Visa 190 vs 491: Which One Matches Your Australian PR Goals

Selecting the right visa is a crucial step in obtaining permanent residency in Australia. Among all the available options for skilled migrants, the Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 are considered the most valuable options. While both cater to skilled workers, they differ in terms of benefits, requirements, and long-term opportunities. Understanding their distinction will help you tailor your migration pathway and career goals.

Understanding Visa Subclass 190

The Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa is a Permanent Residency (PR) visa for skilled workers who receive a nomination from an Australian state or territory government. This visa allows you to live and work permanently in Australia, but you need to live for a minimum of two years in the nominated state.

Key factors to know before you apply for a 190 visa include:

• It grants immediate permanent residency
• Requires state or territory nomination
• Your occupation must be on the relevant skills list
• You should earn a minimum of 65 points to be eligible for this visa
• You are expected to reside in the nominating state for a minimum of 2 years

This visa is suitable for people with competitive profiles, such as high points or in-demand occupations. Subclass 190 provides a direct and stable path to permanent residency in Australia.

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What is the Subclass 491 Visa?

The Subclass 491 skilled work regional visa has five years of validity, and it is aimed at encouraging skilled migration to live and work in the Australian territory. You can be nominated by a state/territory or sponsored by an eligible relative living in the designated region.

Essential aspects to know before applying for the Visa 491 include:

• The skilled work regional provisional visa subclass 491 is valid for five years
• You have to live and work in a designated region of Australia
• You can apply for permanent residency after three years from the time your visa is granted

Unlike the 190 visa, the visa subclass 491 offers a pathway to permanent residency in Australia after meeting specific regional and income conditions.

Key Differences Between 190 and 491 Visas

Beyond the key functions of these visas, there are some other differences. Here are some key differentiating factors presented in the table below:

Also Read: What Is The Minimum Points Requirement For Australia PR Eligibility?

Eligibility Criteria

Both visa subclases share several eligibility requirements, which include:

• You should be under 45 years of age
• Component English proficiency on IELTS 6.0 or equivalent
• You must declare that you have a suitable skills assessment at the time of invitation
• Your occupation must be present on the relevant skilled occupation list for both visas

Once you receive an invitation to apply, you should lodge your visa application and check whether there are any additional state or region-specific requirements.

Benefits of Both Visa Types

The main advantages of subclass 190 include:

• Immediate permanent residency
• Access to Medicare and social services
• You will have the flexibility to live and work anywhere in Australia after living for two years in the nominated regions

Advantages of subclass 491 include:

• You can travel from or to Australia multiple times, till the validity of your 491 visa
• Strong long-term pathway to PR, if regional conditions are met
• You can include your family members within this visa, but they must meet health and character requirements

Which Visa Should You Choose?

If you are open to living in a specific location of Australia for a minimum of three years, then you can apply for subclass 491. However, if you wish to live in different cities of Australia and are seeking faster options to permanent residency, then you can choose subclass 190.

Seek Expert Advice

To get you through this step, a registered migration agent in Adelaide or any other Australian region can provide you with personalised advice. They can also assess your eligibility and guide you through the state nomination and application process.

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Conclusion

Both subclass 190 and 491 offer promising routes to permanent residency in Australia. Your choice should align with your professional profile, choice of location, and timeline. To get you through this, an immigration agent can help you know each visa’s structure. By seeking this expert guidance, you can correct decisions that support your long-term migration goals in Australia.