The Subclass 191 visa represents the final step in Australia's regional migration pathway, allowing holders of certain temporary regional visas to transition to permanent residency. This visa specifically targets people who have already committed to living and working in regional Australia and want to make it their permanent home.
Who is the Subclass 191 visa for?
This permanent visa is designed for current holders of:
- Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional - Provisional) visa
- Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional - Provisional) visa
The visa rewards people who have successfully established themselves in regional Australia by offering a pathway to permanent residency after meeting specific requirements.
Eligibility requirements
To qualify for the Subclass 191 visa, you must satisfy several key criteria:
Visa holding requirements
- Hold a valid 491 or 494 visa for at least three years before applying
- Continue to hold one of these visas when you lodge your 191 application
Income threshold
You must demonstrate that you've earned a minimum taxable income in each of the three years immediately before applying. The current threshold is $53,900 per year (excluding your partner's income). This amount is indexed annually, so check the current figure when you're ready to apply.
The income must be:
- From lawful employment or business activities
- Earned while living in regional Australia
- Declared in your Australian tax returns
Regional residence requirement
You must have lived in a designated regional area of Australia for at least three years immediately before applying. This means you need to show genuine commitment to regional life, not just brief visits.
Character and health requirements
Like most Australian visas, you'll need to meet character requirements and may need health examinations, depending on your circumstances and country of origin.
Regional areas explained
Regional Australia includes everywhere except Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and Perth. This covers:
- Adelaide and South Australia (entire state)
- Tasmania (entire state)
- Northern Territory (entire territory)
- Australian Capital Territory (entire territory)
- Regional cities like Newcastle, Wollongong, Geelong, Cairns, Townsville, and Darwin
- Smaller regional towns and rural areas
The government provides detailed postcodes and area definitions on their website, so you can confirm whether your location qualifies.
Application process
Step 1: Gather your documents
You'll need to provide:
- Passport and identity documents
- Evidence of current visa status
- Australian tax returns for the past three years
- Payslips, employment contracts, or business income evidence
- Proof of regional residence (utility bills, lease agreements, council rates)
- Health insurance evidence
- Character documents (police certificates if required)
Step 2: Submit your application
Applications must be lodged online through the Department of Home Affairs website. You can apply from within Australia while holding your 491 or 494 visa.
Step 3: Wait for processing
Once submitted, the department will assess your application against all requirements. They may request additional information or documents during this process.
Step 4: Receive your outcome
If successful, you'll be granted permanent residency. If unsuccessful, you'll receive detailed reasons for the refusal.
Costs and fees
| Component | Cost | |-----------|------| | Main applicant | $465 | | Partner (18+ years) | $235 | | Child (under 18) | $115 |
These fees are current as of 2024 but may change. Additional costs might include health examinations, police certificates, and document translations.
Processing times
Current processing times for 191 visa applications range from 8 to 14 months for 75% of applications. However, processing times can vary based on:
- Completeness of your application
- Time taken to provide additional information if requested
- Individual circumstances
- Current application volumes
The department provides updated processing time estimates on their website, which you should check before applying.
What happens after approval?
Once granted, the Subclass 191 visa provides:
- Permanent residency status in Australia
- Freedom to live and work anywhere in Australia (not restricted to regional areas)
- Access to Medicare and other government services
- Pathway to Australian citizenship after meeting residence requirements
- Ability to sponsor eligible family members for permanent residency
Alternatives to consider
If you don't meet the 191 requirements or want to explore other options:
Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)
If you have a regional employer willing to sponsor you permanently, this might be an option, though it has its own requirements.
General Skilled Migration
Depending on your occupation and points score, you might qualify for other skilled visas like the 189 or 190, though these are highly competitive.
Partner or family visas
If you have an Australian citizen or permanent resident partner or family member, family migration might be appropriate.
State nomination pathways
Some states offer alternative pathways for people already living and working in their region.
Tips for a successful application
- Start preparing early: Begin gathering documents well before your three-year mark
- Keep detailed records: Maintain copies of all employment, income, and residence evidence throughout your 491/494 visa period
- Get professional advice: Consider consulting a registered migration agent, especially if your circumstances are complex
- Stay informed: Immigration policies can change, so check for updates regularly
Key takeaways
- The Subclass 191 visa offers permanent residency for 491 and 494 visa holders who complete three years in regional Australia with minimum income of $53,900 annually
- You must apply while still holding your provisional visa and demonstrate genuine commitment to regional living through residence and employment
- Processing takes 8-14 months and costs from $465, leading to full permanent residency with freedom to live anywhere in Australia
- Start preparing documentation early and consider professional advice if your situation involves complex employment or residence history
Get the monthly Australian Brief
One email a month: visa policy changes, processing time updates, and the guides our readers found most useful. No filler.
Important: Australian.com provides general information only and does not constitute migration advice. Only a registered migration agent (MARA) or Australian legal practitioner can provide immigration advice. Information is current as of the date published but immigration law changes frequently. Verify all details with the Department of Home Affairs.