Australia remains one of the most popular destinations for skilled migrants who want to build their careers and settle permanently. The country offers various skilled migration visa pathways, with the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190), and the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) among the most sought after.
Each visa category comes with unique eligibility requirements, benefits, and obligations, making it important for applicants to understand the differences before applying. In this blog, we’ll break down each visa type in detail, compare them, and provide insights into which option may best suit different applicants.
The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is one of the most popular visa options for skilled workers because it provides permanent residency without requiring sponsorship from an employer, a state or territory government, or a family member.
Permanent residency granted upon approval.
No requirement for employer or state sponsorship.
Freedom to live and work anywhere in Australia.
Ability to include family members in the application.
Access to Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system.
Must be invited to apply through the SkillSelect system.
Have an occupation listed on Australia’s skilled occupation list.
Meet minimum points test requirements (currently 65 points or more).
Be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation.
Meet English language proficiency requirements.
This visa is best suited for skilled professionals who want complete independence and flexibility in choosing where to live and work in Australia.
The Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) is also a permanent residency visa, but it requires nomination from an Australian state or territory government.
Grants permanent residency.
Requires state or territory nomination.
Provides additional 5 points in the points test.
Obligation to live and work in the sponsoring state or territory for at least two years.
Receive an invitation through SkillSelect.
Nomination by a state or territory government.
Occupation must be listed on the relevant state’s occupation list.
Meet minimum points requirement.
Be under 45 years old at the time of invitation.
This visa is ideal for skilled workers who may not meet the competitive points threshold for Subclass 189 but can secure a state nomination to boost their chances of approval.
The Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) is a temporary visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia for up to five years, with a pathway to permanent residency.
Provisional visa valid for 5 years.
Requires state/territory nomination or sponsorship by an eligible family member living in a regional area.
Provides 15 additional points in the points test.
Must live, work, and study in a regional area.
Pathway to permanent residency via the Subclass 191 visa (after 3 years, subject to conditions).
Must receive an invitation through SkillSelect.
Occupation listed on relevant skilled occupation list.
Nomination from state/territory or eligible family sponsor.
Meet points requirement.
Be under 45 years at the time of invitation.
This visa is best suited for applicants who may not qualify for permanent residency directly but are willing to live in regional Australia to build a pathway toward permanent settlement.
| Feature | Subclass 189 | Subclass 190 | Subclass 491 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa Type | Permanent | Permanent | Provisional (5 years) |
| Sponsorship Required | No | Yes (State/Territory) | Yes (State/Territory or Family in regional area) |
| Extra Points | No | +5 | +15 |
| Residency Obligation | None | Live in nominating state | Live in regional area |
| Pathway to PR | Direct | Direct | Yes (through Subclass 191 after 3 years) |
Choose Subclass 189 if you qualify independently with a strong points score.
Choose Subclass 190 if you need state nomination support and are happy to live in a particular state.
Choose Subclass 491 if you need additional points and are open to living in a regional area to gain permanent residency later.
What is the main difference between Subclass 189 and Subclass 190?
Subclass 189 offers complete independence, while Subclass 190 requires state nomination and commitment to live in that state.
Can Subclass 491 visa holders apply for permanent residency?
Yes, Subclass 491 holders can apply for Subclass 191 permanent residency after 3 years of living and working in a regional area.
Do all these visas require points test eligibility?
Yes, all three visas (189, 190, and 491) are points-tested visas under Australia’s skilled migration program.
Can family members be included in these visa applications?
Yes, all three visas allow applicants to include eligible family members in their application.
Which visa is easiest to get approved?
It depends on your occupation, points score, and willingness to accept state or regional nomination. Generally, Subclass 491 is considered more accessible due to the additional points offered.
Do these visas allow access to Medicare?
Yes, Subclass 189 and 190 grant immediate access to Medicare, while Subclass 491 holders may have access depending on regional agreements.
Australia’s skilled migration program offers multiple pathways for professionals to live, work, and eventually settle permanently in the country. The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) provides maximum freedom, the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) balances opportunities with state obligations, and the Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) offers a provisional route with the promise of permanent residency through regional living.
Choosing the right visa depends on your points score, occupation, and long-term settlement goals. For many skilled professionals, these visas provide not just a career opportunity but also a chance to build a new life in one of the world’s most desirable countries.
