in the Australian immigration system is the 189 and 190 visa. What are these visas? Both are points-based, independent visas. Once you get them, you can enter Australia as a permanent resident and work anywhere there. The difference between these two visas is simple: the 189 visa is fully independent and the 190 visa is state-nominated. In the latter case, you first apply for an EOI (Expression of Interest) and then you must be nominated by a state, which in some cases like Victoria, means you need to create an ROI (registration of interest) as well.
Actually, there are good reasons to apply for these visas. Some people really do have a high chance of getting them. But, I also think the Australian Government website is also highly misleading as well. As a result, I think many people think they can get these visas, when in reality, they have no chance.
The Basic Requirements and Why They’re Misleading
The basic requirements for these visas are pretty simple: be on the skilled occupations list and score enough points. You have to score 65 points. They have a points calculator here and it’s pretty easy to score a lot of points if you are young enough, have a high education level, and speak perfect English. Having worked formerly in Australia also helps.
I think the points system is clear enough: if you have around 85 or more points, you might have a reasonable chance. And 90 points or higher is pretty good.
However, the most misleading part about this is the “skilled occupations list”. If you actually go to the link I provided above, you’ll see pages upon pages of eligible occupations such as artistic director, biochemist, cabinetmaker, and chef.
What you need to understand about this list is that the majority of occupations on this list have no chance of being accepted, even if you score fairly highly on the list. Instead, the Australian Government (and states, in the case of the 190 visa) mostly chooses from occupations for which they feel there’s a shortage of. For example, check out the official page for the Victorian government:
So, if you are on this list, yeah, you will definitely have a chance if you also have a lot of points. If you’re occupation doesn’t address the shortages in these areas, you probably have almost no chance. So you shouldn’t avoid these visas categorically, but keep what I’m saying in mind. A lot of people should avoid them.
Some Final Considerations
These lists are telling. And it’s also safe to say that the Australian government has a pretty good idea of where the skills shortages are, because they have datacenters full of data about it. So both at the federal and state level, a filtering process is happening with visa applicants. That’s why the 189 visa might be especially misleading, because if you don’t find these things out, then you might think you have a chance, but you don’t.
It’s not too surprising. I mean, sectors like education, healthcare, and social services are critical and Australia has had a shortage of them for a while. I even remember seeing a company offering complete and free migration help for people who have K-12 teaching qualifications.
I do think that the Australia government should be a bit nicer and make this more explicit, instead of publishing a “possible occupations list”, because in reality, most of these occupations have zero chance. Nevertheless, they make the 189 and 190 visa seem possible, which leads to some applicants sending in their EOI. That in turn costs money: you have to get an English test and a skills assessment from Vetassess or a similar authority, which will cost 1500-2000 AUD. In my opinion, it’s bordering on the level of a scam that they don’t make this more clear.
Anyway, if there’s one thing you have to keep in mind about these visas, it’s this:
This can help you if you’re thinking about Australia. Because Australia basically is looking for two types of people, and two types only:
- A person to address a real shortage to make sure their society isn’t overloaded
- Very rich people to invest and spend money in Australia.
Keep this in mind when considering Australia. Of course, many first-world countries are like this, but I think the particularities of the Australian system also deserve a specific mention because some of them are a bit misleading. Australia is definitely a beautiful country, and if you can fill a shortage, you probably have a chance. But if you merely fit the requirements on their website, but don’t fall into these categories, then forget it.
I think there’s one final thing to consider: some people have a lot of connections in the country already and can get sponsorships more easily. I mean, it’s irrefutable that if you have a lot of connections in the country already, then you’ll have a better chance of migration. So, that’s something to consider as well. There’s a lot going on “under the hood” that we don’t know anything about.
Should you avoid the 189 and 190 visas?
Good question. I’d say only apply if you have a good number of points, your occupation is on a priority list, and you possible already have some connections in Australia. If your occupation is only just “eligible”, it’s better to try getting a job in Australia with employee-nomination. Don’t bother with independent visas.
Note: I did hold an Australian visa, the now defunct 457 visa. Australia is indeed a very beautiful country…