Your Pathway from Provisional to Permanent Residency in Regional Australia
The Subclass 191 Visa is the final step for holders of the Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional) or Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) visas to obtain permanent residency in Australia.
Key Benefits of the Subclass 191 Visa
✅ Permanent residency status
✅ Live, work, and study anywhere in Australia
✅ Access to Medicare and social security benefits
✅ Sponsor eligible family members
✅ Pathway to Australian citizenship
Eligibility Requirements
1. Hold a Qualifying Provisional Visa
✔ Must have held either:
· Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional), or
· Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional)
· For at least 3 years
2. Comply with Visa Conditions
✔ Must have lived, worked, or studied in a designated regional area during provisional visa
✔ Must not have breached any visa conditions
3. Health & Character Checks
✔ Must meet health requirements
✔ Must provide police clearance certificates
How the Subclass 191 Visa Process Works
1. Hold 494/491 Visa for 3 Years
o Fulfill work and regional living requirements
2. Meet Income Threshold
o Provide ATO tax notices as proof
3. Lodge Visa Application
o o Apply directly through ImmiAccount
4. Visa Grant
Why Choose the Subclass 191 Visa?
🔹 No points test or skills assessment required
🔹 No employer sponsorship needed (unlike 186 visa)
🔹 Full PR benefits (unrestricted work rights)
🔹 Family can be included in the application
How Immigrad Can Help
✅ Eligibility Assessment – Confirm you meet income & residency requirements
✅ Document Preparation – Tax records, employment proof, compliance checks
✅ Visa Application Lodgement – Avoid delays & refusals
✅ Post-Visa Support – Citizenship pathway guidance
Ready to Apply for Permanent Residency?
Book Your Free Consultation Today
Official Resources: Home Affairs –
Note: Immigration regulations change frequently. While we maintain current knowledge, we recommend verifying information with the Department of Home Affairs or consulting a registered migration agent.
Frequently asked questions
What is the subclass 191 visa?
The Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) is the permanent residence step for people who have held a subclass 491 or subclass 494 provisional visa. The Department of Home Affairs describes it as a visa for people who have lived and worked in designated regional areas of Australia on an eligible visa and who have complied with the conditions of that visa.
Is there a minimum income requirement for the subclass 191 visa?
No. The Department of Home Affairs states there is no minimum income requirement for the subclass 191 visa and no legislative instrument specifying a minimum income threshold. What you must provide is notices of assessment issued by the Australian Taxation Office for three income years out of the five years of your eligible visa. The requirement is evidence of assessed income, not a set dollar figure.
How long must I hold a 491 or 494 visa before applying for the 191?
You must have held an eligible provisional visa, the subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional or the subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional, for at least three years. During that period you must have complied with the conditions of the visa, including the regional living and working conditions attached to it. Breaching those conditions can put the permanent residence step at risk.
How much does the subclass 191 visa cost?
The Department of Home Affairs publishes the subclass 191 visa application charge as from AUD630.00, with concessions applying in limited circumstances. From 1 July 2026 a lower charge applies to eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens. Additional applicant charges, health examinations, police certificates and document costs are separate. Use the Department’s Visa Pricing Estimator for a figure specific to your family.
How long does the subclass 191 visa take to process?
Processing times are published by the Department of Home Affairs and change month to month. Subclass 191 applications are prioritised under Ministerial Direction No. 119. As at September 2026 the Department reported it was processing applications lodged in February 2026 from applicants onshore and January 2026 from applicants offshore. Check the Department’s processing time guide for current figures.
Related Immigrad pages
- Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa
- Employer sponsored visas
- Permanent residence pathways
- Speak to a registered migration agent
This page provides general information only, current as at 16 September 2026, and is not personal migration advice. Fees and requirements published by the Department of Home Affairs change. Complex circumstances should be discussed with a registered migration agent. Immigrad, MARN 1805710.