What is the difference between Subclass 189, 190, and 491 visas?

The Subclass 189, 190, and 491 visas are different types of skilled migration visas for Australia, each with its own eligibility requirements, benefits, and conditions. Here's a breakdown of their key differences:

1. Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa)

• Eligibility: This visa is for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, a state/territory, or a family member. Applicants must have a nominated occupation on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) and meet points-based requirements.
• Sponsorship: No sponsorship is required. It is an independent visa.
• Work Rights: Holders of this visa have full work rights in Australia and can live and work anywhere in the country.
• Permanent Residency: This visa grants permanent residency in Australia upon approval.
• Points Requirement: Applicants must score at least 65 points based on factors like age, English language proficiency, work experience, and education.
• Processing Time: Processing time can vary, but it generally takes longer due to the competitiveness of the points-based system.

2. Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa)

• Eligibility: This visa is for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian state or territory government. The applicant's occupation must be on the relevant State or Territory Skilled Occupation List (STSOL).
• Sponsorship: Applicants must be nominated by a state or territory government, which is required to apply for this visa.
• Work Rights: Holders of this visa can live, work, and study anywhere in Australia. However, they may be required to live and work in the nominating state/territory for at least two years.
• Permanent Residency: This visa also grants permanent residency after approval.
• Points Requirement: Similar to Subclass 189, applicants must score at least 65 points, but being nominated by a state/territory can provide extra points.
• Processing Time: Processing times can be faster compared to the Subclass 189 because the nomination by a state can prioritize applications.

3. Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa)

• Eligibility: This visa is for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian state/territory or sponsored by an eligible family member living in a regional area of Australia. The applicant's occupation must be on the Regional Occupation List (ROL).
• Sponsorship: Applicants must be sponsored by a state/territory or an eligible family member in a regional area of Australia.
• Work Rights: This is a provisional visa that allows holders to live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia for up to 5 years.
• Permanent Residency: The Subclass 491 visa is a temporary visa, but after three years of living and working in a regional area, holders can apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa.
• Points Requirement: Like Subclass 189 and 190, applicants must score at least 65 points. However, applicants can get additional points for having a family member sponsor or for being nominated by a regional area.
• Processing Time: Processing times can vary, but this is generally faster than the Subclass 189 visa due to the priority given to regional migration.

Key Differences:

• Nomination: Subclass 189 does not require nomination, while Subclass 190 requires state/territory nomination, and Subclass 491 can be nominated by a state/territory or sponsored by a family member in a regional area.
• Location: Subclass 189 allows applicants to live anywhere in Australia, Subclass 190 requires living in the nominating state/territory, and Subclass 491 requires living in a regional area.
• Permanent vs. Temporary: Subclass 189 and Subclass 190 grant permanent residency, while Subclass 491 is a temporary visa leading to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa after meeting regional work requirements.

In summary:

• Subclass 189: Independent skilled visa with full rights to live and work anywhere in Australia.
• Subclass 190: Nominated skilled visa with a requirement to live in the nominating state/territory.

Subclass 491: Provisional visa for regional Australia, with a pathway to permanent residency after three years.

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