There are two types of skilled independent visas available to Australian immigrants, Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189 and Skilled Nominated Visa Subclass 190. Both visas require that the applicant have at least 2 years of relevant work experience in their chosen profession.

However, you should know the differences between the two visa types before deciding which one to apply for. Here's an overview of how they compare with each other.

What is Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189?

Subclass 189 is a permanent residency visa for the skilled independent. It's different from other visas because it's not sponsored by a family member or employer. Instead, you apply on your own behalf without anyone supporting your application. You also need to show that you've completed either two years of work experience in regional Australia within the last five years or three years of work experience in regional Australia within the last five years if you're under 30.

What is Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189?

Skilled independent visa subclass 189 is a permanent residence visa for independent skilled persons aged 55 years or over. Applicants must have the skills and qualifications to meet the requirements of the occupation on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL). However, they are not required to have any employment history of applying.

However, they may be asked by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection to provide evidence of their current income from investments, pensions, property rental, etc., as part of their application process if they want this type of visa.

How to apply for both?

• There are two pathways for applying for the subclass 189 visa. The first is through an Expression of Interest (EOI), which you use online to be considered for an invitation to lodge a subclass 189 application. The second pathway is to lodge a new application with the Department of Home Affairs. If you are granted a subclass 189 visa, you are automatically eligible to apply for a subclass 190 visa at any time if desired.
• With subclass 190 visa, there are three pathways: Expressions of Interest (EOI), State or Territory nomination, or nomination by a family member who already holds either subclass 189 or subclass 190 visa.

Requirements for both the Visas

Australian Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189 requires

1. An applicant to have a higher level of English proficiency. 
2. Nominated by a State or Territory government or by a closely related family member who lives in Australia;
3. Registered with the relevant authority for the occupation, their primary skilled occupation.
4. Assessed as having skills that are in shortage in Australia.

Skilled Nominated Visa Subclass 190 requires

1. An applicant must be nominated by an organization approved by the Minister.
2. They must also provide suitable qualifications and professional experience and demonstrate language proficiency equivalent to level 6 (or above) on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
3. Applicants will then need to be assessed by an assessing body recognized by the Department of Home Affairs before they can be granted this visa.

As you can see, there are a few differences between these two visas. For example, one has more stringent requirements than the other regarding English proficiency.