Many people keep asking:"Why do some candidates with 85 points still not receive a 190 invitation, while others with only 75 points get invited straight away?" The root cause is that most applicants mix up the invitation rules for 189 and 190. In fact, they follow two completely different logic systems.
1. Subclass 189: National Ranking Competition
The 189 Skilled Independent Visa is a state-independent skilled migration visa.It does not rely on any state nomination. The Department of Home Affairs essentially puts all eligible applicants in a nationwide queue. Core logic of 189:Higher points get invited first.For popular occupations, candidates only compete against others in the same occupation list. Common popular professions:
- Accountant
- ICT
- engineers,
- Nurse
- Teacher
189Key Features of 189 Invitations
- Nationwide competition
You do not only compete with applicants in one state — you compete with all candidates across Australia in the same occupation.
- Points priority rule
Within the same occupation pool, EOI candidates are ranked by points. The higher your score, the higher your ranking and the faster you get invited.
- Larger invitation quotas for in-demand occupations
Australia consistently invites more candidates for long-term shortage professions. However, these occupations also have far more applicants.
What matters most:
- EOI points
- English testing
- Work experience
- Educational qualification
- Partner points
The stronger your overall profile, the higher your chance of receiving an invitation.
2. Subclass 190: Not Just a Points Game
The 190 Skilled Nominated Visa is the most misunderstood visa subclass.It does not follow a nationwide points ranking. Its essence is:State governments select candidates based on their own needs. State immigration authorities look far beyond just points. They prioritise applicants who fit the state’s labour market and settlement needs. Soft factors play a huge role in 190 nominations.
Main Assessment Criteria for 190 State Nomination
- In-state work experience
Highly valued by most states, especially:
- Full-time role
- Long-term stable employment
- Work relevant to your nominated occupation
- Local study qualification
Most states give priority to:
- International students who graduated locally
- Applicants with long-term in-state residency
as they show stronger settlement intention.
- Occupation in regional shortage lists
Each state updates its in-demand industry list annually
For instance:
- Nursing
- Education
- Social Workers
- construction,
- healthcare
- and more
Work location advantage，Candidates working in regional areas have a major edge. State governments aim to guide skilled labour to regional locations to balance population distribution.
- English competency
Superior English scores are favoured for competitive occupations in many states.
- Genuine intention to settle locally
This is often overlooked. States carefully assess whether you will stay and contribute locally instead of moving to another state right after obtaining PR.
- Evidence includes local study,
- local employment,
- in-state residency
- and clear long-term settlement plans.
都会影响竞争力。
Why high-point candidates miss out on 190， 190 is never purely about points.
Candidate A:
- 90 points
- no local work,
- no in-state residency,
- no regional background
Candidate B:
- 75 points,
- 1-year local work experience,
- regional employment,
- working in a high-demand occupation
In most cases, the state will nominate Candidate B, as they better match the state’s actual labour and settlement needs.
Core Difference Between 189 and 190
189: Like a national unified exam — compete on points, ranking and hard credentials.
190: Like a state government recruitment — compete on overall background, state relevance and genuine settlement intention.