Subclass 189 visas and Subclass 491 visas allow foreign nationals to enter Australia with full rights to work. Subclass 189 is a permanent resident visa. It is also known as a Skilled Independent Work Visa. Subclass 189 visas do not require sponsorship from a relative, employer, or state/territory government.

Subclass 491 visa also known as Skilled Work Regional (Provisional), visa. This visa allows skilled workers and their families to reside, work, and study in certain states of Australia for five years. After three years, foreign workers can apply for permanent residence. Here is a comparison between Australia Subclass 189 and 491 visas. Continue reading to learn about the requirements, benefits, and costs.

Subclass189 Vs 491 Visas

These visa pathways are attractive to skilled workers from all over the globe. These visas are both part of the General Skilled Migration category (GSM).

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional), (Subclass 491)

The Subclass 189 visa can be used for permanent residence, but the Subclass 491 visa is for temporary residency. It allows you to remain in the country for up to 3 years.

Visas for General Skilled Migration

Subclass 189 and Subclass 491 Features

Permanent Skilled Independent  Subclass 189 Visa	Skilled Work Regional (Provisional)  Subclass 491 Visa
The number of invitations depends upon places available in occupation and your points total	An invitation is guaranteed if sponsorship is approved by the state/territory
Permanent residence status	Provisional residence status
Full access to movement & other social benefits	Candidates have to live and work in the sponsoring state
Unconditional & unrestricted PR	Can apply for PR visa after 3 years
Medicare benefits	No Medicare benefits
Free to work in any occupation	Free to work in any occupation
Can take your partner along	Can take your partner along
Can sponsor parents after 2 years of residence in Australia	Can sponsor parents 2 years after gaining permanent visa in Australia
It is the most competitive visa, and only certain professionals can apply.	Visa holders have to earn a minimum of $53,900 every year.

Subclass 189 and Subclass 491 Visas

You must check that your visa application meets all requirements.

Subclass 189 & Subclass 491 Visa Requirements

Permanent Skilled Individual Visa Subclass 189 Visa

Skilled Work Regional Subclass 491 Visa

To be eligible to apply, the applicant must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).

A valid Skill Assessment must be obtained by the applicant for the job in question.

The applicant must be between 18 and 44 years old.

The applicant must be between 18 and 45 years old.

Competent English proficiency score of 6 or more in IELTS

Competent English proficiency score of 6 or more in IELTS

You must pass the Skills Assessment in a qualified skilled occupation on the list.

To apply for this visa, you must be nominated by your state or region.

Respect health and character requirements

Respect health and character requirements

You must meet the 65-point pass requirement for the Skilled Migration points exam.

You must meet the 65-point pass requirement for the Skilled Migration points exam.

Documents Required for Subclass 189 and Subclass 491 Visas

When you apply for a visa, supporting documents are crucial. It is important to submit as many documents as you can along with your visa application. Professional help is recommended and you should provide all documents required by Australian immigration authorities.

Take note of these important points before you submit documents

• All documents should be scanned and uploaded together with the application.
• Certified copies of original documents should be used for documentation.
• If asked by immigration authorities, do not attach original documents.
• Documents in other languages should also be accompanied by certified English translations.

Documents required with Subclass 189 and Subclass 491 Visas

Documents-Required-with-Subclass-189-&-Subclass-491-Visas

Except for applications with different forms, identical documents are required for visas. Below is a list.

• Application form required
• Passport with photo
• Skill assessment report
• Report from the IELTS/PTE English Language Test
• Documents for skilled employment
• 2 passport-size photographs in coloured
• Education qualification documents (including highest degree)
• Australian requirements
• Partners’ skills
• Documents relating to relationships
• Health documents
• Character documents
• Employment reference letters
• Any other documents required

Take care to collect all documents. One mistake could endanger your chances. To avoid delays in processing, double-check your information with Australian immigration officials.

Costs involved in Subclass 189 and Subclass 491 Visas

Costs-Involved-in-Subclass-189-&-Subclass-491-Visas (1)

These tables show the estimated cost of both visas.

Subclass 189 and Subclass 491 Visa Application Fees

Primary adult applicant

AUD 4,115

Additional adult applicant (above 18)

AUD 2,055

Dependent Child (below the age of 18 years)

AUD 1,030

Other expenses associated with Subclass 189 and Subclass 491 Visas

Type of fee

Fee per person

Education Credentials & Work Assessment

USD 390

Police Clearance Certificate (varies from country to country).

USD 18

English Proficiency Test

USD 200

Medical Examination (varies from country to country).

USD 350

It can take a lot of time and effort to obtain an Australian visa. Online payment of visa fees is possible using debit or credit cards. You may be subject to additional transaction fees if you pay with cards.

Processing Time for Subclass 189 and Subclass 491 Visas

These visas require processing time that is dependent on several factors. There are many factors that affect the processing time, including state sponsorship, invitation rounds, and skill-assessing authorities. This is a step-by-step guide for processing Subclass 189 or Subclass 491 visas.

Guide to Processing Time for Subclass 189 and Subclass 491 Visas

Processing Time for 189 Visa	Permanent Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189 Visa	Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Subclass 491 Visa	Processing Time for 491 Visa
7 – 12 Working Days	Check if your occupation or profile is present in the Skilled Occupation List (SOL)	State Sponsorship Except for NSW, Victoria & Queensland presently	8 – 12 Weeks
0 – 15 days	Ensure that you meet all eligibility requirements	Ensure that you meet all eligibility requirements	0 – 15 days
2 – 3 Months	Complete the Skills Assessment Tests	Complete the Skills Assessment Tests	2 – 3 Months
15 Working Days	Submitting an EOI through Skill Select	Processing time for Invitations after submitting EOI	2 months
2 Months	Filing Application for the Visa	Filing Application for the Skilled Nomination Visa	2 Months
15 – 30 Days	Waiting for a decision	State or Region Nomination Application	2 – 8 Weeks

After submitting the Skilled Independent Visa Application, the Subclass 189 visa processing time can be anywhere from 8 to 9 months.

After submitting the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional Visa) application, the Subclass 491 visa processing time can range from 7 to 11 months.

Other Important FAQs

Which Visa is better? Which Subclass is better? Subclass 189 or 491?

Subclass 189 visas are for permanent residence and are more popular with immigrants. Subclass 491 visa can be used as a temporary visa. After three years, it does not allow permanent residence or the ability to move to another part of Australia for work.

Is it possible to apply for a Subclass 189 visa if I am on Subclass 491?

No. No. This is done to prevent immigrants from moving to different areas after they have received the 491 visas. The 491 visa holder cannot apply for subclasses 189, 193, 186, 820, and many other visas.

How long is the Subclass-189 visa valid?

The Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) Visa validity period cannot be extended. This visa is permanent and can be used to enter the country with close relatives.

Do you have 70 points to get a Subclass189 visa?

To secure an invitation, the minimum point required for a Subclass 189 visa was 90 points. These candidates had to wait 4 months before they could be invited.

What are Subclass 491 skilled visa benefits?

Subclass 491 Provisional Visa – This visa allows the holder and their close relatives to reside, work, and study in the designated area of Australia. Skilled Nominated Visa 491 allows the holder of the visa to travel multiple times within the validity period.

Do you have enough points to get a Subclass 491 skilled visa with 80 points?

Yes. Subclass 491 visa grants require a minimum of 65 points. If the skilled occupation in question is highly sought-after within the state or region, you can submit an expression d’intérêt.

How can an Australian candidate for PR increase his points?

You can earn more points by working as a PR professional in Australia. These are just a few of the many options available to PR candidates in Australia.

• Take an English proficiency test
• Receive a nomination from a territory or state
• It is also beneficial to have the skills of a partner.
• Obtain work experience in Australia
• Accredited translator
• STEM qualifications

What are the different types of general skilled migration visas available?

Three types of visas are available through the skilled migration program by the Australian government.

• Skilled Independent Subclass of 189 Visa
• Skilled Nominated Visa Subclass 190
• Skilled Regional Nominated Visa Subclass 491

These visas can be used to obtain permanent residence or permanent residency.

What’s the difference between subclasses 189 and 190 visas for the Philippines?

These requirements for each subclass are different. Sponsorship is not required for the 189 visa, but nominations are required for the 190 visa.

What’s the difference between subclass 489 visas and subclass 491, visas?

The Subclass 491 visa replaced the Subclass 489 visa on 16 November 2019. The 491 visa can be used as a points-based visa. The visa is also restricted to 45-year-olds and requires skills assessment for the chosen occupation.

What work experience is needed to obtain a PR visa for Australia?

After 3 years on the PR visa, you can apply for Australian citizenship. You must have 8-10 years of work experience in Australia or abroad to be eligible for Australian citizenship.

Is it possible to study at an Australian university and then apply for a PR position?

After studying in Australia for at least two years, foreign nationals will need to have work experience. They will also need to apply for work permits after they have completed their studies. A PR candidate with experience in the chosen occupation area has a better chance of being hired.

What is the value of a migration agent in Australia PR?

They are highly valuable as they have performed it hundreds of times for different clients. But, make sure you choose a registered agent for migration who is current with all laws and regulations.

Conclusion

Subclass 189 visas in Australia and Subclass 491 visas in Canada are very comparable. Although the 189 visa is harder to obtain, it is still a winner since you can get permanent residence in the country from the beginning. Although the regional 491 visa is easier to get, it is only temporary and you will need to wait 3 years before applying for PR.

It isn’t easy to get a PR in Australia. Recent changes have made it more difficult to obtain a PR in Australia. As a first step, studying in Australia is a great option. Many students prefer to apply for permanent residency in Australia after completing their studies. This allows you to choose the in-demand occupation. A Ph.D. visa will enable you to apply for permanent residency.