Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (subclass 191)
A permanent residence pathway for eligible subclass 491 and 494 holders. The focus is your eligible visa history, compliance and required records—not a new points-tested invitation.
- Outcome
- Permanent
- Sponsorship
- No new state nomination or employer sponsorship under this stream
- Points test
- No new points test, EOI or invitation
- Regional
- Provisional visa conditions continue until permanent residence is granted
What this visa allows
- Live, work and study in Australia permanently after grant.
- Enrol in Medicare as an eligible permanent resident.
- Include eligible family members and consider citizenship if separately eligible.
- A five-year travel facility applies from grant. Permanent residence does not expire after five years, but return travel may require a Resident Return visa or citizenship.
Requirements at a glance
- Hold an eligible regional provisional visa when applying and have held it for at least three years.
- Have complied with the relevant conditions of the eligible visa.
- Provide ATO Notices of Assessment for three income years out of the five years of your eligible visa. There is no minimum income requirement.
- Meet health, character and other applicable visa criteria, including any requirements affecting accompanying family members.
Check the official designated regional postcodes. Classifications and visa conditions—not a city name alone—determine the relevant location requirements.
Important limitations
- Three years passing does not automatically grant permanent residence. You must make a separate eligible application and receive a decision.
- No minimum income requirement does not remove the requirement for the specified ATO Notices of Assessment.
- Continue complying with your provisional visa conditions while the application is pending. Do not assume metropolitan residence or work is allowed before permanent grant.
- This page covers the Regional Provisional stream. Other subclass 191 streams have different requirements.
How the process works
- Review the eligible visa held and the three-year holding period.
- Assess compliance with regional visa conditions and supporting residence, work and study records as relevant.
- Obtain ATO Notices of Assessment for three income years out of the five years of the eligible visa.
- Prepare and lodge the permanent residence application with the required identity, family and other evidence.
- Respond to Department requests and maintain compliance with the current visa until the decision.
How we actually help
- Review the 491 or 494 visa history and the timing of a possible application.
- Assess regional compliance records and identify required ATO documents.
- Prepare and lodge a supported application and address any issues requiring individual advice.
Related pathway
This is the later permanent stage for eligible 491 and 494 visa holders, not an alternative entry-level points-tested visa. After 191 is granted, the provisional visa’s regional conditions no longer apply.
General information, not an individual eligibility assessment. Requirements, charges and processing change. Check the current position on the Department of Home Affairs page for subclass 191 (opens in a new tab).
About the 191
There is no minimum income requirement for the Regional Provisional stream. You must still provide ATO Notices of Assessment for three income years out of the five years of your eligible visa.
No new points-tested EOI, invitation or state nomination is required under this stream. Eligibility instead depends on the eligible visa history, condition compliance, documentation and other requirements.
The primary applicant does not need a new skills assessment or English test under the Regional Provisional stream. This is not a blanket exemption from all requirements for every accompanying family member; assess family circumstances separately.
Yes, eligible 494 holders may qualify as well as eligible 491 holders. The holding period and all other applicable requirements must be met.
Once subclass 191 permanent residence is granted, the previous provisional visa’s regional conditions no longer apply. Until then, continue to comply with your current visa conditions.
Your matter:
Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (subclass 191).
Selected service · Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (subclass 191)
A consultation assesses your circumstances, discusses realistic options and outlines possible next steps. It is not a visa or review application and not a representation agreement. Any further work, its scope and fees are agreed separately.
- 01Book your appointment
Choose an available appointment time and check the details before confirming.
Book appointment (opens booking page in a new tab) - 02Complete the visitor registration form
After booking, add your details and circumstances for your permanent residence (skilled regional) visa (subclass 191) consultation.
Complete registration form (opens in a new tab) - 03Attend your consultation
Appointments are normally by phone, via Zoom, or in person at our Melbourne office. Follow your appointment confirmation for the arrangements.
Urgent matter or approaching deadline? Call our office on 03 9620 3195 or mobile +61 415 997 528.Message (SMS)WhatsAppA booking does not lodge anything, preserve rights or extend a deadline.