The Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) represents a significant pathway for skilled migrants who have lived, worked, and contributed to regional Australian communities. This permanent residency visa was introduced as part of Australia’s broader strategy to address population distribution challenges and support regional development outside major metropolitan areas.
For many temporary visa holders who have established themselves in regional Australia, the subclass 191 visa rewards permanent residency after fulfilling specific requirements. This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about the 191 visa, from eligibility criteria to application procedures and post-grant benefits.
What is the Subclass 191 Visa?
The Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) is a permanent residence visa explicitly designed for holders of the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) or the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494) who have lived and worked in regional Australia for a minimum period.
Introduced as part of the Australian Government’s population plan, this visa aims to:
- Encourage skilled migrants to settle in regional areas
- Address skill shortages in regional communities
- Support sustainable population growth outside major cities
- Reward temporary residents who have contributed to regional economies
Key Benefits of the 191 Visa
Obtaining the subclass 191 visa provides numerous advantages:
- Permanent Residence Status: Unlike provisional visas, the 191 visa offers permanent residency with no further regional obligations after grant
- Work and Study Rights: Unrestricted work and study rights anywhere in Australia
- Medicare Access: Full access to Australia’s healthcare system
- Social Security Benefits: Access to certain social security payments (subject to waiting periods)
- Pathway to Citizenship: Eligibility to apply for Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements
- Sponsor Family Members: Ability to sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residency
- Travel Privileges: Five-year travel facility, allowing multiple entries to Australia
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the subclass 191 visa, applicants must meet several critical requirements:
Primary Requirements
- Hold an Eligible Provisional Visa
- Must hold either the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) or the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494) at the time of application
- Regional Residency Period
- Must have lived in a designated regional area for at least 3 years as the holder of either the 491 or 494 visa
- Income Threshold
- No minimum income requirement for the 191 visa
- A requirement to provide ATO notices of assessment for three income years out of the five years of holding the eligible visa
- Compliance with Visa Conditions
- Must have complied with all conditions attached to the provisional visa
Other Eligibility Factors
- Health Requirements: Applicants and all family members must meet health requirements
- Character Requirements: All applicants aged 16 and over must satisfy character requirements
- No Debt to Australian Government: Applicants must have no outstanding debts to the Australian government or have arranged to repay such debts
- Previous Visa Cancellations: Applicants with previously refused or cancelled visas may face additional scrutiny
- Sign the Australian Value Statement: The Australian Values Statement requirement is a standard element across many Australian visa categories, and, significantly, applicants who are 16 years or older must:
- Read (or have explained to them) the “Life in Australia” booklet
- Sign the Australian Values Statement, confirming they will respect and obey Australian laws.
This requirement reflects Australia’s emphasis on ensuring that immigrants understand and commit to the country’s core values and way of life. It formally acknowledges the applicant’s willingness to integrate into Australian society and respect its laws and cultural foundations.
Income Requirements Explained
The income requirement is a critical component of 191 visa eligibility:
- The threshold is based on the applicant’s taxable income, not household income
- Income must be legally earned and properly reported on Australian tax returns
- The current threshold is aligned with the TSMIT (Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold)
- Documentation such as tax assessment notices, employment contracts, and payslips will be required as evidence
- Income can be from employment, self-employment, or business activities, provided it meets taxable income requirements
Application Process
When to Apply
Applications for the subclass 191 visa can be lodged:
- No earlier than 3 months before completing 3 years of regional residency on a 491 or 494 visa
- Must apply before the provisional visa expires
How to Apply
- Prepare Documentation
- Gather evidence of regional residency (lease agreements, utilities bills, driver’s license)
- Collect proof of income (tax returns, payment summaries, employment contracts)
- Obtain identity documents (passport, birth certificate)
- Arrange health examinations and police clearances
- Lodge Application
- Applications must be lodged online through ImmiAccount
- All family members included in the provisional visa must be included in the 191 application
- Pay the applicable visa application charges
- Upload all supporting documentation
- Record the transaction reference number (TRN) immediately after submission
- Biometrics and Health Checks
- Attend biometrics appointment if requested
- Complete health examinations with approved panel physicians
- Visa Processing
- Respond promptly to any requests for additional information
- Notify the Department of any changes in circumstances
- Visa Decision
- If approved, visa grant notification will be sent electronically
- If refused, a detailed explanation and review rights will be provided
Processing Times
Processing times for the subclass 191 visa can vary based on:
- Application completeness
- Verification of claims
- Volume of applications
- Complexity of individual circumstances
Current processing times are published on the Department of Home Affairs website and updated monthly.
Documentation Checklist
Identity Documents
- Valid passport for all applicants
- Birth certificates for all applicants
- Marriage certificates or relationship evidence (if applicable)
- National identity cards (if applicable)
- Change of name documentation (if applicable)
Regional Residency Evidence
- Residential lease agreements covering the entire period
- Utility bills showing consistent regional address
- Driver’s license with regional address
- Council rates notices
- School enrollment for dependent children
- Bank statements showing transactions in the regional area
- Electoral enrollment at regional address
Income Evidence
- Australian tax returns for all relevant years
- Notice of Assessment from the Australian Taxation Office
- Payment summaries or income statements
- Employment contracts
- Payslips covering the entire qualifying period
- Business ownership documents (if self-employed)
- Financial statements (if self-employed)
Character Documents
- Police clearance certificates
- Military service records (if applicable)
- Form 80 – Personal particulars for assessment
- Disclosure of any criminal history
Health Requirements
- Health examination results
- Medical history documentation (if requested)
Common Challenges and Solutions
Challenge: Meeting Income Requirements
Solution: Maintain detailed financial records, ensure all income is properly declared on tax returns, consider multiple income streams if necessary to meet thresholds, and consult with a registered migration agent for strategies to maximize legitimate income.
Challenge: Proving Continuous Regional Residency
Solution: Maintain a consistent paper trail of your regional address, avoid extended absences from regional areas, notify authorities of any temporary address changes, and keep documentation of all regional address evidence.
Challenge: Visa Expiry Concerns
Solution: Set calendar reminders well before critical dates, apply for the 191 visa at the earliest eligible date (3 months before completing the 3-year requirement), and consider seeking professional advice on bridging visa options if timing becomes problematic.
Challenge: Family Member Complications
Solution: Ensure all family members meet health and character requirements, address potential issues early, and keep family composition consistent between provisional and permanent visa applications.
After Visa Grant
Once the 191 visa is granted, holders should:
- Understand New Rights and Obligations
- Familiarize yourself with permanent resident rights and responsibilities
- Update your status with relevant government agencies
- Access Services
- Register for Medicare
- Update tax residency status with the Australian Taxation Office
- Explore social security eligibility (subject to waiting periods)
- Future Planning
- Note the 5-year travel facility expiration date.
- Consider pathways to citizenship (typically eligible after 4 years of residence)
- Update identification documents to reflect permanent resident status.
- Regional Considerations
- While no longer obligated to remain in regional areas, consider the benefits of continuing regional residence.
- Access regional settlement services if needed
Conclusion
The Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) represents the culmination of a commitment to regional Australia. By fulfilling the requirements of living and working in regional communities for three years, skilled migrants can secure permanent residence and all its benefits.
The pathway from provisional visas (491 or 494) to the permanent 191 visa requires careful planning, diligent record-keeping, and compliance with visa conditions. While the requirements are substantial, the reward of permanent residency makes this pathway attractive for those willing to contribute to regional Australia’s growth and development.
For those currently on qualifying provisional visas, maintaining awareness of eligibility requirements and preparing well for the 191 application will maximize the chances of a successful transition to permanent residence.
