Subclass 190 vs 491 vs 189: Which Skilled Visa Should You Apply For?
Australia has three points-tested skilled visas. Here is how they differ — and a simple way to work out which one fits your situation.
All three are points-tested skilled visas you must be invited to apply for. The 189 is permanent with no sponsor, but the most competitive. The 190 is permanent and needs state nomination, adding 5 points. The 491 is a 5-year regional visa, adding 15 points, leading to permanent residence through the 191. The minimum to be invited is 65 points, though competitive scores are higher. (Source: Department of Home Affairs, SkillSelect.)
The Core Difference: Independent, Nominated, Regional
The Subclass 189 is a permanent visa with no sponsor — you are invited on your points alone. The Subclass 190 is also permanent, but a state or territory must nominate you, which adds 5 points. The Subclass 491 is a 5-year regional visa that adds 15 points and leads to permanent residency through the Subclass 191. For each one, your occupation must be on the right Skilled Occupation List.
| Factor | Subclass 189 (Independent) | Subclass 190 (Nominated) | Subclass 491 (Regional) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residency outcome | Permanent from grant | Permanent from grant | Provisional, up to 5 years |
| Sponsor / nomination | None — independent | State or territory nomination | State nomination, or eligible-relative sponsorship in a regional area |
| Points added | 0 | +5 | +15 |
| Occupation list | MLTSSL only | MLTSSL or STSOL | MLTSSL, STSOL or ROL |
| Where you live | Anywhere in Australia | Nominating state (a commitment, not a visa condition) | A designated regional area — condition 8579 |
| Pathway to PR | Already permanent | Already permanent | Via the 191, after 3 years regional with income evidence |
Common to all three: you apply through a SkillSelect Expression of Interest, must be under 45 when invited, need a positive skills assessment, at least Competent English, and must meet health and character requirements.
Which One Should You Apply For?
Start with your situation, not the visa. Three things usually decide it: your points score, whether your occupation is on the right list, and whether you will accept a state nomination or regional living in return for points.
If your score is very high and your occupation is on the MLTSSL, the independent 189 is open to you. If you need extra points, a state nomination through the 190 (+5) or the 491 (+15) is often the realistic route — and the 491 accepts the widest range of occupations.
How Each Visa Works
Subclass 189 — Skilled Independent (Permanent)
The 189 is permanent, needs no sponsor, and lets you live anywhere in Australia. Your occupation must be on the MLTSSL. It is also the most competitive: real invitations usually go to high scorers, and the independent stream currently leans toward priority occupations such as healthcare, teaching and social work.
Subclass 190 — Skilled Nominated (Permanent)
The 190 is permanent, but a state or territory must nominate you, which adds 5 points and can broaden your options across the MLTSSL or STSOL. States expect a genuine commitment to live there, commonly for about two years — an undertaking, not a visa condition. Each state runs its own list, so the right state depends on your occupation. Compare programs on our state nomination pages, and see a worked example in South Australia: 190 or 491.
Subclass 491 — Skilled Work Regional (Provisional)
The 491 is a 5-year regional visa with the most points (+15) and the widest occupation range, across the MLTSSL, STSOL and ROL. You can be nominated by a state or sponsored by an eligible relative in a designated regional area. Condition 8579 requires you to live, work and study only in that regional area while you hold the visa.
How Points Decide It
All three visas use the same points test. You currently need at least 65 points just to be invited. In practice, competitive scores are usually higher and change with each invitation round. This is where nomination matters — the 190 adds 5 points and the 491 adds 15. You can read more on our points test explainer.
On the horizon — not yet law: the 2026–27 Federal Budget confirmed a review of the skilled migration points test, but no changes have been legislated. The current rules, including the 65-point minimum, still apply, and invitations already issued are expected to be honoured. Timing your Expression of Interest can matter — confirm the latest position with the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent.
Which Skilled-Visa Candidate Are You?
The visa you are likely to be invited for depends a lot on your situation. Here is how the most common candidate types usually map to the 189, 190 or 491 — and where to go next.
| If you are… | Likely visa | Your next step |
|---|---|---|
| Working in a nominating state (onshore) | 190 (PR) or 491 (regional) | Read the state-nomination requirements |
| Offshore, with an EOI in SkillSelect | 189 if your points are very high; otherwise target a state | Read the offshore note below |
| A recent graduate (485 or studied here) | Often 190 or 491 via a state graduate stream | See our study-to-PR pathway |
| A tradesperson | 190 or 491 — trades feature on many state lists | Start with skilled migration |
| In a priority sector (health, teaching, social work) | 189 is most realistic here; 190 and 491 also apply | See the 189 guide |
| Willing to commit to regional Australia | 491 → 191 (the most nomination points: +15) | See the 491 pathway |
Offshore applicants: you compete directly in the SkillSelect pool. The independent 189 suits only very high scorers, so for most people the realistic route is to target a state that invites your occupation. List your strongest state as your first preference, and make sure your EOI is accurate and current.
If You Take The 491: The Path To PR
The 491 is not the end point — it is the road to permanent residency through the Subclass 191. To move to the 191, you generally hold the 491 for at least three years, live and work in a designated regional area, and show your income for the qualifying years using your tax records.
One thing to plan for: time on the provisional 491 does not count toward citizenship. Your citizenship clock starts once you become a permanent resident through the 191. So a 491 is a slightly longer route than a 190 — but for many occupations, it is the realistic one.
Settings Change Every Program Year
Nomination places, occupation lists, points cut-offs and fees are set for each program year, which runs from July. Allocations can rise or fall, and occupations can move on or off the lists. The safest plan is to confirm the current settings with the Department of Home Affairs and the relevant state before you commit — and to expect them to refresh when the new program year opens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better — the 189, 190 or 491?
How many points do I need for a skilled visa?
Does the 491 visa lead to permanent residence?
Can I live anywhere in Australia on a 190 visa?
Do I need a job offer for any of these visas?
Is there an age limit?
Can I be considered for more than one of these visas?
Will the 2026 points-test changes affect my application?
Not sure which skilled visa fits you?Check your eligibility free — in about two minutes.
See which visa and state suit your occupation before you spend on assessments or tests.