Apply for
Skilled Transitional Visa
Achieve Permanent Residency with the 191 and 887 Skilled Regional Visas
The Skilled Regional (Provisional) 887 and Skilled Regional (Permanent) 191 visas offer skilled professionals in regional Australia the opportunity to transition to permanent residency. These visas are designed for individuals who have lived and worked in regional areas, contributing to local communities and economies.
Both visas provide you and your family with full work and study rights, along with the opportunity to build your future in Australia. Navigating the complex visa requirements can be overwhelming. Book a consultation with Knowbal Migration today to assess your eligibility, streamline your application, and secure your permanent residency with confidence.
TYPES OF
Transitional Visa
| Feature | Subclass 191 – Talent (Permanent) | Subclass 887 – Skilled Regional (Permanent) |
|---|---|---|
| Main Purpose | Permanent residency visa for holders of an eligible regional provisional visa (491/494) who have lived and worked in a designated regional area — transitioning from provisional to permanent residency. | Permanent visa for skilled workers who have previously lived and worked in specified regional areas on an eligible provisional visa; reward for regional work/residence commitment. |
| Visa Type | Permanent resident visa (grant gives PR). | Permanent resident visa (grant gives PR). |
| Pre Requisite Provisional Visas | Must hold (or have held) a qualifying regional provisional visa — typically Subclass 491 or Subclass 494 — and meet residence & income requirements. | Must have held a qualifying provisional regional visa (e.g., Subclass 489, or other eligible visa — depending on stream) and have lived and worked in a specified regional area for required period. |
| Residence Requirement | Typically at least 3 years in a designated regional area while holding the qualifying visa. | Typically at least 2 years residence in a specified regional area before applying. |
| Work (Employment) Requirement | Must have worked (and lived) in the regional area as per visa conditions; income / tax records over the period are required. | Must have worked fulltime (minimum hours as specified, often 35+ hrs/week) for at least 12 months in that regional area. |
| Points Test / Skills Test Required? | No — the 191 visa does not require a new skills test or points based assessment. | No — Subclass 887 generally does not require a new skills test or points test. |
| Rights Once Granted (Stay, Work, Study, Benefits) | Permanent residency: can live, work, study anywhere in Australia, access Medicare, social benefits; can sponsor eligible family; eligible eventually for citizenship. | Permanent residency: same rights — live, work, study anywhere; access Medicare/social benefits; sponsor family; pathway to citizenship. |
The Knowbal Visa Application Process
Applying for the Transitional Visa 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
To transition to the 191 visa, you must have held an eligible regional provisional visa like the 491 or 494 and met the required residency and work conditions in a regional area.
If your visa is nearing expiration, we recommend starting the process early to avoid any gaps. Our team can guide you through the residency verification and income requirements to ensure a smooth transition to permanent residency.
If your 491 visa expires before you meet the conditions for the 191 visa, you may face complications. You might need to apply for a Bridging Visa A (BVA) or Bridging Visa B (BVB) while your application is processed.
Consult with us early to ensure you remain in a valid visa status and avoid interruptions to your pathway to permanent residency.
In most cases, no — the standard Subclass 887 requirement is at least 12 months of full-time work in a specified regional area.
However, if you qualify under the COVID-19 concessions, you may be eligible with at least 9 months of full-time work in a specified regional area, and 2 years of residence in a specified regional area. If you’re unsure whether the concession applies to you, we can review your visa history, regional addresses, and employment evidence, and guide you on the best way to document work and residence to meet the eligibility rules.
For the 887 visa, it’s important to show that you’ve worked at least 35 hours per week in a regional area for a minimum of 12 months.
If you’ve worked for multiple employers, make sure to gather:
- Payslips or tax records for each role,
- Letters from employers confirming employment dates and hours worked.
We can assist in organising your documentation to ensure everything aligns with the visa requirements and prevent any delays in processing.
If your 491/494 visa conditions change, such as a change in your employer or job duties, it’s crucial to review the eligibility requirements for the 191 visa.
We’ll help ensure your situation still aligns with the criteria, and if needed, we can explore Bridging Visas or other alternatives to maintain your regional residency and work status while applying for the 191 visa.
Yes, you can include your partner in the 191 or 887 visa application if they meet the eligibility criteria, even if they haven’t worked in a regional area.
However, it’s crucial to ensure all other eligibility conditions are met, such as meeting the regional work and residence requirements. Consult with us to clarify the best strategy for including your partner in your application while maximising your chances of success.
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