491 vs 189 vs 190
COMPARE YOUR OPTIONSNot sure which skilled visa suits you best? Use this side-by-side comparison to decide between 491 (Regional), 190 (State Nominated PR), and 189 (Independent PR).
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | 491 (Regional) | 190 (PR) | 189 (PR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Points Boost | +15 | +5 | 0 |
| Status | Provisional (5 years) | Permanent | Permanent |
| Living Requirement | Regional areas only | Live in nominating state (2+ years) | None |
| Competition Level | Lower | Moderate | Highest |
| Eligibility Threshold | 50+ base points | 60+ base points | 65+ base points |
| Occupation Lists | Regional lists (broader) | State lists | Medium/Long-term lists |
| Processing Priority | High (regional policy focus) | Medium | Varies |
| Path to PR | 191 after 3 years | Already PR | Already PR |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose 491 if:
- You have 50-60 base points and want +15 boost
- You're open to living in regional Australia for 3 years
- Your occupation has better openings in regional areas
- You want a predictable PR pathway without future invitation rounds
Choose 190 if:
- You have 60-70 base points and can secure state nomination
- You want permanent residence immediately
- You're willing to commit to the nominating state
Choose 189 if:
- You have 70-85+ points and a high-demand occupation
- You want full independence (no state obligations)
- Your occupation is on the MLTSSL and has strong invitation prospects
?? Points Strategy
- 491: Use +15 points to overcome low work experience or English scores
- 190: Use +5 points for competitive edge if near the threshold
- 189: Focus on maximizing English and work experience
?? Lifestyle Considerations
- 491: Regional lifestyle, lower costs, smaller cities/towns
- 190: Live in the nominating state (may include major cities)
- 189: Live anywhere (no restrictions)
Common Myths
Myth: 491 is not worth it because it's provisional
Reality: 491 has a clear PR pathway (191) and can be faster overall than waiting years for 189/190.
Myth: You can't change jobs on 491
Reality: You can change employers and occupations, as long as you stay in regional areas.
Myth: Regional areas have no opportunities
Reality: Many regional areas have strong job markets and skill shortages.
Next Steps
Now that you've compared the options, check if you meet the 491 eligibility and requirements.