Australia’s skilled migration program is a key part of the country’s immigration strategy. It aims to attract talented professionals who can help boost the economy. One important aspect of this program is the state nomination pathway, which offers skilled workers two visa options: Subclass 190 and Subclass 491.
State nomination is crucial for meeting workforce needs in regional areas and ensuring skilled migrants are spread across Australia’s various regions. Through this system, states and territories have the power to choose candidates whose skills match their specific economic requirements.
The decision between a Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 visa can greatly affect your migration journey and future in Australia. These visas offer different pathways:
- Subclass 190 provides immediate permanent residency
- Subclass 491 offers a provisional route with regional living requirements
Understanding State Nomination in Australian Skilled Migration
State nomination is an important part of Australia’s skilled migration program. Each state and territory government has its own nomination program to meet the specific workforce needs of their area, which are often influenced by global skills labor shortages that necessitate such programs.
The Nomination Process
The nomination process involves the following steps:
- States assess your eligibility based on their unique criteria
- You must demonstrate skills in occupations from their priority lists
- Your commitment to living and working in the nominating state is evaluated
- Additional requirements vary by state (work experience, financial capacity)
Role in Visa Applications
State nomination plays a significant role in visa applications:
- For Subclass 190: State nomination adds 5 points to your score
- For Subclass 491: State nomination provides 15 points
- A nomination guarantees an invitation to apply for your visa
- States monitor your settlement progress post-visa grant
Your nomination application is assessed by state authorities who verify your claims, qualifications, and genuine intention to contribute to their economy. Each state publishes specific occupation lists and criteria on its official migration website, reflecting its current workforce demands.
The nomination process requires direct engagement with state authorities through their dedicated migration portals. You’ll need to submit detailed documentation proving your skills match their requirements and demonstrating your understanding of local employment conditions.
Overview of Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa) and Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa)
The Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa grants immediate permanent residency to skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory government. This visa allows you to:
- Live and work anywhere within the nominating state/territory
- Access Medicare and social security benefits
- Study at Australian educational institutions
- Sponsor eligible family members for permanent residence
- Travel to and from Australia for 5 years
The Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa is a 5-year provisional visa designed to address skill shortages in regional Australia. This pathway requires you to:
- Live, work, and study in designated regional areas
- Meet minimum income requirements of AUD 82,980.68 annually
- Complete 3 years of regional residence before applying for permanent residency
Eligibility Requirements for Both Visas
- Age: Under 45 years at time of invitation
- English language proficiency: Competent English or higher
- Skills assessment: Positive assessment in the nominated occupation
- Points test: Minimum 65 points
- Health and character requirements
- Occupation listed on the relevant skilled occupation list
Points Test Differences
- Subclass 190: 5 additional points for state nomination
- Subclass 491: 15 additional points for state nomination or family sponsorship
Skills Assessment Process
- Select an assessing authority based on your occupation
- Submit required documentation
- Complete competency demonstration
- Receive skills assessment outcome
- Include assessment results in visa application
Key Differences Between Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 Visas You Need to Know Before Applying!
Let’s dive into the critical distinctions between these two state nomination visas that can impact your migration journey:
1. Visa Status and Residency Rights
Subclass 190: Immediate permanent residency upon visa grant
Subclass 491: Provisional visa valid for 5 years with a pathway to permanent residency after meeting specific requirements
2. Regional Commitment Requirements
Subclass 190:
- Live and work anywhere within the nominating state/territory
- Two-year commitment to the nominating state
- No specific regional area restrictions
Subclass 491:
- Must live, work, or study in designated regional areas
- Three-year commitment in regional areas required
- Strict geographical restrictions on residence and employment
3. Points Allocation
Subclass 190: Adds 5 points to your points test score
Subclass 491: Provides 15 points for state nomination
4. Family Inclusion and Benefits
Subclass 190:
- Immediate Medicare access for all family members
- Ability to sponsor relatives for permanent residence
- Full access to social security benefits
Subclass 491:
- Medicare access during visa validity
- Limited social security access
- Family sponsorship options available after obtaining permanent residency
5. Travel Rights and Restrictions
Subclass 190:
- Unrestricted international travel
- 5-year travel facility from the grant date
- No regional travel restrictions within Australia
Subclass 491:
- International travel permitted during visa validity
- Must maintain regional residence requirements
- Travel is restricted to designated regional areas for work purposes
These distinct features shape your migration experience and future opportunities in Australia. Your choice between these visas should align with your long-term settlement goals and willingness to commit to regional living requirements.
Advantages and Considerations When Choosing Between the Two Visas You Should Be Aware Of!
Benefits of Choosing Subclass 190 Visa
- Immediate Permanent Residency Status
- Direct access to government benefits
- Ability to purchase property without restrictions
- No need for visa renewals
- Career Flexibility
- Freedom to change employers within your state
- Access to broader job markets
- No minimum income requirements
- Educational Advantages
- Children receive local student rates
- Access to HELP loans for higher education
- Unrestricted study options
Benefits of Choosing Subclass 491 Visa
- Higher Points Allocation
- 15 points for state nomination
- Increased chances of invitation
- Lower competition levels
- Regional Opportunities
- Lower cost of living
- Stronger community connections
- Less competitive job market
- Housing affordability advantages
- Pathway to Permanent Residency
- Clear timeline to PR through Subclass 191
- Regional experience adds value to resume
- Development of unique skill sets
Potential Challenges and Commitments
Subclass 190 Challenges:
- Higher competition for limited nomination spots
- Stricter selection criteria
- Higher initial visa application costs
- Limited state options based on occupation
Subclass 491 Challenges:
- Regional location restrictions
- Limited metropolitan area access
- Three-year commitment requirement
- Income threshold requirements
- Potential career limitations in specialized fields
- Distance from major cities and amenities
Conclusion – Making an Informed Choice Between Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 Visas You Should Consider Before Applying!
Your choice between Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 visas depends on your personal circumstances and long-term goals in Australia. Here’s what you need to consider:
Choose Subclass 190 if you:
- Need immediate permanent residency status
- Have family commitments requiring metropolitan living
- Want unrestricted work rights across your nominating state
- Prefer access to full permanent resident benefits from day one
Choose Subclass 491 if you:
- Want additional nomination points (15 points vs 5 points)
- Are comfortable with regional living for at least 3 years
- Seek potentially faster nomination due to less competition
- Can meet the regional income threshold requirements
- Don’t mind a pathway to permanency through provisional status
Migration Star specializes in assisting skilled professionals navigate Australia’s state nomination pathways for Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 visas. Our expert team provides end-to-end support—starting with eligibility assessments and selecting the most suitable visa option based on your occupation and goals.
We help you prepare a strong Expression of Interest (EOI), gather the required documentation for skills assessment, and meet specific state or territory nomination requirements.
Whether you’re aiming for immediate permanent residency through Subclass 190 or taking the regional pathway via Subclass 491, Migration Star ensures you understand each step and submit a competitive, well-prepared application to maximize your chances of success.
