191 Visa Requirements, Application Process & Cost

191 Permanent Residence

Starting from November 2022, the Skilled Residence (Permanent Residence) - Subclass 191 will allow its holders work and study anywhere in Australia, sponsor eligible relatives and apply for Australian citizenship.

Subclass 191 Visa

The Skilled Residence (Permanent Residence) visa is for people who have lived, worked and studied in designated regional area Australia on a previous, eligible visa. It will apply to those who hold a regional provisional visa Skill Work Regional - Subclass 491 or Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional 494 pathway to PR.

With 191 Visa you can:

stay permanently

work and study anywhere in Australia

sponsor eligible relatives for permanently residence

apply for Australian citizenship, after one + years.

enrol in Medicare

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191 Visa Requirements

Here's a simplified list of requirements that you need to meet before applying for 191 Visa. In case of questions, don't hesitate to contact us.

Must have held 494 or 491 visa

You cannot apply directly for the 191 visa.
You must first have held the 491 visa or 494 visa for at least three years.

Z

Resident in a regional area

You must have maintained residency in a regional area. Although you're not restricted to stay in the same state or regional area.

Z

Worked in a regional area

You must have complied with the conditions of the regional provisional visa which includes working in a regional area.

Note: Visa holders of the 491 or 494 can move between regional areas. You are not restricted to stay in the same state or regional area that you apply. Regional areas are defined as any area excluding Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Regional areas include Perth, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Geelong, Newcastle, Wollongong, Adelaide, Hobart and Canberra.

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I had an excellent experience working with Andrew throughout my application to TAFE Queensland and my student visa process. From the very beginning, he was incredibly professional, knowledgeable, and always available to answer my questions. He guided me through every step of the application, made sure all my documents were in order, and made what could have been a stressful process feel straightforward and manageable. His communication was clear, and I always felt supported and well informed. I really appreciate all the time and effort Andrew put into helping me achieve this milestone. I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for assistance with studying in Australia or applying for a student visa. Thank you again for all your help!
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I can genuinely say and share with everyone that it worked and they helped make it happen. Thank you so much to the entire team at Pathway to Aus for all the support and guidance throughout my journey in Australia. From helping me with my student visa and graduate visa, through to my 190 nomination and, finally, achieving my permanent residency, they have been there every step of the way. Their professionalism, knowledge and genuine commitment made such a big difference throughout the whole process. A special thank you to Nick, Bart and Brad for always being approachable, supportive and willing to help whenever I needed it. I truly appreciate the time and effort you have put into helping me achieve this important milestone. I’m very grateful to the whole Pathway to Aus team and would happily recommend their services to anyone looking for professional and trustworthy migration support.
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Application Process for 191 Visa

Complete Your Visa Application in 5 Key Steps: EOI Submission, Invitation, Application, Documentation, and Processing

l

Expression of Interest (EOI)

Submit an EOI through SkillSelect if required.

Invitation

Receive an invitation to apply for the visa.

Application:

Lodge the visa application within the specified timeframe.

i

Documentation:

Provide necessary documents such as proof of residence, income, and compliance with visa conditions.

Processing:

The Department of Home Affairs processes the application, which may include health and character checks.

Book a Migration Consultation

We have a ton of information on our site about various visa options and FAQs that answer most of our visitors’ questions, but if you’re still not sure where to start or you need a personalised step by step walkthrough, then schedule a call with one of our Registered Migration Agents.

Simply follow the link below and you'll be able to pick an agent for consultation.

Book a Consultation

If you're having any trouble booking your consultation then don't hesitate to contact us either via info@pathwaytoaus.com or by calling us +61 7 5526 5900

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Frequently Asked Questions

In case you don't find an answer to your question, feel free to consult with one of our agents.

Is the 191 visa permanent residency?

Yes the 191 visa is permanent. This means that if you hold it, you are a permanent resident of Australia.
Can I work in any occupation on the 191 visa?
Yes, you can work in any occupation on the 191 visa. You can work in any occupation on the 491 visa as well.

How can I get PR after 491 visa?

You must live and work for 3 years in regional areas to get Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) 191 Visa.

Can I live anywhere on a 191 visa?

Yes, once you hold a 191 visa, you can live anywhere in Australia. You do not need to remain in a regional area.

Can I include family members on the 191 visa?

Yes, you can include family members on the 191 visa. You can include your spouse/de facto partner and children.

What visa do I have to be on to apply for a 191 visa?

You must hold a 491 Skilled Work Regional Visa or a 494 Skilled Employed Sponsored Regional Visa.

How much does a 191 visa cost?

The costs vary by stream. For Regional Provisional Stream: Main Applicant – $505, Additional Applicant over 18 – $250, Additional Applicant under 18 – $130. And for Hong Kong Stream: Main Applicant – $4,910, Additional Applicant over 18 – $2,450, Additional Applicant under 18 – $1,230.

Is the 191 visa points tested?

No, the 191 visa is not points tested. In order to apply for the 191 visa you must first have held the 491 or 494 visa. The 491 visa is points tested.

Can I apply directly for the 191 visa?

In order to apply for the 191 visa, you must first have held the 494 or 491 visa.

What is the income requirement for the 191 visa?

Applicants are required to have a taxable income of at least the minimum amount specified in the legislative instrument (Currently $53,900). Either the main applicant or the secondary applicant of the 491 visa can earn over $53,900.

What is condition 8579?

Condition 8579 is placed on the 491 or 494 visas. It requires applicant to live, work and study (where relevant) in designated regional area. You can move between designated regional area. The condition prevents visa holder from accessing any other skilled migration visa for at least three years

Can I apply for another visa from a 491?

Holders of the new provisional visas will also be unable to apply for most other skills based visas in Australia unless they have completed at least three years in a designated regional area, unless exceptional circumstances exist.

What is regional area?

For immigration regional areas are generally speaking anywhere outside Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

GET IN TOUCH

In case of questions, feel free to reach out to one of our experienced Registered Migration Agents.

Contact details

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