What is the Difference Between 491 and 190 Visa?

The Australian Government offers various skilled migration visas to talented candidates to live and work in Australia temporarily or permanently. Among these skilled migration visas, the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) and the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) are the most popular choices. 

 

The purpose of both these visas is to address the skill shortage, contributing to the social and economic development of Australia. The main difference between a 491 and a 190 visa is that a 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. However, you can also gain permanent residency with a 491 visa but for that you will have to meet certain eligibility criteria and conditions. 

 

Let’s start with the basic understanding of the 491 and 190 visa!

 

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.

 

Did you know that:

The Skilled Nominated Subclass 190 visa was introduced as a replacement of the offshore Skilled-Sponsored Subclass 176 and onshore Subclass 886 visas. 

What is a Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)?

A Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa is another type of skilled visa that is issued by a specific state or territory. However, it is not a permanent visa and allows the candidates to live and work in Australia for approximately five years. After spending a specified time period under this visa, you can apply for permanent residency if you are eligible. 

 

Did you know that:

The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Subclass 491 visa was introduced as a replacement of the Skilled Regional Subclass 489.

 

Before moving to the differences between 491 and 190 visas, let’s first discuss the essential similarities between these two!

 

What are the Similarities Between 491 and 190 Visas?

Both these subclasses (190 and 491) come under the category of General Stream Australia immigration state sponsorship visas. Therefore, they also share several key similarities:

 

• Age requirements: To be eligible for both 491 and 190 visas, you must be under 45 years of age. 
• Score-based system: Both visas are based on a point system. So, you will get a score on the basis of  your age, English language proficiency, job history, qualifications, and other essential details.
• State Nomination: Both 491 and 190 visas require Australian state or territory nomination. 
• Skills Assessment: In order to apply for both 491 and 190 visas, you are required to have a positive skills assessment in your relevant occupation. 
• English proficiency: You must be competent in English language skills to get successful approval of both visas. 
• Health and character requirements: You must demonstrate good moral character and must be in good health to be eligible for both these visas. 
• Application Cost: The application fees for both 491 and 190 is the same and that is AUD 4,770.00. 

 

So, these were some of the important similarities between 190 and 491 visas. Let’s now explore the key differences between these two!

 

What are the Major Differences Between 491 and 190 Visas?

Both these visa subclasses; 491 and 190 vary from each other depending on visa type, duration, sponsorship requirements and certain visa conditions. 

The main difference between a 491 and 190 visa is that a 491 is a temporary visa that allows you to live for five years, while a 190 visa is a permanent visa. You can also get PR with a 491 but after spending certain time period.

Below is the table that provides differences between 491 and 190 visas in Australia.

 

Aspect	491 Visa	190 Visa
Visa Type	Provisional	Permanent
Duration	Up to 5 years	Indefinite
Pathway to PR	Eligible for PR after 3 years on 491 vis	Direct PR
Regional Requirement	Must live and work in a designated regional area	No regional requirement
Sponsorship	State/territory government or eligible relative	State/territory government
Work Rights	Full work rights in regional areas	Full work rights across Australia
Points for Nomination	15 points	5 points
Eligibility for Medicare	Not eligible until PR is granted	Eligible immediately
Travel Restrictions	Must live, work, and study in regional areas	No restrictions

 

Here is the detailed overview of the major differences between a 491 and 190 visa in Australia.

Visa Type and Duration

 

• Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) is a permanent residency visa. You can live and work in Australia permanently under this visa. 
• Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) is a provisional visa and allows you to live and work in Australia for up to five years. It is not a permanent visa but provides a pathway to PR after meeting certain conditions. 

Nomination and Sponsorship

 

• In case of subclass 190, you require nomination from an Australian state or territory government. 
• However, in case of a 491 visa, you can get a nomination either from an Australian state government or sponsored by an eligible relative residing in a designated regional area.

Regional Commitment

 

• A subclass 190 visa doesn’t demand you to live in a regional area. Under this visa subclass, you can live and work anywhere in your nominated state or territory.
• Under a 491 visa, you are essentially required to live and work in your designated regional area. Because the main focus of this visa is to encourage regional development in Australia. 

Pathway to Permanent Residency

 

• A Skilled Nominated visa or subclass 190 provides a direct pathway to PR in Australia. Once granted, you can live in Australia permanently. 
• A Skilled Work Regional visa or subclass 491 offers a route to permanent residency via the Subclass 191 Visa. However, in order to be eligible for PR,  you must fulfill the minimum income criteria of AUD 53,900 annually and reside and work in a regional area for at least three years.

Moving States Under 491 and 190 Visas

 

• A subclass 190 visa offers you more freedom and flexibility to move within the state or country. However, it could affect your citizenship application in future. 

So, is it ok to move between the states under a 190 visa?

It is better to stay 2 years within your designated state or territory under a 190 visa. But if you really want to move states, it is advisable to discuss your matter with the State Governing agency . 

 

• Under a subclass 491 visa, you are restricted to live and work in regional areas of Australia as this visa is subject to Condition 8579.

What is an 8579 visa condition?

The 8579 condition is stated as:

If the visa is a Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional (Provisional)) visa, the holder, while in Australia, must live, work and study only in a part of Australia that was a designated regional area at the time the visa was granted.

Processing Time: 491 vs 190

 

Processing times for both visas (subclass 491 and 190) can vary depending on the complexity of case, completeness of application and the volume of applications received by the Department of Home Affairs. However, it has been seen that the Department prioritizes the processing of 190 applications as compared to 491. 

Look at the following table for processing time of both 491 and 190 visas:

Visa Type	Processing Time
Subclass 491	6 to 12 months
Subclass 190	6 to 10 months

 

What is the Visa Cost of 491 and 190 Visas?

 

The visa application fees for both subclasses are almost the same. But it can be varied depending on the specifics of each case, other costs like skill assessment, health examination, and police clearance certificate.

Visa Type	Primary Applicant	Additional Adult Applicant	Additional Child Applicant
Subclass 491	AUD 4,640	AUD 2,320	AUD 1,160
Subclass 190	AUD 4,640	AUD 2,320	AUD 1,160

 

So, the question is:

 

190 Vs 491. Which One is Better?

Choosing between the 190 and 491 visas depends on your individual circumstances and preferences. Here are some important factors that may help in making decisions regarding what to choose between a 190 and 491 visa. 

• If you want to live in regional Australia and the residency conditions don’t bother you, a 491 visa can be the best option for you. 
• But if you want to move permanently to Australia and meet the eligibility criteria for this visa, it would be better to choose 190 visa. So, check your points score via Australian Immigration Points Calculator and if you meet the criteria of 190, go for it.

 

Concluding Remarks

In conclusion, choosing between the 190 and 491 visas depends on your personal circumstances and preferences. The 190 visa offers direct permanent residency and the freedom to live and work anywhere in Australia, making it ideal for those seeking stability. 

On the other hand, the 491 visa provides a pathway to permanent residency through regional work and living, which can be a great option if you want to explore regional areas. Consider your lifestyle preferences, career goals, and eligibility criteria to make the best decision for your migration journey.

If you need any help, contact us at The Migration.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Both these subclasses 491 and 190 are types of General skilled migration program and provide permanent residency in Australia. However, subclass 190 is a permanent visa, providing a direct route to permanent residence to eligible candidates. While on the other hand, subclass 491 is a temporary visa and provides PR after spending a minimum of three years in the country. 

What is the meaning of the 190 visa in Australia?

A 190 visa in Australia refers to the Skilled Nominated Visa which is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers in Australia. This visa is designed to fulfill the labor or workforce shortage in different regions of Australia.

Can I apply for 190 while on 491?

Yes, you can apply for a 190 visa while holding a 491 visa in Australia. Transition from 491 to 190 definitely leads you towards permanent residency in Australia.

But you will have to meet the following conditions: 

• You must have been holding this visa (subclass 491) for at least three years.
• Make sure you meet all the requirements and conditions for the 190 visa before applying for it. 

Why choose a subclass 491 visa when I can get a subclass 190 visa?

It totally depends on you. If you prefer to live and work in regional Australia then a 491 is the most suitable option for you. Moreover, it also offers additional or bonus points for skilled migration. 

Are there any designated areas for a subclass 491 visa?

Yes, there are designated areas for a subclass 491 in Australia as it is a provisional visa. These designated areas include all of Australia except Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.