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Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (Subclass 191)

This visa allows workers who hold an eligible visa and meet an income requirement to live and work in Australia permanently.

About Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (Subclass 191)

The Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 191) is a visa program offered by the Australian government, designed to attract skilled workers to regional areas of the country. This visa is part of the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program and provides a pathway to permanent residency for individuals who have lived and worked in a designated regional area of Australia on a temporary visa. 

What This Visa Allows You to Do

The Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 191) is a significant step towards obtaining permanent residency in Australia. Here’s what this visa allows you to do: 

  • Permanent Residency: Subclass 191 provides a pathway to Australian permanent residency, allowing you to live and work in Australia indefinitely. 
  • Work and Study: Holders of this visa can work and study in Australia without restrictions. 
  • Access to Healthcare: You are eligible to access Australia’s exceptional healthcare system, including Medicare. 
  • Sponsor Eligible Family Members: You can sponsor eligible family members for permanent residency in Australia.
  • Travel: With Subclass 191, you can travel to and from Australia for five years from the date the visa is granted.
  • Apply for Citizenship: After meeting specific residence requirements, Subclass 191 holders can apply for Australian citizenship. 

Requirements of Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 191)

To be eligible for the Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 191), you must fulfill certain requirements. These requirements include, but are not limited to: 

  • Holding an Eligible Temporary Visa: You must have previously held an eligible regional provisional visa, such as Subclass 491 or Subclass 494. 
  • Resided in a Designated Regional Area: You must have lived and worked in a designated regional area of Australia for a minimum of three years while holding an eligible temporary visa. 
  • Complied with Visa Conditions: During your stay in the designated regional area, you must have complied with all visa conditions, including work and residency requirements. 
  • Tax Obligations: You must have lodged your Australian tax returns for the three-year period, unless you were not required to do so. 
  • Skills Assessment: If requested, you must provide evidence of a suitable skills assessment for your nominated occupation. 

Eligibility Criteria for Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 191)

In addition to the specific requirements mentioned above, there are general eligibility criteria for the Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 191). These criteria include: 

  • Age: There is no age limit for this visa. 
  • Health and Character: You and your family members included in the application must meet health and character requirements. 
  • Australian Values Statement: You will be required to sign an Australian Values Statement, confirming your commitment to Australian values and laws. 

Checklist for Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 191)

To ensure a smooth application process for the Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 191), it’s essential to follow a comprehensive checklist: 

  • Gather all required documents, including identity documents, skills assessment results, and evidence of regional residence. 
  • Complete the online application form on the official Home Affairs website. 
  • Pay the visa application fee. 
  • Submit your application and ensure all details are accurate. 
  • Wait for the processing of your application and be prepared to provide additional information if requested. 
  • Once your visa is granted, plan your move to Australia and enjoy the benefits of permanent residency. 

Processing Time

The processing time for the Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 191) can vary depending on individual circumstances, including the completeness of your application and the time taken for document verification. It is advisable to check the Home Affairs website or consult with an immigration expert for current processing time estimates. 

Frequently Asked Questions

The Subclass 191 visa is a permanent residence visa for individuals who have previously held a Subclass 491 or 494 visa. To be eligible, you must have lived and worked in a designated regional area of Australia for at least three years while holding the provisional visa. You must also meet other eligibility criteria, including income and health requirements. 

Besides meeting the residency requirements, applicants must demonstrate that they have earned a minimum taxable income threshold for at least three years while holding the provisional visa. The income threshold is determined by the Australian Taxation Office and is subject to change. Health and character requirements must also be met. 

No, there is no specific age limit for the Subclass 191 visa. Unlike some other Australian visas, this visa does not have an age limit for applicants. 

Yes, family members included in the initial Subclass 491 or 494 visa application can also be included in the Subclass 191 visa application. This includes the primary applicant’s spouse or de facto partner and dependent children. 

While the Subclass 191 visa grants permanent residence, there are still some obligations. Visa holders are expected to continue living, working, or studying in a designated regional area for at least five years after the visa is granted. Failure to do so could result in visa cancellation. 

Visa Subclass

Temporary Work (Short Stay) Visa (subclass 400)

The Highly Specialised Work stream of this temporary visa lets you do short-term, highly specialised work in Australia. It is suitable if you have specialised skills, knowledge or experience not generally available in Australia.

Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482)

This temporary visa lets an employer sponsor a suitably skilled worker to fill a position they can’t find a suitably skilled Australian to fill.

Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA)

A Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is a formal agreement between the Australian Government and a regional, state or territory authority.

Global Talent visa (subclass 858)

This is a permanent visa for people who have an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in an eligible field.

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