189 vs 190 vs 491: Which Australian PR Visa Is Right for You?
If you're planning your skilled migration journey to Australia, you're likely weighing up the three main points-tested pathways: the Subclass 189, 190, and 491 visas. They share a lot of common ground-for all three, you'll need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect, secure a positive skills assessment, and pass an English test.
But under the surface, the rules and conditions for each visa are quite different. The 189 visa is a highly competitive, independent permanent pathway. The 190 visa is also permanent but requires a state or territory nomination, rewarding you with a handy 5-point bonus. Meanwhile, the 491 visa is a regional, provisional visa that offers a massive 15-point boost, with the condition that you live outside the major metropolitan centres before transitioning to permanent residency (PR).
We've put together this side-by-side comparison to help you figure out the best pathway for your personal situation, occupation, and points score.
| Feature | Subclass 189 | Subclass 190 | Subclass 491 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa type | Permanent | Permanent | Provisional (leads to 191 PR) |
| Nomination required | No | Yes (state/territory) | Yes (state/territory or family) |
| Points for nomination | 0 | +5 points | +15 points |
| Minimum EOI points | 65 | 65 (can include the 5 state points) | 65 (can include the 15 state/family points) |
| Visa application charge | From AUD $6,135 | From AUD $6,140 | From AUD $6,140 |
Subclass 189: Skilled Independent Visa
- Who it's for: Skilled workers whose occupation is on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). You don't need a state or territory to sponsor you.
- Points: You need a minimum of 65 points to lodge an EOI. Because it's a highly sought-after, independent pathway, actual invitation cutoffs are usually much higher and fluctuate each round based on the competitiveness of your occupation.
- The process: Get a skills assessment → sit an English test → lodge your EOI in SkillSelect → wait for an invitation → apply for the visa.
- Permanent residency: It's a permanent visa granted on approval. There's no provisional or temporary stage.
- Flexibility: You can't rely on a state for points, but the huge upside is that you have the right to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia from the day your visa is granted.
- Eligibility check: Always verify your occupation is on the correct list via the Home Affairs website.
- Best for: High scorers, applicants with MLTSSL occupations, and those who want total flexibility in where they settle.
Subclass 190: Skilled Nominated Visa
- Who it's for: Skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian state or territory government. Your occupation must be on the specific list of the state you're applying to.
- Points: You need 65 points to lodge an EOI, but the state nomination gives you an automatic 5 points. This means your own base score only needs to be 60. Because of the state's involvement, cutoffs are often lower than the 189 visa.
- The process: Skills assessment → English test → lodge EOI → apply for state nomination (or wait to be invited to apply by a state) → receive state nomination → SkillSelect issues an ITA → apply for the visa.
- Permanent residency: Like the 189, it's a permanent visa from day one.
- Obligations: While it's a permanent federal visa, states generally require a commitment from you to live and work in their state (often for two years) in return for nominating you. It's important to read your specific state's conditions.
- Best for: Applicants targeting a specific state, or those with solid points who might struggle to compete in the 189 independent rounds.
Subclass 491: Skilled Work Regional (Provisional Visa)
- Who it's for: Skilled workers who are happy to settle in a regional area of Australia. You must be nominated by a state/territory or sponsored by an eligible relative living in a designated regional area.
- Regional definition: "Regional" covers most of Australia outside of Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. This means major cities like Perth, Adelaide, and the Gold Coast are officially classified as regional.
- Points: You need a minimum of 65 points, but the nomination alone gives you a massive 15 points. This means you only need to score 50 points on your own merits.
- Provisional, not permanent: The 491 is a 5-year provisional visa. It acts as a stepping stone to permanent residency via the Subclass 191 (Permanent Residence: Skilled Regional) visa. To qualify for the 191, you must live and work in a regional area for at least three years and meet the minimum income requirements.
- Best for: Applicants who need a significant points boost, those with occupations on the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), or those perfectly happy to enjoy the lifestyle in cities like Perth, Adelaide, or Hobart.
Which Visa Suits Your Situation?
Choosing your path often comes down to the points you can comfortably achieve and your long-term goals. Here are a few common scenarios to guide your strategy:
- You have a very high points score and an MLTSSL occupation: The 189 is likely your best bet for complete independence. However, it's always smart to also submit an EOI for the 190 visa to broaden your chances in state rounds.
- You have a solid score, but not quite enough for a 189: The 190 should be your primary focus. Research which states are looking for your occupation and review their specific nomination criteria.
- You have a modest score, or your occupation isn't on the MLTSSL: The 491 visa is often the most realistic pathway. The 15-point regional boost can make a huge difference, and living in a regional centre can offer a fantastic quality of life.
Note: The 'best' pathway is highly personalised and depends on your exact occupation, English proficiency, age, and work history. It's always a good idea to consult a MARA-registered migration agent to assess your unique profile.
How to Boost Your PR Points
No matter which visa you're aiming for, having a higher score always works in your favour. Here are some of the most effective ways to bump up your total:
- Smash your English test: Achieving a 'Superior' English score (e.g., 8.0 in IELTS or 79 in PTE) earns you a massive 20 points.
- Partner skills: If your partner can pass a skills assessment and get 'Competent' English, you get an extra 10 points. If they only have 'Competent' English, you still get 5 points.
- NAATI CCL or Professional Year: Completing a credentialled community language test (NAATI CCL) or a Professional Year programme in Australia each add 5 points to your tally.
- Work experience: Gaining more skilled work experience-whether in Australia or overseas-can significantly improve your score.
Calculate Your Potential Points
See exactly how you score across the 189, 190, and 491 visa categories.
Open PR Points CalculatorFrequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for all three visas at the same time?
You can absolutely lodge multiple Expressions of Interest (EOIs) across different visa streams in SkillSelect. Just keep in mind that if you receive multiple invitations, each visa application requires a separate fee and process.
Is the 491 visa permanent residency?
No, the Subclass 491 is a provisional visa. However, it's a direct pathway to permanent residency. You'll need to live and work in a designated regional area for three years and meet the income requirements before you can apply for the Subclass 191 permanent visa.
Do I need a job offer for the 189, 190, or 491?
No, none of these three visas explicitly require a job offer to apply. They are points-tested visas based on your skills, qualifications, English proficiency, and other personal factors. However, some states might prefer or require you to be currently working in their state to secure a 190 or 491 nomination.
Are Perth and Adelaide considered regional?
Yes, they are! For the purposes of the Subclass 491 visa, both Perth (Western Australia) and Adelaide (South Australia) are classified as designated regional areas.
What is the current processing time for these visas?
Processing times fluctuate quite a bit depending on the visa subclass, your specific occupation, and the Department of Home Affairs' current priorities. Some applications can be finalised in a few months, while others might take over a year.
When are the 190 and 491 nomination points added to my score?
You claim these points when you lodge your EOI. The points count towards your 65-point minimum requirement. Once a state or territory officially nominates you, SkillSelect automatically triggers an Invitation to Apply (ITA), locking in those points.
Related Guides
Australian PR Points Test 2026
Complete guide to the points test and how each category is scored.
→ Read guideHow to Boost Your PR Points
Strategic guide to improving your score across every category.
→ Read guideReady to Calculate Your Score?
Use our free calculator to see your exact points across all 13 categories, with personalised guidance based on your occupation.
Calculate My PR Points →This guide provides general information only and does not constitute migration or legal advice. All point values and legislative references are based on Schedule 6D of the Migration Regulations 1994, current as of August 2026. Immigration law is subject to change. Always verify current requirements at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au or consult a MARA-registered migration agent before making application decisions.