Permanent Residence Skilled Regional Visa Subclass 191
Allows eligible holders of Subclass 491 or 494 visas who have lived and worked in regional Australia for at least 3 years to obtain permanent residency, offering full work, study, and residency rights across Australia.
Overview
The Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) – Regional Provisional stream grants permanent residency to people who have lived and worked in designated regional areas of Australia while holding an eligible regional provisional visa and who have met its conditions. No sponsor or nominator is required. This is the built‑in PR pathway for holders of newer regional visas.
Do You Have What It Takes?
- ✔ Hold an eligible regional provisional visa (for example, subclass 491 or 494) for at least 3 years.
- ✔ Have complied with all conditions of your eligible visa (including regional residence/work conditions).
- ✔ Have had taxable income at or above the required income threshold (as set by the Department) for at least 3 income years while holding the eligible visa.
- ✔ Live, work and/or study only in designated regional areas while holding the eligible visa.
- ✔ Meet health and character requirements.
- ✔ Have paid back any debts to the Australian Government (if applicable).
- ✔ Sign the Australian Values Statement.
- ✔ Include eligible family members who also meet health/character requirements
Why Choose This Path?
- Permanent residence from grant date; no sponsorship needed.
- Freedom to live and work anywhere in Australia after grant (no ongoing regional restriction).
- Include spouse/partner and dependent children for PR.
- Access to Medicare and domestic study options.
- Ability to sponsor eligible relatives for PR pathways.
- Travel facility for 5 years from grant; apply for a Resident Return Visa thereafter for continued travel.
- Pathway to Australian citizenship once residence requirements are met.
Your Roadmap to Success
- Confirm eligibility: 3+ years on eligible visa, regional compliance, and income threshold met for 3 years.
- Gather evidence: ATO Notices of Assessment for each qualifying income year, proof of regional residence and work, visa condition compliance.
- Health and character: Complete medicals (if requested) and obtain police clearances.
- Lodge online: Complete subclass 191 application for primary and dependent applicants.
- Pay the fee: From AUD 505 for main applicant; additional charges apply for dependents.
- Upload documents: NOAs, employment evidence, identity, relationship, health insurance (if applicable), police certificates.
- Respond to requests: Provide any additional information or biometrics promptly.
- Visa decision: Receive grant notification and PR details.
Visa Duration
Initial Duration
Permanent
Visa Pathways
Pathway to Australian Citizenship
Subclass 191 grants permanent residence to regional provisional visa holders (e.g., 491/494) who have met regional living/work conditions and the taxable income threshold for 3 years. After grant, holders can live anywhere in Australia and may apply for citizenship once residency requirements are met.
Processing times
Costs
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Base Application Fee | AUD505.00 | Primary application fee |
| Additional Applicant (18+) | AUD250.00 | For each additional applicant 18 years and over |
| Additional Applicant (Under 18) | AUD130.00 | For each additional applicant under 18 years |
Got Questions? We've Got Answers
1. What is the Subclass 191 visa?
The Subclass 191 is a permanent residency visa for holders of regional provisional visas (Subclass 491 or 494) who have lived, worked, and studied in a designated regional area for at least 3 years.
2. Do I need a sponsor for the 191 visa?
No. The Subclass 191 visa does not require state, employer, or family sponsorship.
3. Can I include family members in my 191 visa application?
Yes. You can include your partner and dependent children in your application, and they will also receive permanent residency if granted.
4. What income do I need to show for the 191 visa?
You must provide Australian Taxation Office (ATO) notices of assessment for 3 income years while holding your eligible regional visa. There is no longer a fixed minimum taxable income threshold—the Department now reviews income evidence case-by-case.
5. Is the Subclass 191 visa points-tested?
No. The Subclass 191 visa is not points-tested and does not rely on SkillSelect invitations.
6. Can I apply for Australian citizenship after holding the 191 visa?
Yes. Once you meet the residency (usually 4 years), character, and other citizenship requirements, you can apply to become an Australian citizen.
1. What is the Subclass 191 visa?
The Subclass 191 is a permanent residency visa for holders of regional provisional visas (Subclass 491 or 494) who have lived, worked, and studied in a designated regional area for at least 3 years.
2. Do I need a sponsor for the 191 visa?
No. The Subclass 191 visa does not require state, employer, or family sponsorship.
3. Can I include family members in my 191 visa application?
Yes. You can include your partner and dependent children in your application, and they will also receive permanent residency if granted.
4. What income do I need to show for the 191 visa?
You must provide Australian Taxation Office (ATO) notices of assessment for 3 income years while holding your eligible regional visa. There is no longer a fixed minimum taxable income threshold—the Department now reviews income evidence case-by-case.
5. Is the Subclass 191 visa points-tested?
No. The Subclass 191 visa is not points-tested and does not rely on SkillSelect invitations.
6. Can I apply for Australian citizenship after holding the 191 visa?
Yes. Once you meet the residency (usually 4 years), character, and other citizenship requirements, you can apply to become an Australian citizen.
Request Call Back
Get Expert Help
Melbourne VIC 3000
Adelaide SA 5000