Subclass 189 vs 190 vs 491 — Comparison — immi.wiki
Overview
The Subclass 189, 190, and 491 visas are the three main points-tested skilled migration pathways to Australia. All three require a positive skills assessment, an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect, and passing the points test under s 101 of the Migration Act. The key differences are in permanence, nomination requirements, regional obligations, and occupation list access.
| Feature | Subclass 189 | Subclass 190 | Subclass 491 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa type | Permanent | Permanent | Temporary (5 years) |
| Nomination required | No | Yes — state/territory | Yes — state/territory or eligible relative |
| Points from nomination | 0 | +5 points | +15 points |
| Regional requirement | No | No (informal only) | Yes — must live/work in designated regional area |
| Occupation lists | MLTSSL only | MLTSSL or STSOL | MLTSSL, STSOL, or ROL |
| Age limit at invitation | Under 45 | Under 45 | Under 45 |
| English requirement | Vocational at invitation | Vocational at invitation | Vocational at invitation |
| Pathway to permanent residence | Direct (is PR) | Direct (is PR) | Subclass 191 after 3 years regional |
| Pathway to citizenship | Yes (1 year after PR) | Yes (1 year after PR) | After obtaining Subclass 191 |
| Work rights | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited (regional area only) |
| Primary criteria | cl 189.211 | cl 190.211 | cl 491.211 |
Subclass 189 — Skilled Independent
The Subclass 189 is the only points-tested visa that requires no nomination. It grants permanent residence directly and imposes no regional living requirement. The trade-off is that it requires the highest effective points score among the three, because there are no nomination bonus points and the occupation must be on the MLTSSL (which is shorter and more selective than the STSOL or ROL).
Legislative basis: cl 189.211, cl 189.212 of Schedule 2 to the Migration Regulations 1994.
Subclass 190 — Skilled Nominated
The Subclass 190 adds 5 points for state or territory nomination under r 2.72, and allows occupations on the STSOL (in addition to the MLTSSL). This makes it available to applicants whose occupation is only on the STSOL, and gives MLTSSL applicants a points boost through nomination. The visa is permanent from the date of grant.
Legislative basis: cl 190.211 of Schedule 2 to the Migration Regulations 1994.
Subclass 491 — Skilled Work Regional
The Subclass 491 provides 15 nomination bonus points — the largest of the three — but is a temporary 5-year visa that requires the holder to live and work in a designated regional area. It is not permanent residence; the holder must complete 3 years of regional residence and meet income thresholds before applying for the Subclass 191.
The regional occupation list (ROL) used for the 491 includes occupations not available under either the MLTSSL or STSOL, providing access to the skilled migration system for a broader range of occupations.
Legislative basis: cl 491.211 of Schedule 2 to the Migration Regulations 1994.