Subclass 191
Skilled Regional Permanent Visa - VisaAdvisor
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.
What is Permanent Residence Skilled Regional visa Subclass 191?
The Skilled Regional Permanent Visa (Subclass 191) is a visa pathway for skilled workers who have already lived and worked in a designated regional area of Australia on an eligible provisional visa—specifically the Subclass 491 or Subclass 494.
This visa allows you to transition to permanent residency after meeting key requirements, including:
✅ Holding a 491 or 494 visa for at least 3 years
✅ Meeting the minimum taxable income threshold for those 3 years
✅Complying with the conditions of your provisional visa
With the Subclass 191, you can continue to live, work, and study in Australia permanently, access Medicare, and eventually apply for Australian citizenship.
Skilled Regional Permanent Visa (Subclass 191) Pathways
The Subclass 191 visa provides a pathway to permanent residency for skilled workers who have lived and worked in designated regional areas on a provisional visa. There are two key streams based on your current visa status:
1. Pathway for Subclass 491 Visa Holders
If you hold a Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 491, you may be eligible for the Subclass 191 if you meet the following criteria:
✅ Held the Subclass 491 visa for at least 3 years
✅ Lived, worked, or studied only in designated regional areas
✅ Complied with all visa conditions, including not living in metropolitan areas
✅ Met the minimum taxable income requirement (currently AUD $53,900 per year for 3 financial years)
2. Pathway for Subclass 494 Visa Holders
If you hold a Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 494, you may transition to permanent residency through Subclass 191 by fulfilling the following:
✅ Held the Subclass 494 visa for at least 3 years
✅ Worked for your nominating regional employer during the 3-year period
✅ Lived and worked only in designated regional areas
✅ Met the income threshold of AUD $53,900 per year for 3 years
✅ Maintained compliance with all visa and employer obligations
📌 Important Note:
Income requirements are assessed via Australian Tax Office (ATO) records, and the 3 years must be consecutive to be eligible.
Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 191
To qualify you must:
✅ Hold a Subclass 491 or Subclass 494 visa for at least 3 years.
✅ Have lived worked and studied in a designated regional area.
✅ Have complied with all visa conditions.
✅ Meet health and character requirements.
Processing Time & Costs
| Visa Type | Processing Time | Visa Fee |
| Skilled Regional Permanent Visa (Subclass 191) | 6-12 months | From AUD $4,045 490 |
Benefits of the Skilled Regional Permanent Visa (Subclass 191)
✅ Live and work permanently anywhere in Australia.
✅ Full access to Medicare and government benefits.
✅ No restrictions on location or employment.
✅ Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence.
✅ Pathway to Australian Citizenship.
How to Apply for the Skilled Regional Permanent Visa (Subclass 191)?
- Check Eligibility – Ensure you meet the minimum taxable income threshold and have held a Subclass 491 or 494 visa for 3 years.
- Gather Supporting Documents – Income tax returns, employer references, regional residency proof.
- Lodge Your Visa Application – Apply online via the Department of Home Affairs.
- Wait for Processing – Processing times vary between 6-12 months.
- Receive Visa Grant – Once approved, you become a permanent resident of Australia.
FAQs About Skilled Regional Permanent Visa (Subclass 191)
Can I apply for PR after holding a Subclass 491 or 494 visa?
Yes! You can apply for Subclass 191 after 3 years
Do I need a new nomination for Subclass 191?
No, Subclass 191 does not require employer sponsorship or state nomination.
Can I include my family in my Subclass 191 application?
Yes! Your spouse and dependent children can be included in the application.
Why Choose VisaAdvisor?
✅ Expert PR Visa Consultants – Helping skilled workers transition to permanent residency.
✅ Ensuring you meet financial requirements.
✅ Comprehensive Visa Application Support – Ensuring compliance with all visa conditions.
✅ End-to-End Assistance – From eligibility checks to PR approval.