Subclass 190 VS 491 ~ What’s the difference?
Congratulations you’re planning to migrate to Australia! However, like many, you’re confused about the difference between Subclass 190 & 491…
Lucky for you, in this blog we’ll cover everything you need to know about Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 190 & Skilled Regional Visa Subclass 491, so you can make a decision that is most effective for you!
Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 190
Regarded as the most popular Australian migration pathways, the Subclass 190 Visa is a skilled nomination visa (nominated referring to nomination from a state or territory government) that grants PR in Australia immediately.
Similar to Subclass 189, the Skilled Independent Visa (190) follows the same process ~
1. Skills Assessment
2. Expression of Interest
3. State/Tertiary Nomination
4. Visa Application
What is a Skills Assessment?
As the name suggests, the 190 skilled visa is about being skilled. Applicants must have the expected skills that is required to prove that you have the correct education and/or experience to work in your nominated occupation in Australia.
Skills assessments are not approved by the Department of Home Affairs (DOHA). Instead, each occupation has a designated skills assessing authority appointed by DOHA. For example, if you work in the IT industry, your skills assessing authority will be Australian Computer Society (ACS).
Note – every skill assessing authority in Australia is different and has different requirements. Some may only look at your qualifications, while others can ask for your formal employment experience too.
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 491)
Unlike the Subclass 190 that is immediate permanent residency, the Subclass 491 is a 5-year temporary visa, only allowing permanent residency after a minimum of 3 years (which then leads to the 191 Visa).
There are two streams for 491 Visa in Australia:
| Subclass 491 Visa Requirements – State/Territory Nomination Stream: | If you’re applying for the regional skilled visa (491) under this nomination steam, the process will mostly mirror the 190 process ~
1. Obtain a positive skills assessment. |
| Subclass 491 visa – Family Sponsor Stream: | Requirements for this stream is similar to the state/territory stream:
1. Skills Assessment You do not need an Australian state/territory nomination for this stream. Instead, you need to be sponsored by an eligible relative. DOHA has provided a clear definition of eligible relative here: Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa – Main applicant Visa 491 under the family stream is regarded as more competitive in comparison to the state/territory nomination stream. |
A common question we often hear: why should I apply for Subclass 491 if it’s the same process as Subclass 190? A very valid question! Subclass 491 is a temporary visa (however you have to wait for an additional 3 years) and Subclass 190 gives you Australian permanent residency (immediately). Let’s dig deeper on each visa’s differentiating points:
| Differentiating Points: | Subclass 491 | Subclass 190 |
| Visa Status | Provisional Residency | Permanent Residency |
| Conditions | Conditional & Restricted PR | Unconditional & Unrestricted PR |
| Restrictions | You are required to work & live in a regional state for a minimum of 3 years prior to applying for PR. | You are expected to reside in the state you applied for, for at least the first 2 years. |
| Medicare & Social Benefits | No access to Medicare & social benefits. | Conditional access to Medicare & Social benefits. |
Keep in mind, if you opt for the Subclass 491, the state will reward you with an additional 15 points, which is why many skilled migrants who are lacking points will opt for the regional visa. However, if you apply for Subclass 190, you’ll receive more flexibility and benefits upon arrival in Australia.
So, which one is better? Well, no one can answer that as it’s completely your decisions! Choosing the most suitable visa will depend on various factors, including – your skill-set score, points obtained and jobs that are currently in demand in particular states. Before deciding, it is vital to effectively discuss your options and seek advice from a registered migration agent, as they can provide a valuable and appropriate perspective. Visa consultants can further assist in educating and updating you on various other pathways to help smoothen your immigration journey.
Let us do the hard work and help you get started! We’re providing a FREE in person consultation! Get in contact soon ~
