The 4 Easiest Australian Visas for Permanent Residency: Visa 186, Visa 191, Visa 190, and Visa 189
Australia remains one of the most sought-after destinations for skilled workers, investors, and families seeking permanent residency (PR). Among the numerous visa pathways available, four visas stand out for their accessibility and benefits: the Visa 186, Visa 191, Visa 190, and Visa 189. This blog will delve into these visas, including their requirements, application processes, estimated timelines, and costs.
1. Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa – Subclass 186
Visa 186, formally known as the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa (subclass 186), is a permanent residence visa in Australia. It allows skilled workers nominated by an approved Australian employer to live and work in Australia indefinitely.
Key Features of Visa 186
- Permanent Residency: Grants the holder and their family members permanent residence, including work, study, and access to Medicare.
- Path to Citizenship: Provides a pathway to Australian citizenship if eligibility requirements are met.
- Family Inclusion: Allows family members to be included in the application.
Streams under Visa 186
- Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream:
- For workers who are already in Australia on a Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482) or similar.
- Requires the worker to have worked for the same employer in the nominated occupation for at least 3 years.
- Direct Entry Stream:
- For skilled workers who are either overseas or have not worked with the nominating employer for 3 years.
- Requires a skills assessment and at least 3 years of relevant work experience.
- Labour Agreement Stream:
- For workers nominated under a labour agreement between their employer and the Australian government.
Eligibility Criteria
- Nomination by Employer: Applicants must be nominated by an approved Australian employer.
- Age Requirement: Typically, applicants must be under 45 years old (some exemptions apply).
- Skills and Qualifications: Relevant skills and qualifications for the nominated occupation are required.
- English Proficiency: Applicants must meet minimum English language requirements.
- Health and Character Requirements: Mandatory health examinations and police clearance.
Benefits
- Permanent residency for the applicant and their family members.
- Ability to work, study, and access public healthcare in Australia.
- Freedom to travel in and out of Australia.
- Access to social security benefits after waiting periods.
Application Process
- Employer submits a nomination to the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
- Applicant submits the visa application after the nomination is approved.
- Pay the required fees and provide supporting documents.
- Await visa processing.
This visa is ideal for skilled professionals aiming for long-term employment and residency in Australia.
Key Requirements:
- Employer Sponsorship: Must be nominated by an Australian employer for a permanent position.
- Occupation List: Work in an occupation listed on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
- Work Experience: Demonstrate relevant work experience in the nominated occupation (usually 3 years).
- Age Limit: Must be under 45 years of age, with exceptions in certain circumstances.
- English Proficiency: Meet English language requirements (e.g., IELTS 6.0 or equivalent).
Application Timeline:
- Processing times range from 5-12 months.
Cost:
- The base application fee is AUD 4,765, with additional costs for dependents and health checks.
2. Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa – Subclass 191
The Subclass 191 visa is designed for individuals who have lived, worked, and studied in designated regional areas of Australia. It’s a straightforward PR pathway for regional migrants.
Visa 191, officially called the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa, is designed for individuals who have lived, worked, and studied in designated regional areas of Australia while holding an eligible provisional visa. It offers a straightforward pathway to permanent residency for those who contribute to regional areas of the country.
Key Features of Visa 191:
- Eligibility:
- Applicants must have held an eligible provisional visa, such as Subclass 491 or Subclass 494, for at least three years.
- Residency and work must have been in a designated regional area during the provisional visa period.
- The applicant must meet the minimum taxable income threshold (currently AUD 53,900 annually) for three consecutive years.
- Benefits:
- Grants permanent residency, allowing the holder to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia.
- Provides access to Medicare and other benefits available to permanent residents.
- Opens pathways to Australian citizenship in the future.
- Application Timeline:
- Processing times for Visa 191 are generally between 4-8 months after all eligibility requirements are met.
- Cost:
- The base application fee is AUD 490, making it one of the most cost-effective pathways to PR.
Visa 191 is particularly beneficial for individuals and families committed to supporting Australia’s regional development.
Key Requirements:
- Holding a Provisional Visa: Must hold a Subclass 491 or 494 visa for at least 3 years.
- Income Threshold: Demonstrate taxable income of at least AUD 53,900 annually for 3 consecutive years.
- Regional Residency: Must have lived and worked in a designated regional area during the provisional visa period.
Application Timeline:
- Processing times are generally 4-8 months after eligibility requirements are met.
Cost:
- The base application fee is AUD 490.
3. Skilled Nominated Visa – Subclass 190
The Subclass 190 visa is a state-nominated PR visa designed for skilled workers who have occupations in demand in specific Australian states or territories.
The Subclass 190 Visa, officially known as the Skilled Nominated Visa, is a points-based permanent residency visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian state or territory government. It is one of the most popular pathways to Australian permanent residency for skilled professionals.
Key Features of Visa 190:
- Permanent Residency:
- Visa 190 grants holders permanent residency, allowing them to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia indefinitely.
- Visa holders can also sponsor eligible family members for PR and eventually apply for Australian citizenship.
- State or Territory Nomination:
- Applicants must be nominated by an Australian state or territory government, which selects candidates based on their skills and local labor market needs.
- Points-Based System:
- The visa uses a points test, where applicants must score at least 65 points. Points are awarded based on factors such as age, work experience, education, English proficiency, and other criteria.
- Occupation in Demand:
- The applicant’s occupation must be on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL).
Eligibility Requirements:
- Nomination: Must receive a nomination from an Australian state or territory.
- Skills Assessment: A positive skills assessment in an eligible occupation is required.
- Age Limit: Must be under 45 years at the time of application.
- English Proficiency: Must demonstrate at least competent English proficiency (e.g., IELTS 6.0 in all bands or equivalent).
- Expression of Interest (EOI): Submit an EOI through the SkillSelect system and receive an invitation to apply.
Application Timeline:
- Processing times generally range from 6 to 18 months, depending on the volume of applications and the applicant’s circumstances.
Cost:
- The base application fee is AUD 4,765, with additional costs for dependents and other expenses such as health assessments, police checks, and biometrics.
Visa 190 is an excellent choice for skilled professionals with occupations in demand in specific regions of Australia. By securing a nomination from a state or territory, applicants can enhance their chances of obtaining permanent residency.
Key Requirements:
- Skills Assessment: Pass a skills assessment in an eligible occupation listed on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL).
- State Nomination: Receive a nomination from an Australian state or territory.
- Points Test: Achieve a minimum score of 65 points, though higher scores improve competitiveness.
- Age Limit: Must be under 45 years of age.
- English Proficiency: Demonstrate competent English proficiency (e.g., IELTS 6.0 or equivalent).
Application Timeline:
- Processing times are approximately 6-18 months from the date of application.
Cost:
- Application fees start at AUD 4,765, with additional costs for dependents.
4. Skilled Independent Visa – Subclass 189
The Subclass 189 visa is a points-based PR visa for skilled workers who do not require state or employer sponsorship. It’s one of the most desirable visas due to its independence and flexibility.
The Subclass 189 Visa, also known as the Skilled Independent Visa, is a points-based permanent residency visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, state, or territory. It offers complete flexibility, allowing holders to live and work anywhere in Australia.
Key Features of Visa 189:
- Permanent Residency:
- Visa 189 grants holders permanent residency, offering rights to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely.
- Visa holders can sponsor eligible family members and apply for Australian citizenship in the future.
- Independence:
- Unlike Visa 190, this visa does not require state or territory nomination or employer sponsorship.
- Points-Based System:
- Applicants must score at least 65 points on the points test, but competitive scores (e.g., 80+) improve the likelihood of receiving an invitation.
- Occupation in Demand:
- The applicant’s occupation must be listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
Eligibility Requirements:
- Skills Assessment: Obtain a positive skills assessment in an eligible occupation.
- Age Limit: Must be under 45 years at the time of application.
- English Proficiency: Demonstrate competent English proficiency; however, you are expected to score high (e.g., IELTS 7.0 in all bands or equivalent).
- Expression of Interest (EOI): Submit an EOI through SkillSelect and receive an invitation to apply.
Application Timeline:
- Processing times vary between 2 to 3 months, depending on the occupation demand and the volume of applications.
Cost:
- The base application fee is AUD 4,765, with additional costs for dependents and other expenses such as health assessments, police checks, and biometrics.
Visa 189 is highly competitive and ideal for skilled workers who want the freedom to live and work anywhere in Australia without the need for sponsorship or nomination.
Key Requirements:
- Skills Assessment: Obtain a positive skills assessment for an occupation on the MLTSSL.
- Points Test: Score at least 65 points, though competitive scores are typically higher (e.g., 80+).
- Age Limit: Must be under 45 years of age.
- English Proficiency: Demonstrate competent English proficiency.
- Expression of Interest (EOI): Submit an EOI through SkillSelect and receive an invitation to apply.
Application Timeline:
- Processing times range from 2-3 months, depending on occupation demand and invitation rounds.
Cost:
- The application fee is AUD 4,765, with additional charges for dependents.
Comparison of the Four Visas
| Visa | Direct PR | Cost | Processing Time | Requirements Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subclass 186 | Yes | AUD 4770 | 5-18 months | Eligibility criteria for employer nomination scheme |
| Subclass 191 | Yes | AUD 490 | 4-9 months | Regional residency, income threshold, holding Subclass 491/494. |
| Subclass 190 | Yes | AUD 4,765 | 6-18 months | State nomination, points test, occupation on MLTSSL/STSOL. |
| Subclass 189 | Yes | AUD 4,765 | 53 days -3 months | High points score, occupation on MLTSSL, independent application. |
Conclusion
Choosing the right visa pathway for Australian permanent residency depends on your individual circumstances, including your occupation, location preferences, financial situation, and long-term goals. Each of these visas has unique advantages: the Subclass 186 is an employer-nominated visa, the Subclass 191 rewards regional commitment, and the Subclass 190 and 189 cater to skilled workers seeking direct PR pathways.
Before applying, ensure you meet all eligibility requirements, gather necessary documentation, and seek professional advice if needed to enhance your application’s success.
