Permanent Residence: Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 191)

191 Visa Conditions

As the visa applicant, you must,

• hold an eligible visa
• have lived for at least 3 years and have a taxable income at or above a specific income threshold for at least three years
• both primary and secondary applicants have complied with the conditions of the eligible visa you hold or have held

Visa Eligibility

• You must be in Australia when you apply for this visa. You must also be in Australia for the grant of this visa.
• You must have held an eligible visa (subclass 491 or subclass 494 visa) for at least 3 years, have complied with the conditions on that visa and have met minimum taxable income requirements.
• Meet all the health and character requirements

Visa Benefits

• stay in Australia permanently
• work and study in Australia
• enroll in Australia’s public health care scheme, Medicare
• sponsor your relatives to come to Australia
• travel to and from Australia for 5 years
• if eligible, apply for Australian citizenship

Effect on Current Regional Visas

The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme Visa (subclass 187) and the Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 489) will close to new applicants from November 16, 2019. Transitional arrangements will be put in place for applications which have been lodged and are undecided at that time, as well as applicants whose pathway currently targets the permanent Skilled Regional Visa (subclass 887).

Regional Areas for Migration Purposes

Most locations in Australia outside major cities (Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane) are classed as designated regional areas for migration purposes.

The regional definition is comprised of 3 categories and offers regional incentives for skilled migrants who migrate to locations classified as Category 2 ‘Cities and Major Regional Centres’ or Category 3 ‘Regional Centres and Other Regional Areas’

Category 2 – ‘Cities and Major Regional Centres’ of Perth, Adelaide, the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, Canberra, Newcastle/Lake Macquarie, Wollongong/Illawarra, Geelong and Hobart

Category 3 – ‘Regional Centres and Other Regional Areas

General Notes

• The visa validity period is 5 years. Conditions will be imposed which will enforce the government’s intentions that visa holders live, work and study only in regional areas (condition 8579) and if employer sponsored, only in the nominated position.
• The visa has a travel component that expires 5 years after the date of visa grant.
• You can include members of the family unit in your application if they currently hold an eligible visa. You must include each family member who is eligible to apply for this visa at the time you lodge your application. You can’t add family members after you have submitted your application.
• You might have to pay an extra charge for any applicant 18 years old or older who has less than functional English. This charge is called the second instalment charge. You need to pay it only when DOHA asks you to. DOHA asks for the charge only if the visa will be granted. The second instalment charge amount will be announced closer to the commencement date.

Please book a consultation with one of our expert registered migration agents to understand the requirements of this visa.

Visa Processing Time

The processing time for Visa 191 varies depending on your unique circumstances. We recommend that you completely and truthfully fill in your application form and submit all required documents and information to avoid delays in your application.