It is imperative for an immigration aspirant to identify the most ideal visa pathway to suit their profile and purpose. Two of the most coveted visa options for immigration to Australia are the Skilled independent Visa and the Skilled Nominated Visa. While both visas offer a direct route to permanent residency, each has a distinct Australia Visa process and different assessment criteria.

Only aspirants who can fulfil the basic eligibility requirements for a particular visa category should consider applying through the relevant pathway. The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) is the federal authority that administers the application procedure and outcome, as outlined below.

Skilled independent Visa (Subclass 189) – Points-tested Stream

Step 1: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect – the online evaluation system that allocates points to each candidate based on several selection factors, and selects suitable registrants. The EOI is valid for two years.

Step 2: Through regular invitation rounds, highest-ranking candidates who can fulfil the minimum point score requirement – which changes with each round – receive Invitations to Apply for the Subclass 189 visa.

Step 3: Within 60 days of receiving the invitation, candidates must submit a complete visa application, supporting documents and processing fees (AUD 4,045) online via ImmiAccount. The usual processing time for Subclass 189 visa application is 18-33 months. After due verification, the DHA will grant an e-visa to suitable applicants.

Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

Step 1: Submit an Expression of interest via SkillSelect, and choose the preferred state/territory or select ‘all states and territories’. The EOI is valid for two years and is visible to state and territory government agencies, which are responsible for identifying and nominating suitable candidates.

Step 2: Candidates who can fulfil the labor market shortages and eligibility requirements of their preferred state or territory will be invited by the relevant authority to submit an application for nomination. The invitation criteria and application process for each state or territory is different. If the applicant can demonstrate an ability to contribute to the local economy, they may receive a nomination.

Step 3: Nominated candidates who can fulfil the minimum point requirement – which varies with each invitation round – are invited to apply for the Subclass 190 Visa to the DHA.

Step 4: Receiving a nomination does not guarantee permanent residence. Nominees must apply for permanent residence to the DHA, which determines the final visa outcome. Within 60 days of receiving the invitation, a complete online visa application, supporting documents and processing fees must be submitted via ImmiAccount. The usual processing time is 8-9 months. Upon due verification, the DHA announces the final decision on visa grant or refusal.

Typically, those who do not have an eligible occupation or a sufficient point score to be invited under the Skilled Independent Visa consider applying for the Skilled Nominated Visa, since it guarantees additional points and access to a more diverse Skilled Occupation List. Ultimately, the pathway that the candidate chooses to pursue greatly impacts the probability of success in the Australia Visa process.