Introduction to Permanent Residency (Skilled Regional Visa) Subclass 191

Migrating to Australia has always been a dream for thousands of skilled workers across the world. Among the many visa pathways available, the Permanent Residency (Skilled Regional Visa) Subclass 191 has become one of the most promising routes in 2025. This visa not only offers a direct path to permanent residency but also strengthens regional communities across Australia by encouraging skilled workers to live and work outside the major cities.

The Subclass 191 is specifically designed for individuals who have previously held regional provisional visas and fulfilled specific requirements regarding residency, employment, and income. With this visa, Australia ensures that talented professionals who contribute to its regional economy are rewarded with long-term settlement opportunities.

Understanding Skilled Regional Visa Subclass 191

The Skilled Regional Visa Subclass 191 is a permanent visa category introduced in November 2022. Its primary goal is to transition holders of temporary regional visas, such as Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Visa) and Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa), into permanent residents.

This visa aims to achieve two main objectives:

• Boost regional growth by attracting skilled workers.
• Offer permanent residency to those who commit to regional living and working.

Applicants must prove that they have complied with the conditions of their temporary visa, including living in designated regional areas and meeting annual taxable income requirements.

Eligibility for Skilled Regional Visa Subclass 191

Not everyone qualifies for this visa. To apply, individuals must:

• Hold an eligible regional provisional visa such as Subclass 491 or 494.
• Have lived, worked, and studied in a regional area of Australia for at least three years.
• Demonstrate compliance with the income threshold for each of those years.
• Show adherence to all visa conditions without breaches.

These requirements ensure that applicants have genuinely contributed to regional Australia before being granted permanent residency.

Who Can Apply for Permanent Residency (Skilled Regional Visa) Subclass 191

The Subclass 191 visa is open to:

• Skilled workers holding a temporary regional visa.
• Spouses, partners, and dependents included in the application.
• Family members who are added later, provided they meet health and character requirements.

Key Benefits of Subclass 191 Visa

One of the strongest reasons why many skilled workers opt for the Permanent Residency (Skilled Regional Visa) Subclass 191 is the long list of benefits it offers. Unlike temporary visas, this permanent visa provides lifetime security, unrestricted work rights, and access to services available only to permanent residents.

Here are the major advantages:

• Permanent Residency Rights: Holders of Subclass 191 can stay in Australia indefinitely, without worrying about visa renewals or extensions.
• Work and Study Anywhere: After receiving the visa, you are no longer bound to regional areas. You can move to metropolitan cities like Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane if you wish.
• Healthcare Access: As a permanent resident, you are entitled to Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system, which covers hospital care, doctor visits, and subsidized prescriptions.
• Education Benefits: Your children can access free primary and secondary education, while you enjoy domestic student rates at universities.
• Pathway to Citizenship: After meeting residency requirements, you can apply for Australian citizenship, gaining the right to vote and a passport ranked among the world’s strongest.
• Social Security and Family Benefits: Permanent residents can eventually access welfare support, family tax benefits, and parental leave payments.

This makes the visa a life-changing opportunity, especially for families planning to build their future in Australia.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Applying for the Subclass 191 Visa requires careful planning. The Department of Home Affairs follows a structured process to assess applicants. Below is a simplified step-by-step guide:

1. Check Eligibility
   Ensure that you have lived in a designated regional area for at least three years on a Subclass 491 or 494 visa.
2. Meet Income Requirements
   Provide evidence that your taxable income meets the threshold set by the Australian Government for three consecutive years.
3. Gather Required Documents
   These include identity papers, tax assessment notices, residency proof, and employment history.
4. Lodge Application Online
   Applications are submitted via the ImmiAccount portal on the official Department of Home Affairs website.
5. Pay the Visa Fee
   The base application fee in 2025 is approximately AUD 4,640, with additional costs for dependents.
6. Health and Character Checks
   Applicants and dependents must undergo medical tests and provide police clearance certificates.
7. Wait for Processing
   Processing times vary but generally range between 6–12 months.
8. Receive Decision
   If approved, you become a permanent resident. If refused, you may appeal or reapply depending on the circumstances.

This pathway ensures only genuine residents who have fulfilled regional commitments are granted permanent residency.

Documents Required for Skilled Regional Visa 191

Document preparation is one of the most critical stages of the application. Missing or incomplete documents can lead to delays or even visa refusal.

Essential documents include:

• Identity Proof: Passport, birth certificate, and national ID.
• Visa Evidence: Proof of holding Subclass 491 or 494 visa.
• Taxation Records: Australian Tax Office (ATO) Notices of Assessment for three years.
• Residency Proof: Utility bills, rental agreements, or property ownership records in a regional area.
• Employment Proof: Payslips, employment contracts, employer reference letters.
• Health Examination Results: Medical certificates from approved clinics.
• Police Certificates: From every country lived in for more than 12 months.

Applicants are advised to prepare these documents early, as gathering them can take months. Using a migration agent may also help streamline the process.

Processing Time for Subclass 191 Visa

Visa processing times depend on several factors such as the number of applications, accuracy of documentation, and compliance with requirements.

As of 2025:

• 75% of applications are processed within 8 months.
• 90% of applications are processed within 12 months.

Delays often occur due to missing tax records, incomplete medical checks, or pending background verifications. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a complete and well-documented application to avoid setbacks.

Visa Costs and Fees in 2025

Applying for the Permanent Residency (Skilled Regional Visa) Subclass 191 involves government charges and other associated costs.

Breakdown of costs (as of 2025):

• Main Applicant Fee: AUD 4,640
• Partner/Adult Dependent: AUD 2,320
• Child Dependent: AUD 1,160
• Medical Examinations: AUD 300–500 per person
• Police Clearance: AUD 50–150 per certificate
• Migration Agent Fees (if used): AUD 3,000–5,000

Although the total cost may seem high, the investment pays off considering the lifetime benefits of permanent residency in Australia.

Work and Study Rights with Subclass 191

Once granted, Subclass 191 offers unrestricted work and study rights. Holders can work in any profession, whether skilled or unskilled, and pursue higher education without international student restrictions.

• Work Opportunities: Permanent residents are no longer tied to specific employers or industries. They can apply for government jobs, private sector roles, or start businesses.
• Study Benefits: Domestic tuition rates apply, significantly reducing the cost of university education. Some scholarships and student loans become accessible.

This freedom creates flexibility for families to settle where opportunities are best for their careers and education.

Living in Regional Australia with Subclass 191

Many applicants wonder what life in regional Australia is like. While major cities such as Sydney and Melbourne attract global attention, regional towns and cities have their own charm and advantages.

Benefits of regional living include:

• Lower cost of living compared to metropolitan areas.
• Greater sense of community and safety.
• Opportunities for skilled migrants in healthcare, construction, IT, and education.
• Cleaner environment, less congestion, and higher work-life balance.

Although some challenges exist, such as limited public transport and fewer entertainment options, regional Australia provides an excellent lifestyle for families seeking stability.

Conclusion

The Permanent Residency (Skilled Regional Visa) Subclass 191 offers a reliable and rewarding pathway to build a secure future in Australia. For skilled migrants who have contributed to regional communities, this visa serves as a well-deserved opportunity to transition from temporary status to permanent residency. With benefits such as healthcare, education, work flexibility, and a clear path to citizenship, it truly opens doors to a better life.

However, the journey from a Subclass 491 or 494 visa to Subclass 191 can be overwhelming. From income requirements to tax assessments and strict residency conditions, the process demands accuracy and compliance at every stage. That’s where Upright Migration Consultants step in.

At Upright Migration Consultants, we specialize in guiding applicants through every step of their visa journey. Whether it’s preparing documentation, ensuring compliance with income thresholds, or representing you in front of authorities, our team is committed to making your migration process smooth, stress-free, and successful.

We don’t just assist with paperwork—we strategize your application, provide honest advice, and maximize your chances of approval. Our goal is simple: to help you and your family achieve permanent residency in Australia without unnecessary delays or risks.

If you’re considering applying for the Permanent Residency (Skilled Regional Visa) Subclass 191, let Upright Migration Consultants be your trusted partner. With our expertise and proven track record, we’ll guide you confidently on your pathway to Australia’s permanent residency and beyond.