What is the Difference Between 190 and 191 Visa in Australia?

The Australian Government offers various skilled migration visas to skilled individuals to live and work in Australia temporarily or permanently. Among these skilled migration visas, the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) and the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191) are the most popular choices. 

These visas are designed for skilled workers, giving them the chance to contribute to Australia’s workforce while enjoying perks of Australian lifestyle. However, each visa has unique characteristics, eligibility criteria, and advantages. The main difference between subclass 190 and 191 is that 190 provides a direct pathway to permanent residency while 191 does not. 

So, if you want to migrate to Australia, you must understand the difference between 190 and 191 before submitting your application. Continue reading to get answers to all your questions related to key differences between a 191 and 190 visa. Let’s start with the basic understanding of the 190 and 191 visas!

A General Introduction to Subclass 190 and 191 Visa

Before moving to the key differences between the 190 and 191 visas, let’s first gain some general insights into both these visa subclasses.

What is a Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)?

A Skilled Nominated visa or a Skilled work regional visa allows you to live, study and work in Australia permanently. Usually, a subclass 190 visa is issued by a specific Australian state or territory, providing you a direct pathway to permanent residence. The Subclass 190 visa is a points-based visa that allows its holders to work anywhere in Australia.

What is Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191)?

This visa is designed for those individuals who have lived and worked in designated regional areas of Australia on a valid visa. This is a permanent visa that allows candidates to live and work in Australia. However, to be eligible for this visa, individuals must have complied with the conditions of their previous visa.

 Let’s now explore the key differences between 190 and 191 visas.

What is the Difference Between 190 and 191 Visa?

Both these visa subclasses; 190 and 191 vary from each other depending on visa type, PR pathway, regional restrictions and certain visa conditions. Below is the table that provides a comparative analysis of a 190 and 191 visa in Australia.

Here is the difference between 190 and 191 visa:

Here is the detailed overview of the major differences between a 190 and 191 visa in Australia. 

190 vs 191 visa: PR Pathway

• Subclass 190: This visa provides a direct route to permanent residence in Australia. After the visa is approved, applicants are granted permanent resident status, which enables them to live and work anywhere in Australia immediately.
• Subclass 191: This visa also leads to permanent residency, however, it is a two-step process. Before being eligible to switch to the subclass 191 visa, applicants must first hold a provisional regional visa (subclass 491 or 494) and adhere to its requirements for at least three years.

Points Difference Between 190 vs 191 Visa

• Subclass 190: To be eligible, candidates must receive at least 65 points on the points-based system. These points are given on the basis of a candidate’s age, education, English language skills, and work experience.
• Subclass 191: There is no point system for this visa. The main conditions for eligibility are fulfilling the minimum taxable income threshold and residing and working in a regional area for a minimum of three years.

What is the Difference of Application Process Between 190 and 191 Visa?

• Subclass 190: Before being invited to apply, candidates must be recommended by a state or territory government and submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). Each state and territory has different nomination requirements, and the process is competitive.
• Subclass 191: Before applying, candidates must fulfill the requirements of their qualifying provisional visa. This includes residing and working in a regional area and achieving the income threshold, for at least three years.

Commitment to State or Territory:  190 vs 191

• Subclass 190: Visa holders are expected to reside and work in the nominating state or territory for a specific amount of time in order to support the local economy.
• Subclass 191: Once the subclass 191 visa is approved, there is no formal requirement to adhere to any state or territory. Applicants must reside in a regional area in order to fulfill the commitment of the provisional visa.

What is the Visa Cost of 190 and 191 Visas?

The visa fee cost for both these classes is different. Moreover, the additional costs may apply including skill assessment, health examination, and police clearance certificate.

Look at the table below to have a better understanding of the visa costs of subclass 190 and 191:

What is the Processing Time of 190 and 191 Visas?

Processing times for both visas (subclass 190 and 191) can vary depending on the complexity of case, completeness of application and the volume of applications received by the Department of Home Affairs.

Look at the following table for processing time of both 190 and 191 visas:

190 V. 191. Which One is Better?

Choosing between the 190 and 191 visas depends on your individual circumstances and goals. Here, I’ll discuss the main factors that can help you choose between 190 and 191. 

• If you want to get permanent residency immediately and can get a nomination from a state or territory, consider applying for a 190 visa.
• But if you want to enjoy nature while living in regional areas, it is better to choose a 191 visa. There is no points score requirement for this subclass. 

Final Thoughts

It is essential to comprehend the distinctions between the 190 and 191 visas in order to make an informed choice regarding your migration to Australia. So keep in mind that 190 provides a direct pathway to permanent residence with state or territory nomination. While on the other hand a 191 visa necessitates a temporary regional visa and a three-year commitment to live and work in regional areas.

When selecting the appropriate visa for you, take into account your individual circumstances and long-term objectives as each one has different advantages and requirements. Whether you want the 191 visa’s local experience or the 190 visa’s instant permanent residency, remember both visas provide fantastic chances to build a new life in Australia.

Related Articles: What is the Difference Between 491 and 190 Visas?

FAQs

What is the difference between a 491 and 190 visa in Australia?

The main difference between 491 and 190 visa is that 491 is a temporary visa that allows candidates to live and work in Australia for five years while a 190 visa is a permanent visa.

What are the benefits of a 191 visa?

Here is the list of benefits that a subclass 191 offers. 

• A 191 visa provides you PR, allowing you to live and work anywhere in Australia.
• You can include your family members in your visa application.
• You and your family members will have access to Medicare with a subclass 191 visa.
• You can travel in and outside of Australia with this visa for five years. After that you will need to renew your travel facility component.
• You can apply for the citizenship of Australia after meeting the residency and other requirements.

What is the processing time for 189 and 190 visas?

The processing time of both these subclasses vary depending on the complexity of each case. However, usually the applications of 189 visas are processed within 26 to 36 months. While the processing time for visa applications of subclass 190 ranges between 4 to 6 months. 

What are the eligibility requirements for 191 visas?

In order to be eligible for a 191 visa, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• You must hold a valid Subclass 491 or Subclass 494 visa for at least three years.
• You must have been living in a designated regional area of Australia for at least three years.
• You must meet the minimum taxable income threshold for at least three years while holding the eligible visa.
• You must have complied with the conditions of your previous visa.

What is the eligibility criteria to apply for a 190 visa in Australia?

Here is the eligibility criteria to apply for the Subclass 190 Visa in Australia:

• You must be nominated by an Australian state or territory.
• You must get an invitation to apply for the visa.
• You must obtain a positive skills assessment for your chosen occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list.
• You must be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation.
• To be eligible for 190 in Australia you must score at least 65 points on the points test.
• You must demonstrate competent English language proficiency.
• You must meet certain health and character requirements.