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Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (191)
The 191 Skilled Regional visa allows workers who have held an eligible visa for a period of three years, such as the 494 or 491, during which time they have lived and worked in a regional area, to work and live in Australia permanently.
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The Australian Migration Lawyers difference
Fixed price
There are no hidden costs for our services. Our fees are clearly set out in a fee agreement.
Deal direct with a lawyer
From the first same-day response to the granting of your visa, you’ll have direct access to a lawyer.
Clear communication
Our experienced lawyers will give you regular updates and clear explanations of visa pathways.
Satisfaction guarantee
We offer a client satisfaction guarantee in relation to our visa application services.
Installments available
3 - 6 months installment options available on some visa types.
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What is the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) 191 visa?
Once granted, the 191 allows visa holders to live and work in Australia indefinitely, and can be used to apply for Australian citizenship on meeting the requirements. The main applicant is also able to sponsor eligible family members to be included in the application.
There is no requirement to be sponsored for this visa, so you do not need to be supported by your employer or a State or Territory to apply, which is one of the key benefits of this PR pathway.
Once approved, the travel facility on the visa will be for a period of five years, however this can be extended with a subclass 155 Resident Return Visa (RRV) when it expires. An eligible visa holder can remain in Australia indefinitely, and can apply to include family members on the visa.
Eligibility criteria for a Skilled Regional 191 visa?
The eligibility requirements for the 191 visa are much simpler than other permanent visa, for example, there is no age limitation or English requirements. To be eligible to apply for a Skilled Regional 191 visa, an applicant must meet the following requirements:
- You must have lived and worked in a regional area while holding an eligible visa (491 or 494) for a minimum of three years
- You must have complied with the conditions of your previous visa
- You must meet health and character requirements
Learn more about 191 visa requirements
Benefits of the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) 191 Visa
Like all permanent visas, there are a number of benefits to the 191 visa, which allows skilled workers to remain in Australia indefinitely, and to apply for citizenship on meeting the criteria.
The 191 encourages skilled workers to work in regional areas by providing a simple and straightforward PR pathway that does not require a sponsorship, and has less criteria to fulfill when compared to other permanent visas like the 186. Further benefits for 191 visa holders include:
- Unrestricted work, study and travel rights for you and any secondary applicants
- Travel in and out of Australia
- Access to medicare and subsidized study
- Include family members to come to Australia as permanent residents
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Skilled Regional 191 visa checklist
While there are fewer requirements for this visa than other permanent visas, it is still important to ensure that you provide the Department with all relevant documents to ensure that there are no delays or risks that your application will be refused due to a lack of evidence. Here is a snapshot of some of the documents that you will be asked to provide:
- 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
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How the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) 191 visa works
Once you have held an eligible visa, being either a 494 or 491, for a minimum period of three years, you can apply for this visa. This permanent residence pathway becomes available to workers in regional areas who have already lived and worked in that area for a minimum period of three years. In practice, most areas of Australia, excluding Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, are considered regional for the purposes of these visas. If you held an eligible visa, you would have been subject to conditions that you lived and worked in a regional area, so you are likely to meet the eligibility requirements for the 191 after your third year.
Once you receive the visa grant, you will immediately become a permanent resident, and are free to live and work wherever you would like within Australia.
Benefits of using an immigration lawyer
Like all permanent visas, there are a number of benefits to the 191 visa, which allows skilled workers to remain in Australia indefinitely, and to apply for citizenship on meeting the criteria.
The 191 encourages skilled workers to work in regional areas by providing a simple and straightforward PR pathway that does not require a sponsorship, and has less criteria to fulfill when compared to other permanent visas like the 186. Further benefits for 191 visa holders include:
- Our team of qualified Australian lawyers draw on their knowledge of legislation, case law, and policy, to give clear and accurate advice on all requirements and strategies relevant to your matter
- As lawyers, we have an obligation to ensure that your application meets all legislative requirements, which greatly improves your chance of success
- We assist in all stages of the process, including the preparation of all necessary applications all the way through to the grant of the visa, including working with you to action any additional requests from the Department of Home Affairs
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191 visa costs
There are two main costs associated with a 191 visa application.
Professional fees payable to Australian Migration Lawyers to prepare the application
Our fees will vary depending on the circumstances of your application. Some applications will be more complex than others and our fees will be quoted accordingly. We work on a fixed-fee basis rather than billing hourly to provide our clients with certainty about what the total costs associated with their visa application will be. We strive to be flexible, so we offer payment plans based on financial need. Our professional fees will also vary based on the stages of the process that we will be involved in, specifically the nomination and visa. If you wish to include a family member, there may be additional professional and Department fees involved.
Book a free consultation with one of our qualified lawyers to get a quote.
Department fees
The relevant fee for the Department of Home Affairs in relation to a 191 visa application is $475, which covers the visa application cost for the primary applicant.
Visa application process
Applying for a visa to Australia can be complex. With help from an Australian Migration Lawyer, we can untangle this complexity, and help you apply for the right visa.
1. Consultation and engagement
Organise a consultation time to speak with one of our lawyers. 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.
2. Preparation and support
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.
3. Submission and communication
We submit your application to the relevant body (Department of Home Affairs, courts or tribunal). We will continue to update you concerning the status of your application.
4. 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!
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191 Visa Processing times
The processing time for an ENS visa can take between 56 days to three months. Processing times are subject to the complexity of the case, the completeness of your application and the caseload being processed by the Department. As such, they will vary on a case by case basis.
At Australian Migration Lawyers, our goal is to submit high-standard, comprehensive applications that are as complete as possible to help reduce delays and to seek a successful outcome.
Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa Considerations
Our legal team at Australian Migration Lawyers are skilled lawyers practising in Australian migration law.
As lawyers, we cannot issue guarantees that your visa will be granted. The decision rests with the Department of Home Affairs, not any one representative, lawyer or migration agent. However, our sound understanding of the law means that we are able to put the best case forward to seek a successful outcome.
We strive to make ourselves as accessible as possible to you
- Most initial consultations are free and recurring services will incur a fixed-fee that we will discuss with you
- You can have a consultation with us from anywhere in Australia as our consultations are online
- We can assist you regardless of where you are in the 191 visa process
Meet your Australian Migration Lawyer
We’re a diverse team of professionals with decades of combined experience. We care about your situation and will make sure you always get the support and advice you need.
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Locations
We offer professional migration advice and support, no matter where you are based. Those located in Australia have the choice of meeting with us at one of our offices or online, and for those offshore, we are available to you online.
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Learn moreFrequently asked questions
Read our most frequently asked questions.
What is the permanent residence skilled regional visa subclass 191?
The 191 visa is a permanent visa designed to allow workers on regional visas (491 or 494) to apply for permanent residence after living and working in designated regional areas for three years.
What is the minimum income threshold for 191?
There is no minimum income threshold to be eligible for the 191 visa. You will generally need to provide ATO assessments for the purposes of showing that you have worked full-time for three years, however your income is not relevant to your eligibility.
Who is eligible for visa 191?
Workers on a regional visa, being either the subclass 494 or subclass 491 visas, are eligible for the 191 after living and working in a regional area while holding one of these visas for a minimum period of three years. Primary applicants are also able to sponsor eligible family members for the visa.
How long does it take to get a visa 191?
Once you have completed the three years of regional work, you can apply for this permanent visa. Processing times are currently listed as between 56 days or three months, however this is just an estimate and is subject to change.
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.
About the content author
Perry Q Wood is National President of the Australian Institute of Administrative Law and one of Australia’s leading administrative and migration lawyers. To date, he has been involved in 1,000+ migration and refugee matters.
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