190 vs 491: how the two pathways differ
190 is a permanent visa granted directly. 491 is provisional, requires living and working in a designated regional area, and leads to permanent residence only after meeting further requirements via Subclass 191.
Aarish Haider · Registered Migration Agent · MARN 2619656
Updated 2026-10-22 · General information · Official-source check 2026-10-22
Key facts
| 190 | 491 | |
|---|---|---|
| Status on grant | Permanent | Provisional (5 years) |
| Sponsorship | State/territory nomination | State/territory nomination or eligible family sponsorship |
| Location condition | None beyond nomination conditions | Must live/work in a designated regional area |
| Path to permanence | Permanent on grant | Potential separate subclass 191 application after its requirements are met |
Requirements
Both require their relevant federal criteria. State nomination can support 190 or 491, while eligible family sponsorship is an alternative for 491. Check the current jurisdiction’s program rather than assuming both subclasses are open to the same occupation or applicant.
Process
- Compare national visa eligibility and state criteria for each subclass.
- Check the location commitments, including the designated regional postcodes for 491.
- Understand permanent versus provisional status before accepting a nomination strategy.
- If considering 491, examine the separate later 191 criteria and evidence.
Evidence
Prepare assessment and points records, state-specific documents and, for family-sponsored 491, the sponsor and relationship evidence.
Common issues
A state settlement undertaking and a regional visa condition are different things. The later 191 Regional Provisional stream has no current minimum income requirement, but its other criteria and ATO notice requirements must still be satisfied.
Official sources
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