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Are you thinking about making the move to Australia and taking the next step towards permanent residency? If you’ve been researching your options, you’ve likely encountered three popular skilled visas: the Subclass 189, Subclass 190, and Subclass 491 visas. But with so many choices, it can be confusing to choose which one is the best fit for you. Each visa offers its own unique advantages and requirements, making it important to understand the differences before getting into the application process.
So, how do you decide which visa is right for you? Should you opt for the flexibility of Subclass 189, the state-nominated path of Subclass 190, or the regional opportunity offered by Subclass 491?
In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about these visas, comparing their features, eligibility criteria, and processing times. By the end, you’ll be equipped with the information needed to make an informed decision about the best visa for your Australian migration journey.
Please Note: This article serves as a general guide to help you understand the topic, with information accurate as of the publication date. We recommend consulting a registered migration agent or check The Department of Home Affairs for precise, up-to-date guidance tailored to your specific circumstances.
Understanding the 189, 190, and 491 Visas
Let’s start by understanding what each of these visas offers and the key aspects of each one.
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
The Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa is designed for skilled workers who are invited to apply based on their qualifications and experience. Unlike other visa options, this visa doesn’t require a sponsor or nomination from a state or territory, offering you greater flexibility. It’s ideal if you want the freedom to live and work anywhere in Australia without being tied to a specific region or employer.
There are two streams under this visa:
Points-tested Stream: If you are invited based on your points score, you can live and work anywhere in Australia permanently.
Hong Kong Stream: For Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport holders who meet certain requirements.
Benefits of Subclass 189:
Permanent Residency: Once granted, you’ll enjoy permanent residency in Australia.
Work and Study Rights: You can work and study anywhere in Australia without any restrictions.
Medicare: You’ll be eligible for Australia’s public healthcare system, Medicare.
Sponsorship Rights: You can sponsor other family members to join you in Australia.
Travel Flexibility: You can travel to and from Australia for up to five years from the date your visa is granted.
Citizenship Pathway: If eligible, you can apply for Australian citizenship after meeting the residency requirements.
This visa offers one of the most flexible pathways to living and working in Australia, especially if you prefer the independence of choosing your location. Let’s now look at the Subclass 190 visa.
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
The Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa is another permanent residency visa, but it requires you to be nominated by an Australian state or territory. This visa is perfect if your occupation is in demand in a specific region, as it gives you the opportunity to work and live in that nominated state or territory. This visa is ideal for skilled workers who are looking for opportunities that are specifically suited to their skills and are open to living in one region.
Benefits of Subclass 190:
Permanent Residency: This visa grants you permanent residency in Australia.
Work and Study Rights: You are allowed to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia.
Medicare: As a permanent resident, you’ll have access to Australia’s public healthcare system, Medicare.
Sponsorship Rights: You can sponsor eligible family members to come to Australia.
Travel Flexibility: You can travel to and from Australia for five years.
Citizenship Pathway: After meeting residency requirements, you can apply for Australian citizenship.
State-Specific Benefits: Some states or territories may offer additional benefits or incentives for skilled workers nominated under this visa.
The Subclass 190 visa offers stability and a targeted route for workers whose skills are in demand in particular states. It can be the right choice if you have a strong preference for a specific region. Moving on, let’s explore the Subclass 491 visa.
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)
The Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa is a provisional visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia for up to five years. After having the Subclass 491 visa for three years, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa. This visa is ideal if you’re willing to contribute to regional Australia’s economy.
This visa has two streams:
Skilled Work Regional Stream: For workers nominated by a state or territory government to work in a designated regional area.
Skilled Regional Family Stream: For family members of Subclass 491 visa holders.
Benefits of Subclass 491:
Temporary Residency for 5 Years: You can live, work, and study in a designated regional area of Australia for five years.
Travel Flexibility: You are free to travel to and from Australia as many times as you like while your visa is valid.
Permanent Residency Pathway: After living in a regional area for three years, you can apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa.
Work and Study Rights: You can work and study in regional Australia without restrictions.
Family Sponsorship: You can include family members in your application and provide them with the same benefits.
Citizenship Pathway: After obtaining permanent residency, you may be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship.
The Subclass 491 visa offers unique advantages for those willing to live and work in regional Australia, while also providing an opportunity to gain permanent residency in the long term.
Each of these visas serves different needs and offers different levels of flexibility in terms of location, sponsorship, and eligibility. Now, let’s understand these differences in more detail.
Key Differences Between the 189, 190, and 491 Visas
Now that we have an overview, let’s get into the key differences between the 189, 190, and 491 visas. Here’s a comparison table to make things clear:
Feature | Subclass 189 | Subclass 190 | Subclass 491 |
Visa Type | Skilled Independent (Permanent) | Skilled Nominated (Permanent) | Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) |
Eligibility | Points-tested, invited to apply | Nominated by state/territory | Nominated by state/territory or family |
Sponsorship/ Nomination | No sponsor or nomination required | Requires state/territory nomination | Requires state/territory or family sponsor |
Work Rights | Can work anywhere in Australia | Work anywhere in Australia but with nomination | Must work in regional Australia |
Stay Duration | Permanent | Permanent | 5 years (provisional) |
Pathway to Permanent Residency | Direct permanent residency | Direct permanent residency | Can apply for permanent residency after 3 years |
Processing Time | Around 6 months | Around 16 months to 21 months | Around 18 months to 24 months |
This table highlights the main differences between the three visa types. As you can see, the Subclass 189 visa offers the most flexibility since it doesn’t require a sponsor or nomination, allowing you to work anywhere in Australia.
On the other hand, the Subclass 190 and 491 visas require state or territory nomination, with the Subclass 491 visa also limiting you to regional areas.
Each visa type has its advantages and specific eligibility criteria. Understanding the differences between these visas will help you choose the best option for your circumstances.
Factors to Consider While Selecting the Right Visa
Choosing between the Subclass 189, 190, and 491 visas depends on several personal factors. Here are some things to consider when deciding which visa is right for you:
1. Your Occupation
Different visas are available for different skill sets. If your occupation is in high demand across Australia, the Subclass 189 visa may be the best choice for you. If your occupation is more in demand in a particular state or territory, the Subclass 190 or 491 visa might be the way to go.
2. Willingness to Live in Regional Australia
If you’re open to living in regional Australia, the Subclass 491 visa is a perfect option as it also leads to permanent residency. However, if you prefer to live in a major city, the Subclass 189 or 190 might be better suited to your needs.
3. Your Age
You must be under 45 to be invited to apply for all three visa types. If you’re nearing the age limit, you may need to act quickly to increase your chances of being invited to apply.
4. Points Test
The Subclass 189 visa is based on a points system. To be eligible, you’ll need to score at least 65 points. The same points system applies to the Subclass 190 and 491 visas, but you’ll also need a state nomination to qualify for those visas.
Choosing the right visa comes down to your personal preferences, occupation, age, and willingness to live in a specific area. It’s important to assess each factor carefully and choose the visa that best aligns with your circumstances and long-term goals.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right visa is an important decision that depends on your qualifications, skills, and long-term plans in Australia. Whether you’re looking for flexibility, regional experience, or state-specific opportunities, each visa offers unique benefits. The Subclass 189 visa is perfect for those who want to live and work anywhere in Australia, while the Subclass 190 visa offers state nomination and permanent residency. The Subclass 491 visa is perfect for those willing to live in regional Australia with the potential to transition to permanent residency.
Ready to apply for your visa? At Knowbal, we can help guide you through the process and ensure you select the visa that best suits your needs. Contact us today for personalised assistance with your application!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the main difference between the Subclass 189, Subclass 190, and Subclass 491 visas?
The key difference lies in the requirement for state or regional nomination. Subclass 189 doesn’t require any nomination, giving you more flexibility, whereas Subclasses 190 and 491 require state or territory nomination and may have conditions related to specific regions or employment.
2. Do I need a job offer to apply for these visas?
No, a job offer is not required for any of these visas. However, you must have a skills assessment in an occupation that is on Australia’s skilled occupation list.
3. What is the processing time for these visas?
Processing times can vary based on visa type and individual circumstances. Typically, Subclass 189 takes around 6 months, Subclass 190 around 16-21 months, and Subclass 491 around 18-24 months.
4. Can I apply for a Subclass 491 visa if I prefer living in a major city?
The Subclass 491 visa is specifically for regional areas. You will need to live, work, and study in a designated regional area for the visa’s duration, although you can apply for permanent residency after 3 years in Australia.
5. Can I apply for these visas if I’m over 45 years old?
No, unfortunately, you must be under 45 years of age to apply for Subclass 189, 190, and 491 visas. However, some exceptions may apply depending on specific circumstances, such as employer sponsorship or state nomination programs.
Have more questions? Reach out to Knowbal now!
