Which Australian Skilled Visa is Right for You? 189 vs. 190 vs. 491

Many applicants struggle with deciding between Subclass 189, 190, and 491 visas.

Each visa has unique benefits and requirements, so let’s break them down to help you make the right choice.

1?. Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa:

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General Criteria:

·???????? Must meet the minimum (65) points threshold.

·???????? Occupation must be on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) and have a valid skill assessment.

·???????? No state or regional nomination is required.

·???????? Receive an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs.

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Things to Remember:

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·???????? This visa prioritizes applicants in health and construction sectors.

·???????? It is the most flexible skilled visa as there are no restrictions on work location.

·???????? The competition is extremely high so it’s best to keep an alternative.

·???????? No state points.

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Advantages:

? Direct Permanent Residency (PR).

? Can live and work anywhere in Australia.

? No obligations to a state or regional area.

? No further visa applications required.

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2?. Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa

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General Criteria:

·???????? Must meet the required points threshold (65)

·???????? Must have an occupation listed on the state's skilled occupation list and have a valid skill assessment.

·???????? Requires state nomination, which provides an extra 5 points.

·???????? Must receive an invitation from the respective state.

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Things to Remember:

·???????? Each state has its own set of additional eligibility criteria such as work experience, English language proficiency, or residency requirements.

·???????? Once nominated, you must live and work in the sponsoring state for a specified period (typically two years).

·???????? Subject to changes in state-specific criteria and occupation lists every fiscal year.

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Advantages:

? Direct Permanent Residency (PR).

? More accessible than 189 due to state nomination support.

? Can live and work in metro areas.

? No further visa applications required.

3?. Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa

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General Criteria:

·???????? Must meet the required points threshold

·???????? Occupation must be on the Regional Occupation List and have a valid skill assessment.

·???????? Requires either state nomination or sponsorship from an eligible relative living in a designated regional area.

·???????? Offers 15 additional points for nomination or sponsorship.

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Things to Remember:

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·???????? This is a provisional visa valid for 5 years.

·???????? Not a direct PR visa – requires additional steps.

·???????? You must live and work in a regional area for at least 3 years before applying for Permanent Residency (Subclass 191).

·???????? Limited flexibility in relocating to non-regional areas. Will not be eligible for Permanent Residency if you relocate to non-regional areas. However, regional areas are broadly defined and include major cities like Adelaide, Perth, and Gold Coast.

·???????? Subject to changes in state-specific criteria and occupation lists every fiscal year.

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Advantages:

? Lower points requirement compared to 189 and 190.

? Higher chances of receiving an invitation due to regional demand.

? Provides a pathway to PR (Subclass 191) after fulfilling residency and work conditions.

? Less competitive than 189 and 190.

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Which Visa Should You Choose?

?? If your occupation is in high priority, you have a good applicant profile and want full flexibility and a direct PR→ 189

?? If you want a direct PR with state support and have an occupation that is prioritized by that state with good applicant profile → 190

?? If you are open to regional work, have an occupation prioritized in regionals and have no problem with additional visa application→ 491

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Each visa has its pros and cons, so choose based on your profile, goals, and eligibility.

#AustralianPR #SkilledMigration #VisaComparison #Subclass189 #Subclass190 #Subclass491

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