Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) (Subclass 191)
A Pathway to Permanent Residency in Australia
The 191 Visa – Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa is designed for individuals who have lived and worked in designated regional areas of Australia for at least three years on an eligible regional visa.
Sourcing global talents to work in Australia
This visa provides a pathway to permanent residency, allowing successful applicants and their families to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia.
If you have held a 491 or 494 visa, complied with visa conditions, and met the work and residence requirements, you may now be eligible to apply for the 191 Visa and secure permanent residency in Australia.
How Does the Subclass 191 Visa Work?
To qualify for the 191 Visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Hold an eligible visa – Must have held a 491 or 494 visa for at least three years.
- Comply with visa conditions – Must have lived and worked in a designated regional area for the required period.
- Meet income requirements – Must provide three years of tax records from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to demonstrate earnings.
- Meet health and character requirements – All applicants must satisfy Australia’s health and character standards.
Unlike some other permanent visas, there is no minimum income threshold for the 191 Visa, but applicants must demonstrate a stable income over three years.
Once granted, this visa allows you to:
- Live and work anywhere in Australia permanently
- Access Medicare and government benefits
- Sponsor eligible family members for permanent residency
- Apply for Australian citizenship when eligible
Do I need a Registered Migration Agent to help?
Applying for a 191 Visa involves multiple stages and document requirements. A registered migration agent can:
- Assess your eligibility and provide a clear pathway to residency.
- Ensure all tax and employment records meet visa criteria.
- Guide you through the application and document submission process.
- Act as your liaison with the Department of Home Affairs to avoid delays.
We strongly recommend consulting with a migration professional to ensure your application is successful and processed smoothly.
Your Future in Australia Starts Here
The 191 Visa is your next step toward permanent residency in Australia. If you have met the work, residency, and tax requirements while on a regional visa, now is the time to apply.
What is the process?
The 191 Visa process includes:
- Holding an eligible visa – Must have lived and worked on a 491 or 494 visa for at least three years.
- Meeting income requirements – Submit three years of ATO tax records as proof of earnings.
- Fulfilling visa conditions – Show that you lived and worked in a regional area during the eligible period.
- Providing supporting documents – Health, character, and identity checks apply.
- Submitting the visa application – Lodge your application with the Department of Home Affairs.
- Waiting for processing – Visa decisions can take several months.
- Receiving permanent residency – Once approved, you gain full PR benefits.
Am I eligible for a Sc 191 visa?
- Age Limit – No age limit for this visa, but the age restriction applied at the time of obtaining the 491 or 494 visa.
- Eligible Visa – Must have held a 491 or 494 visa for at least three years.
- Work & Residency – Must have lived and worked in a designated regional area while holding an eligible visa.
- Income Requirement – Must submit tax records for at least three years to show stable earnings.
- Health & Character – All applicants must meet health and police clearance requirements.
- Visa Compliance – Must have adhered to the conditions of the 491 or 494 visa.
Can I include my family in a Sc191 application?
Yes! The Subclass 191 (Skilled Regional) Visa allows principal applicants to include eligible family members in their application, ensuring they can migrate and settle in Australia together.Who Can Be Included in the Visa Application?
Spouse or De Facto Partner
Your spouse or de facto partner (same or opposite sex) can be included in your visa application. To qualify, you must provide evidence that:
- You are in a genuine and ongoing relationship.
- You are not related by family.
- You and your partner are committed to a shared life together.
- You live together or do not live separately on a permanent basis.
Dependent Children
Category 1 – Children Under 18
- Must be under 18 years of age.
- Must be your biological, adopted, or stepchild from a current or previous relationship.
- Must not be married, engaged, or in a de facto relationship.
Category 2 – Dependent Adult Children (18-23 Years Old)
- Must be between 18 and 23 years old.
- Must be financially dependent on you or your partner.
- Must be your biological, adopted, or stepchild from a current or previous relationship.
- Must not be married, engaged, or in a de facto relationship.
Category 3 – Dependent Children Over 23 with Disabilities
- Must be over 23 years of age and unable to support themselves due to a physical or cognitive condition.
- Must be financially dependent on you or your partner.
- Must be your biological, adopted, or stepchild from a current or previous relationship.
- Must not be married, engaged, or in a de facto relationship.
- Must meet Australia’s health requirements.
Important: Children must meet the dependency criteria both at the time of application and at the time of the visa decision.
How long does it take to get a Sc 191 visa for Australia?
Processing Time
Applications are assessed case by case, but processing generally takes 6-12 months.
Government Fees
- Primary Applicant: AUD$490
- Secondary Applicant (18+): AUD$245
- Secondary Applicant (Under 18): AUD$125
Migration consultancy fees will be quoted based on your eligibility assessment.
Australian Shores’ consultancy fees are quoted through our online assessment.Our Skilled Visa Service includes
At Australian Shores, we simplify the migration process, ensuring your application meets all requirements.
Our Services Include:
- Step-by-Step Guidance – From eligibility checks to visa lodgment, we manage the entire process.
- Document Preparation – We review and prepare your documents for maximum approval success.
- ATO Income Requirements – We help ensure your tax records meet visa conditions.
- Liaison with Immigration – We act on your behalf to avoid delays and resolve any issues.
- Regular Updates – You’ll receive updates on your application every step of the way.
Not sure what visa is right for you?
Take our online eligibility assessment or get in touch with our team!
