Reviewed by John Hu, Principal Consultant at John Hu Migration Consulting.
The 2026-27 permanent migration programme stays at 185,000, but the split changed: 189 rises from 16,900 to 21,090, 190 from 33,000 to 35,500, and the regional permanent category falls from 33,000 to 14,110 (Australian Department of Home Affairs 2026–27 planning levels). How do you choose?
1. The three routes at a glance
| 189 | 190 | 491 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nomination | None | State/territory | State/territory or eligible relative |
| 2026-27 level | 21,090 | 35,500 | 14,110 (regional permanent category) |
| vs last year | Up | Up | Sharply down |
| Location | None | Usually commit to the state | Live and work in a designated region |
| Points boost | None | +5 | +15 |
Boosts and nomination rules are general knowledge and not verified against Home Affairs here. The pass mark is 65 points.
2. Start with your points
Skilled migration is points-tested: age, English, education, experience. For age, 25–32 earns 30, 33–39 earns 25. Higher helps, but invitation cut-offs vary by round, and bigger quotas do not mean lower thresholds.
See Australian skilled migration for occupations and points.
3. Three questions to decide
- Which list is your occupation on? 189 uses the federal list; 190/491 need the state list;
- Will you live in a particular state or region? Yes: 190/491 add points; no: 189;
- Are your points enough? High scores aim at 189; mid scores may use state nomination.
4. Watch in 2026-27
- Regional planning level falls: the permanent regional planning level falls from 33,000 to 14,110; subclass 491 is provisional, so this is not a direct 491 visa quota;
- NSW 190 is open, but 491 remains closed to new applicants (Investment NSW briefing);
- State rules change yearly: check occupation lists, experience and residence commitments state by state.
5. Hong Kong applicants
Hong Kong holders also have the 189/191 Hong Kong Stream, with a different quota mechanism: see 189/191 Hong Kong Stream quota breakdown.
JHM’s MARA-registered migration agents can assess your route.
FAQ
Q: Is 189 easier now the level is higher? Not necessarily. Invitations rank by points and occupation; cut-offs vary.
Q: 190 or 491? 190 usually leads to permanent residence; 491 is provisional. It depends on points, occupation and regional living.
Q: Must I have visited Australia? Not necessarily, but you need a skills assessment, English and points; it depends on the case.
For reference only; not legal advice. Policies, fees and dates may change; outcomes vary with applicant background and official requirements. Consult qualified professionals on legal and tax matters.
JHM has helped 6,000+ families over 17 years.
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Source: Australian Department of Home Affairs: 2026–27 planning levels.