Australia Subclass 189 vs 190 vs 491: Complete Visa Comparison 2026

Choosing the right skilled visa subclass is critical for your Australian PR journey. Subclass 189, 190, and 491 each offer different pathways with unique advantages and requirements.

Quick Comparison Table

Feature	Subclass 189	Subclass 190	Subclass 491
Visa Type	Direct PR	Direct PR	Provisional (5 years)
State Sponsorship	Not Required	Required	Required
Minimum Points	65 points	65 + 5 bonus	65 + 15 bonus
Living Requirements	Anywhere in Australia	2 years in nominating state	3 years in regional area
Work Rights	Unrestricted	Unrestricted	Regional areas only
Pathway to PR	Immediate	Immediate	After 3 years (via 191)
Processing Time	12-18 months	10-14 months	8-12 months
Visa Cost	AUD $4,640	AUD $4,640	AUD $4,640

Subclass 189 - Skilled Independent Visa

Eligibility Requirements

• Age: Under 45 years
• English: Competent level minimum (PTE 50+ each)
• Skills Assessment: Positive assessment for nominated occupation
• Points: Minimum 65 (realistically 80-90+ for invitation)
• EOI Ranking: Must rank high in SkillSelect

Who Should Choose 189?

Best for high-scoring candidates with:

• 85+ points (age, English, work experience)
• Occupations in high demand on MLTSSL
• Flexibility to live anywhere in Australia
• No preference for specific state/city

Subclass 190 - Skilled Nominated Visa

State Nomination Requirements

State	Min. Points	Priority Occupations
New South Wales	70+	ICT, Healthcare, Engineering
Victoria	65-70	Trades, Health, Education
Queensland	65+	Tourism, Construction, Health
South Australia	65+	Wide range - easier eligibility
Western Australia	70+	Mining, Engineering, ICT

Who Should Choose 190?

Ideal for candidates with 65-75 points who:

• Are willing to commit to living in specific state for 2 years
• Need the +5 bonus points to be competitive
• Have occupation on state's priority list
• Want faster invitation than 189

Subclass 491 - Skilled Work Regional (Provisional)

Regional Areas Include

Note: Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane are NOT considered regional.

Path to PR (Subclass 191)

After holding 491 visa:

1. Live in regional area: 3 years minimum
2. Work in regional area: Earn $53,900+ annual income for 3 years
3. Apply for 191: Permanent residence subclass
4. Timeline: Most get PR in 4-5 years total

Who Should Choose 491?

Perfect for candidates with 50-60 base points who:

• Need the +15 regional bonus to reach 65 points
• Are open to living in regional areas
• Want faster invitation and processing
• Prefer lower cost of living
• Can commit to 3-year regional requirement

Detailed Comparison: Pros and Cons

Subclass 189 Advantages

Subclass 189 Disadvantages

Subclass 190 Advantages

Subclass 190 Disadvantages

Subclass 491 Advantages

Subclass 491 Disadvantages

Cost Breakdown

Cost Item	189	190	491
Visa Application Fee	AUD $4,640	AUD $4,640	AUD $4,640
Skills Assessment	AUD $500-1,000	AUD $500-1,000	AUD $500-1,000
PTE Test	₹15,499	₹15,499	₹15,499
Health Check	AUD $300-500	AUD $300-500	AUD $300-500
Police Clearance	AUD $100-200	AUD $100-200	AUD $100-200
Total Approx.	AUD $5,500-6,500	AUD $5,500-6,500	AUD $5,500-6,500

Decision Guide: Which Visa Should You Choose?

Success Tips for Each Visa

For 189 Applicants:

• Maximize points: Aim for PTE 79+ (20 points vs 10)
• Work experience: Get 8+ years for maximum points
• Partner points: If applicable, get partner skills assessed
• NAATI: Consider NAATI CCL for +5 points

For 190 Applicants:

• Research states: Each has different requirements
• Job commitment: Some states require job offer
• Apply early: State nomination quotas fill fast
• Multiple states: Apply to multiple states simultaneously

For 491 Applicants:

• Research regions: Choose area with job opportunities in your field
• Plan for 3 years: Ensure you can meet income requirements
• Network: Join regional community groups before moving
• Document everything: Keep records for 191 application