Step-by-Step Guide to Australia’s Subclass 191 Visa
The Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (Subclass 191) provides a pathway for holders of provisional GSM visas (Subclass 491) and SESR visas (Subclass 494) who have met the required living and work conditions to transition to permanent residency.
This visa supports Australia’s goal of promoting population growth in regional or low-growth metropolitan areas. Applicants must have met the requirement to live, work, or study in a designated regional area while holding their eligible provisional visa.
The Subclass 191 visa is also open to Hong Kong nationals seeking a permanent stay in Australia.
Key Features
- Can be applied for either from inside or outside Australia.
- Grants the right to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia.
- Offers two streams: Regional Provisional Visas and Hong Kong (Regional).
- Permanent residency with indefinite stay rights.
Eligibility Criteria
General requirements for both streams:
- Select the correct visa stream.
- Meet all Public Interest and Special Return criteria.
- Satisfy Australian health and character checks.
Regional Provisional Visas Stream:
- Hold an eligible provisional regional visa for a minimum of 3 years.
- Comply with all conditions of your provisional visa.
- Have earned a taxable income equal to or above the set income threshold (if applicable) for at least 3 years.
Hong Kong (Regional) Stream:
- Be a holder of a Hong Kong passport or British National (Overseas) passport.
- Hold an eligible Subclass 457, 482, or 485 visa for at least 3 years.
- Comply with all visa conditions during your stay.
- Have lived, worked, or studied only in designated regional areas for the 3 years prior to applying (with possible exceptions).
- Have been residing in Australia for at least the last 3 years.
Process to Apply for Skilled Regional Permanent Residence Visa (Subclass 191)
The steps to apply for the Subclass 191 visa are as follows:
- Step 1 — Check Eligibility
Ensure you meet the requirements for your chosen stream — Regional Provisional Visa or Hong Kong (Regional). Confirm you have held the eligible provisional visa for at least 3 years, complied with all visa conditions, and meet income, residence, and character requirements. - Step 2 — Gather Supporting Documents
Collect all required documents including:- Proof of identity (passport)
- Visa history and previous visa grant notices
- Proof of residence and work in a designated regional area
- Tax records showing income threshold compliance
- Health and police clearance certificates
- Any additional documents required for the Hong Kong (Regional) stream
- Step 3 — Lodge the Visa Application
Submit your Subclass 191 visa application online via ImmiAccount. Attach all supporting documents and pay the visa application fee. Ensure your application is complete to avoid delays. - Step 4 — Health and Character Checks
You and any family members included in the application must complete medical examinations and provide police certificates as required. - Step 5 — Track Your Application
After lodgement, you will receive an acknowledgment email. Log in to your ImmiAccount to track updates and requests for further information from the Department of Home Affairs. - Step 6 — Visa Decision
Once all checks are complete, the Department of Home Affairs will notify you of the outcome. If approved, you will receive a permanent visa grant notification with conditions, start date, and residency rights.
Processing Times for Subclass 191
- The average processing time varies depending on stream and application completeness; generally between 6–12 months.
- Tracking your application regularly can help ensure a smooth process.
Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 191) – Latest Cost
The application fee for the Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 191) is structured as follows:
- Primary Applicant: AUD 490
- Additional Applicant (18 years or over): AUD 245 each
- Dependent Child (under 18 years): AUD 125 each
Additional potential expenses:
- Second Installment Fee: Applicants aged 18 or over with less than functional English may be required to pay a second installment fee of AUD 4,890. This fee is generally applied only if the visa is approved.
- Other Costs: Additional expenses may include health examinations, police certificates, biometrics, and document translations.
Note: Fees are reviewed annually and may change. Ensure you confirm the latest cost before submitting your application.
Why Choose Apical Immigration Experts?
At Apical Immigration Experts, we are more than just immigration consultants — we are your trusted partners in achieving permanent residency in regional Australia. With transparency, experience, and a proven track record, we guide you every step of the way.
Affordable Processing Fees
We offer competitive, fair pricing. Our service fees are designed to provide value while ensuring you receive expert guidance without unnecessary costs.
Seven Days a Week Support
Your application matters to us. Our team is available 7 days a week to answer queries and provide assistance whenever needed.
End-to-End Assistance
From checking eligibility and preparing documents to lodging your Subclass 191 visa application and post-landing support, we handle the entire process for you.
Complementary Services
We go beyond visa applications. Our services include regional job assistance, tax guidance, resume writing, and post-settlement support to help you establish your life in Australia.
High Success Rate
With years of experience in regional skilled visas, we maximise your chances of visa approval.
Multiple Visa Options
If the Subclass 191 visa isn’t suitable, we help identify other skilled or employer-sponsored visa pathways that align with your goals — all without additional charges.
Book your consultation today and let Apical Immigration Experts help you take the next step toward permanent residency in regional Australia.
FAQs: Skilled Regional Permanent Residence Visa (Subclass 191)
1. What are the eligibility criteria for Subclass 191?
To qualify, applicants must:
- Hold a Subclass 491 or 494 visa for at least three years.
- Live, work, or study in a designated regional area during this period.
- Comply with all visa conditions.
- Meet health and character requirements.
- For the Regional Provisional stream, demonstrate a taxable income at or above the specified threshold for at least three years.
2. Is there an income requirement for Subclass 191?
Yes, applicants under the Regional Provisional stream must provide proof of taxable income from the Australian Taxation Office for at least three years while holding the qualifying visa.
3. Can I apply for Subclass 191 if I haven't lived in a regional area?
No, applicants must have lived, worked, or studied in a designated regional area for at least three years while holding a qualifying visa. This applies to both the Regional Provisional and Hong Kong (Regional) streams.
4. What is the processing time for Subclass 191 visa applications?
Processing times vary depending on application completeness, responsiveness to information requests, and health/character checks. On average, it can take 6–12 months, but applicants should monitor their application status regularly.
5. Are there any age restrictions for Subclass 191 applicants?
There is no age limit for Subclass 191 itself. However, age restrictions may apply to the qualifying visas (Subclass 491 or 494) that lead to eligibility. Typically, applicants must be under 45 years for Subclass 491 or under 50 for Subclass 485, unless exemptions apply.