Visa Comparison: 189 vs 190 vs 491
Choosing the right visa pathway is crucial for your Australian migration journey. Let's compare the three main skilled visa options to help you make the best decision.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | 189 Independent |
190 State Nominated |
491 Regional |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa Type | Permanent | Permanent | Provisional (5 years) |
| Bonus Points | 0 | +5 | +15 |
| Typical Points Needed | 80-90+ | 75-85+ | 65-75+ |
| Sponsorship | None | State/Territory | State/Family |
| Location Restriction | None | Initially in nominating state | Regional areas only (3 years) |
| Application Cost | $4,640 | $4,640 | $4,240 |
| Occupation List | MLTSSL only | MLTSSL + State lists | MLTSSL + STSOL + Regional |
| Pathway to PR | Immediate | Immediate | After 3 years (191 visa) |
Detailed Comparison
Subclass 189 - Skilled Independent
Best For:
- High points scorers (80-90+)
- Those wanting maximum flexibility
- People planning to live in major cities
- Applicants who value complete independence
Advantages:
- ? Complete freedom - live and work anywhere
- ? No sponsorship obligations
- ? Permanent residence from day one
- ? Most prestigious skilled visa
Disadvantages:
- ? Highly competitive - need high points
- ? No bonus points
- ? Limited occupation list (MLTSSL only)
- ? Longer wait times for invitation
Subclass 190 - State Nominated
Best For:
- Applicants with 70-85 points
- Those whose occupation is on a state list
- People willing to commit to a state initially
- Those seeking faster invitation
Advantages:
- ? +5 bonus points from state nomination
- ? Broader occupation lists
- ? Permanent residence immediately
- ? Easier to get invited than 189
- ? Can move after 2 years (moral commitment)
Disadvantages:
- ? Need state nomination (additional step)
- ? Expected to live in nominating state initially
- ? State-specific requirements and quotas
- ? Competition for popular states (NSW, VIC)
Subclass 491 - Regional Provisional
Best For:
- Applicants with 50-70 base points
- Those open to regional living
- People wanting easier entry to Australia
- Those with family in regional areas
Advantages:
- ? +15 bonus points (huge boost!)
- ? Widest occupation lists
- ? Lower competition
- ? Lower cost of living in regional areas
- ? Pathway to PR (191 visa after 3 years)
- ? Cheaper visa fee ($4,240)
Disadvantages:
- ? Must live and work in regional areas (3 years)
- ? Provisional visa - not immediate PR
- ? Must meet 191 requirements for permanent PR
- ? Limited to designated regional areas
- ? 5-year validity (must convert to PR)
?? Which Visa Should You Choose?
Choose 189 If:
- ? You have 80+ points
- ? You want to live in Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane
- ? You value maximum flexibility
- ? Your occupation is on MLTSSL with good invitation rates
- ? You don't want any commitments or restrictions
Choose 190 If:
- ? You have 70-85 points (65-80 base + 5 nomination)
- ? Your occupation is on a state nomination list
- ? You're willing to live in a specific state initially
- ? You want permanent residence immediately
- ? You're okay with state-specific requirements
Choose 491 If:
- ? You have 50-75 base points (need that +15 boost)
- ? You're open to living in regional Australia
- ? You want an easier pathway to Australian migration
- ? You have family in regional areas who can sponsor you
- ? Lower cost of living appeals to you
Strategic Decision Matrix
Based on Your Points Score:
- 90+ points: Go for 189 - you'll likely get invited quickly
- 80-89 points: Try 189, but have 190 as backup
- 70-79 points: Focus on 190, consider 491
- 65-69 points: 190 or 491 are your best bets
- 50-64 points: 491 is likely your only realistic option
- Under 50 points: Work on boosting points before applying
?? Real Examples
Example 1: Software Engineer, 85 points
Best Choice: 189
With 85 points in IT (high-demand occupation), you have excellent chances for 189. No need to commit to a state or region.
Example 2: Accountant, 75 points
Best Choice: 190
Accounting is competitive for 189. With 75 base points + 5 from state nomination = 80 total. Victoria or SA might be good options.
Example 3: Chef, 60 points
Best Choice: 491
Chef is not on MLTSSL (can't do 189). With 60 base + 15 regional = 75 points for 491. Regional areas have demand for chefs.
Next Steps
Decision Made?
If you've decided on Subclass 189, continue to the detailed eligibility requirements to ensure you meet all criteria!