Migration Lawyers in Melbourne & Brisbane

While both the 189 and 190 visas offer permanent residency, the key difference lies in nomination and residency commitments:

• Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa: No nomination required. You can live and work anywhere in Australia. Ideal for applicants who meet the points threshold independently.
• Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa: Requires nomination from a state or territory government (e.g. Victoria). You must commit to living and working in that state for at least two years after your visa is granted.

Both visas require at least 65 points to apply, but the 190 visa gives you an additional 5 points for state nomination. Both are permanent visas with access to Medicare and a pathway to citizenship.

Yes. You can include eligible family members when you lodge your visa application or any time before a decision is made. Once granted, your family members will have the same rights as you, including the ability to live, work, and study in Australia and access Medicare.

Processing times vary depending on the visa subclass, your country of residence, and the completeness of your application. Subclass 189 and 190 visas can take several months. Our team provides realistic timelines and keeps you informed about any updates from the Department of Home Affairs.

If your visa is refused, you may be able to appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) or seek a judicial review. Strict time limits apply, so it’s important to act quickly. Our migration lawyers can advise you on your review options and assist throughout the process.

Bring any correspondence from the Department of Home Affairs, copies of your current or previous visas, passport, qualifications, and employment evidence. If you’ve completed an Eligibility Assessment or skills assessment, please bring those results as well. These documents help us provide tailored advice on your 189 or 190 visa eligibility.

You can complete an Eligibility Assessment to understand whether you meet the minimum 65-point requirement for a skilled visa. The assessment provides tools such as a Skilled Occupation List, Self-Improvement Calculator, and Next Steps Guide. While it isn’t a visa application, it helps identify where you can improve your points or documentation before lodging an Expression of Interest (EOI).

We handle all personal information in line with Australian privacy laws and legal ethics. Your documentation and communication with us are stored securely and treated with the highest level of confidentiality.