Last updated: 30 March 2026
Visa Comparison: 189 vs 190 vs 491 vs 186
Australia offers multiple pathways to permanent residency through skilled migration, and the differences between them are not always obvious. The four most common skilled visa subclasses — 189, 190, 491, and 186 — differ in sponsorship requirements, points thresholds, location obligations, processing times, and the practical pathway to a permanent visa grant.
This page provides a side-by-side comparison to help you understand which visa suits your occupation, points score, employer situation, and location preferences. If you are unsure where you stand on points, use the points calculator before reading further.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Feature | Subclass 189 | Subclass 190 | Subclass 491 | Subclass 186 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visa type | Permanent | Permanent | Provisional (5 years) | Permanent |
| Points tested | Yes (min 65) | Yes (min 65) | Yes (min 65) | No |
| Sponsor/nominator | None required | State or territory | State, territory, or eligible family | Employer |
| Nomination points | 0 | +5 points | +15 points | N/A |
| Age limit | Under 45 at invitation | Under 45 at invitation | Under 45 at invitation | Under 45 (exceptions exist) |
| Location obligation | None — live anywhere in Australia | Expectation to live in nominating state (2 years) | Must live and work in designated regional area | None (employer location) |
| Occupation list | MLTSSL | MLTSSL + STSOL (varies by state) | MLTSSL + STSOL + ROL | Employer-nominated occupation |
| Pathway to PR | Granted directly | Granted directly | Via subclass 191 after 3 years | Granted directly |
| Visa application charge | $4,640 | $4,640 | $4,640 | $4,640 |
| Typical processing | 6-12 months from lodgement | 6-12 months from lodgement | 6-12 months from lodgement | 3-9 months from lodgement |
| Competitive points (practical) | 85-100+ for most occupations | 75-90 for most occupations | 65-80 for most occupations | Not applicable |
All fees are 2025-26 rates for the primary applicant and are subject to change. Check the Department of Home Affairs website for current charges.
Subclass 189: Skilled Independent
The Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa is the most flexible points-tested pathway. It requires no employer, state, or territory sponsor — you compete on points alone through the SkillSelect system. Once granted, you can live and work anywhere in Australia with no location obligations.
How it works. You submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect with your points score and nominated occupation. The Department issues invitations to the highest-scoring EOIs each round. After receiving an invitation, you have 60 days to lodge a complete visa application.
Who it suits. Applicants with high points scores (typically 85 or above for competitive occupations), occupations on the MLTSSL, and no need for employer sponsorship. The 189 is ideal for people who want maximum location flexibility and have the points to compete in SkillSelect without nomination assistance.
Practical consideration. The 189 is the most competitive pathway. For popular occupations such as accounting, ICT, and some engineering fields, invitation scores regularly reach 90 to 100 points. Applicants with lower scores may wait months or years for an invitation, or may never receive one if the occupation has limited places.
Subclass 190: Skilled Nominated
The Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated visa adds a state or territory nomination step that provides 5 extra points. This makes it a practical alternative for applicants whose 189 score is below the competitive threshold.
How it works. You apply for nomination from a state or territory that lists your occupation. If nominated, you receive 5 additional points in SkillSelect. The state lodges the nomination, and you receive an invitation to apply for the visa. Each state has its own nomination criteria, occupation list, and application process.
Who it suits. Applicants with strong but not top-tier points scores (typically 75 to 90 before nomination points) whose occupation is nominated by at least one state. The 190 suits people willing to commit to living in a specific state — though the obligation is an expectation rather than a strict visa condition after grant.
Practical consideration. State nomination programs have their own criteria beyond the federal points test. Some states require job offers, specific English scores, or minimum work experience in the state. Nomination places are limited and programs open and close throughout the year. For a detailed comparison, see the 189 vs 190 detailed comparison.
Subclass 491: Skilled Work Regional (Provisional)
The Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional visa provides 15 points for state, territory, or eligible family member nomination and targets designated regional areas. It is a provisional visa valid for five years, with a pathway to permanent residency through the subclass 191.
How it works. You apply for nomination from a state, territory, or an eligible family member living in a designated regional area. The 15 nomination points significantly lower the effective threshold — applicants with base scores of 65 to 70 can reach competitive totals. You must live and work in a designated regional area (anywhere outside Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane) for at least three years before applying for the 191 permanent visa.
Who it suits. Applicants with moderate points scores who are willing to live regionally. The 491 is particularly useful for applicants whose occupation is on the Regional Occupation List (ROL) but not on the MLTSSL, as it opens pathways not available through the 189.
Practical consideration. The 491 is not a permanent visa. You must maintain regional residence and employment for at least three years and meet a minimum taxable income threshold before you can apply for the 191. This means the total timeline from 491 application to permanent residency is typically 4 to 5 years.
Subclass 186: Employer Nomination Scheme
The Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme is the primary employer-sponsored permanent visa. It does not require a points test — instead, it requires an Australian employer to nominate you for a genuine, permanent, full-time position.
How it works. The 186 has two main streams. The Direct Entry stream is for overseas applicants or temporary visa holders who have not worked for the nominating employer on a 482 visa. The Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream is for 482 visa holders who have worked for the employer for at least two years. In both cases, the employer must be an approved sponsor and must lodge a nomination application.
Who it suits. Applicants who have a job offer from an Australian employer willing to sponsor them, or who are already working in Australia on a 482 visa approaching TRT eligibility. The 186 is particularly valuable for applicants over 40 (where points-tested options become less competitive) or those in occupations with limited SkillSelect invitation activity.
Practical consideration. The 186 depends entirely on finding an employer willing to sponsor. The sponsorship and nomination process involves obligations for the employer — including meeting minimum salary thresholds and demonstrating genuine need for the position. Not all employers are willing or able to take on these obligations.
Which Visa Suits Which Profile?
| Your situation | Recommended visa | Why |
|---|---|---|
| High points score (85+), flexible on location | 189 | No sponsorship needed, live anywhere |
| Good points score (75-85), willing to commit to a state | 190 | 5 extra points, broader occupation access |
| Moderate points (65-75), willing to live regionally | 491 then 191 | 15 extra points, regional occupation access |
| Job offer from Australian employer | 186 Direct Entry | No points test, direct to PR |
| Already on 482 visa with same employer 2+ years | 186 TRT | Established pathway to PR |
| Over 40, limited points competitiveness | 186 or 491 | 186 bypasses points; 491 gives 15 bonus points |
| Occupation only on Regional Occupation List | 491 | Only pathway available for ROL-only occupations |
Cost Comparison
The total cost of obtaining PR varies by pathway. Government charges are only part of the picture — skills assessments, English tests, health examinations, and professional fees add significantly.
| Cost component | 189 | 190 | 491 then 191 | 186 (Direct Entry) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visa application charge (primary) | $4,640 | $4,640 | $4,640 + $415 (191) | $4,640 |
| Nomination fee | N/A | Nil (state bears cost) | Nil (state bears cost) | $540 (employer pays) |
| Skills assessment | $300 — $1,500 | $300 — $1,500 | $300 — $1,500 | $300 — $1,500 |
| English test (IELTS/PTE) | $300 — $400 | $300 — $400 | $300 — $400 | $300 — $400 |
| Health examination | $300 — $500 | $300 — $500 | $300 — $500 | $300 — $500 |
| Police clearances | $40 — $100/country | $40 — $100/country | $40 — $100/country | $40 — $100/country |
| Migration agent (optional) | $3,000 — $6,000 | $3,000 — $6,000 | $3,000 — $6,000 | $4,000 — $8,000 |
| Estimated total (without agent) | $5,580 — $7,140 | $5,580 — $7,140 | $6,000 — $7,555 | $5,820 — $7,140 |
Fees are indicative for 2025-26 and apply to a single primary applicant. Adding a partner or dependants increases visa application charges substantially. Check PR requirements for current fee schedules.
Processing Time Comparison
Processing times fluctuate based on application volume, completeness, and departmental priorities. The following reflects typical timelines as of early 2026.
| Stage | 189 | 190 | 491 | 186 (Direct Entry) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skills assessment | 4-12 weeks | 4-12 weeks | 4-12 weeks | 4-12 weeks |
| EOI/nomination wait | 1-12+ months | 2-8 months (state dependent) | 2-6 months (state dependent) | N/A |
| Visa processing after lodgement | 6-12 months | 6-12 months | 6-12 months | 3-9 months |
| Total typical timeline | 8-24+ months | 8-20 months | 8-18 months (then 3 years to 191) | 7-21 months |
The single most common cause of processing delays across all four visas is incomplete documentation at lodgement. Applicants who lodge with all required documents, valid health examinations, and police clearances already completed consistently experience faster processing.
Key Differences Explained
Points test. The 189, 190, and 491 all require a minimum of 65 points, but the practical competitive score differs because nomination points inflate the total. A 189 applicant needs 85+ own points in competitive occupations; a 190 applicant needs 80+ (the state adds 5); a 491 applicant needs 65-70+ (the state or territory adds 15). The 186 bypasses the points test entirely.
Location flexibility. The 189 offers unrestricted location. The 190 carries an expectation of living in the nominating state. The 491 legally requires regional residence. The 186 ties you to the employer’s location during the initial period.
Permanence. The 189, 190, and 186 are permanent visas granted directly. The 491 is provisional — permanent residency comes later through the 191, requiring three years of regional residence and work.
Occupation access. The 189 draws from the MLTSSL only. The 190 and 491 access a broader range of occupations including STSOL and ROL lists, depending on the nominating state or territory. The 186 requires the occupation to be on the employer-sponsored list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Australian visa is easiest to get?
No skilled visa is easy in absolute terms. The 491 tends to have lower effective points thresholds due to 15 nomination points, and the 186 bypasses the points test entirely but requires employer sponsorship. The right visa depends on your individual circumstances.
Can I switch from a 491 visa to a 189 or 190?
You cannot directly convert a 491 to a 189 or 190, but you can lodge a separate EOI while holding a 491. The standard pathway from a 491 is to the 191 after three years of regional residence.
Is the 190 visa better than the 189?
Neither is objectively better. The 189 offers unrestricted location; the 190 provides 5 extra points but carries a state commitment expectation. Choose based on your points competitiveness and location preferences.
How long does it take to get PR through each visa?
The 189 and 190 typically take 8 to 24 months total. The 186 Direct Entry takes 7 to 21 months. The 491 leads to PR through the 191 after a minimum of 3 additional years.
Do I need a skills assessment for all four visas?
Yes. All four require a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your ANZSCO occupation code.
What is the cost difference between the four visas?
Government application charges are similar across all four ($4,640 primary applicant). Total costs including assessments, tests, and health checks range from approximately $5,500 to $7,500 without an agent. The 186 may involve additional employer-side costs.
Next Steps
- Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa — full eligibility and application guide
- Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated visa — state nomination details
- Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional visa — regional pathway explained
- Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme — employer sponsorship guide
- Points calculator — calculate your score
- Find a migration agent — professional advice for your pathway
Sources and Verification
Content last verified against official sources: March 2026
- Department of Home Affairs — immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
- SkillSelect Invitation Rounds — immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skillselect/invitation-rounds
- Visa Fees and Charges — immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/fees-and-charges
- Skilled Occupation Lists — immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skill-occupation-list
- Points Test — immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skilled-independent-189/points-table
Frequently Asked Questions
01 Which Australian visa is easiest to get?
No skilled visa is straightforward in absolute terms — each has specific eligibility criteria that must be met. However, the subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) tends to have lower effective points thresholds because it provides 15 points for state or territory nomination and targets regional areas with fewer applicants. The subclass 186 Direct Entry stream does not require a points test at all, but it requires an employer willing to sponsor and nominate you. The 'easiest' visa depends entirely on your individual circumstances — occupation, points score, employer connections, and willingness to live regionally.
02 Can I switch from a 491 visa to a 189 or 190?
You cannot directly convert a 491 visa into a 189 or 190. However, while holding a 491, you can lodge a separate Expression of Interest for the 189 or 190 if you meet the eligibility requirements — including having a valid skills assessment and meeting the points threshold. If you receive an invitation and are granted a 189 or 190, that visa replaces your 491. Alternatively, the standard pathway from a 491 is to the subclass 191 permanent visa after three years of regional residence and work.
03 Is the 190 visa better than the 189?
Neither is objectively better — they suit different situations. The 189 offers complete freedom of location since it does not require state nomination, and you can live and work anywhere in Australia. The 190 provides 5 extra points through state nomination, which can be decisive if your points score is below the competitive threshold for the 189. However, the 190 carries an expectation (though not a strict legal obligation post-grant) that you will live in the nominating state for at least two years. If your 189 score is competitive, the 189 offers more flexibility. If you need extra points, the 190 is the practical choice.
04 How long does it take to get PR through each visa?
Timelines vary by visa and individual circumstances. The 189 typically takes 6 to 18 months from EOI lodgement to visa grant, depending on your points score and occupation demand. The 190 follows a similar timeline but adds a state nomination step that can take weeks to months. The 186 Direct Entry stream takes 3 to 9 months from application lodgement. The 491 is a provisional visa — you receive PR through the 191 after a minimum of three years of regional residence and work, making the total timeline to PR at least 3.5 to 4 years.
05 Do I need a skills assessment for all four visas?
Yes, all four visa subclasses require a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your occupation. The assessing body depends on your ANZSCO occupation code — for example, ACS for ICT occupations, Engineers Australia for engineering roles, VETASSESS for many general professional occupations, and ANMAC for nursing. The skills assessment must be valid at the time of visa application lodgement. Assessment validity is typically three years, though this varies by assessing body.
06 What is the cost difference between the 189, 190, 491, and 186?
Government visa application charges differ significantly. The 189 and 190 both cost $4,640 for the primary applicant (2025-26 rates). The 491 costs $4,640 as well. The 186 costs $4,640 for the primary applicant. However, the 186 also involves a nomination fee paid by the employer. Additional costs include skills assessment fees ($300 to $1,500 depending on the body), English test fees ($300 to $400), health examination fees ($300 to $500), and police clearance fees ($40 to $100 per country). If you use a migration agent, add $3,000 to $8,000 for professional fees.