190 vs 189 vs 491
COMPARE YOUR OPTIONSNot sure which skilled visa suits you best? Use this comprehensive comparison to decide between 190 (State Nominated PR), 189 (Independent PR), and 491 (Regional Provisional).
Complete Comparison Table
| Feature | 189 (Independent) | 190 (State Nominated) | 491 (Regional) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Points Bonus | 0 | +5 | +15 |
| Visa Type | Permanent Residence | Permanent Residence | Provisional (5 years) |
| Nomination Requirement | None | State/territory nomination | State or family sponsorship |
| Living Requirement | None (live anywhere) | Nominating state initially (2+ years recommended) | Regional areas only (3+ years) |
| Typical Points Needed | 80-95+ base points | 65-85 total (60-80 base + 5) | 65+ total (50-60 base + 15) |
| Occupation Lists | MLTSSL only | State-specific lists (often broader) | Regional lists (broadest) |
| Competition Level | Highest (limited invitations) | Moderate | Lower |
| Invitation Frequency | Monthly (limited numbers) | Varies by state (frequent) | Frequent (high priority) |
| Visa Cost (single) | AUD $4,640 | AUD $4,640 + $0-330 nomination | AUD $4,640 + $0-330 nomination |
| Processing Time | 6-14 months | 6-14 months | 8-14 months |
| Pathway to PR | Already PR | Already PR | Subclass 191 after 3 years |
| Total Timeline to PR | 1.5-3+ years | 1.5-2.5 years | 4.5-6 years |
| Medicare Access | Immediate | Immediate | Immediate |
| Work Rights | Unlimited (anywhere) | Unlimited (anywhere) | Unlimited (regional only) |
Decision Matrix: Which Visa Should You Choose?
Quick Decision Guide
50-60 points? ? 491 | 60-75 points? ? 190 | 80+ points? ? 189 or 190 (your choice)
Choose Subclass 189 if:
Perfect for high achievers who want complete freedom
- You have 85+ base points (very high English, long work experience, etc.)
- Your occupation is on the MLTSSL with regular invitations
- You want complete freedom - no state or regional commitment
- You're willing to wait longer for highly competitive invitations
- You prefer full independence over faster processing
Reality Check: 189 invitations currently favor very high scores (85-95+ points). If you're under 85 points, consider 190 or 491 for faster outcomes.
Choose Subclass 190 if:
Best balanced option for most applicants
- You have 60-80 base points (190 adds +5 = 65-85 total)
- You want permanent residence immediately
- You're willing to commit to a state initially (2+ years recommended)
- Your occupation is on state nomination lists
- You want faster invitation than waiting for 189
- You're flexible about which Australian state to live in
- You value the +5 points advantage to boost competitiveness
Sweet Spot: 190 is ideal for applicants with 65-75 total points (after state bonus). You get immediate PR with lower competition than 189.
Choose Subclass 491 if:
Most accessible option with huge +15 points boost
- You have 50-65 base points (491 adds +15 = 65-80 total)
- You're open to regional living for 3+ years
- You want the strongest points boost (+15 vs +5)
- You see value in lower cost of living in regional areas
- You're comfortable with provisional status first, then PR via 191
- Your occupation has better opportunities in regional areas
- You want a guaranteed PR pathway (no future invitation rounds for 191)
Regional Reality: "Regional" includes Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Canberra, Hobart, and most of Australia. It's not just remote towns!
?? Points Strategy Comparison
| Your Base Points | Best Visa Option | Total Points | Competitiveness |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50-55 points | 491 only option | 65-70 with 491 | Good chance |
| 60-65 points | 190 or 491 | 65-70 with 190, 75-80 with 491 | 190: Competitive | 491: Strong |
| 70-75 points | 190 best choice | 75-80 with 190 | Very competitive |
| 80-85 points | 189 or 190 (your choice) | 80-85 for 189, 85-90 with 190 | Both strong options |
| 90+ points | 189 or 190 (choose freedom vs speed) | 90+ base | Excellent chances both |
?? Lifestyle Considerations
Location Flexibility
- 189: Live anywhere in Australia from day one - Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, or anywhere else
- 190: Live in nominating state initially (2+ years), then relocate anywhere. Legal freedom but moral commitment
- 491: Must live and work in regional Australia for 3 years minimum to qualify for 191 PR
Cost of Living
- 189: Highest if choosing Sydney/Melbourne (rent, expenses)
- 190: Varies by state - can choose more affordable states like SA, TAS
- 491: Generally lowest - regional areas have significantly lower rent and living costs
Career Opportunities
- 189: Access to all major city job markets immediately
- 190: State-specific job markets, often strong in capital cities
- 491: Regional job markets - often high demand with less competition, especially in healthcare, education, trades
Cost Comparison
| Cost Item | 189 | 190 | 491 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa Application | $4,640 | $4,640 | $4,640 |
| Nomination Fee | $0 | $0-330 | $0-330 |
| 191 PR Application | N/A | N/A | +$445 (after 3 years) |
| Total to PR (single) | ~$7,000-9,000 | ~$6,640-9,330 | ~$7,085-9,775 |
Similar Costs: All three visas have comparable total costs. The main differences are in points requirements and lifestyle commitments, not price.
Timeline Comparison
| Stage | 189 | 190 | 491 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preparation | 1-6 months | 1-6 months | 1-6 months |
| Waiting for Invitation | 3-24+ months | 2-12 months | 1-6 months |
| Visa Processing | 6-14 months | 6-14 months | 8-14 months |
| Living on Provisional | N/A (already PR) | N/A (already PR) | 3 years minimum |
| 191 PR Application | N/A | N/A | 3-6 months |
| Total to PR | 1.5-3+ years | 1.5-2.5 years | 4.5-6 years |
190 Advantage: Typically the fastest route to PR! Lower competition than 189 but immediate PR unlike 491.
Common Myths Debunked
Myth: "189 is better because you have complete freedom"
Reality: 190 also gives you complete legal freedom - the state commitment is moral, not legally enforced. After 2 years in the nominating state, you can relocate anywhere.
Myth: "491 is risky because PR isn't guaranteed"
Reality: The 191 pathway is straightforward - live and work in regional areas for 3 years with minimum income. No points test or invitation rounds.
Myth: "You can't change jobs on 190"
Reality: After visa grant, you have unlimited work rights. The nominated occupation is only for the points test.
Myth: "Regional areas have no job opportunities"
Reality: Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Canberra, and Hobart are all "regional" with strong job markets and often desperate need for skilled workers.
Myth: "State nomination is hard to get"
Reality: Many states actively seek applicants. South Australia, Tasmania, and regional areas often have open nominations.
Decision Framework
Ask yourself these questions:
- What are my base points? (Calculate now)
- How quickly do I need PR? (491 takes 4.5-6 years total)
- Where do I want to live in Australia?
- Am I flexible about location for faster PR?
- Do I have strong state connections (study, work, family)?
- Is my occupation in high demand regionally?
- Can I afford to wait years for 189 with no guarantee?
Final Recommendations
- Best overall value: Subclass 190 - balanced points boost, immediate PR, reasonable state commitment
- Most accessible: Subclass 491 - huge +15 points, lower competition, suits 50-65 base points
- Most flexible: Subclass 189 - but requires 85+ points and longer wait
- Fastest to PR: Subclass 190 - typically 1.5-2.5 years total
- Most affordable living: Subclass 491 - regional areas have much lower costs
Smart Strategy: Most applicants should apply for BOTH 190 and 491 simultaneously in their EOI to maximize chances. You can accept whichever invitation comes first!
Ready to Apply?
Now that you understand the differences, check the detailed eligibility requirements for Subclass 190!