Australia’s immigration system offers various visa options for skilled workers, with the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) constantly updated to reflect the evolving needs of the labor market. Among the most sought-after visas for skilled migrants are Subclass 189, Subclass 190, and Subclass 491, each designed to attract qualified professionals to contribute to Australia’s economy.
The General Skilled Migration (GSM) program operates on a points-based system to select applicants for these visas. For a successful application, it’s crucial to ensure accuracy, stay informed, and understand the requirements for each visa subclass.
General Skilled Migration Visas
The GSM program offers three primary visa subclasses for skilled workers:
- Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189
- Skilled Nominated Visa Subclass 190
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa Subclass 491
While Subclasses 189 and 190 are permanent residency visas, the Subclass 491 visa is a temporary visa with the possibility of permanent residency after meeting certain requirements.
Subclass 189: Skilled Independent Visa
The Subclass 189 visa is a permanent visa that allows skilled workers to live and work anywhere in Australia. It is a highly competitive visa, as only certain occupations on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) are eligible. To qualify, applicants must score at least 65 points on the points test and receive an invitation through SkillSelect after submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI). This visa does not require sponsorship from a state or territory.
Subclass 190: Skilled Nominated Visa
The Subclass 190 visa is also a permanent residency visa, but applicants need to be nominated by an Australian state or territory. Each state or territory sets its criteria for nominations, which can vary, and only certain occupations are eligible. To apply, you must first submit an EOI, and if selected, you will receive an invitation to apply for the visa. Unlike Subclass 189, the 190 visa requires state or territory sponsorship.
Subclass 491: Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa
The Subclass 491 visa is a provisional visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in regional Australia for up to five years. After three years of meeting income and residence requirements, visa holders may be eligible to apply for permanent residency. To apply, you need sponsorship from a state or territory or an eligible relative living in a regional area. The 491 visa is designed to encourage migration to regional areas, addressing skills shortages outside major cities.
Key Differences Between Subclasses 189, 190, and 491
- Sponsorship and Nomination Requirements
- Subclass 189: No sponsorship or nomination is required.
- Subclass 190: Requires nomination from an Australian state or territory.
- Subclass 491: Requires sponsorship either by a state or territory or an eligible relative living in a regional area.
- Occupation Lists
- Subclass 189: Applicants must have a nominated occupation on the MLTSSL.
- Subclass 190: The occupation list can vary by state or territory and may include occupations on both the MLTSSL and the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL).
- Subclass 491: Occupations must be on the Regional Occupation List (ROL), which is specific to regional areas.
- Invitation Process
- Subclass 189: Invitations are issued through SkillSelect, and candidates with the highest points are prioritized. There are limits on the number of invitations for each occupation.
- Subclass 190: Nomination is required from a state or territory before receiving an invitation to apply.
- Subclass 491: Invitation is issued once the candidate meets state or relative sponsorship requirements, followed by an invitation from SkillSelect.
- Visa Processing Times
- Subclass 189: Processing times can vary but are typically longer due to high demand and limited invitations.
- Subclass 190: Generally processed within about 6.5 months, assuming all documentation is in order.
- Subclass 491: Similar processing times to the 190 visa, but depends on the region and occupation.
- Rejection Rates and Approval Odds
- Subclass 189: In the 2021-2022 fiscal year, the rejection rate for Subclass 189 was 13.8%. This does not mean that an EOI guarantee visa approval.
- Subclass 190: The rejection rate varies by state and occupation. However, state nominations are often more targeted and can be easier to secure compared to the competitive 189 visa.
- Subclass 491: This is increasingly prioritized by the government over the 190 visa due to the focus on regional areas.
Conclusion
Australia’s General Skilled Migration program offers diverse pathways for skilled workers, with each visa subclass offering different benefits and requirements. The Subclass 189 visa provides greater flexibility as it doesn’t require sponsorship, whereas the Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 visas are more accessible with state or regional sponsorship. Subclass 491 offers a pathway to permanent residency for those willing to live and work in regional areas.
If you’re uncertain about which visa is best for your situation, it’s wise to consult with a registered migration agent in Perth who can guide you through the process and ensure your application meets all necessary requirements.
