Blog / Skilled visas
189 vs 190 vs 491: which skilled visa is processed fastest?
Short answer
As of 9 November 2026, Home Affairs decided 90% of points-tested 189 applications within 9 months, 190 applications within 16 months, and state-nominated 491 applications within 30 months (family-sponsored 491: 7 months). These times start after you are invited and lodge; they do not include the wait for an invitation.
Key facts
- 189 Skilled Independent (points-tested): 90% within 9 months, 50% within 90 days.
- 190 Skilled Nominated: 90% within 16 months, 50% within 8 months.
- 491 Skilled Work Regional, state or territory nominated: 90% within 30 months; family sponsored: 90% within 7 months.
- 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional), the permanent visa after the 491: 90% within 11 months.
- Source: Home Affairs figures published 9 November 2026, for applications decided in the period ending 30 September 2026.
Checked against Home Affairs every day. Last checked 11 November 2026.
Cite this page
AusVisaClock. “189 vs 190 vs 491: which skilled visa is processed fastest?.” Updated 9 November 2026. https://ausvisaclock.com/blog/189-vs-190-vs-491-processing-time/
The figures come from the Department of Home Affairs. You may quote them with a link to this page.
Skilled visa processing times after lodgement
| Visa | 50% decided within | 75% | 90% decided within |
|---|---|---|---|
| 189 Skilled Independent visa Points-Tested | 90 days | 4 months | 9 months |
| 190 Skilled Nominated visa | 8 months | 14 months | 16 months |
| 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa State/Territory Government Nominated Regional | 17 months | 19 months | 30 months |
| 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa Family Sponsored Regional | 4 months | 5 months | 7 months |
| 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Regional Provisional Visa | 7 months | 8 months | 11 months |
Processing time is only half the wait
All three are points-tested visas: you lodge an Expression of Interest in SkillSelect and can only apply after an invitation. For the 189 the invitation comes from the department’s invitation rounds; for the 190 and state-nominated 491 it follows a state or territory nomination. The processing times above start when you lodge after that invitation.
How the three visas differ
The 189 is permanent and needs no nomination. The 190 is permanent and needs a state or territory nomination, which adds 5 points. The 491 is a five-year provisional regional visa that adds 15 points and can lead to permanent residence through the 191 after living and working in a regional area.