Subclass 190 Vs 491: Find Out Which Visa Suits You Best

The Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 visas are both designed for skilled immigrants looking to live and work in Australia. But they cater to different needs and circumstances. Both visas operate on a points-based system and need state or territory sponsorship. However, they differ in sponsorship duration and eligibility requirements.

• Subclass 190 Visa: Provides permanent residency for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian state or territory. Sponsorship is required for the first two years of the stay.
• Subclass 491 Visa: Offers a provisional pathway to permanent residency for skilled workers and their families, with a requirement for state or territory sponsorship for the first three years.

Subclass 190 Visa: Skilled Nominated Visa

The Subclass 190 visa is designed for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory. It allows them to live and work in Australia as permanent residents. With this visa, you can:

• Stay in Australia permanently
• Work and study
• Enrol in the public health care scheme (Medicare)
• Sponsor relatives to come to Australia
• Travel to and from Australia for five years,
• Become an Australian citizen if eligible.

Subclass 491 Visa: Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa

The Subclass 491 visa is a provisional visa for skilled individuals nominated by a state or territory government to live and work in regional Australia. This visa lets you:

• Stay in Australia for five years
• Live, work and study in a designated regional area
• Travel to and from Australia as often as possible while the visa is valid.
• Apply for permanent residence three years after your visa is granted.

Similarities Between Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 Visas

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Difference Between Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 Visa

 

 

 

Visa Type

Subclass 190

Skilled Nominated Visa

Subclass 491

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa

 

 

 

Visa Type

Subclass 190

Skilled Nominated Visa

Subclass 491

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa

 

 

 

Duration

Subclass 190

Permanent residency

Subclass 491

Temporary visa for 5 years

 

 

 

Duration

Subclass 190

Permanent residency

Subclass 491

Temporary visa for 5 years

 

 

 

Sponsorship

Subclass 190

State or territory sponsorship for the first 2 years

Subclass 491

State or territory sponsorship for the first 3 years

 

 

 

Sponsorship

Subclass 190

State or territory sponsorship for the first 2 years

Subclass 491

State or territory sponsorship for the first 3 years

 

 

 

Path to PR

Subclass 190

Immediate permanent residency

Subclass 491

Pathway to permanent residency through Subclass 191 after 3 years

 

 

 

Path to PR

Subclass 190

Immediate permanent residency

Subclass 491

Pathway to permanent residency through Subclass 191 after 3 years

 

 

 

Travel

Subclass 190

Unlimited travel for 5 years from the date of grant, then requires RRV for re-entry

Subclass 491

Unlimited travel while the visa is valid, does not extend visa duration

 

 

 

Travel

Subclass 190

Unlimited travel for 5 years from the date of grant, then requires RRV for re-entry

Subclass 491

Unlimited travel while the visa is valid, does not extend visa duration

 

 

 

Work Rights

Subclass 190

Unlimited work rights

Subclass 491

Must live and work in designated regional areas

 

 

 

Work Rights

Subclass 190

Unlimited work rights

Subclass 491

Must live and work in designated regional areas

 

 

 

PR Benefits

Subclass 190

Access to Medicare, sponsor relatives, become an Australian citizen if eligible

Subclass 491

Eligible for Medicare, apply for PR through Subclass 191

 

 

 

PR Benefits

Subclass 190

Access to Medicare, sponsor relatives, become an Australian citizen if eligible

Subclass 491

Eligible for Medicare, apply for PR through Subclass 191

 

 

 

Living Area

Subclass 190

No specific regional living requirement

Subclass 491

Must live, work, and study in designated regional areas

 

 

 

Living Area

Subclass 190

No specific regional living requirement

Subclass 491

Must live, work, and study in designated regional areas

Australia Subclass 189 Visa Vs Subclass 491 Visa

Difference in Eligibility Criteria

Subclass 190

To apply for the Subclass 190 visa in Australia, make sure to meet the following requirements:

1. Hold a substantive visa or one of these Bridging visas: BVA (subclass 010), BVB (subclass 020), or BVC (subclass 030) when applying from within Australia.
2. If your last substantive visa was Subclass 491 or Subclass 494, you must have held it for at least 3 years.
3. Receive an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs after submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect.
4. Get a nomination from a state or territory government agency.
5. Provide a suitable skills assessment for your nominated occupation obtained within 3 years before your invitation date.
6. Be under 45 years old when invited, and score at least 65 points in the points test.
7. Show Competent English proficiency.
8. Ensure your occupation is on the eligible skilled occupations list.
9. Meet health and character requirements for you and your family.
10. Resolve any debts owed to the Australian Government.
11. Sign the Australian values statement.
12. Have no history of visa cancellation or application refusal affecting eligibility.

Subclass 491

To apply for the Subclass 491 Visa in Australia, make sure to meet the following requirements:

• You must be invited to apply after submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect.
• You need nomination by a state or territory government agency or sponsorship by an eligible relative.
• Must be under 45 years old at the time of invitation.
• Skills Assessment is necessary for your nominated occupation. It must be obtained within the last 3 years.
• Score at least 65 points based on your claims in the EOI.
• Must have at least Competent English at the time of invitation.
• Your occupation must be on the list of eligible skilled occupations.
• Meet health and character requirements for you and accompanying family members.
• Any debts to the Australian Government must be paid or repayment arranged.
• Sign the Australian Values Statement if you are 18 years or older.
• No previous visa cancellations or refusals.

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Differences in the Application Process

Subclass 190

Before You Apply

• Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI): Show your interest in migrating under the Subclass 190 visa. Ensure all details are accurate.
• Organize Health Exams: It’s advisable to complete these before applying for the visa to streamline the process.

Step 1: Prepare Your EOI :

• Confirm Your Occupation: Check if your occupation is listed on the relevant skilled occupation list for the Subclass 190 visa.
• Skills Assessment: Obtain a valid skills assessment from the designated assessing authority.
• Points Calculation: Use the points calculator to ensure you meet the minimum requirement of 65 points.
• Verify Other Eligibility Criteria: Gather necessary documents to prove your claims align with visa requirements.

Step 2: Submit Your EOI: Submit your EOI online through SkillSelect, visible to state and territory governments for potential nomination.

Step 3: After Submitting Your EOI

• Points Estimation: SkillSelect will estimate your points based on your EOI information.
• Nomination: If nominated, you’ll receive an invitation to apply for the Subclass 190 visa. Stay lawful in Australia during this time.
• EOI Updates: Keep your EOI current with any changes in your circumstances or additional points earned.

Step 4: Receive an Invitation

• Invitation Receipt: Upon receiving an invitation, apply for the visa within 60 days as instructed.
• Evidence Submission: Compile and submit all required documentation supporting your EOI and invitation claims.

Step 5: Gather Documents: Collect necessary documents meeting the visa criteria outlined in your invitation.

Step 6: Apply for the Visa: Submit your visa application via ImmiAccount within the specified timeframe. Also, ensure all documents are attached and fees paid promptly.

Step 7: After Applying

• Application Acknowledgment: Receive confirmation of your visa application submission.
• Monitor Application Progress: Check ImmiAccount regularly for updates on your application status and any requests for more information.
• Travel Considerations: If planning to travel outside Australia during processing, notify authorities to maintain visa validity.

Step 8: Visa Outcome

• Decision Notification: Await written notification of the visa decision, detailing approval or reasons for refusal.
• Record Keeping: Keep copies of all visa-related documents for your records.

Subclass 491

Step 1: Before You Apply

• Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI): Express interest via SkillSelect.
• Eligibility Check: Ensure your occupation is on the eligible skilled occupations list. Obtain a valid skills assessment.
• Points Calculation: Use the points table to confirm you meet the minimum requirement of 65 points.
• Submit Your EOI: Lodge your EOI through SkillSelect, selecting the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) Invited pathway.
• Receive Invitation: If eligible and there are vacancies, you may receive an invitation to apply within 60 days.

Step 2: Gather Your Documents: Gather necessary documents supporting your EOI claims and meeting visa criteria.

Step 3: Apply for the Visa: Apply online via ImmiAccount within the given timeframe. Also, ensure all provided information is accurate and truthful.

Step 4: After You Apply

• Confirmation and Bridging Visa: Upon application receipt, receive confirmation and possibly a Bridging Visa A (BVA) if in Australia.
• Health Exams and Biometrics: Complete required health examinations and biometrics if requested.
• Attach Additional Documents: Submit any missing documents promptly via ImmiAccount.
• Stay Lawful: Maintain a valid visa status throughout processing.
• Add Family Members: Include dependent children before a decision is made.
• Notify Changes: Inform authorities promptly of any changes in your circumstances.

Step 5: Visa Outcome

• Visa Grant: Upon approval, receive written confirmation detailing your visa grant number, start date, and conditions.
• Visa Refusal: If refused, understand the reasons and any review options, noting the non-refundable application fee.

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Learn The Difference Between Australia Subclass 189 and ...

Differences in the Documents Required

Subclass 190

Identity Documents

• Passport pages (photo, personal details, issue, and expiry dates)
• National identity card (if available)
• Proof of change of name (marriage or divorce certificate, change of name documents, other name documents)

Relationship Documents

• Proof of marital status (marriage certificate, divorce documents, death certificates, separation documents, statutory declarations)
• Explanation for not including partner or dependent children (if applicable)

Character Documents

• Australian police certificate
• Overseas police certificates
• Military service records or discharge papers (if applicable)
• Form 80 Personal particulars for assessment including character assessment
• Form 1221 Additional personal particulars information

Competent English Documents

• Proof of competent English at the time of invitation

Partner Documents

• Partner's identity documents and photos
• Partner's character documents
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Documents proving a de facto relationship (if applicable)
• Evidence of a genuine and continuing relationship (joint bank statements, billing accounts, joint leases/mortgages, proof of living at the same address)
• Proof of partner's functional English (if required)

Dependents Under 18 Documents

• Birth certificates or family books showing both parents' names
• Adoption papers (if applicable)
• Form 1229 Consent form to grant an Australian visa to a child under the age of 18 years or statutory declaration
• Identity document showing the signature and photo of the person giving consent

Dependents Over 18 Documents

• Identity documents
• Proof of relationship (birth certificate, adoption papers)
• Form 47a Details of a child or other dependent family member aged 18 years or over
• Proof of financial dependency (bank statements, money transfers, rent receipts)
• Medical report (if dependent is 23 or over and dependent due to disability)
• Proof of functional English (if required)

Skills Assessment Documents

• Skills assessment documents
• English language skills
• Proof of skilled employment (Australian and/or overseas)
• Educational qualifications
• Proof of satisfying the Australian study requirement
• Evidence of specialist education
• Accredited community language
• Proof of study in regional Australia
• Partner skills
• Professional Year in Australia

Medical Practitioners

• Certificate of unconditional or general medical registration or conditional specialist registration from the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency

Barristers and Solicitors

• Proof of admission to practice as a lawyer in the relevant state or territory

Expression of Interest (EOI) Documents

• Documents to support claims made in EOI (refer to points table)

Additional Forms

• Form 956A Appointment or withdrawal of an authorised recipient
• Form 956 Appointment of a registered migration agent, legal practitioner, or exempt person

Document Preparation

• Translate non-English documents into English
• Provide original and translated documents
• Scan or photograph all documents in colour, ensuring clarity and saving multi-page documents as one file.

Subclass 491

Identity Documents

• Current passport pages showing photos, personal details, issues, and expiry dates.
• National identity card (if available).
• Proof of name change (e.g., marriage or divorce certificate, change of name documents).

Relationship Documents

• Proof of marriage, divorce, widowhood, or separation (e.g., divorce documents, death certificates).
• Explanation for non-included partner or dependent children (if applicable).

Character Documents

• Australian police certificate.
• Overseas police certificates from countries where you spent 12 months or more in the last 10 years.
• Military service records or discharge papers (if applicable).
• Form 80 – Personal particulars for character assessment.
• Form 1221 – Additional personal particulars information.

Competent English Documents

• Proof of competent English proficiency.

Partner Documents

• Partner’s identity documents and photos.
• Partner’s character documents.
• Marriage certificate (if applicable).
• Evidence of de facto relationship (if applicable).
• Proof of functional English for your partner.

Dependants Under 18 Documents

• Birth certificates or family book showing names of both parents.
• Adoption papers (if applicable).
• Form 1229 – Consent form for a child under 18 years old (if applicable).
• Identity document with signature and photo of the person giving consent.

Dependants Over 18 Documents

• Identity documents.
• Documents proving financial dependency (e.g., bank statements, money transfers, rent receipts).
• Form 47a – Details of a child or other dependent family member aged 18 years or over.
• Medical practitioner’s report (if dependent due to physical or cognitive limitations).
• Proof of functional English (if applicable).

Skills Assessment Documents

• Skills assessment.
• Proof of English language skills.
• Evidence of employment (Australian and/or overseas).
• Educational qualifications.
• Proof of Australian study requirement.
• Proof of specialist education.
• Proof of accredited community language.
• Proof of study in regional Australia.
• Partner skills.
• Proof of Professional Year in Australia.

Medical Practitioners

• Certificate of unconditional or general medical registration.
• Certificate of conditional specialist registration.

Barristers and Solicitors

• Proof of admission to practice as a lawyer in the relevant state or territory.

Expression of Interest (EOI) Documents

• Documents to support all claims made in the EOI.

Sponsor Documents (if applicable)

• Skilled Work Regional (class PS) 491 (provisional) visa Sponsor declaration.
• Proof that the sponsor is an eligible relative.
• Proof of sponsor’s age (over 18).
• Proof of sponsor’s Australian citizenship, permanent residency, or eligible New Zealand citizenship.
• Proof of sponsor’s residence in a designated area of Australia (e.g., driver's license, utility bills).
• Proof of relationship to the sponsor (e.g., birth certificates, marriage certificates).

Nomination Documents (if applicable)

• No need to provide evidence of nomination with the application.

Additional Forms for Assistance

• Form 956A – Appointment or withdrawal of an authorised recipient.
• Form 956 – Appointment of a registered migration agent, legal practitioner, or exempt person.

Document Preparation

• Translate all non-English documents into English.
• Provide both original and translated documents.
• Scan or photograph all documents in colour.
• Ensure scans and photos are clear and, if multi-page, saved as one file.

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Other FAQs

1. Can you still be invited to apply for a 190 or 491 visa if your occupation is not on the Western Australia Skilled Migration Occupation List?

Yes, you can be invited to apply for a 190 or 491 visa if your occupation is on another state or territory's skilled occupation list. Each state or territory has its own skilled occupation list and nomination requirements.

2. What are the differences between subclass 190 and subclass 491 visas?

• Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa):
  • Permanent visa.
  • Requires nomination by a state or territory government.
  • Allows living and working anywhere in the nominating state or territory.
• Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa):
  • Provisional visa for 5 years.
  • Requires nomination by a state or territory government or sponsorship by an eligible family member in a designated regional area.
  • Requires living and working in a designated regional area.
  • Provides a pathway to permanent residency through subclass 191 visa after meeting certain requirements.

3. What are the pathways to permanent residency for subclass 491 visa?

Subclass 491 visa holders are eligible to apply for permanent residency through the subclass 191 (Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional)) visa. This opportunity becomes available after living and working in a designated regional area for at least 3 years. Also, it requires meeting the income requirements.

4. Can you withdraw your application for 491 and apply for 190?

Yes, you can withdraw your application for subclass 491 and apply for subclass 190. However, application fees paid may not be refundable. Also, you must meet the eligibility criteria for the subclass 190 visa.

5. How does the subclass 190 visa work?

The subclass 190 visa is a points-tested permanent visa for skilled workers who are nominated by a state or territory government. Applicants must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and be invited to apply. Once granted, it allows the holder to live and work permanently anywhere in the nominating state or territory.

6. What are the eligibility requirements for a subclass 190 visa?

The eligibility requirements for a subclass 190 visa are:

• Nomination by a state or territory government.
• Relevant occupation listed on the state or territory skilled occupation list.
• Skills assessment for the nominated occupation.
• Meet the points test pass mark (currently 65 points).
• Competent English.
• Meet health and character requirements.

7. What is subclass 491 Australia?

Subclass 491 is a provisional visa for skilled workers who are nominated by a state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member in a designated regional area. It allows the holder to live and work in regional Australia for 5 years.

8. What is a 190-subclass visa in Australia?

The subclass 190 is a permanent visa for skilled workers who are nominated by a state or territory government. It allows the holder to live and work permanently in Australia.

9. What are the processing times for subclass 491 visas?

Processing times for the subclass 491 visa can vary, but generally, it takes between 6 to 12 months.

10. What are the English language requirements for a subclass 491 visa?

Applicants must prove at least competent English. It is shown by achieving the required scores in an approved English language test (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, PTE).

11. What are the processing stages for subclass 190 visas?

The processing stages for subclass 190 visas are:

• Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).
• Receive a nomination from a state or territory government.
• Receive an invitation to apply.
• Lodge a visa application.
• Provide required documents and undergo health and character checks.
• Visa decision.

12. What are the key features of subclass 491 visas?

The key features of subclass 491 visas are:

• Provisional visa for 5 years.
• Requires living and working in designated regional areas.
• Pathway to permanent residency through subclass 191 visa.
• Points-tested and requires nomination or sponsorship.

13. What are the eligibility requirements for a subclass 491 visa?

The eligibility requirements for a subclass 491 visa are:

• Nomination by a state or territory government or sponsorship by an eligible family member.
• Relevant occupation listed on the state or territory skilled occupation list.
• Skills assessment for the nominated occupation.
• Meet the points test pass mark (currently 65 points).
• Competent English.
• Meet health and character requirements.

14. What are the benefits of subclass 190 visa?

The benefits of a subclass 190 visa are:

• Permanent residency.
• Access to Medicare and other social services.
• Ability to sponsor eligible family members for permanent residency.
• Opportunity to apply for Australian citizenship.

15. What are the age requirements for a subclass 190 visa?

Applicants must be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation to apply.

16. What are the occupation requirements for a subclass 190 visa?

The occupation must be on the skilled occupation list for the nominating state or territory.

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