Permanent Residence Skilled Regional visa (subclass 191)
Already on a Subclass 491 visa? The Subclass 191 lets you transition to permanent residency after three years in a regional area. VisaAdvisor is here to help you every step of the way.
What is Permanent Residence Skilled Regional visa (subclass 191)?
The Skilled Regional Permanent Visa (Subclass 191) allows skilled workers who previously held a Subclass 491 or Subclass 494 visa to transition to permanent residency in Australia. This visa grants full work rights, unrestricted travel, and access to Medicare and social benefits.
Key Features of the Subclass 191 Visa:
✅ Permanent Residency
Once granted, this visa gives you the right to live, work, and study in Australia permanently.
✅ Pathway to Citizenship
You can apply for Australian citizenship once you meet residency and character requirements.
✅ No Sponsor Required
Unlike other skilled visas, the 191 visa does not require employer, state, or territory nomination, offering more independence.
✅ Include Family Members
You can include eligible family members in your application, allowing your loved ones to stay with you in Australia.
✅ 5-Year Travel Facility
The visa includes a 5-year travel facility. After that, you can apply for a Resident Return Visa (subclass 155) to maintain travel rights.
Key Features of the Subclass 187 Visa
✅ A permanent residency visa for skilled workers who have lived and worked in a regional area for at least 3 years.
✅ 3 year Australian taxation office issues notices of assessment out of the 5 years of their eligible visa.
✅ No need for employer sponsorship or state nomination.
✅ Provides unlimited work rights and access to Medicare.
✅ Pathway to Australian Citizenship after meeting residency requirements.
Key Features of the Subclass 187 Visa
✅ Offers permanent residency in Australia
✅ Must be nominated by an eligible employer in a regional area
✅ Involves Direct Entry and Temporary Residence Transition streams (latter still available for legacy 457/482 holders)
✅ Eligible for Medicare and PR benefits
Visa Streams
✅ Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream
For workers who have held a 457 or 482 visa and worked for their employer in regional Australia for at least 3 years.
Employer must continue to sponsor under a valid nomination.
⚠️ Note: The Direct Entry stream is now closed for new applications.
Eligibility Criteria (TRT Stream)
To apply for the Subclass 187 TRT Stream:
✅ Must have been nominated by an eligible regional employer
✅ Must hold or have held a Subclass 457 or 482 visa
✅ Must have worked full-time for the nominating employer for at least 3 years
✅ Must be under 45 years of age (exceptions apply)
✅ Must have competent English (IELTS 6.0+ or equivalent)
✅ Must meet skills character and health requirements
Processing Time & Costs
|
Stream |
Processing Time |
Cost (AUD) |
| TRT Stream (Subclass 187) | 6 – 11 months (varies) | From AUD $4,640 |
*Fees do not include health exams, police checks, or translation services.
Benefits of the Subclass 187 Visa
✅ Permanent residency for you and eligible family members
✅ Access to Medicare (public healthcare)
✅ Ability to live work and study anywhere in regional Australia
✅ Pathway to citizenship after meeting PR residency requirements
✅ Option to sponsor relatives for other visas
Application Process – Step by Step
1. Check Eligibility – Ensure you meet all TRT stream criteria
2. Employer Nomination – Your regional employer lodges a nomination with Home Affairs
3. Gather Documents – Identity skills employment history and health documents
4. Apply for Visa – Submit your Subclass 187 application online
5. Wait for a Decision – Processing times vary check status via ImmiAccount
6. Visa Grant – Receive permanent residency status upon approval
Designated Regional Areas
Eligible employers must be located in regional areas designated by the Australian Government. This includes:
✅ Northern Territory
✅ South Australia
✅ Tasmania
✅ QLD
✅ VIC
✅ NSW
✅ WA
Why Apply with VisaAdvisor?
✅ Dedicated team with expertise in employer-sponsored visas
✅ Support with eligibility checks nominations and document preparation
✅ Strong track record in regional visa success cases
✅ End-to-end management of the Subclass 187 application process
📞 Book a Free Consultation
📄 `{`Download Subclass 187 Checklist – PDF`}`
🧭 Start Your Eligibility Assessment
Explore Related Skilled Visas
🔗 Subclass 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional)
🔗 Subclass 191 – Permanent Residence Skilled Regional Visa
🔗 Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme