The Skilled Regional (Permanent) Visa (subclass 191)
- Skilled Visas
- The Skilled Regional (Permanent) Visa (subclass 191)
Who is this Visa for?
You (the applicant) are a skilled worker who currently holds an eligible regional provisional visa (such as a 491 or 494).
You have lived and worked in a designated regional area for at least three years while holding your eligible visa.
You have met the minimum taxable income requirements for each of the required years.
You want to become a permanent resident of Australia.
Skilled Visas
Everything you need to know about this visa
The Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (subclass 191) is the pathway to permanent residency for holders of regional provisional visas such as the 491 or 494. This visa does not require a points test, skills assessment, or employer/state sponsorship. Instead, eligibility is based on your compliance with the conditions of your provisional visa — including having lived, worked, and earned an eligible income in a designated regional area for a minimum of three years. Once granted, the 191 visa provides full permanent residency rights for you and eligible family members.
Key Points at a Glance
- Permanent residency – Grants you and your family the right to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia.
- No sponsorship required – You qualify based on your completed regional provisional visa requirements.
- No points test – Assessment is based on income and regional residence requirements, not points.
- Work and study rights – Full unrestricted rights throughout Australia.
- Family included – Eligible family members can be included for permanent residency.
- Pathway to citizenship – As a permanent resident, you can apply for Australian citizenship once you meet the residency criteria.
You can read more about the Skilled Work Regional Visas (subclass 191) on the Department of Home Affairs website
