189 vs 190 vs 491: which Australian visa is right for you?
All three are points-tested skilled visas, but they differ on who nominates you, whether they're permanent from day one, and where you must live.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Skilled Independent visa (189) | Skilled Nominated visa (190) | Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (491) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Permanent / PR | Permanent / PR | Provisional (5 yrs) |
| Who it's for | Skilled workers with an eligible occupation who can qualify on points alone - no sponsor needed. | Skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory - nomination adds 5 points. | Skilled workers willing to live and work in regional Australia - adds 15 points. |
| Government cost | ~$4,910 (main applicant) | ~$4,910 (main applicant) | ~$4,910 (main applicant) |
| Processing time | ~5-12 months | ~5-9 months | ~6-12 months |
| Length of stay | Permanent | Permanent | 5 years (provisional) |
| Where to apply | Onshore or offshore | Onshore or offshore | Onshore or offshore |
| Work rights | Unlimited - full PR work rights | Unlimited - full PR work rights | Full work rights in designated regional areas |
| Points-tested | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Pathway to PR | This visa IS permanent residence. Pathway to citizenship after meeting residence requirements. | Permanent residence on grant. You commit to living and working in the nominating state (typically ~2 years). | Pathway to permanent residence via subclass 887 after 3 years living and working regionally and meeting the income requirement. |
Which is right for you?
Skilled Independent visa (189)
Skilled workers with an eligible occupation who can qualify on points alone - no sponsor needed.
Full 189 guide →Skilled Nominated visa (190)
Skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory - nomination adds 5 points.
Full 190 guide →Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (491)
Skilled workers willing to live and work in regional Australia - adds 15 points.
Full 491 guide →Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, 189 or 190 or 491?
On indicative 2025-26 government costs, Skilled Independent visa (189) is the lowest at ~$4,910 (main applicant). Government fees change periodically - confirm before applying.
Which is processed faster, 189 or 190 or 491?
Indicatively Skilled Independent visa (189) is the quickest at ~5-12 months. Actual timeframes depend on caseload and how complete your application is.
Which of these leads to permanent residence?
189, 190 are permanent. 189: This visa IS permanent residence. Pathway to citizenship after meeting residence requirements. 190: Permanent residence on grant. You commit to living and working in the nominating state (typically ~2 years). 491: Pathway to permanent residence via subclass 887 after 3 years living and working regionally and meeting the income requirement.
What's the main difference between 189 and 190 and 491?
Skilled Independent visa (189) is for skilled workers with an eligible occupation who can qualify on points alone - no sponsor needed. Skilled Nominated visa (190) is for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory - nomination adds 5 points. Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (491) is for skilled workers willing to live and work in regional Australia - adds 15 points.