Subclass 190 vs. 491: Choosing the Right Australian Visa
If you are planning to work and live in Australia, two popular visa options are Subclass 190 and Subclass 491. Both visas require state or territory sponsorship but come with different eligibility criteria, benefits, and pathways to permanent residency.

If you are planning to work and live in Australia, two popular visa options are Subclass 190 and Subclass 491. Both visas require state or territory sponsorship but come with different eligibility criteria, benefits, and pathways to permanent residency. Understanding these differences can help you determine which visa best suits your circumstances.
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
The Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa is a permanent visa for skilled workers who receive a nomination from an Australian state or territory. This visa grants full work and residency rights in Australia.
Key Benefits of Subclass 190:
-
Permanent Residency: The visa allows you to live and work in Australia indefinitely.
-
Work and Study: You can work and study anywhere in Australia.
-
Healthcare Access: You are eligible for Medicare, Australia’s public health care scheme.
-
Family Sponsorship: You can sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residency.
-
Unlimited Travel: Travel freely to and from Australia for five years.
-
Citizenship Eligibility: You can apply for Australian citizenship once eligible.
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)
The Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional Visa is a provisional visa for skilled workers nominated by a state or territory to work in designated regional areas of Australia.
Key Benefits of Subclass 491:
-
Five-Year Validity: The visa allows you to live, work, and study in regional Australia for up to five years.
-
Work and Study: You must reside and work in a designated regional area.
-
Travel Flexibility: You can travel in and out of Australia as long as your visa is valid.
-
Pathway to Permanent Residency: Eligible applicants can apply for Subclass 191 permanent residency after three years.
Subclass 190 vs. Subclass 491: Similarities
Category | Subclass 190 | Subclass 491 |
---|---|---|
Eligibility | Must meet points-based requirements. | Must meet points-based requirements. |
Skills Assessment | Positive skills assessment required. | Positive skills assessment required. |
Family Inclusion | Family members can be included in the application. | Family members can be included in the application. |
Health & Character | Must meet health and character requirements. | Must meet health and character requirements. |
State Nomination | Requires nomination by a state or territory. | Requires nomination by a state or territory. |
Application Location | Can apply from inside or outside Australia. | Can apply from inside or outside Australia. |
Work Rights | Can work anywhere in Australia. | Restricted to designated regional areas. |
Travel | Unlimited travel within visa validity. | Unlimited travel within visa validity. |
Digital Visa | Linked digitally to passport. | Linked digitally to passport. |
Key Differences Between Subclass 190 and Subclass 491
Subclass 190
-
Cost: AUD 4,640 for the main applicant, with additional charges for dependents.
-
Processing Time:
-
75% of applications processed within 6 months.
-
90% of applications processed within 8 months.
-
-
Benefits:
-
Grants permanent residency upon approval.
-
Work and live anywhere in Australia.
-
Immediate access to Medicare.
-
Eligible for Australian citizenship.
-
No regional work restrictions.
-
Required Documents:
-
Passport and identification documents.
-
Proof of skills assessment.
-
Evidence of name change (if applicable).
Subclass 491
-
Cost: AUD 4,640 for the main applicant. Additional charges apply for family members.
-
Second installment of AUD 4,890 may apply for certain applicants.
-
-
Processing Time:
-
75% of applications processed within 7 months.
-
90% of applications processed within 8 months.
-
-
Benefits:
-
Valid for five years.
-
Restricted to regional areas.
-
Can transition to permanent residency via Subclass 191.
-
Unlimited travel while the visa is valid.
-
Work rights limited to designated regional areas.
-
Required Documents:
-
Passport and identification documents.
-
Proof of skills assessment.
-
Regional area work commitment evidence.
Conclusion
Both Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 provide excellent opportunities for skilled workers to live and work in Australia. The Subclass 190 visa is ideal for those seeking immediate permanent residency and flexibility in work location, while the Subclass 491 is a great option for those willing to live and work in regional areas with a pathway to permanent residency via Subclass 191.
For professional assistance in choosing the right visa and ensuring a smooth application process, consider consulting a migration agent in Perth who can provide personalized guidance based on your profile and circumstances.
What's Your Reaction?






