Regional Skilled Migration Subclass 190 and 491: Why They May Be Better Than Subclass 189 Visa
Australia offers various visa options for skilled workers who want to permanently migrate to Australia. While the Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189) is a popular choice, the following regional visas offer additional benefits that make them worth considering, especially for applicants who cannot claim enough points for the Subclass 189 visa.
Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190)
Skilled Work Regional visa (Subclass 491)
What is the Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190)?
The Subclass 190 visa is a state-nominated visa that requires applicants to have a certain level of skills and experience in a specific occupation that is in demand in a particular state or territory in Australia. If an applicant is successful in obtaining a nomination from a state or territory government, they will be invited to apply for the Subclass 190 visa.
The Subclass 190 visa is a permanent residence visa, allowing the holder and their family members to live, work and study in Australia permanently.
What is the Skilled Work Regional visa (Subclass 491)?
The Subclass 491 visa requires applicants to have an occupation that is in demand in a particular regional area of Australia. This visa is also state-nominated, and applicants who are successful in obtaining a nomination will be invited to apply for the Subclass 491 visa. In some cases, this visa can also be sponsored by an eligible relative living in the regional area.
The Subclass 491 visa is a temporary visa, allowing the holder and their family to live, work and study in a regional area for 5 years. If eligible, this visa can lead to permanent residence under the Subclass 191 visa after 3 years.
Subclass 189 visa vs. Subclass 190 and 419 visas
All three Subclasses 189, 190, and 491 visas are points-based and require the applicants to be able to claim at least 65 points. They are also invitation-only visas which means that applicants must be invited by either the Australian government or the state and territory government to apply. This is done by submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the Department’s SkillSelect portal.
However, the regional visa options offer additional benefits in terms of points, occupations accepted, and other ways, as we will explain below.
Additional points for Subclass 190 and 491 visas
One of the main benefits of Subclass 190 and 491 visas is that they offer an additional pathway to permanent residency in Australia. Unlike the Subclass 189 visa, which is an independent visa, the regional visas offer additional points towards an applicant’s overall points score, making it easier to meet the requirements for permanent residency.
If an Australian State or Territory nominates the applicant for one of the following visas, additional points will be rewarded accordingly:
Subclass 190 visa - 5 points
Subclass 491 visa - 15 points
Due to the demand for visas to Australia, these days achieving 65 points does not necessarily guarantee an invitation. The higher the points an applicant can claim, the better the chances of receiving an invitation. Accordingly, these additional points could be the deciding factor between whether the applicant receives an invitation or not.
Each State and Territory set out its own requirement for nomination and only certain relative sponsorship will be accepted by the Department. Furthermore, the process for state or territory nomination can be complex to navigate, and some require applicants to have a job offer ready. To understand how you can qualify for Subclass 190 or 491 visas and which requirements apply to you, get in touch with us.
A wider range of occupations to qualify for Subclass 190 and 491 visas (MLTSSL, STSOL, and ROL)
Additionally, regional visas offer a wider range of occupations that are eligible for nomination.
Applicants for the Subclass 189 visa must have an occupation in the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) which lists 212 occupations. If an applicant’s occupation is not on the MLTSSL, they cannot qualify for the Subclass 189 visa.
However, applicants for the Subclass 190 visa can choose an occupation from both the MLTSSL and the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL). The STSOL lists 215 additional occupations. This means that Subclass 190 visa applicants can potentially choose from a total of 427 occupations.
The choice is even better for applicants considering the Subclass 491 visa. Under this visa, applicants can choose an occupation from the MLTSSL, STSOL as well as the Regional Occupation List (ROL). The ROL has an additional 77 occupations, meaning that applicants can potentially choose from a total of 504 occupations.
Each state and territory may have its own occupation list in addition to the three lists above. To see if your occupation is on any of the above list, or the states’ and territories’ list, get in touch with us and we can advise further.
Sponsorship by an eligible relative
Subclass 491 visa applicants do not have to be sponsored by a state or territory and meet their additional requirements.
If the applicant or the applicant’s partner has a relative who lives in a certain regional area, their visa application may be sponsored by that Australian relative.
Sponsorship by an eligible relative will reward the applicant 15 points if the Department accepts the sponsorship.
If you are unsure, we can advise which regional areas are applicable and what constitutes an eligible relative to qualify for points under this category.
Additional Support for Subclass 190 and 491 visa applicants
Another benefit of Subclass 190 and 491 visa options is that the state or territory can offer additional support and assistance to applicants throughout the application process.
The state or territory governments that nominate an applicant often provide additional services, such as job search assistance and settlement support, to help newcomers integrate into their community.
Overall, while the Subclass 189 visa remains a popular choice for skilled workers wanting to migrate to Australia, the regional Subclass 190 and 491 visa options may offer additional benefits to workers looking to migrate to Australia and should be considered viable alternatives. By exploring all available options, applicants can increase their chances of successfully obtaining permanent residency in Australia.
To see if you qualify for any of the skilled visas, contact us for a free initial consultation. Open Visa Migration can prepare and submit your skilled visa application from £1000, or simply review your Expression of Interest (EOI) before lodgement, so you can ensure the best chance of receiving an invitation, from just £300. For more information, contact us.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is intended to serve as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as legal or professional advice. It is advisable to seek the guidance of a registered migration agent for tailored advice that is specific to your individual circumstances. We do not accept any liability for any reliance on the information contained on this website.