Are you a skilled professional looking to settle in Australia for work and lifestyle opportunities? Then you have likely explored many skilled visa options and may feel overwhelmed trying to differentiate between them.
Such two confusing but widespread options are Subclass 491 and Subclass 190. Both of them offer an incredible opportunity, but choosing the right one is very important. So, in this blog, we will clear up the confusion between them that will help you make the right migration decision with confidence.
First, let’s know the basic information about both visas.
Subclass 491: Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa
- This is the provisional visa for skilled workers who want to live and work in Australia’s regional areas.
- 491 visa holders can stay up to 5 years in Australia while studying, working, and living in regional areas.
- The charge for applying for this visa starts from AUD 4,910.00 for the main applicant.
- This subclass 491 provides a clear pathway for permanent residency through the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191).
(Note: Until you hold subclass 491 for the 3 years, you cannot apply for other permanent visas)
- During your visa’s validity period, you can travel in and out of Australia as many times as you want.
- The 491 visa processing time may vary case by case, but you can visit the Processing Time Guide Tool for an estimation.
Subclass 190: Skilled Nominated Visa
- This visa provides immediate permanent residency for skilled workers and allows them to live, study, and work everywhere within the sponsor state in Australia.
- It also allows visa holders to sponsor their relatives.
- The charge for applying for this visa is the same as the 491 subclass and starts from AUD 4,910.00 for the main applicant.
- With the help of this visa, one can also enrol in Australia’s public health care scheme.
After getting the basic understanding of both of these visas, let us know about their main differences.
Comparative Overview: Subclass 491 vs Subclass 190
| Feature | Subclass 491 | Subclass 190 |
| Visa type | Provisional | Permanent |
| Residency Restrictions | Can live in a designated regional area | Can live anywhere within the sponsor state |
| Stay in Australia | Up to 5 years | Initially 5 years |
| When to get a PR | After living 3 years in the regional area of Australia | Immediately |
| Points for Nomination | 15 points | 5 points |
Similarities Between Subclass 491 and Subclass 190
- Both of them require nominations or sponsorship from an Australian state or territory government.
- Both of them work on a point-based system in which applicants need to meet a minimum point requirement. (Usually 65 points)
- Both have an age limit of under 45 years at the time of invitation.
- Both of them can be applied from inside or outside of Australia.
- Both of these visas can be stored online and digitally linked to your passport.
Final Thoughts
Subclass 491 and subclass 190 both offer skilled professionals an exceptional opportunity to migrate to Australia with their unique structures. If you want a visa that does not have any living restrictions and offers you immediate PR, then choosing a subclass 190 is the best option.
On the other hand, if you want to live in a designated regional area of Australia, then going for the subclass 491 can give you a chance to live in Australia up to 5 years, and after that, a pathway to PR through subclass 191.
Just remember that, whether you want to apply for Subclass 491 or 190, to lodge the visa application successfully, accuracy and attention to detail are needed. Let Growmore Immigration become your trusted partner in navigating the complexities and increasing your chances of a positive visa process outcome.
Contact us at +61 434202021 and get personalized immigration advice from our experts for any visa type.