diff --git a/mypy/subtypes.py b/mypy/subtypes.py
index ba9d86f60cd6..087e10a04e6f 100644
--- a/mypy/subtypes.py
+++ b/mypy/subtypes.py
@@ -294,7 +294,7 @@ def visit_instance(self, left: Instance) -> bool:
                         if not self.check_type_parameter(lefta, righta, COVARIANT):
                             nominal = False
                     else:
-                        if not self.check_type_parameter(lefta, righta, COVARIANT):
+                        if not is_equivalent(lefta, righta):
                             nominal = False
                 if nominal:
                     TypeState.record_subtype_cache_entry(self._subtype_kind, left, right)