Transition to Permanent Residency with Subclass 191 Skilled Regional

Secure your future in Australia after 491 or 494 – PR without a new nomination.

📖 Book A Free Consultation

🧾 Visa Snapshot

Type: Permanent Residency

PR Pathway: Yes – From 491 | 494

Nomination Required: No (use prior)

Regional Requirement: Must have lived regionally

Income Proof: 3 years minimum

Family Inclusion: Yes – Partner + Children

Visa Fees: AUD 505 (Provisonal Stream)

🧭 Visa Overview

Subclass 191 is a permanent residency visa for skilled migrants who have lived and worked in designated regional area of Australia, who have previously held a Subclass 491 or 494 visa and fulfilled the regional and income requirements. It is a key PR pathway for those on a provisional visa.

No points test required

Medicare and full PR benefits

Can live/work anywhere in Australia post-grant

Income must meet required threshold

🧠 Why Apply for Subclass 191?

Subclass 191 is ideal for skilled migrants who’ve already held a 491 or 494 visa and fulfilled their obligations. It offers:

Direct PR after provisional period

No points test fresh nomination

Full Medicare pathway access

Eligibility Criteria

Have held Subclass 491 or Subclass 494 for at least 3 years

Met the minimum taxable income threshold for 3 financial years

Have lived and worked in designated regional area for 3 years

Have no major visa breaches

Meet health and character requirements

🔍 Application Process – Step by Step

Complete 3 years on Subclass 491 or 494

Confirm income and residency requirements

Gather documents

Lodge Subclass 191 visa application

Wait for PR grant decision

Access full PR benefits

Common Mistakes & Tips

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Choosing ineligible regional postcode

Don’t lodge without full income documentation

Don’t forget to update your regional address with the Department

Don’t skip uploading required supporting documents (e.g. ATO, residence proof)

Tips for Strong Application

Track income using ATO reports

Use consistent regional address documentation

Prepare a complete grouped document pack

Family Members You Can Include

Family Members

You can include eligible family members such as:

Spouse or partner

Dependent children

All family members must be included before lodgement.

After Visa Grant

You receive permanent residency

Access to Medicare and education

Can sponsor eligible family

Full work and travel rights

📐 Required Documents

Primary Applicant

491 | 494 visa grant letters

ATO income assessments for 3 years

Proof of regional residence

Partner/Dependents

Identity documents

Relationship proofs

Health clearances and Police clearances

Visa Fees & Processing Time

Type	Details & Fee (AUD)
🧾 Government Visa Fee	AUD 505 (Provisional stream)
👥 Addtional Applicant 18+	AUD 250
👥 Addtional Applicant below 18	AUD 130
⏳ Processing Time	Typically 3–7 months (post-invitation)

🧰 Tools & Downloads

Discover free tools to help you plan, prepare, and lodge your visa with confidence

Download Subclass 190
Migration Pack

Discover

Check Your Eligibility

Download EOI Guide

❓Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for 191 after 2 years?

🕒 No — you must meet the 3-year residency and income requirement.

Do I need a new skills assessment?

No — you don’t need a new assessment if you held a valid 491/494.

Can I move out of a regional area once I apply?

📍 Yes — once lodged, the regional restriction no longer applies.

Can my family apply separately later?

👨‍👩‍👧 No — all family members must be added before lodgement.

What if I missed income for one year?

💡 You must meet the income threshold for 3 years. Consider review or deferral options.

📞 Book a Free Consultation with a Migration Expert

Speak directly with a MARA-registered migration agent and have your Skilled Visa strategy explained step-by-step — at no cost.

📖 Book a Free Consultation

Why Trust Visa Advisor?

Choosing the right migration partner can make all the difference.

Here’s why Visa Advisor is the trusted choice

Expert Guidance

MARA-registered agents with years of experience simplify your migration journey.

Transparent Pricing

Clear, upfront costs with no hidden fees—just honest advice.

Global Support

Flexible online and in-person consultations, wherever you are.

Smart Tools

Advanced visa finders and calculators to make decisions easier.

Proven Results

Trusted by clients for reliable, personalized migration support.

Disclaimer
The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not guarantee visa approval. All visa applications are subject to the discretion of the Australian Department of Home Affairs. For personalized guidance, please contact a registered migration agent at Visa Advisor.