Compare Australian Skilled visas

Not sure which Australian skilled visa is right for you?

Use this simple guide to compare the most common visa pathways for skilled professionals: Subclass 189, 190, 491, and 482.

Whether you're aiming for permanent residency or looking to start with employer sponsorship, this guide helps you understand the key differences so you can make an informed decision.

At a Glance – Visa Comparison Table

Feature	189 – Skilled Independent	190 – State Nominated	491 – Regional (Provisional)	482 – Employer Sponsored
PR Pathway	Yes – Permanent	Yes – Permanent	Yes – Provisional → PR (subclass 191)	No – Temporary (2–4 years)
Sponsorship Required	No	Yes – State/Territory	Yes – State/Region or Family	Yes – Employer
Points Tested	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Occupation List	MLTSSL	MLTSSL/STSOL/ROL	MLTSSL/STSOL/ROL	CSOL
Work Rights	Full	Full	Full – regional only	Full (employer-tied)
Location Requirements	Anywhere in Australia	State that nominates you	Regional Australia only	Must work for sponsoring employer
Minimum Points to Apply	65	65 (plus 5 for nomination)	65 (plus 15 for nomination)	N/A
Visa Validity	Permanent	Permanent	5 years (PR possible after 3 years)	2–4 years (extendable)

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Choosing the Right Visa – Who Should Apply?

Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent

The Sc 189 Skilled independent visa is best for applicants with high points (80+), in-demand occupations on the MLTSSL, and those wanting flexibility to live and work anywhere in Australia

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Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated

The Sc 190 Skilled Nominated visa is best for applicants who may not meet the 189 cut-off, who are willing to commit to a particular state or territory, and those in occupations on STSOL/ROL as well as MLTSSL.

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Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional)

The Sc 491 Skilled Work Regional visa is best for applicants who are open to living in regional Australia, who are needing extra points (15) from state/family nomination, and who are willing to pursue PR via subclass 191 after 3 years.

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Subclass 482 – Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS)

The Sc 482 Temporary Skill Shortage visa is best for applicants with a confirmed job offer from an employer  willing to sponsor them, and who are looking for a quicker pathway into Australia.

 

Pro Tip

Even if you’re eligible for multiple visas, the right one for you will depend on your goals, occupation, and timeline. Let’s figure it out together.