To be eligible, applicants must have held a Subclass 491 or Subclass 494 visa for at least 3 years, complied with visa conditions (including living and working in designated regional areas), and met the taxable income threshold for at least 3 years.
Skilled Regional Permanent Residence Visa - Subclass 191
The Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191) offers a pathway to permanent residency for holders of certain provisional regional visas, such as Subclass 491 or 494, who meet specific residence, work, and income requirements. This visa is designed to encourage settlement in Australia’s designated regional areas and supports both skilled migrants and specific applicants, such as Hong Kong passport holders, to establish permanent residency.
Highlights of the Subclass 191 Visa
- Permanent Residency: Allows you to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely.
- Global Flexibility: Applications can be lodged from within or outside Australia.
- Multiple Streams: Two streams are available:
- Regional Provisional Stream
- Hong Kong Stream
Eligibility Requirements
Common Criteria for All Streams
- Correct Visa Stream: You must nominate the appropriate visa stream when applying.
- Public Interest and Special Return Criteria: Meet public interest and return requirements set by the Australian Government.
- Health and Character Requirements: Satisfy all health and character checks.
1. Regional Provisional Visas Stream
- Hold an Eligible Regional Provisional Visa: You must currently hold or have held a Subclass 491 or Subclass 494 visa for at least 3 years.
- Comply with Visa Conditions: You must have complied with the conditions of your regional provisional visa, including living, working, and studying in designated regional areas.
- Income Threshold: Demonstrate that your taxable income met or exceeded the specified minimum income threshold for at least 3 years while holding your regional provisional visa.
2. Hong Kong (Regional) Stream
- Eligible Passport Holder: Hold a Hong Kong passport or a British National (Overseas) passport.
- Hold an Eligible Visa: Hold an eligible visa such as:
- Temporary Work (Skilled) Visa (Subclass 457) (if eligible under transitional arrangements).
- Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482).
- Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485).
- Regional Residency and Compliance:
- During the 3 years immediately before applying:
- You must not have lived, worked, or studied outside a designated regional area (exceptions may apply).
- Demonstrate usual residency in Australia for at least 3 years.
Designated Regional Areas
Designated regional areas include all locations in Australia except Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Examples of eligible areas include Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, the Gold Coast, and Hobart.
What You Can Do with a Subclass 191 Visa
- Permanent Residency: Live in Australia indefinitely.
- Access Medicare: Australia’s public healthcare system.
- Apply for Australian Citizenship: After meeting residency requirements.
- Work and Study Flexibility: Work and study in any part of Australia.
- Family Inclusion: Include eligible family members in your visa application.
- Travel: Travel to and from Australia for 5 years.
Steps to Apply for the Subclass 191 Visa
- Confirm Eligibility: Check your eligibility under the appropriate stream.
- Prepare Documentation: Gather required documents such as:
- Proof of visa status (Subclass 491, 494, or eligible Hong Kong visa).
- Evidence of regional residency and work compliance.
- Taxable income statements meeting the income threshold.
- Lodge Application: Submit your application online through the Department of Home Affairs portal.
- Wait for Processing: The Department will assess your application and may request additional information.
Pathway from Subclass 491 or 494 Visa
- Live, work, or study in a designated regional area for 3 years.
- Earn a minimum taxable income of AUD 53,900 annually for 3 years.
- Apply for the Subclass 191 visa.
Ready to Transition to Permanent Residency?
The Skilled Regional Permanent Residence Visa (Subclass 191) is your pathway to secure a permanent future in Australia’s thriving regional areas.
Book an appointment with Global Vision Migration today for expert guidance and support with your visa application. Let us help you achieve your Australian dream!
Disclaimer: This content is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, visit the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191).
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FAQs for Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191)
Applicants must demonstrate a minimum taxable income of AUD 53,900 per year for at least 3 years while holding a Subclass 491 or 494 visa.
Yes, you can include eligible family members such as your spouse, de facto partner, and dependent children in your Subclass 191 visa application.
Yes, you can apply for this visa from inside or outside Australia, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria.
This visa grants permanent residency, allowing you to stay, work, and study in Australia indefinitely.
Yes, after meeting the required residency period, you may be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship.
You can travel to and from Australia freely for 5 years from the date the visa is granted. After that, you may need to apply for a Resident Return Visa (Subclass 155/157) to maintain your travel rights.
