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Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa - Subclass 191
Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa – subclass 191
Your Pathway to Permanent Residency in Australia through Regional Work
Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa – subclass 191
Your Pathway to Permanent Residency in Australia through Regional Work
The Skilled Regional – subclass 191 visa allows you to transition from a temporary skilled regional visa to permanent residency in Australia. Designed for skilled workers who have lived and worked in a designated regional area, this visa grants you the opportunity to stay permanently while contributing to Australia’s regional development. Whether you’re a student transitioning from a 491 visa or already working in a regional area, the subclass 191 visa opens doors to long-term residency and the potential to settle in Australia permanently.
Overview for (Skilled Regional) Visa - Subclass 191
- Pathway to Permanent Residency in Australia
The Skilled Regional (subclass 191) visa allows you to live and work permanently in Australia after meeting the requirements for a regional provisional visa. Designed for skilled workers who have lived and worked in regional Australia, this visa provides an opportunity for you and your family to settle in Australia and contribute to its regional economy. - Eligibility Criteria
You must have held a valid regional provisional visa, worked in a designated regional area, and complied with Australian immigration requirements. This visa ensures that you can continue contributing to regional areas in Australia, with the potential to transition into full Australian permanent residency. - Benefits of the Subclass 191 Visa
Once granted, this visa lets you live, work, and study anywhere in Australia, giving you and your family the freedom to pursue career opportunities and settle in regional areas. - Bridge to Australian Citizenship
The Subclass 191 visa also offers a potential pathway to Australian citizenship once you’re eligible.
Cost: AUD 505.00| Check the latest fees check here
Eligibility for Skilled Regional Visa - subclass 191
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Location at the Time of Application | Must be in Australia or outside Australia, but not in immigration clearance. |
| Application Date | Regional stream: on or after 16 November 2020; Hong Kong stream: on or after 5 March 2022. |
| Application Visa | Must hold a Regional Provisional visa for at least 3 years, or hold a Subclass 491, 494, or 191 visa for at least 3 years. |
| Regional Provisional Visa Stream | Primary applicant must hold a Regional Provisional visa (491, 494) for at least 3 years, comply with visa conditions, and provide notice of assessments showing income meets the specified threshold. |
| Hong Kong Stream | Primary applicant must hold specific visas (457, 482, 485), comply with conditions, and reside in designated regional areas for 3 years immediately before application. |
| Special Eligibility | Visa granted before 9 July 2020 does not permit travel or stay after 8 July 2025; visa granted on or after 9 July 2020 permits travel, entry, and stay for 5 years. |
| SRC – Special Return Criteria | Applicants and related persons must meet special return criteria such as not having been subject to visa cancellations due to criminal history. |
| Decision – Secondary Criteria | Includes family members, former spouses, or de facto partners who meet specific conditions or have been affected by family violence. |
| Exemptions | Special provisions for applicants affected by family violence allowing them to meet criteria despite relationship breakdowns. |
| Compliance | Applicants must have substantially complied with visa conditions. |
| PIC – Public Interest Criteria | Applicants must meet specific public interest criteria, including passing character tests, having no national security threats, and not having submitted bogus information. |
The Knowbal Visa Application Process
Applying for the Skilled Regional Visa – subclass 191 can feel complicated, but Knowbal is here to support you at every stage. Here’s how we simplify the application process
Initial Consultation
We start by reviewing your study history, current visa status, and eligibility for the Temporary Graduate Visa. This personalised consultation helps us understand your situation and plan the best application approach for you.
Assigning an Expert Agent
Once we assess your case, you’ll be assigned a dedicated migration expert. This professional will be your main point of contact, guiding you through each step and answering your questions promptly.
Document Preparation
Gathering and organising your documents correctly is critical. Knowbal helps you prepare all necessary paperwork, including your Confirmation of Enrolment, academic transcripts, proof of completion, health insurance, and identity documents to avoid delays or errors.
Submitting the Application
We lodge your visa application on your behalf with the Department of Home Affairs, ensuring everything complies with visa requirements and your information is accurately presented.
Ongoing Updates
Throughout the processing period, Knowbal monitors your application and keeps you informed. Should the Department request additional information, we will assist you promptly to ensure a smooth process.
FAQs
The subclass 491 is a temporary visa that allows you to live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia, with a pathway to permanent residency. The subclass 191 is the permanent visa that you can apply for after holding the 491 visa for at least three years, provided you meet the residency and work requirements.
To apply for the subclass 191 visa, you must demonstrate that you’ve earned the minimum income threshold during your three years on the subclass 491 visa. This means providing evidence that you have worked full-time, and met the income requirements set by the Australian government, typically via pay slips, tax returns, and other official documentation.
No, one of the primary requirements for the subclass 191 visa is that you must have lived in a designated regional area for at least three years. If you haven’t met this requirement, you may need to wait until you have lived in a regional area for the required period before applying for the subclass 191 visa.
If you change employers during your time on the subclass 491 visa, it may affect your eligibility. It’s crucial to ensure that your new employment continues to meet the criteria for the subclass 491 visa. For example, your occupation must remain on the relevant skilled occupation list, and you should still be working in a designated regional area.
Yes, for the subclass 191 visa, you will need to provide additional documents to prove that you’ve met the income threshold and other requirements over the three years you held your subclass 491 visa. This may include tax documents, pay slips, and employer reference letters to demonstrate continuous full-time work.
Yes, just like the subclass 491 visa, you can include your partner and dependent children in your subclass 191 visa application. However, they must meet all the eligibility criteria, including health and character checks, before being granted the visa.
Processing times for the subclass 191 visa can vary, but it generally takes several months to process after you have submitted your application. It’s essential to ensure all required documents are provided upfront to avoid delays, including evidence of your three years of regional living and full-time employment.
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