Australia PR pathways
Five primary visas lead to Australian permanent residency. Each differs in cost, timeline, geographic constraints, and occupation requirements. Read the pillar analysis for each, or start with the decision framework.
Decision framework
Choosing between 189, 190, and 491: a decision frameworkA structured comparison of the three major points-tested PR pathways: how points, occupation, location constraints, timeline, and risk profile differ between 189, 190, and 491.
189
Skilled Independent
Points-tested. No sponsor needed.
190
State Nominated
Nominated by a state or territory.
491
Regional Provisional
5 years regional, then 191.
186
Employer Sponsored
ENS — direct PR via employer.
482→PR
Temp Skilled → PR
2 years work, then transition to 186.
In-depth pathway guides
- Subclass 186 ENS: direct entry vs Temporary Residence Transition stream 14 min
- Subclass 189: complete pathway breakdown for skilled independent migration 14 min
- Subclass 190: state nomination, occupation match, and post-arrival obligations 14 min
- From subclass 482 to 186 PR: how Core Skills reforms changed the transition 14 min
- Subclass 491 regional provisional: 5-year obligation, 191 transition, and trade-offs 14 min