State Nomination (190) vs Regional (491): Which Visa Suits UK Migrants

Main street of Dalby, a regional Australian town, showing heritage buildings, local shops, pedestrians, and street plantings on a sunny day

If your points score falls short of the 189 threshold, the 190 and 491 are the two next-best pathways. Both add points in exchange for a commitment, just different ones. Here's how UK migrants should weigh them up.

Subclass 190: state nomination

The 190 is a permanent visa that adds 5 points to your score in exchange for nomination by an Australian state or territory. Each state runs its own occupation list and criteria, often prioritising occupations in local demand or requiring a genuine commitment to live there for a minimum period (usually 12-24 months). Because it's permanent from grant, many UK migrants see it as the better trade-off if it gets them over the invitation line.

Subclass 491: regional provisional

The 491 adds a larger 15-point bonus but is provisional, not permanent. You commit to living, working and studying in a designated regional area for the visa's five-year term. After three years of regional residence and meeting a minimum income threshold, you can apply for the subclass 191 permanent visa. Regional areas cover more of Australia than most UK applicants expect. It includes cities like Adelaide, Newcastle, the Gold Coast and all of Tasmania, not just remote outback towns.

190

+5 points

Permanent from grant, with a 12-24 month state living commitment

491

+15 points

Provisional, five-year regional commitment

191

The end goal

The permanent visa after three years of regional residence and income

Which one to choose

If your points score already clears the invitation threshold with the 190's 5-point bonus, it's generally the stronger choice for the immediate permanency. If you're further behind, the 491's 15 points may be the only realistic way in, and the eventual pathway to the 191 gets you to the same permanent outcome, just with a few extra years and a regional living requirement first. Consider your occupation's demand in each state too; some regional areas actively court specific skills with faster processing or cash incentives.

State-specific nuances UK migrants should check

Each state publishes its own nomination criteria and can open or close occupation streams with little notice. South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory have historically run more accessible nomination programs than New South Wales or Victoria, simply due to demand. Before committing, check the current state occupation lists directly. A nomination pathway that was open last year may be paused or restructured this year.

Key Takeaways

190 = permanent, +5 points, state nomination with a living commitment.
491 = provisional, +15 points, five-year regional commitment with a pathway to the permanent 191.
Regional areas under the 491 include major cities like Adelaide and Newcastle, not just remote towns.
State nomination criteria change frequently, so always check current lists before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for both 190 and 491 at the same time?

Yes. Many applicants submit a single EOI ranking both visa options, and states can invite from either pool depending on nomination criteria.

Do I have to stay in the nominating state forever?

No. The minimum commitment period applies, after which you're generally free to relocate, though check your specific state's conditions.

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