Securing permanent residency (PR) in Australia is a dream for many skilled professionals who wish to build a long-term future in the country. Among the available pathways, the Permanent Residence Skilled Regional Visa Subclass 191 stands out as a strong and reliable route for individuals who have lived and worked in designated regional areas of Australia. In this detailed guide, we’ll explore the 191 visa requirements, eligibility criteria, English and income conditions, and the overall process to help you understand how to qualify for this visa category successfully.
The permanent residence skilled regional visa subclass 191 allows eligible holders of regional provisional visas (such as Subclass 491 or Subclass 494) to transition to permanent residency. This visa is part of Australia’s effort to promote regional development by encouraging skilled migrants to live and work in designated areas outside major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
The Subclass 191 visa provides permanent residency status, giving applicants the right to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia. It also serves as a stepping stone toward Australian citizenship after meeting residence and character requirements.
Before applying, it’s essential to understand the 191 visa requirements in detail. Meeting all eligibility factors ensures a smooth application process and reduces the risk of delays or refusals.
The 191 visa criteria primarily assess your residence period, income, English ability, and compliance with regional visa conditions. Let’s explore each aspect in depth.
To be eligible for the Subclass 191 Visa, you must meet several specific conditions. These include holding an eligible visa, fulfilling residence obligations, and demonstrating consistent income over a set period.
Below is a breakdown of the major 191 visa eligibility conditions:
To apply for the Subclass 191 Visa, you must be a current holder of one of the following provisional visas:
You must have held one of these visas for at least three years before applying.
Applicants must have lived, worked, and studied in a designated regional area for at least three years while holding an eligible visa.
“Regional area” excludes metropolitan regions like Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne.
You must provide evidence such as rental agreements, utility bills, and employment records.
This residency requirement ensures that you’ve genuinely contributed to regional development before gaining permanent residency.
A key aspect of the 191 visa requirements is meeting the income threshold.
You must demonstrate a taxable income that meets or exceeds the minimum income level set by the Australian government for at least three consecutive years while holding your provisional visa.
While the exact amount may vary, it generally aligns with the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT), which is updated periodically. Applicants must submit Notice of Assessments (NOAs) from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) as evidence.
If your income fell short in any given year due to valid reasons such as parental leave or illness, supporting documentation should be provided to explain the gap.
Another essential condition under the 191 visa criteria is English proficiency. Applicants must demonstrate at least functional English at the time of application.
This can be proven through one of the following:
Holding a valid passport from the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, or Ireland; or
Taking an approved English language test such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic.
For most applicants, achieving IELTS 4.5 overall or equivalent satisfies the 191 visa English requirements.
You must have complied with all conditions attached to your previous regional visa. For example:
Living and working only in regional areas.
Not engaging in unauthorized employment or business.
Maintaining accurate records with the Department of Home Affairs.
Failure to adhere to these rules may impact your eligibility for the 191 visa.
In addition to income and English standards, applicants must meet the character and health requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs.
Applicants aged 16 or over must provide:
Police clearance certificates from each country lived in for 12 months or more within the past 10 years.
A clean record without serious criminal offences.
You and any family members included in your application must undergo a medical examination conducted by a panel physician approved by the Department. This ensures that you don’t pose a risk to public health or cause excessive healthcare costs.
Once granted, the regional permanent visa (Subclass 191) offers a wide range of benefits:
Permanent residency status in Australia.
Freedom to live and work anywhere in the country.
Access to Medicare, Australia’s national healthcare scheme.
Eligibility to sponsor family members for Australian visas.
Pathway to Australian citizenship after fulfilling residence requirements.
These advantages make the 191 visa an attractive choice for regional skilled workers seeking long-term stability.
Applying for the permanent residence skilled regional visa subclass 191 involves a step-by-step process. Below is a simplified overview:
Before applying, confirm that you meet all 191 visa eligibility conditions—especially the residence, income, and English criteria.
Collect supporting documents such as:
Passport and identity proof
Taxation records (ATO Notice of Assessments)
Employment evidence (payslips, contracts)
Residential proof (rental agreements, utility bills)
English test results
Health and character certificates
Submit your visa application via the ImmiAccount portal on the Department of Home Affairs website. Pay the applicable visa fee and attach all relevant documents.
Processing times can vary, but it’s crucial to monitor your ImmiAccount regularly for updates or additional document requests.
Once approved, you’ll receive your 191 visa grant notice, confirming your new status as a permanent resident of Australia.
Understanding and meeting the subclass 191 visa requirements can be complex, especially when dealing with financial documentation or compliance history. Seeking professional advice from a migration agent can streamline your process, ensure your documents meet departmental standards, and minimize errors.
For those transitioning from a 191 regional visa, consulting an expert helps ensure all residency and income evidence aligns perfectly with Department of Home Affairs expectations.
Even qualified applicants may face challenges when applying for the 191 visa. Here are some common issues and how to overcome them:
Inconsistent Income – Ensure your annual taxable income meets the threshold. Use ATO assessments as proof.
Regional Compliance Issues – Maintain accurate residential and employment records in designated regional areas.
Documentation Errors – Double-check all forms, especially income and English test evidence.
Missed Deadlines – Apply only after completing three full years on your regional visa.
Maintain consistent tax filings during your regional stay.
Keep a log of employment and residence details.
Regularly check updated TSMIT thresholds to ensure compliance.
Take an English test early to avoid last-minute delays.
Seek advice from professionals if unsure about 191 visa eligibility.
The 191 visa requirements are designed to reward skilled migrants who have genuinely contributed to regional Australia. By fulfilling the 191 visa criteria—including residence, income, and English standards—you open doors to a secure and prosperous future as a permanent resident.
Whether you’re a professional planning to transition from a provisional visa or someone exploring pathways to PR, understanding every aspect of the subclass 191 visa requirements ensures a smooth and successful journey toward your Australian dream.
The Subclass 191 visa allows eligible skilled workers who have lived and worked in regional Australia to become permanent residents.
You must live, work, and study in a designated regional area for at least three years before applying.
Applicants must demonstrate at least functional English, typically proven by an IELTS score of 4.5 or equivalent.
Yes. You must meet or exceed the 191 visa income requirement for three consecutive years, supported by ATO records.
Yes. Eligible family members, such as spouses and dependent children, can be included in your application for permanent residency.
Processing times vary but generally take between 6 to 12 months, depending on document completeness and verification.
Yes. After holding the 191 visa and meeting residency and character requirements, you may apply for Australian citizenship.
