Subclass 189 vs 190 vs 491.

Australia offers three points-tested skilled migration visas. They share the same foundation - a skills assessment, an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect, and a minimum of 65 points - but differ in sponsorship requirements, location flexibility, and the pathway to permanent residency.

Subclass 189

Skilled Independent

Visa type
Permanent
Sponsorship
None required
Points bonus
0
Competitive score
90+
Location
Anywhere in Australia
Processing
6-13 months
Cost (main)
$4,640
PR pathway
Direct PR on grant
Learn more
Best balance

Subclass 190

Skilled Nominated

Visa type
Permanent
Sponsorship
State/territory nomination
Points bonus
+5 points
Competitive score
80-85+
Location
Nominating state (2 years)
Processing
6-11 months
Cost (main)
$4,640
PR pathway
Direct PR on grant
Learn more

Subclass 491

Skilled Work Regional

Visa type
Provisional (5 years)
Sponsorship
State nomination or family
Points bonus
+15 points
Competitive score
65-75+
Location
Regional Australia only
Processing
6-12 months
Cost (main)
$4,640
PR pathway
Via subclass 191 after 3 years
Learn more

Visa application charges as of 2024-25. Check the official fee schedule for current pricing. Processing times from Home Affairs .

Key differences explained.

Sponsorship and independence

The 189 is fully independent - no state, employer, or family sponsor needed. This makes it the most flexible but also the most competitive. The 190 requires nomination from a state or territory government, which means you need to meet that state's specific criteria and commit to living there for at least two years. The 491 accepts either state nomination or sponsorship from an eligible family member living in regional Australia.

Points and competitiveness

All three visas have a pass mark of 65 points, but the practical threshold is much higher. The 189 typically requires 90+ points for most occupations because invitations go to the highest scorers first. The 190's 5-point bonus brings someone with 85 "natural" points to 90, making it achievable for more people. The 491's 15-point bonus means applicants with as few as 65 natural points can reach competitive levels. Check the latest invitation rounds for current score thresholds.

Location requirements

The 189 has no location restrictions - you can live and work anywhere in Australia from day one. The 190 requires you to live in the nominating state or territory for at least two years after the visa is granted. The 491 restricts you to designated regional areas, which includes everywhere in Australia except Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Cities like Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Canberra, and Hobart all qualify as regional.

Permanent residency pathway

The 189 and 190 both grant permanent residency immediately on visa grant. The 491 is different - it is a provisional visa valid for five years. After living and working in regional Australia for at least three years and earning a minimum taxable income (currently $53,900 per year), you can apply for the subclass 191 permanent visa. This adds roughly 3-4 years to your PR timeline compared to the 189 or 190.

Occupation lists

Your occupation must appear on the relevant Skilled Occupation List. The 189 draws from the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). The 190 and 491 accept occupations from both the MLTSSL and the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), giving them a wider range of eligible occupations. If your occupation is on the STSOL but not the MLTSSL, the 190 or 491 may be your only points-tested option.

Which visa should you choose?.

Choose the 189 if...

  • You have 90+ points without any nomination bonus
  • You want to live in Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane
  • You want maximum flexibility with no location commitments
  • Your occupation is on the MLTSSL

Choose the 190 if...

  • You have 80-89 points and the 5-point bonus would make you competitive
  • You are happy to commit to a specific state for two years
  • Your occupation is nominated by a state you would like to live in
  • You want permanent residency without a provisional period

Choose the 491 if...

  • Your points are below 80 and you need the 15-point bonus
  • Your occupation is on the STSOL but not the MLTSSL
  • You are open to living in regional Australia for at least three years
  • You have a family member in regional Australia who can sponsor you
  • You are comfortable with a longer pathway to permanent residency

Not sure? Many applicants submit Expressions of Interest for all three visas simultaneously and accept whichever invitation comes first. Start with a free assessment to see which pathways you qualify for.

Frequently asked questions.

Common questions about choosing between the 189, 190, and 491 visas

What is the difference between 189, 190 and 491 visas?
The 189 is a fully independent permanent visa with no sponsorship or location requirements. The 190 requires state nomination and a two-year commitment to that state but gives you 5 bonus points. The 491 is a provisional visa for regional areas that gives 15 bonus points but requires three years of regional living before you can apply for permanent residency through the 191 visa.
Which visa should I apply for if I have 85 points?
With 85 points, the 190 visa is likely your best option. The 189 typically requires 90+ points for an invitation in most occupations. A 190 state nomination adds 5 points to bring you to 90, making you competitive. If you are open to regional living, the 491 adds 15 points to bring you to 100.
Can I apply for more than one visa at the same time?
Yes. You can submit multiple Expressions of Interest in SkillSelect - one for each visa subclass. Many applicants submit EOIs for all three and accept whichever invitation comes first. However, each state nomination application is separate and may have its own fees and requirements.
Is the 491 visa permanent?
No. The 491 is a provisional visa valid for five years. After living and working in regional Australia for at least three years and meeting the income requirement, you can apply for the subclass 191 permanent visa. The 191 then grants permanent residency.
Do I need a skills assessment for all three visas?
Yes. All three visas require a valid skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation. The assessment must be completed before you submit your Expression of Interest in SkillSelect.
What counts as regional Australia for the 491 visa?
Regional Australia includes all of Australia except Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. This means cities like Adelaide, Perth, Gold Coast, Canberra, Newcastle, and Hobart all count as regional for the 491 visa.
How long does it take to get an invitation?
Invitation times depend on your points score and occupation. High-scoring applicants (95+ points) in high-demand occupations may receive an invitation within one round. Lower-scoring applicants may wait 6-12 months or longer. State nominations for the 190 and 491 vary by state and can take 4-12 weeks.

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