Posted on April 03 2025

What is the difference between Subclass 491 and 190 visas?

By
Anshul Singhal
, Editor

Updated April 09 2025

What is the difference between Subclass 491 and 190 visas?

Australia's subclass 491 and 190 visas grant permanent residency in the country. Subclass 190 is a permanent visa for applicants to live and work anywhere in Australia. In contrast, a subclass 491 visa is a provisional visa requiring an applicant to live and work anywhere in the regional area for 5 years with a pathway to gain permanent residency in Australia after 3 years.

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Factors that differentiate between Subclass 491 and 190 visas

Several factors differentiate between Subclass 491 and 190 visas, such as:

Factors	Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Subclass 491 Visa	Skilled Nominated Subclass 190 Visa
Invitations	Must have invitations from the state/territory with an approved sponsorship; an invitation is assured	First, the applicant must be invited by a state or territory administration before applying using a points-based system based on occupation.
Visa Type	Temporary Residence Status	Permanent Residence Status
Where to reside	Applicants must reside and work in the region that has sponsored them.	An applicant must stay sponsored or territory for at least 2 years.
PR Pathway	After three years, one may seek a PR visa.	PR visa is granted via the State Nomination.
Family members	Can take your partner and dependent children along	Can take your partner and dependent children along
Sponsor your parents	After two years of residence in Australia, one may sponsor parents.	After two years of residence in Australia, one may sponsor parents.
Selection Criteria	a valid skills assessment, an eligible occupation, at least 65 points, and competent English, reside in regional area	Nomination, must meet the specific requirements of the state or territory, need to submit an EOI
Application Process	Can be applied for from inside or outside Australia	Can be applied for from inside or outside Australia
Age	Under 45 years of age at the time of invitation.	Under 45 years of age at the time of invitation.
Eligible Occupations	Regional Occupation List	State Occupation List
Points	Must have score 65 points	Must have 65 points
Work Rights	Allows to work in designated regional areas	Allows to work in Australia

*Want to apply for Subclass 190 visa? Talk to Y-Axis for complete guidance.

Step-by-step process to apply for the Australia visa

Below are the step-by-step processes to apply for the Australia visa:

Step 1: Select the type of Australia visa

Step 2: Arrange the documentation

Step 3: Apply for a suitable visa

Step 4: Wait for the visa approval

Step 5: Migrate to Australia

Steps to Migrate to Australia
*Want assistance with Australia Immigration? Talk to Y-Axis, the world’s No. 1 overseas immigration consultancy for end-to-end support.