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Probability of Visa Subclasses 189, 491, and 190 in Victoria
Hello everyone,
Potential Occupations for Australian Migration: Analyst Programmer, Systems Analyst, and Software and Application Programmer (not elsewhere classified).
Visa Points Breakdown: For the skilled independent visa (subclass 189), I need 90 points; for the state-nominated visa (subclass 190), I would need 90 + 5 points; and for the skilled work regional visa (subclass 491), I would need 90 + 15 points.
I am currently short on work experience points in the listed occupations. What would be the best occupation and visa pathway for me to secure my visa approval quickly?
My current visa is expiring soon. While I can pursue skill assessment for related job roles like ICT Support and Test Engineer, these positions are classified under the Short-term Skilled Occupation List, which makes me ineligible for the subclass 189 visa. Is it worthwhile to invest my time and resources into the employer-sponsored visa subclass 186, especially since my current company is quite complex to navigate?
I would greatly appreciate any insights or advice on this matter.
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1 Reply
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Hi Rohin,
Your nominated occupations, Analyst Programmer (ANZSCO 261311), Systems Analyst (ANZSCO 261112), and Software and Applications Programmer (nec) (ANZSCO 261399), are all listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), making you eligible for the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190), and Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491).
Best Visa Pathway Based on Points
- Subclass 189: Given the high competition, 90 points may be borderline. Recent invitation rounds have seen very high cut-offs, so securing more points (e.g., through NAATI, partner points, or increasing work experience) would improve your chances.
- Subclass 190 (Victoria): Victoria nominates IT professionals, but the competition is very strong. You’ll need at least 95 points (90 + 5 from state nomination). Your chances depend on your work experience and how well you meet Victoria’s skills demand.
- Subclass 491 (Regional Victoria): With 105 points (90 + 15 from state nomination), this could be a stronger pathway if you are willing to live and work in regional Victoria. The processing time for 491 visas is often quicker than 189/190 due to fewer applicants.
Skill Assessment Considerations
If you lack work experience points, switching to ICT Support and Test Engineer (ANZSCO 263299) is not ideal because it is on the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), which means:
- Not eligible for subclass 189.
- Can apply for subclass 190 and 491, but state demand is lower for STSOL-listed occupations.
Employer-Sponsored Visa (Subclass 186)
If your company is willing to sponsor, the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) subclass 186 visa is a direct PR pathway. However, since you mentioned your employer is difficult to navigate, this may not be the most reliable option. The process can be complex, requiring:
- Employer commitment to labour market testing (LMT) and sponsorship obligations.
- A valid skills assessment and meeting the work experience requirement (usually 3 years).
Next Steps for Fastest Approval
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If you can increase points quickly, focus on Subclass 190 or 189 by:
- NAATI CCL (5 points)
- Professional Year (5 points)
- Partner skills (if applicable, 5-10 points)
- State nomination (5 points for 190, 15 for 491)
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Subclass 491 (Victoria Regional) could be your best bet, given the additional 15 points.
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Consider an employer-sponsored 186 visa only if your employer is cooperative and meets sponsorship conditions.
Since your visa is expiring soon, ensure you explore bridging visa options if you lodge a new application before your current visa ends.
Hope this helps, and let me know if you need more details!
Regards,
Mark
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