Selecting the right visa is a decisive initial stage of your process to Australia. Some of the most appropriate and preferred visas that qualifying skilled migrants may consider are the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) and the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190). Even though both points-based tests and both demand state or territory nomination, there are also differences in access to pathways to PR.
This guide can help you understand the key differences in order to make a choice on the best skilled migration option you should choose.
What is the 491 Visa?
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (subclass 491) is a provisional visa that allows skilled workers to live, work, and study in the designated regional areas in Australia for a period of five years. It is an intermediate to permanent residence.
To be applied, you must be nominated by the government of a state or territory, or sponsored by an assignee member of the family who is residing in a designated regional area. The key condition of such a visa is the fact that you should live and work in a regional area as a provision, and only then could you apply to be a permanent visa.
What is the 190 Visa?
Skilled Nominated visas (subclass 190) are permanent residency visas which are given in a skill basis. The individual is given permission on the basis of a nomination by an Australian state or territory government.
The 190 visa also unlike the 491 visa, grants permanent residency as soon as the visa is granted. There are no regional employment or residency requirements, except that some states may require the person to work and/or reside in the nominating state for a specified number of years.
Key Differences Between the 491 and 190 Visa
It is necessary to be aware of the essence of key differences between those two visas in order to make a considered choice.
Visa Duration and Validity
- 491 Visa: This is a provisional, five-year visa. It is a temporary visa that provides a pathway to permanent residency after you meet specific conditions.
- 190 Visa: This is a permanent visa. Upon grant, you can live and work in Australia indefinitely.
Points System and Eligibility
Both visas require you to score a minimum of 65 points on the Department of Home Affairs’ points test. However, the points awarded for nomination differ significantly:
- 491 Visa: A regional nomination or family sponsorship awards an additional 15 points.
- 190 Visa: A state or territory nomination awards 5 points.
This higher point allocation for the 491 visa can be a crucial factor for applicants who have a lower base points score (from age, English proficiency, education, and work experience) but are still highly sought after by a state or territory.
Dependent Visa Benefits
Both visas allow you to include your family members in your application, but the benefits differ based on the visa’s status:
- 491 Visa: Family members included in the visa application must also live, work, and study in a designated regional area. They have access to Medicare, but not all Social Security benefits immediately.
- 190 Visa: As a permanent residency visa, it grants immediate access to all the benefits of a permanent resident, including Medicare and the ability to sponsor other relatives in the future.
Regional Work Requirements
This is the most significant difference between the two visas.
- 491 Visa: You and your family must live, work, and study in a designated regional area for the duration of the provisional visa.
- 190 Visa: There are no regional restrictions. You can live and work in any part of the nominating state or territory, and after a certain period, you can move to any part of Australia.
PR Pathway and Processing
- 491 Visa: The pathway to permanent residency is through the Subclass 191 visa. To be eligible, you must have held a 491 visa for at least three years, lived and worked in a designated regional area, and met a minimum taxable income requirement for each of those years.
- 190 Visa: This visa grants direct permanent residency. There is no need for a subsequent visa application to achieve PR status.
491 vs 489 Visa – The Transition
The 491 visa replaced the previous Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 489) in November 2019. The key changes introduced with the 491 visa were designed to strengthen Australia’s regional migration program:
- Longer Validity: The 491 visa has a five-year validity, compared to the four years of the 489 visa.
- More Points: The new visa offers more points for regional nomination (15 points vs 10 points).
- Broader Locations: The definition of a “designated regional area” was expanded, including more postcodes and making a greater number of locations eligible.
Which Visa Should You Choose?
The best visa for you depends on your personal circumstances and career goals.
- Choose the 491 visa if:
- You are willing to live and work in regional Australia for at least three years.
- You need the extra 15 points to meet the eligibility threshold for an invitation.
- Your occupation is in high demand in a specific regional area.
- Choose the 190 visa if:
- You have a high points score and are confident in receiving an invitation.
- Your occupation is in demand in a major metropolitan state.
- Immediate permanent residency is your priority.
- You want the flexibility to live and work in a major city.
Benefits of Each Visa
| 491 Visa Benefits | 190 Visa Benefits |
| +15 points for nomination, improving your chances of an invitation. | Immediate permanent residency upon visa grant. |
| Clear PR pathway in 3 years via the subclass 191 visa. | No regional work restrictions. |
| A greater number of invitation rounds due to the government’s focus on regional migration. | Provides full rights and benefits of a permanent resident from day one. |
Application Process Overview
The application process for both visas follows a similar, multi-stage journey:
Step 1: Foundational Requirements & Skills Assessment
Before you can begin, you must prove you meet the fundamental criteria.
- Meet Foundational Criteria: You must be under 45 years of age, have at least competent English, and your occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list.
- Complete a Skills Assessment: This is a mandatory and crucial first step. You must have your skills, qualifications, and work experience assessed by the relevant Australian assessing authority for your nominated occupation.
Step 2: Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect
- Complete the Online EOI: You’ll enter all your details into the SkillSelect system. The system automatically calculates your points score.
- Indicate Nomination Interest: You must specify which states or territories you are interested in being nominated by for the 190 and/or 491 visas. You can also indicate if you are applying for the family-sponsored stream of the 491 visa.
- Wait in the EOI Pool: Your EOI will be ranked based on your points score and viewed by states and territories for potential nomination.
Step 3: State/Territory Nomination
This step is where the visa paths diverge slightly.
- Register Your Interest (Optional): Many states have an additional “Registration of Interest” (ROI) process that you must complete directly with them.
- Wait for Invitation to Apply for Nomination: States and territories hold periodic invitation rounds and select EOIs that meet their specific criteria.
- Apply for State Nomination: If invited, you have a limited time to lodge a formal application with the state, providing evidence to support your claims.
Step 4: Visa Application
Once nominated by a state or territory, you receive an official Invitation to Apply (ITA) for your visa from the Department of Home Affairs.
- Receive ITA: You will receive an email from SkillSelect with an ITA. You now have 60 days to lodge your full visa application.
- Lodge Your Visa Application: This is done through the Department of Home Affairs’ ImmiAccount portal. You will upload all supporting documents and pay the visa application charge.
Step 5: Final Checks and Visa Decision
- Health and Character Checks: You and all family members on the application will be required to undergo medical examinations and obtain police clearance certificates.
- Wait for a Visa Decision: A case officer will review your application and may request additional information.
- Visa Grant: If all requirements are met, your visa will be granted.
Common Mistakes and Misconceptions
- Assuming the PR timeline is the same. The 190 visa is an immediate PR, while the 491 is a provisional visa with a minimum three-year wait for the PR pathway.
- Not meeting regional requirements. For a 491 visa, you must live and work in a designated regional area, and this is strictly enforced by the Department.
- Underestimating points cut-offs. While both visas require a minimum of 65 points, the actual cut-off scores for an invitation are often much higher, especially for the 190 visa.
How We Can Help: VXL Education
Navigating Australia’s complex skilled migration system can be challenging. VXL Education specializes in providing expert guidance and support to help you achieve your Australian dream. Our services include:
- Eligibility assessment to determine your best visa option.
- Points maximisation strategies to improve your EOI score.
- State nomination guidance and assistance with registration of interest.
- End-to-end application support to ensure a smooth and successful process.
Latest Updates for 491 and 190 Visas
The Australian immigration scenario is under continuous change It is important to remain updated on new invitation rounds, occupation lists, and changes to the policies. We constantly research and disseminate information to enable our clients to stay at the edge of developments.
Contact Us
Your Australian dream is just one application away. Whether you’re considering the 491 visa or the 190 visa, the right guidance can make all the difference. Our expert team at VXL Education is here to help you understand your options, maximise your points, and navigate every step of the visa process with confidence. Contact us today to start your journey toward Australia.
FAQs related to 491 vs 190 Visa
What is the main difference between 491 and 190 visas?
The main difference is their status: the 491 is a provisional (temporary) visa with a PR pathway, while the 190 is a direct permanent residency visa.
Can I get PR directly with the 491 visa?
No, you cannot. The 491 is a provisional visa. You must first hold it for at least three years and meet all conditions before you can apply for the permanent Subclass 191 visa.
Do both visas require state nomination?
Yes, both visas require nomination from an Australian state or territory government. However, the 491 visa also has a family-sponsored stream for eligible relatives.
Can my family work on a dependent visa under 491?
Yes, family members on a dependent visa can work and study in Australia, but they must also adhere to the regional work and residency requirements.
Which visa is faster to process?
Processing times can vary significantly based on a number of factors, including the volume of applications and the complexity of your case. It is best to check the Department of Home Affairs website for the most current processing times.
What is a “designated regional area”?
A designated regional area includes all of Australia except for Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
Do I have to stay in my nominating state with a 190 visa?
The 190 visa is a permanent visa, and once granted, you have the right to live and work anywhere in Australia. However, it is a condition of some state nominations that you show a genuine commitment to live in that state for at least two years.
Can I apply for a 190 visa while holding a 491 visa?
Yes, it is possible to apply for a 190 visa while holding a 491 visa, provided you meet the eligibility criteria for the 190 visa, including receiving a new state nomination