The Subclass 190 visa is a Skilled, Points-tested and Invited visa for candidates wanting to immigrate to Australia. These applicants are sponsored by the state or territory for the first two years of their beginning in Australia. The Subclass 491 visa is also a Skilled, Points-tested and Invited visa for candidates wanting to immigrate to Australia. These candidates or eligible family members are sponsored by the state or territory for the first three years after taking residence. Let us see here how they qualify for immigrants looking to move to Australia. The offshore Skilled-Sponsored Subclass 176 permit and the onshore Subclass 886 permits have been successfully replaced by the Skilled Nominated Subclass 190 visa. It is a permanent permit even though it needs nomination by an Australian state or territory. Subclass 190 is a points-based visa that allows holders to live and work anywhere in Australia. The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Subclass 491 visa has successfully replaced the Skilled Regional Subclass 489 visa. It allows the holder to stay in Australia for five years. It is an excellent pathway to permanent residency after the visa holder has completed three years in the regional area of state nomination. Department of Home Affairs (DoHA) Australia Both these state-sponsored immigration visas are subject to eligibility criteria published by the sponsoring state or territory and the Department of Home Affairs. Selected candidates are therefore expected to live and work in the regional area for a specified period of time. Both Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 are General Stream Australia immigration state sponsorship visas. These visas are quite similar. Subclass 190 & Subclass 491 Similarities Factors Skilled Nominated Visa Subclass 190 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Subclass 491 Age Candidates to be under the age of 45 years Applicant should be under the age of 45 years Occupation in SOL The applicant must have a nominated occupation in the Skilled Occupation List Should have a nominated occupation on the regional Skilled Occupation List Skills Assessment Test Clear a skills assessment test in the nominated occupation Requires passing a skills assessment exam in the nominated occupation English Proficiency Meet the competent English language requirements Satisfy the competent English language requirements Points Requirement Points total should at least be 65 points 65 points are the minimum requirements Health & Character Certifications Satisfy medical, health & character requirements All medical, health & character requirements should be fulfilled Bring Along Families Can include partner & dependent children in the application Include partner & dependent children in the visa application Sponsoring a Partner You can sponsor a partner right away Free to sponsor a partner right away Invitation Guarantee Invitation guaranteed with state nomination sponsorship approval Guaranteed to be invited if state nomination sponsorship is approved Freedom to Work Free to work in any occupation Freedom to work in the chosen occupation The Subclass 190 is an application for a permanent residency visa. And Subclass 491 is a transitional immigration visa that allows permanent residency after 3 years. Permanent residence Provisional residence Permanent residence Provisional residence Unconditional & unrestricted Conditional & PR restricted Unconditional & unrestricted PR Conditional & PR restricted The sponsoring state expects you to reside in the state for the first 2 years You have to live & work in the sponsoring state for 3 years before applying for permanent residency The sponsoring state expects you to reside in the state for the first 2 years You have to live & work in the sponsoring state for 3 years before applying for permanent residency Conditional access to Medicare & Social benefits No access to Medicare & Social benefits Conditional access to Medicare & Social benefits No access to Medicare & Social benefits Other Key Points of the State-Sponsored Subclass 190 Skilled Visa The State-Sponsored Subclass 190 Skilled Visa for Australia is for permanent residents. The applicant should lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI). You would, however, require an invitation to apply. And then be approved for state nomination sponsorship before applying for the visa. The state nomination sponsorship eventually adds another 5 points to your points table. Holders of Subclass 190 visa can: Other Key Points of the Provisional State-Sponsored Subclass 491 Skilled Visa The Provisional State-Sponsored Subclass 491 Skilled Visa is an invited pathway and a provisional temporary residence to Australia. You must lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) once you receive the invitation. Subsequently, you should be sponsored by an eligible relative or by an Australian state or territory. Sponsorship adds 15 points to your point tally. Holders of Subclass 491 visa can: Subclass 190 Visa Eligibility Alongside the specific state’s occupation list, the immigration applicant should have a nominated occupation on the Australian STSOL list. Immigration candidates can apply onshore or offshore unless there is a condition on their visa that you cannot make an application in Australia. Other eligibility criteria: The immigration applicant should have read the Life in Australia booklet and confirmed to respect the way of life here. He or she should respect Australian laws and regulations while signing the Australian Values Statement. Subclass 491 Visa Eligibility The immigration applicant must fully satisfy the requirements on the specific state’s occupation list and have a nominated occupation on the Australian STSOL list. Interested immigrants can apply onshore or offshore unless they have a condition on the visa prohibiting them from making an application in Australia. Other eligibility criteria: The immigration applicant must have read and understood the Life in Australia booklet. He or she should confirm to the Australian workplace and conform to obey laws while signing the Australian Values Statement. Here is a step-by-step guide to how to apply for the Subclass 190 and the Subclass 491 visas. Subclass 190 Visa Subclass 491 Visa Visa Types Notes AUD INR Subclass 190 & 491 Fee for Main Visa Applicant AU$ 4,115 INR 2,20,938 Subclass 190 & 491 Fee for Spouse of the Main Visa Applicant AU$ 2,055 INR 110298 Subclass 190 & 491 Fee per Child of the Main Visa Applicant AU$ 1,030 INR 55283 Here are the processing times for the Subclass 190 and the Subclass 491 visas. Visa Type Visa Stage Processing Times Visa Stage Processing Times Subclass 190 Visa 75% of visa applications are processed in 6 months 90% visa application processing is done in 8 months Subclass 491 Visa 75% visa applications are processed in 7 months 90% visa application processing is done in 8 months This is a primary question the immigration applicant needs to answer. The nominating state, however, commits you to for staying at least two years within the state. Even if you are currently living in another state, you are required to provide a fresh job offer in the nominated occupation in the state sponsoring your visa. Moving States on Subclass 190 Visa It is a fact that once granted; the Subclass 190 visa is a permanent resident visa with no strings attached to the state. The immigration applicant has the right to remain in the country as long as he wants and can freely migrate to anywhere in Australia as he likes. There are no restrictions on the 190 visa to stay in the nominating state. This comes with a catch, though. It could affect the citizenship of the immigration applicant later if they decide to move to another state. It could affect your entire Australia immigration history, including your future visa applications like to sponsor a spouse. Making a Wise Choice If moving to another state without waiting for 2 years is the only choice you have, then it would be best for you to discuss the situation with the state government. You can talk to them about: The chances are that they may agree to free you to look for other opportunities. Convince them that you have tried all other options available and yet were unable to find the right job. Moving States on Subclass 491 Visa First of all, the Subclass 491 visa is provisional and not a permanent visa. It is granted with a rider that the visa holder must live, work and study in the designated or specified region of Australia. You cannot turn away from this commitment. What is Condition 8579? Condition 8579 says: It implies that, though the immigrant may move between states or territories but will however live in the region, state, or territory specified in the agreement while granting the subclass 491 visa. DoHA is concerned with the truth that your intentions while accepting the visa still stands. It is also true that DoHA would not be interested if you breach the visa condition. The agency will probe that you had provided any false information to the sponsoring state or territory while obtaining the sponsorship.Australian Subclass 190 Visa
Australian Subclass 491 Visa?
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Similarities Between Subclass 190 & Subclass 491
Differences between Subclass 190 & Subclass 491
Visa Status
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Subclass 190
Subclass 491
Visa Status
Subclass 190
Subclass 491
Conditions
Subclass 190
PRSubclass 491
Conditions
Subclass 190
Subclass 491
Restrictions
Subclass 190
Subclass 491
Restrictions
Subclass 190
Subclass 491
Medicare & Social Benefits
Subclass 190
Subclass 491
Medicare & Social Benefits
Subclass 190
Subclass 491
Eligibility Requirements for State-Sponsored Skilled Visas
How to Apply for State-Sponsored Skilled Visas
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Costs Table for Subclass 190 & Subclass 491 Visas
Processing Time for State-Sponsored Skilled Visas
Moving States on Subclass 190 or Subclass 491 Visas
Other Important FAQs
Can I apply for Subclass 190 while on Subclass 491 visa?
The immigration department of Australia has placed restrictions on what visas can be granted to Subclass 491 visa holders. This is to stop them from moving to other areas of the country. Therefore, Subclass 491 visa holders will not be allowed to apply for Subclass 186, 189, 190, 820, and many more other visas.
Does subclass 190 visa require work experience?
No work experience is required for occupations except few in some states. However, the highest-ranking candidates in occupations are invited first depending upon the Priority Skilled Occupation List of the concerned state.
Are there any designated areas for subclass 491 visa?
Designated regional areas for subclass 491 visa include everywhere in Australia except Brisbane, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney.
Can I apply for a subclass 190 visa with 60 points?
A minimum of 60 points basic score is required to apply for a subclass 190 visa. Immigration applicants below this score will have to sit for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test, either in Australia or in your home country.
How will my subclass 491 visa lead to PR?
Subclass 491 visa is granted for 5 years. If you meet the following criteria, you can apply for the Subclass 191 - Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa.
- You have lived, worked or studied in the designated area of Australia for at least 3 years
- You can show earnings of at least $53,900 per annum for the past 3 years
Either you or your spouse has to show evidence of earnings. Whoever fulfils the criteria can be the main applicant for the subclass 191 visa.
How much time for EOI approval for the Australia PR process?
The EOI is reviewed by both the Australian government authorities and the employers looking for someone with your skill-set. Normally, it takes about 15 days time to get results of your Expression of Interest.
How many EOIs can be submitted for an Australia visa?
You can create as many EOIs as you want through Australia’s SkillSelect. Applicants usually create one for every state they are interested in. Multiple EOIs give you a wider range of selection to choose from.
What documents are required for an EOI?
The following information and documents are required, along with the Expression of Interest.
- Date of the completed skills assessment test
- Reference number provided by the assessing authority
- Your name & family name
- Date of birth
- Country of citizenship
- Citizenship Identification
- Gender information
- Valid passport with details
- Place of residency
- Relationship status
Can I apply for a subclass 491 visa if I am older than 45 years?
No. You cannot apply for a 491 visa subclass if you are older than 45 years. However, you can consider applying for the subclass 482 or Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) if you are looking for Australian PR.
Can I apply for Australian PR without work experience in a regional area for 3 years?
Though you may be able to move to another area of regional Australia on a subclass 491, you will not be able to apply for the subclass 191 permanent visa without completing 3 years in the designated area.
What jobs are available with a subclass 491 visa?
Every state or territory of Australia has a specific jobs list for immigration applicants to choose from. For a subclass 491 visa grant, you will need to check individual state or territory lists to find out local occupations in demand.
Is an employer required to sponsor for a subclass 491 visa?
No. Employers’ sponsorship is not required for a subclass 491 visa. But quite a few states or regions may want you to work for state nomination approval.
Why choose subclass 491 visa when I can get the subclass 190 visa?
Apply for the subclass 190 visa if you receive an invitation to apply. Go for the subclass 491 only when you do not receive an invitation for the subclass 190 visa.
How does the skilled independent visa subclass 189 compare to the subclass 190 visa?
The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) requires no sponsorship. But the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) requires sponsorship by an Australian state or territory.
Can I convert my Australian student visa to a PR visa?
You will have to fulfil these requirements to be eligible for a PR visa:
- Complete at least 2 years study at postgraduate level
- Provide evidence of work experience
- Demonstrate English proficiency
- Have a full-time job offer for 12 months at least
- Provide evidence of sufficient funds to cover
- Your occupation should be in the New Graduate Occupation List
Can I use a GSM visa for immigration to Australia?
The General Skilled Migration (GSM Visa) is only available for people with special skills wanting to settle in Australia. It would therefore be suitable for you to consult a registered migration agent to evaluate whether you qualify for the GSM visa.
Which subclass is suitable for NSW nomination?
Both subclass 190 and subclass 491 are suitable for NSW nomination. Keep in mind the difference between the two visas and choose what best suits you.
Conclusion
Choosing the most suitable skilled nominated subclass between 190 vs 491 visas will depend upon several factors. Beginning from your skill-set to score, and in-demand jobs in particular states. There are numerous features in common, but there is more freedom with subclass 190 visas.
So, evaluate carefully or seek services of a registered migration agent since they can give you a clear perspective of how things are on the ground. Visa consultants can also educate you and update on more avenues to help smoothen the immigration process.
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FAQs
Which visa is better 491 or 190? ›
Differences. 189 visa doesn't require nomination or sponsorship. Subclass 190 visa requires a nomination from a State or Territory Government agency, while subclass 491 visa requires a nomination from a State or Territory Government agency or sponsorship by an eligible relative who resides in a regional area.
Is subclass 491 worth it? ›As a Provisional visa, the 491 is an excellent visa to hold but for the ones dreaming of becoming a permanent resident, it's not the end of the road just yet. After 3 years as a 491 visa holder, you may be eligible to apply for the 191, which is a permanent visa.
What is the difference between subclass 190 and 491? ›Subclass 190 is a visa application for permanent residency. Subclass 491 is a three-year transitional immigration visa that allows for permanent residency after 3 years.
Is 491 visa good in Australia? ›Workers who are granted the 491 visa will be able to stay in Australia for 5 years from the date the visa is granted, be eligible to travel to and from Australia as many times as they like during that time, and the best part is they'll be able to apply for permanent Australian residence from November 16, 2022.
Does 491 visa guarantee PR? ›Once a 491 visa is granted the visa holder can remain in a designated regional area of Australia for up to five years, with a permanent residency pathway available after three years. Dependent family members may be included and must also live, work and study in a designated regional area.
Can 190 be rejected? ›Skilled (GSM) visa application refusals can include the visa subclasses 189, 190, 491. If you have just received notification that your Skilled (GSM) Visa Application has been refused, it is important that you obtain legal advice as soon as possible.
What is the success rate of 491 visa? ›If YOU are Interested in the 491 Visa
Our skilled migration team currently enjoys a 100% success rate with skills assessments and Skilled Regional visa / Subclass 491 visa applications.
The 491 visa holders can potentially borrow up to 70% to 95% of the property value. In other words, you could be buying your home with just a 5% deposit plus stamp duty and fees. However, as we mentioned, your circumstances have a significant impact on how much you can borrow when applying for a 491 visa home loan.
What are the advantages of visa 491? ›Benefits of the 491 visa:
Priority processing of regional applications. Incentives for migrants to stay in regional areas longer term as they build ties through workforce and community participation. More points available to subclass 491 visa applicants.
Can I apply for a subclass 189 or 190? If you are a holder of a subclass 491 or 494 you must have held that visa for at least 3 years before you can lodge an application for a subclass 189 or 190. You will have to meet all criteria of that visa subclass in order to be granted the new visa.
Is 491 visa easy to get? ›
It is important that Australian Government is trying to push skilled migrants to live and work in regional area of Australia. This makes the requirement for 491 nomination is a lot easier than 190 visa which people can get the 190 nomination by living and working in metro areas like Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane.
How long does it take to get PR after 491 visa? ›The current average processing time is as below: subclass 491 visa (state nominated stream) is about 6 months for 75% of all the visas application, and 8 months for 90% of all the visa applications.
Do you get Medicare on 491 visa? ›491 Skilled Work Regional Visa holders are covered by Medicare, however may chose to purchase health insurance for other benefits it may provide.
Is 491 a permanent residency? ›The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) allows skilled migrants to live, study and work in designated regional areas for a period of 5 years, with a pathway to permanent residency.
Can I work in Sydney with 491 visa? ›Do I need to work in my field when I have the 491 visa? No. You can work in any occupation, once you have the visa. The only work requirement is that your income meets the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) for three years, in a regional location.
What is the benefit of 190 and 491 visa? ›The Subclass 190 is an application for a permanent residency visa. And Subclass 491 is a transitional immigration visa that allows permanent residency after 3 years.
Can I bring my family to Australia on 491 visa? ›Sponsorship by an eligible relative for 491 visa
Your sponsor must be: 18 years old or older. usually resident in a designated area of Australia. be an Australian citizen, an Australian permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen.
Visa 190 is based on a points test. Therefore, you need at least 65 points in the points test to get this visa. The Department of Home Affairs will not invite you for visa 190 if you score below 65. Make sure you choose an occupation relevant to the Skilled Occupation List.
What is a good score for 190 visa? ›Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) applicants must obtain a minimum of 65 points on a points assessment and must be nominated by a participating State or Territory government in Australia. To apply for this visa, you must submit an expression of interest (EOI) and be invited by SkillSelect.
How long does it take for 190 to be granted? ›The current average processing time is as below: subclass 190 visa is about 10 months for 75% of all the visas application, and 12 months for 90% of all the visa applications.
What is yearly income for 491? ›
To obtain a permanent residence using the 491 visas, your annual income for the last three years must be at least $53,900.
Can I move interstate after 491 visa? ›There is no restriction for subclass 491 visa holders to move interstate. However, the nominating state government would generally require you to make a commitment of residing and working in the designated area of which you were nominated.
How much time it takes to get 491 in 2023? ›Applications will be processed in the order in which complete applications are received and will be completed within 8 weeks.
How long can I stay overseas on 491 visa? ›How Long can i stay ? With a 491 Visa you can stay up to 5 years for the day visa is granted.
Can I run a business on 491 visa? ›Regional Provisional skilled visa SC 491 offers small business owners an alternative pathway with state nomination process, where primary applicant still requires to have an occupation from eligible list of occupations. The application can only be lodged / approved in the State / Territory that supports this program.
Can I bring my wife in 491 visa? ›It is possible to include partners and dependent children to a submitted application if for some reason they cannot be included at the time of lodgement.
Can I live anywhere in Australia on 190 visa? ›the 190 visa is a Permanent visa with no strings attached to a state and once granted, you have the right to remain in Australia as long as you want and also move freely anywhere in Australia.
Which visa is best for Australia? ›SKILLED INDEPENDENT visa, subclass 189
“You only need to live in Australia for two of the five years to have the visa reissued for a further five years. Alternatively, you can spend four consecutive years in Australia and be eligible for citizenship.”
You must show earnings of at least $53,900 per annum for three years.
Do you pay school fees on a 491 visa? ›No tuition fees are charged for the school-age dependants of temporary residents who hold particular visa classifications.
Who can sponsor me for 491 visa? ›
Any relative of the applicant such as parents, siblings, uncle/aunt, etc are eligible to become a sponsor, provided they fulfill the following terms: The relative must be of 18 years or older.
How long is the processing time for 491 visa Australia? ›Australia PR Visa Processing Time – Subclass 489/491 visa
The approximate processing time for a Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Subclass 491 visa is 12 – 14 months.
On grant of the subclass 491 visa, visa holders can work in any occupation and for any employer, as long as they continue to live and work in a designated regional area. Each state has their own requirements, and their own lists of eligible occupations.
Can I work in Sydney with 190 visa? ›This visa lets nominated skilled workers live and work in Australia as permanent residents.
Can I live on Gold Coast on the 491 visa? ›Applicants can now apply for the new Skilled Work Regional Visa (subclass 491) to live and work in Perth and The Gold Coast. The Skilled Work Regional Visa is part of General Skilled Migration visas. These visas offer a pathway to permanent residency and do not require you to have an employer to sponsor your visa.
What is the difference between 191 and 491 visa? ›Subclass 491 is a skilled regional work provisional visa, and Subclass 191 is a skilled regional permanent resident visa. Subclass 491 has a 5-year validity. Visa holders can apply for permanent residency (191 visa Australia) after meeting post-grant requirements for 3 years.
Can I apply for 190 while on 491? ›Can I apply for a subclass 189 or 190? If you are a holder of a subclass 491 or 494 you must have held that visa for at least 3 years before you can lodge an application for a subclass 189 or 190. You will have to meet all criteria of that visa subclass in order to be granted the new visa.
Can I apply for both 190 and 491 at the same time? ›Submitting More than One EOI in SkillSelect:
The good news for skilled applicants is that they can submit more than One EOI in SkillSelect System. For example, an applicant can submit EOIs for subclass 189, 190, and 491 visas in SkillSelect and SkillSelect, and the Department of Home Affairs will not mind it at all.
If you are invited to apply and you cannot substantiate the information you provided in your EOI, which for a Subclass 491 visa must include State or Territory nomination approval, your visa application will be refused.
Can I buy house on 491 visa? ›The 491 visa holders can potentially borrow up to 70% to 95% of the property value. In other words, you could be buying your home with just a 5% deposit plus stamp duty and fees. However, as we mentioned, your circumstances have a significant impact on how much you can borrow when applying for a 491 visa home loan.
Can I get Medicare on 491 visa? ›
491 Skilled Work Regional Visa holders are covered by Medicare, however may chose to purchase health insurance for other benefits it may provide.
Is 491 visa easy? ›It is important that Australian Government is trying to push skilled migrants to live and work in regional area of Australia. This makes the requirement for 491 nomination is a lot easier than 190 visa which people can get the 190 nomination by living and working in metro areas like Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane.
What is the benefit of 190 visa? ›This visa lets nominated skilled workers live and work in Australia as permanent residents.
What income is required for 491? ›To obtain a permanent residence using the 491 visas, your annual income for the last three years must be at least $53,900.
Can I move state after 190 visa? ›the 190 visa is a Permanent visa with no strings attached to a state and once granted, you have the right to remain in Australia as long as you want and also move freely anywhere in Australia. meaning you have no condition on your 190 visa to stay in your nominating state.
Can I work full time on 491 visa? ›Information about Employing 489/ 491 Visa Holders
These visa programs are designed to bring skilled migrants to regional areas where their skills are in demand. These visas have full work entitlements and an employer need do nothing more than they would when employing a local Australian worker.
How Long can i stay ? With a 491 Visa you can stay up to 5 years for the day visa is granted.