The Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) allows eligible holders of a Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa or Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa to become permanent residents of Australia.
Once granted, the Subclass 191 visa allows you to stay in Australia permanently, work and study anywhere in the country, and enjoy all of the other benefits that come with Australian permanent residency, such as:
- Include eligible members of your family unit
- Enrol in Medicare
- Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence
- Travel to and from Australia for five years from the date of visa grant
- Apply for Australian citizenship if eligible
The applicants must have held an eligible visa for at least three years, comply with all visa conditions, and satisfy the stream requirements to qualify for a Subclass 191 visa.
191 Visa Streams
The Subclass 191 visa consists of different streams depending on the eligible provisional visa you hold:
Regional Provisional Stream
The Regional Provisional Stream is the primary pathway for applicants who have held an eligible Subclass 491 or Subclass 494 visa for at least three years.
Hong Kong Stream
The Hong Kong Stream is available to eligible Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport holders who satisfy the specific requirements established by the Australian Government.
To apply for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191) under the Regional Provisional Stream, you must satisfy the eligibility requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs, such as:
- You must have held a Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa or a Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa for at least 3 years.
- You must have complied with all conditions attached to your eligible provisional visa throughout your stay in Australia.
- You must provide Australian Taxation Office (ATO) Notices of Assessment for the income years specified by the applicable legislative requirements.
- You and any included family members would have to meet Australia’s health requirements.
- If applicable, you must satisfy Australia’s character requirements, including police clearance certificates where requested.
- You don’t hold any outstanding debts to the Australian Government.
- If you are at least 18 years old, you may be required to sign the Australian Values Statement as part of your application.
Once your Subclass 191 visa is granted, you become an Australian permanent resident and access long-term benefits such as:
Permanent Residence
The Subclass 191 visa allows you to stay in Australia permanently. There are no restrictions on where you can live, work, or study after your visa is granted.
Work and Study Anywhere
Unlike provisional regional visas, permanent Subclass 191 visa holders can:
- Work for any employer
- Change jobs without sponsorship
- Study anywhere in Australia
- Live in any Australian state or territory
Medicare
You can enrol in Australia’s public healthcare system, Medicare, to access subsidised healthcare services.
Travel Rights
You get a travel facility attached to the visa that is valid for five years from the date it is granted.
Australian Citizenship
If you meet the residence and other eligibility requirements, you may be able to apply for Australian citizenship.
Documents Required for Subclass 191 Visa
When applying for a subclass 191, make sure to include the following documents:
- Valid passport
- Identity documents
- Birth certificate (if applicable)
- Marriage certificate or relationship evidence (if applicable)
- Australian Taxation Office (ATO) Notices of Assessment
- Police clearance certificates
- Health examination results (if requested)
- Passport-sized photographs (if required)
- Documents for dependent family members
- Form 80 or other supporting forms (if requested)
191 Visa Processing Time
The visa processing time for the Subclass 191 visa under the regional visa stream is as follows:
- 50% processed in 7 months
- 90% processed in 13 months
Basically, the 191 visa is processed individually, following a simple case-by-case approach. Thus, the processing time can vary from person to person. However, in order to enhance the speed of processing, you should always provide all the required and relevant documents. Moreover, make sure to answer immediately if asked for any additional information.
191 Visa Cost
The cost of the Subclass 191 visa depends on the stream under which you apply.
Regional Provisional Stream
- The visa application fee for the primary applicant is AUD 630.
- The additional applicant over the age of 18 must pay a visa application fee of AUD 315.
- The visa application fee for an additional applicant under the age of 18 is AUD 160.
Hong Kong Stream
- The visa application charge starts from AUD 6,135 for the primary applicant.
- The visa costs AUD 3,070 for each additional applicant who is at least 18.
- The visa costs AUD 1,535 for each additional applicant who is less than 18.
Note: Other costs may include health examinations, police certificates, and biometrics (where required).
Include Family Members
The Subclass 191 visa allows eligible members of your family unit to be included in your visa application. You may be able to include:
- Your spouse or de facto partner
- Your dependent children
- Your partner’s dependent children
- Other eligible dependent family members, where applicable
Note: If you did not include an eligible family member when you lodged your application, you may be able to add them before the Department makes a decision on your visa application.
Why Choose Ozee Migration for a Subclass 191 Visa?
If you wish to secure permanent residence in Australia on a Subclass 191 visa, we can help. Get in touch with us right away to find out how Ozee Migration can assist with your visa requirements!
Eligibility Assessment
We will assess your individual situation to determine whether you qualify for the 191 visa and how we can assist you in applying.
Personalized Guidance
We will guide you through your Subclass 191 Visa application by providing tailored assistance based on your profile and circumstances.
Complete Documentation Support
We help you file all the documents, such as Identity documents, ATO Notices of Assessment, and more, to complete your application and avoid visa delays.
Expert Problem-Solving
No matter how complex your visa application is, we will try to find the best possible solution to help you secure a Subclass 191 Visa.
Always Updated
We stay current on policy changes and Subclass 191 Visa requirements to provide you with accurate and up-to-date visa advice.
Dedicated Support
Ozee Migration takes client issues very seriously. We are available at all times to assist you with questions and concerns.
Faq's
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for a Subclass 191 visa?
Applicants who have held an eligible Subclass 491 or Subclass 494 visa for at least three years, complied with their visa conditions during their stay, and met the relevant stream requirements may be eligible to apply.
Is there a minimum income requirement?
No. There is currently no minimum income requirement for the Regional Provisional stream. However, applicants must provide the required Australian Taxation Office (ATO) Notices of Assessment.
Can I include my family members?
Yes. You can include eligible members of your family unit when you apply or add them before a decision is made on your application.
Can I live anywhere in Australia after my visa is granted?
Yes. Once your Subclass 191 visa is granted, you can live, work, and study anywhere in Australia.
Can I apply from outside Australia?
Yes. Depending on your circumstances and the applicable stream requirements, you may be inside or outside Australia when your visa is granted.
Can I apply for Australian citizenship?
Yes. If you are a permanent resident and meet the residence and other eligibility requirements, you may be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship.