The Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) is the permanent visa for people who have lived, worked and earned an income in regional Australia on a 491 or 494 visa. No new sponsor or nomination is needed.
✔ Reviewed September 2026 by a Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2518899). Official sources: Home Affairs: subclass 191.
Who can apply?
You must have held an eligible regional provisional visa, usually the 491 or 494, for at least three years, and complied with the visa conditions, including living, working and studying only in designated regional areas.
Key requirements
- At least three years holding an eligible regional provisional visa
- Compliance with the conditions of that visa
- Taxable income at or above the required threshold for at least three income years while holding the visa
- Notices of assessment from the Australian Taxation Office as evidence of income
- Health and character requirements
Getting your evidence ready
Income
Lodge your tax returns on time each year and keep your ATO notices of assessment. The income threshold is set by the Department and can change.
Regional residence
Keep leases, utility bills and payslips showing regional addresses for the whole period.
Employment
Keep employment contracts and payslips, especially if you changed jobs.
Hong Kong stream
A separate Hong Kong stream is available for eligible Hong Kong and British National (Overseas) passport holders who meet specific residence, income and visa history requirements.
How Study Mate Migration helps
Eligibility check
We review your age, occupation, qualifications, English, work history and visa history against the current criteria.
Strategy
We compare this visa with other pathways so you choose the option with the best chance of success.
Documents
You get a tailored checklist, and we review every document before anything is lodged.
Lodgement and follow-up
We lodge through ImmiAccount, respond to requests from the Department and keep you updated until a decision.
Frequently asked questions
When can I apply for the 191?
Once you have held your 491 or 494 for at least three years and have three income years at or above the threshold while holding that visa. We can check your timeline and evidence.
Do I need a new skills assessment or English test?
No. The 191 does not require a new skills assessment, points test or English test for the main applicant.
What if I lived in a major city for a short period?
Breaching regional conditions can seriously affect your 191. Speak with us before lodging so we can assess the risk.
Can my family be included?
Yes. Family members who held the provisional visa with you can usually be included.
Related visas and guides
Talk to a registered migration agent
Study Mate Migration is led by a Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2518899). We help clients across Australia and overseas from our office in Adelaide, South Australia.
This page is general information only and is not legal advice. Visa costs are approximate and vary with your circumstances, number of applicants and government changes; extra costs such as skills assessments, English tests, health checks and police certificates also apply. Check the Department of Home Affairs website or speak with us for a current quote before you apply.
