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Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (191)

Get an Australian 191 visa

The 191 visa Australia provides a pathway for skilled migrants to obtain permanent residency in designated regional areas. Applicants may initially apply for a Regional Provisional Visa before transitioning to a Permanent Visa (494 or 491). Residence in a designated regional area is a key requirement for eligibility, ensuring migrants contribute to Regional Australia's development. 

Each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Those granted permanent residency enjoy the benefits of sponsoring family members and strive for Australian citizenship. There is no need to be sponsored by a State or Territory government agency. Our team of Australian Migration Agents can aid in completing the application accurately, ensuring all criteria are met for a successful outcome.

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What sets Australian Migration Agents apart

What is the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) 191 visa?

The 191 visa offers permanent residence to skilled migrants in designated regional areas, subject to health and character requirements. Applicants must hold an eligible visa, usually for a period of three years. The processing time varies depending on individual circumstances and may involve assessments by external agencies. Successful applicants can include family members in their visa application, ensuring the entire family unit can reside in Australia indefinitely. Police certificates may be required as part of the application process, and there is no age limit for primary applicants. Overall, the 191 visa provides a pathway for skilled migrants to become permanent residents in Australia, supported by the Australian government's skilled migration policies.

Eligibility criteria for a Skilled Regional 191 visa?

The eligibility criteria for the 191 visa are straightforward compared to other permanent visas, lacking age or English proficiency requirements. To qualify, applicants must have resided and worked in a regional area under an eligible visa (491 or 494) for at least three years, adhered to previous visa conditions, and satisfy health and character prerequisites.

Benefits of the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) 191 Visa

The 191 visa offers numerous advantages akin to other permanent visas, allowing skilled workers to reside indefinitely in Australia and apply for citizenship upon meeting requirements. Its simplified pathway, devoid of sponsorship obligations and with fewer criteria than visas like the 186, incentivises skilled labor in regional areas. Additional benefits for 191 visa holders encompass:

  • unrestricted work, study, and travel rights for both primary and secondary applicants, travel privileges to and from Australia
  • access to Medicare and subsidized education
  • and the ability to include family members as permanent residents.

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Skilled Regional 191 visa checklist

  • Passport
  • Marriage certificate (if applicable)
  • Divorce/death certificate for previous spouse (if applicable)
  • Proof of name change (if applicable)
  • National identity card (if applicable)
  • Birth certificates
  • Current CV or resume
  • Reference letter from former employers
  • Payslips
  • Lease agreements
  • Utility bills
  • Military service record or discharge papers (if applicable)
  • Medical checks 
  • Police clearance certificates from countries of residence

How the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) 191 visa works

After holding an eligible visa (either a 494 or 491) for at least three years, you become eligible to apply for the 191 visa, offering a permanent residency pathway for workers in regional areas who have already met this residency and employment duration. Most areas of Australia, except for Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane, qualify as regional for these visa purposes. As holders of eligible visas, you would have been obligated to reside and work in a regional area, likely meeting the 191 visa's eligibility criteria after the third year. 

Upon receiving the visa grant, you gain immediate permanent residency status, granting you the freedom to live and work anywhere within Australia.

Benefits of using a registered migration agent

As Australian Migration Agents, we possess a thorough comprehension of the pertinent case law, policy, and legislation concerning 191 visas.

At Australian Migration Agents, we offer invaluable guidance and assistance to streamline the entire process. With a notable success rate, we handle a diverse range of complex occupations and scenarios.

Our team of qualified Australian migration agents leverages their expertise in legislation, case law, and policy to provide clear and precise advice on all relevant requirements and strategies for your case.

As agents, we are committed to ensuring that your application aligns with all legislative stipulations, significantly enhancing your chances of success.

We support you throughout every stage of the process, from preparing all necessary applications to securing the visa grant, and addressing any additional requests from the Department of Home Affairs in collaboration with you.

  • Consultation and engagement
  • Preparation and support
  • Submission and communication
  • Representation and success

191 visa costs

There are two primary costs associated with a 191 visa application:

Professional fees payable to Australian Migration Agents for application preparation:

Our fees are tailored to the specifics of your application's complexity and stages involved, quoted on a fixed-fee basis for transparency.

Payment plans are available based on financial circumstances.

Additional fees may apply if including family members.

Department fees:

The Department of Home Affairs charges a visa application fee of $475 for the primary applicant.

To receive a personalised quote, book a free consultation with one of our qualified agents.

Visa application steps

The visa application process can be challenging and time-consuming, but our team at Australian Migration Agents handles this daily and understands the requirements needed for successful outcomes. Get in touch to discuss your eligibility and explore the most budget-friendly services available to you.

Book a consultation

Step 1

Consultation and engagement

Organise a consultation time to speak with one of our agents. You can meet with us in person, via Zoom or telephone. Following this, we will send you paperwork that confirms our engagement to represent you.

Step 2

Preparation and submission

We will prepare written submissions in support of your visa application. This will be based on your individual circumstances, and supported by evidence where appropriate. We then submit your application to the relevant body (Department of Home Affairs, courts or tribunal)

Step 3

Representation and success

We will keep you informed about your application, and notify you of the outcome. If you receive an unfavourable outcome and we can reapply, we will!

191 Visa Processing times

The processing time for a 191 visa can range from 56 days to four months, depending on factors such as case complexity, application completeness, and Department caseload.

At Australian Migration Agents, we strive to submit thorough, high-quality applications to minimise delays and increase the likelihood of success. Our goal is to achieve successful outcomes by providing comprehensive support and guidance throughout the application process.

Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa Considerations

Our team at Australian Migration Agents comprises skilled practitioners in Australian migration law. While we cannot guarantee visa approval, as the decision lies with the Department of Home Affairs, our expertise allows us to present the strongest case possible for a successful outcome.

We prioritise accessibility for our clients:

  • Initial consultations are typically free, and ongoing services are offered at a fixed fee.
  • Consultations are conducted online, allowing you to connect with us from anywhere in Australia.
  • We provide assistance at any stage of the 191 visa process, regardless of your location.

Australia-wide services

Our skilled team offers in-person and virtual appointments, which means we can provide immigration assistance and advice regardless of where you live in Australia.  

Frequently asked questions

Read our most frequently asked questions

What is the permanent residence skilled regional visa subclass 191?

The 191 visa is a permanent residency option tailored for individuals holding regional visas (491 or 494), enabling them to seek permanent residency after fulfilling a three-year residence and work requirement in designated regional areas.

What is the minimum income threshold for 191?

There is no minimum income requirement for eligibility for the 191 visa. Typically, you'll need to furnish ATO assessments to demonstrate three years of full-time work, but your income itself does not impact your eligibility.

Who is eligible for visa 191?

Individuals holding regional visas, such as subclass 494 or subclass 491, become eligible for the 191 visa after residing and working in a regional area for a minimum of three years under one of these visas. Primary applicants also have the option to sponsor eligible family members for the visa.

How long does it take to get a visa 191?

Once you've fulfilled the three years of regional work, you can proceed to apply for this permanent visa. While processing times are currently estimated between 56 days to three months, these are subject to change and may vary.

How much does a 191 visa cost Australia?

The Department fees for a 191 visa are $475 for the primary applicant. Any additional applicant fees are charged at $240 for applicants over the age of 18, and $120 for any applicants under 18 years old.

If you choose to apply for this visa with assistance from a lawyer or agent, there will be additional costs for their professional services. Our costs for the visa application are charged at a fixed rate, and will vary depending on the complexity of the case and a number of other factors. Our lawyers can give you a quote for our assistance if you would like to arrange a consultation.

Book a consultation

Tell us a little about your situation, and one of our agents will get back to you as soon as possible.

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