Subclass 191 Visa (Permanent Residence - Skilled Regional)

The Subclass 191 visa is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers who have held a Subclass 491 or 494 visa and met specific requirements. Here's an overview of this visa pathway:

1. Purpose: The Subclass 191 visa, also known as the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa, provides a pathway to permanent residency for skilled workers who have lived and worked in a designated regional area of Australia while holding a Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa or a Subclass 494 Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa.
2. Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible, applicants must have held an eligible regional provisional visa (491 or 494) for at least three years, complied with all visa conditions, and met the income threshold requirement (if applicable). Applicants must also meet Australia’s health and character requirements.
3. Income Threshold Requirement: If applying as the holder of a Subclass 491 visa, you must have earned a minimum taxable income for at least three financial years at or above a specific threshold. The income threshold can vary depending on factors such as the number of dependents included in your application.
4. Designated Regional Areas: Applicants must have lived and worked in a designated regional area of Australia while holding the Subclass 491 or 494 visa. Designated regional areas are defined by the Australian Government and generally include locations outside of major metropolitan cities.
5. Permanent Residency Benefits: The Subclass 191 visa grants permanent residency, allowing you and your family to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely. It also provides access to Medicare (Australia’s public healthcare system) and the option to apply for Australian citizenship once eligibility criteria are met.
6. Application Process: The application process involves gathering required documentation, ensuring eligibility, and lodging an online application through the Department of Home Affairs website. Health and character checks may also be required as part of the assessment.
7. Including Family Members: You may include eligible family members in your Subclass 191 visa application, such as a spouse, dependent children, or other dependents. Each included family member must meet the visa’s relevant health and character requirements.