Difference between Australia Visa Subclasses 190 and 491
The Subclass 190 visa is a Skill point test, and an invited visa designed for individuals seeking to immigrate to Australia. Under this visa category, successful applicants receive sponsorship from a specific Australian state or territory for the initial two years of their residency in the country.
The Subclass 491 visa is a Skill point test and an invited visa designed for individuals aspiring to immigrate to Australia. Under this visa category, candidates, including eligible family members, receive sponsorship from a state or territory for the initial three years following their relocation.
If you’re considering moving to Australia, it’s important to understand the differences between the Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 visas to make the right choice for your immigration journey. Let’s break it down.
1. Similarities Between Subclass 190 & Subclass 491
Both Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 fall under General Stream Australia immigration state sponsorship visas. These visas share many common features as shown in the table below.
| Factors | Similarities between Subclass 190 & Subclass 491 |
| 1. Age Requirement | Applicant needs to be under the age of 45 |
| 2. Occupation in SOL | Applicant musts have a nominated occupation in the Skilled Occupation List (Subclass 190), in the regional Skilled Occupation List (Subclass 491) |
| 3. Skills Assessment Test | Applicant is required to pass a skills assessment test in the nominated occupation |
| 4. English Proficiency | Applicant musts satisfy the competent English language requirements |
| 5. Points Requirement | Applicant needs a minimum of 65 points |
| 6. Health & Character Certifications | Applicant musts fulfill all medical, health & character requirements |
| 7. Bring Along Families | Applicant is allowed to include partner & dependent children in the application |
| 8. Sponsoring a Partner | Applicant is free to sponsor a partner immediately |
| 9. Invitation Guarantee | Applicant is guaranteed an invitation with state nomination sponsorship approval |
| 10. Freedom to Work | Applicant is free to work in any occupation (Subclass 190), in the chosen occupation (Subclass 491) |
2. Differences Between Subclass 190 & Subclass 491
Subclass 190 represents an application for a permanent residency visa, whereas Subclass 491 serves as a transitional immigration visa that grants eligibility for permanent residency after a 3-year period.
| Factors | Skilled Nominated Visa Subclass 190 | Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Subclass 491 |
| 1. Visa Status | Permanent Residence | Provisional Residence |
| 2. Conditions | Unconditional and unrestricted PR | Conditional and restricted PR |
| 3. Restrictions | The sponsoring state expects the applicant to reside in the state for the first 2 years | Applicant must live and work in sponsoring state for 3 years before applying for permanent residency |
| 4. Medicare & Social Benefits | Conditional access to Medicare and social benefits | No access to Medicare and social benefits |
3. Additional Benefits of Subclass 190 & Subclass 491
3.1 Additional Benefits of Subclass 190
Sponsorship adds 5 points to the applicant’s points table.
Benefits of Subclass 190 visa holders:
· Stay permanently in Australia
· Work and study in Australia
· Sponsor relatives to come
· Access to Medicare
· Travel in and out of Australia for 5 years
· Apply for Australian citizenship if eligible
3.2 Additional Benefits of Subclass 491
Sponsorship adds 15 points to the applicant’s points table.
Benefits of Subclass 491 visa holders:
· Live in Australia for up to 5 years
· Work and study in a specified region of Australia
· Travel in and out of Australia as many times as many times as you want while the visa is valid
· Bring along family members
· Apply for Australian citizenship if eligible
In summary, choosing between Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 depends on your skill set, score, and desired lifestyle. Both visas have their advantages, but Subclass 190 offers more freedom. Therefore, you should consider seeking guidance from a Registered Migration Agent for a clearer perspective and a smoother immigration process.
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