Subclass 191 Visa – Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa

Your Pathway to Permanent Residency After Regional Work in Australia

Have you lived and worked in a designated regional area of Australia for at least three years? The Subclass 191 Visa is your direct pathway to permanent residency, rewarding skilled migrants who contribute to Australia’s regional growth.

This visa is designed for individuals who have held eligible regional provisional visas (like Subclass 491 or Subclass 494) and have met all income and location requirements.

Why Apply for the Subclass 191 Visa?

The Subclass 191 Visa is a permanent visa that allows holders of qualifying regional provisional visas to stay in Australia indefinitely. It recognises your commitment to working and living in regional areas and provides you with full rights to build your life here long-term.

No employer nomination, state sponsorship, or points test is required. If you’ve fulfilled the conditions of your provisional regional visa, the 191 visa is your natural next step.

Key Benefits of the Subclass 191 Visa

• Permanent residency from day one
• Live, work, and study anywhere in Australia
• Access to Medicare – Australia’s public healthcare system
• Include eligible family members in your visa
• No need for new nomination or sponsorship
• Pathway to Australian citizenship
• Travel to and from Australia for 5 years after grant

Who Can Apply for the Subclass 191 Visa?

You may be eligible if you currently hold either of the following:

• Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa, or
• Subclass 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa

And if you have:

• Lived and worked in a designated regional area for at least 3 years, and
• Met the minimum taxable income threshold for 3 financial years

Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 191 Visa

To apply for the 191 visa, you must:

• Hold a Subclass 491 or 494 visa
• Have held that visa for at least 3 years
• Prove you have met the minimum taxable income threshold (as defined by the Department of Home Affairs) for at least 3 years out of 5
• Complied with all conditions of your current visa, especially living and working only in designated regional areas
• Meet health and character requirements
• Have no outstanding debts to the Australian Government

Note: There is no points test, age limit, or employer nomination required for the Subclass 191 visa.

Income Requirements for Subclass 191 Visa

To be eligible, you must meet the annual taxable income threshold, which is currently set by the Australian Government (subject to change). You must provide ATO Notices of Assessment as proof of meeting the income requirement.

BFES Global can help you verify your income eligibility and guide you through the correct documentation process.

Including Family Members in Your Application

You can include the following family members in your Subclass 191 visa application:

• Your spouse or de facto partner
• Your or your partner’s dependent children or stepchildren

Family members must meet health and character requirements. If they already held 491 or 494 visas with you, they can transition with you to PR.

How BFES Global Supports Your Subclass 191 Application

Our team at BFES Global simplifies your transition to permanent residency with:

• Eligibility checks and income verification
• Step-by-step support with the application process
• Guidance on documents and ATO assessments
• Assistance with including family members
• End-to-end lodgement and follow-up with the Department of Home Affairs

Frequently Asked Questions – Subclass 191 Visa

Is the 191 visa a permanent visa?
Yes. It grants you permanent residency, with full rights to live, work, and study in Australia.

Do I need to be nominated again by a state or employer?
No. The 191 visa does not require nomination or sponsorship.

How long do I need to stay in a regional area before applying?
You must live and work in a designated regional area for at least 3 years on a 491 or 494 visa.

What is the income threshold requirement?
You must earn at or above the minimum taxable income threshold for at least 3 financial years (currently around AUD $53,900/year, but subject to change).

Can I apply for citizenship after getting the 191 visa?
Yes, after meeting residency and other criteria, you can apply for Australian citizenship.

Can I include my family members in the application?
Yes. Spouse and dependent children can be included and will also receive PR status.

Subclass 191 Visa Summary

Visa Class: Permanent Residence – Skilled Regional
Duration: Permanent
Eligible Holders: Subclass 491 or 494 visa holders
Location Requirement: Regional areas for 3 years
Income Requirement: Yes, for 3 out of 5 years
Points Test: Not required
Nomination: Not required
Includes Family: Yes
Citizenship Pathway: Yes

Ready to Secure Your Australian Permanent Residency?

If you’ve lived, worked, and contributed to a regional area under a 491 or 494 visa, it’s time to reap the rewards. BFES Global is here to make your Subclass 191 visa application simple, accurate, and stress-free.