191 Skilled Regional Visa

The Australia Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 191) is a pathway to permanent residency designed to encourage skilled workers to contribute to the growth and development of regional areas in Australia. It’s a transition from the temporary Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa, Subclass 491, which mandates a certain period of residence in a designated regional area.

To qualify for the Subclass 191 visa, applicants must have held a Subclass 491 or Subclass 494 visa for at least three years. During this time, they need to have abided by the conditions of their visa, including living, working, and studying in a designated regional area. Additionally, they must demonstrate sufficient taxable income for the specified period, meeting the minimum threshold.

Requirements for your employee to apply for a Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 191)

Applicants must meet the health and character requirements and have no outstanding debts to the Australian government. Like other permanent visas, the Subclass 191 Visa grants access to Australia’s healthcare and social security systems.

One major benefit of the 191 Visa is that it offers direct permanent residency—no two-step process required. It recognizes the applicant’s efforts in supporting regional communities and their dedication to regional development.

The Skilled Regional Visa is a clear pathway to permanent residency for those already living and working in regional Australia. It not only provides the rights of permanent residency but also highlights the vital role skilled migrants play in driving economic growth and strengthening local communities.

Types Of Subclass 191 Skilled Regional Visa Streams

There are two pathways for the 191 Skilled Regional Visa. Which one suits your situation best?

Regional provisional stream

The Regional Provisional Stream grants permanent residency to individuals who have resided and worked in designated Australian regional areas under an eligible visa for a minimum of 3 years, adhering to visa conditions and maintaining a specified income threshold. No sponsorship or nomination is required, offering a straightforward path to permanent residency. Eligibility is based on compliance with visa and income requirements.

Hong Kong stream

Hong Kong Stream: This visa offers eligible Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport holders the opportunity to attain permanent residency in Australia, provided they meet specific visa and residence requirements. No sponsorship or nomination is necessary for this pathway, which caters to individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to Australia.

How To Apply For A 191 Visa

To apply for a 191 Visa, contact K1 Migration. Whether you’re a business looking to sponsor a skilled worker or an individual already sponsored by an employer, our expert team is ready to help. Schedule a discovery call with us to receive clear, strategic advice tailored to your situation.

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    Step 1

    Once you reach out to K1 Migration, we set up a discovery call to understand what your needs are and what Visa best suits you.

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    Step 2

    From there, we will send you a Strategy proposal outlining the steps we will take to assist you in getting a Visa for you to sign off on.

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    Step 3

    Now our team leaps into action, following immigration pathways, taking care of the paperwork and helping you through the entire application process.

Ready to Take the First Step?

Let’s make it happen together. Contact K1 Migration today, and let us help you or your business take the next big step. We’re here to make your move smooth, stress-free, and successful!

Not sure what visa you could be eligible for?

Australian visas can be confusing, especially if you might have more than one option. Use our Visa Finder to view your visa options. 

Want to speak to someone about your case?

Not sure where to go from here? Speak to a registered migration agent about your immigration needs today.

Know what you need and want some pricing?

Know what visa you want to apply for but need some pricing? Get in touch with us and we will get back to you with a fixed price quote.

Frequently Asked Questions

To qualify for the Subclass 191 Visa, applicants must:

  • Hold an eligible regional provisional visa, such as the Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Visa) or Subclass 494 (Employer Sponsored Regional Visa), for at least 3 years.
  • Have complied with all conditions of their regional visa, including living and working in a designated regional area.
  • Earn a minimum taxable income of at least AUD 53,900 per year for at least 3 years.
  • Meet health and character requirements.
  • There is no age limit for this visa.

The Subclass 191 Visa offers numerous advantages:

  • Permanent residency in Australia with the freedom to live and work anywhere in the country.
  • Access to Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system.
  • Ability to sponsor family members for permanent residency.
  • Unlimited travel to and from Australia for 5 years.
  • Pathway to apply for Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements.
  • No points test, nomination, or skills assessment is required.

To transition to the Subclass 191 Visa, you must:

  1. Hold either a 491 or 494 visa for at least 3 years.
  2. Show proof of earning the minimum taxable income threshold (AUD 53,900) for at least 3 years.
  3. Demonstrate compliance with all conditions of your current visa, including living and working in a designated regional area.
  4. Apply for the 191 Visa through the Department of Home Affairs portal with all supporting documents.

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Stay informed with the latest updates, expert insights, and essential resources on Australia’s evolving visa programs. From skilled migration pathways to new visa regulations, K1 Migration provides clear, accurate, and actionable information to help individuals and businesses successfully navigate the complex immigration landscape.

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