Australia Subclasses 189 Visa Vs Subclasses 491 Visa: Which Should I Choose?
- October 15, 2024
- Posted by: visasabroad
- Category: Australia Visa
Quebec’s provincial government has implemented a sudden freeze on two key permanent immigration programs, leaving expats and aspiring immigrants unsettled. The affected programs include the Regular Skilled Worker Program (PRTQ) and the graduate pathway of the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ).
This unannounced decision has drawn significant criticism. Opposition parties have labeled it a “lack of planning,” while immigrant rights organizations argue that the move unfairly penalizes thousands of skilled migrants who have invested time and resources in their applications.
The freeze has sparked concerns over the government’s approach to immigration management, with many questioning the lack of foresight and consultation. As debates continue, the freeze underscores the challenges faced by migrants navigating evolving policies in Quebec.
[Source: Reporting by FRANCE 24’s Francois Rihouay and Joanne Profeta, with Fraser Jackson.]
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 enables skilled workers and their families to reside, work, and study in specified Australian states for five years. After three years, foreign workers can apply for permanent residence. Here is a comparison between the Australian 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 around the world. These visas are part of the General Skilled Migration (GSM) category.
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 |
| Can apply for a PR visa after 3 years | Can sponsor parents 2 yearsafterr gaining a permanent Visa in Australia |
| 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 sponsor parents 2 years after gaining a permanent Visa in Australia |
| 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 a permanent Visa in Australia |
| Visa holders have to earn a minimum of $53,900 per year. | Can sponsor parents 2 years after gaining a permanent Visa in Australia |
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).
The applicant must obtain a valid Skill Assessment 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, your state or region must nominate you.
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 essential to submit as many documents as possible 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 the original documents should be used for documentation purposes.
- If asked by immigration authorities, do not attach original documents.
- Certified English translations should also accompany documents in languages other than English.
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 colour
- Education qualification documents (including the 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 a card.
Processing Time for Subclass 189 and Subclass 491 Visas
These visas require a processing time that is dependent on several factors. Several factors influence the processing time, including state sponsorship, invitation rounds, and assessments by 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 processing time for the Subclass 189 visa can range from 8 to 9 months.
After submitting the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional Visa) application, the processing time for the Subclass 491 visa can range from 7 to 11 months.
Other Important FAQs
Which Subclass 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 obtain a Subclass 189 visa?
To secure an invitation, the minimum points required for a Subclass 189 visa were 90 points. These candidates had to wait 4 months before they could be invited.
What are the benefits of the Subclass 491 skilled visa?
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. A Subclass 491 visa requires 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 their 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 a partner with complementary skills.
- 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 Australian government’s skilled migration program.
- 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 is the difference between the Subclass 189 and 190 visas for the Philippines?
These subclasses are different. Sponsorship is not required for the 189 visa, but nominations are necessary for the 190 visa.
What’s the difference between subclass 489 visas and subclass 49 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 a 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 completing their studies. A PR candidate with expertise 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. However, ensure that you choose a registered migration agent who is up-to-date with all relevant laws and regulations.
Subclass 189 visas in Australia and Subclass 491 visas in Canada are very comparable. Although the 189 visa is more challenging to obtain, it is still a winner since you can secure permanent residence in the country from the outset. Although the regional 491 visa is easier to get, it is only temporary, and you will need to wait three years before applying for permanent residency (PR).
It isn’t easy to get a PR in Australia. Recent changes have made it more challenging to obtain a permanent residency (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 select a highly sought-after occupation. A Ph.D. visa will enable you to apply for permanent residency.
