The difference between the 189, 190 and 491 visas

Short summary

The 189, 190 and 491 are Australia's three points-tested skilled visas. All three use the same points test and the same SkillSelect Expression of Interest system. The differences come down to whether you need a nomination, how many extra points a nomination gives you, whether you must live in a particular place, and whether the visa is permanent from day one.

The three visas at a glance

Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189): permanent from the start, no nomination needed, live anywhere in Australia. Because it has no nomination requirement, it is the most competitive of the three.

Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190): permanent from the start, but you must be nominated by a state or territory government. Nomination adds 5 points to your score. Each state and territory sets its own criteria and occupation lists, and you are generally expected to live in the nominating state for a period after the grant.

Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491): a provisional (temporary) visa lasting five years, requiring nomination by a state or territory, or sponsorship by an eligible family member living in a designated regional area. Nomination adds 15 points. You must live, work, and study in a designated regional area. It leads to permanent residence through the subclass 191 visa after meeting residence and income requirements.

What they share

All three require you to:

• Have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list.
• Get a skills assessment from the assessing authority for your occupation.
• Submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect and be invited to apply.
• Score at least 65 points on the points test, although competitive scores are usually much higher.
• Meet English, health, and character requirements, and be under the age limit at invitation.

How the nomination points change the game

The points bonus is the practical difference for most applicants. If your base score is borderline, a 190 nomination adds 5 points and a 491 nomination adds 15. That 15-point boost is why many applicants who cannot compete for a 189 invitation pursue the 491 pathway. The trade-off is the regional condition and the fact that the 491 is provisional, with permanent residence coming later through the 191.

Choosing between them

Think of it as a trade between freedom and points.

If your score is strong, the 189 gives you permanent residence with no strings on where you live. If your score is competitive but not exceptional, the 190 trades a state commitment for 5 points and is still permanent from day one. If your score needs the biggest boost, or your occupation is in demand regionally, the 491 trades a regional commitment and a provisional period for 15 points and a defined route to permanent residence.

State and territory nomination criteria differ and change through the year, so check the current requirements of any state you are considering. Some states favour applicants already living or working there, or graduates of their institutions.

What to do next

Start by estimating your points, you can use the VisaMatch points calculator for an indicative score, then check your occupation on the relevant lists and the nomination criteria for any states of interest. Because state programs open, close, and change their rules during the year, this is an area where a registered migration agent can add real value. You can search VisaMatch for verified skilled migration agents and lawyers by location and language.