(Permanent Residence – Skilled Regional)
If you’ve been living and working in regional Australia on a skilled visa for a few years, this is your chance to stay permanently.
The Subclass 191 visa helps people who’ve been part of Australia’s regional communities move forward and build a long-term life here.
Let’s break it down in a simple, step-by-step way.
🌟 What Is the Subclass 191 Visa?
A Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa, under Subclass 191, is a permanent visa. It’s for people who:
- Have lived and worked for three or more years in a territorial area of Australia
- Held a 491 or 494 visa
- Earned a steady income during those 3 years
Once granted, this visa lets you:
- Stay in Australia permanently
- Work and study wherever you want
- Use Medicare (public healthcare)
- Bring your family
- Apply for citizenship later
- Sponsor relatives to join you
✅ Who Can Apply?
You can apply if you:
- Hold one of these visas:
- Subclass 491 or
- Subclass 494
- Lived and worked in a territorial area for three years
- Earned at least AUD 53,900 per year (for 3 years)
- Followed all visa rules (like living in a regional area)
- Are in good health and character
- Don’t owe money to the Australian government
🧾 How You’re Chosen
No points test. No invitation.
The Department of Home Affairs checks if:
- You held the proper visa
- You lived and worked in a regional area
- Your taxable income met the requirement
- You followed all visa conditions
🪜 How to Apply – Step by Step
Here are the simple steps to apply for the Permanent Residency – Skilled Regional Visa:
1. Check If You Qualify
Ensure you meet the 3-year stay, income, and visa requirements.
2. Collect Your Documents
Get your tax records, payslips, ID papers, and proof that you lived in a regional area.
3. Apply Online
Go to ImmiAccount and submit your visa application.
4. Do Health and Police Checks
You may be required to undergo medical examinations and obtain police clearances.
5. Wait for Your Result
If everything is good, you’ll get your permanent residency!
📋 What Documents You’ll Need
Here’s a simple list of documents:
- Your passport
- Copy of your 491 or 494 visa
- Tax return papers (from ATO) – 3 years
- Payslips or job contracts
- Proof of living in a regional area (bills, lease, bank statements)
- Police check certificate
- Health check (if requested)
- ID for your partner and kids (if applying together)
💰 Fees and Time frame
- Principal applicant: AUD 475
- Partner or adult family member: AUD 240
- Child under 18: AUD 120
⏳ Processing time: Usually between 6 and 12 months
💵 Do You Need to Show Money in the Bank?
No, you don’t need to show savings.
However, you must have earned at least AUD 53,900 per year for three years while holding your 491 or 494 visa.
You’ll show this using:
- Tax returns from the ATO
- Payslips or job contracts
🎁 What Are the Benefits?
This visa comes with significant advantages:
✅ Live in Australia permanently
✅ Work and study anywhere
✅ Use Medicare
✅ Apply for citizenship (later)
✅ Bring your partner and children
✅ Sponsor other family members
⚠️ Things to Keep in Mind
- You must have held a 491 or 494 visa
- You can’t apply before completing the 3-year requirement
- If you broke visa rules, it could affect your application
- You must meet the income requirement
🌐 Where to Apply and Get Help
- 💻 Apply at https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
- 📞 Connect with a Trusted Immigration Consultant Services: Visas Adviser
- 🌍 Contact Details: +91 8744852222; info@VisasAdviser.com
📄 Sample Documents & Format
🧾 ATO Tax Returns
- Show your name, year, and income
- It must be official (not handwritten)
📄 Payslips
- Employer name, your name, pay period, and income
🏠 Proof of address in a regional area
- Lease, electricity bills, bank letters
📁 Format: PDF, scanned clearly
🌐 Translations: Use NAATI-certified translations if not in English
❓ Common Questions (FAQs)
Q. Can I apply from outside Australia?
✅ Yes, if you meet all the requirements.
Q. Can I include my family?
✅ Yes, your partner and children can be included.
Q. What if I didn’t earn AUD 53,900 in one year?
❌ Unfortunately, you must meet that amount every year — no exceptions.
Q. Can I apply before the 3 years are complete?
❌ No. You must finish three full years before applying.
💡 Expert Tips
✔️ Keep all documents safely, year by year
✔️ File your taxes on time
✔️ Make sure your job pays you above the income limit
✔️ Don’t move out of regional areas early
✔️ Talk to a migration agent if you’re unsure
🎯 Final Thoughts
Subclass 191 visa is a reward for individuals who have established their lives in regional Australia. If you’ve done your part — followed the rules, stayed in regional areas, and earned enough, this visa gives you a secure, permanent future in Australia.
No points test. There is no long waiting list. It’s just solid proof of your commitment.