We’ve all heard about the complexities of visa applications for Australian immigration. I can tell you that understanding each visa requirement is crucial for anyone looking to make Australia their permanent home. The 191 visa, also known as the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa, offers a pathway to permanent residency for those willing to live and work in regional areas.
Eligibility Criteria for the 191 Visa
When it comes to the 191 visa requirements, there are several key factors you need to consider. This visa, also known as the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa, has specific criteria that applicants must meet. Let’s break down these requirements to give you a clear understanding of what’s needed.
Holding an Eligible Regional Provisional Visa
To be eligible for the 191 visa, we must first hold a qualifying visa. The Department of Home Affairs has specified that applicants need to have held one of the following visas for at least three years prior to applying:
- Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa
- Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa
It’s important to note that we can’t combine multiple visas, even if they’re of the same subclass, to meet this three-year requirement. The visa we hold at the time of application must be the same one we’ve held for the entire three-year period.
For those with Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passports, there’s an additional pathway. You might be eligible if you hold a subclass 485 visa, granted before 9 July 2020 and not expiring after 8 July 2025, or a subclass 485 visa granted on or after 9 July 2020 that’s valid for 5 years.
Minimum income requirement
Now, let’s talk about the income requirements for the 191 visa. This has been a topic of much discussion and has seen some recent changes. As of June 2023, there’s an important update we need to be aware of: there is currently no minimum income requirement for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191).
This change has come about because there’s no legislative instrument in place specifying a minimum income threshold for this visa. This is a significant departure from previous requirements, which had specified a minimum taxable income.
However, it’s crucial to note that while there’s no minimum income requirement, we still need to provide evidence of our income. As primary applicants, we must submit notices of assessment issued by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for three income years out of the five years of our eligible visa. If we’ve already lodged our application, we should double-check to ensure these three notices are included.
Compliance with Visa Conditions
Complying with the conditions of your eligible visa is another crucial aspect of the 191 visa requirements. This applies not just to you as primary applicants, but also to any family members holding the same qualifying visa as dependents.
One of the key conditions you need to meet is living in a designated regional area. You must have resided in such an area for at least three years while holding your eligible visa. This condition aligns with the government’s intention to encourage skilled workers to settle in regional areas of Australia.
Additionally, you need to have complied with all other conditions attached to your eligible visa. These may include restrictions on work and study locations. For instance, condition 8579 enforces the requirement that visa holders live, work, and study only in regional areas. If you’re employer-sponsored, there might be conditions specifying that you can only work in the nominated position.
It’s worth noting that holders of these provisional visas are generally unable to apply for most other skills-based visas in Australia unless they’ve completed at least three years in a designated regional area. Exceptions to this rule are only made in exceptional circumstances.
Required Documents for 191 visa
To support our 191 visa application, you need to provide several key documents:
- Identity documents: This includes your valid passport, birth certificate, and other identity proofs.
- Proof of residence: You’ll need rental agreements, utility bills, or other documents confirming our residency in the designated regional area.
- Tax documents: Income tax returns and payment summaries for the past three years are crucial.
- Employment evidence: This includes employment contracts, payslips, and references from employers during your stay in the regional area.
- English language proficiency: If applicable, you need to provide evidence of meeting the English language requirements.
- Skills assessment: If your occupation requires a skills assessment, you must include the assessment results.
These exact document requirements may vary, so it’s always best to check the latest information from the Department of Home Affairs.
Prepare your 191 visa requirements accordingly
Now that you know what documents to prepare for your 191 visa application, get these all ready ahead of time. If you encounter any issues or have further questions about the 191 visa requirements, do not hesitate to connect with a registered migration agent to help you sort it out.
For those thinking about applying, it’s key to understand the requirements and be ready for the application process. While it might seem like a lot to take in, the rewards are worth it. With permanent residency, healthcare access, and the freedom to work and study anywhere in Australia, the 191 visa opens doors to a bright future Down Under.