191 Visa Conditions and Benefits You Should Know
- Jasmeet Kaur
- Aug 29
- 3 min read
If you’re currently holding a skilled regional visa like the 491 visa or the 494 visa, you may already be planning your next step toward permanent residency in Australia. That’s where the 191 visa comes in. Officially called the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191), this visa gives eligible migrants a clear pathway to live and work in Australia permanently.
In this blog, we’ll break down the 191 visa conditions, its key benefits, and why working with a migration consultant can make the process smoother and stress-free.
What is the 191 Visa?
The 191 visa is designed for people who have lived and worked in designated regional areas of Australia while holding a temporary skilled regional visa. It is essentially the reward for fulfilling your obligations under the 491 or 494 visa.
The subclass 191 visa became available on 16 November 2022 and has quickly become a popular pathway for skilled workers and their families to secure permanent residency in Australia.
191 Visa Eligibility Conditions
To apply for the 191 visa, you need to meet specific requirements. Here are the main 191 visa conditions you should know:
1. Hold an Eligible Visa
You must have held either:
A Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (491), or
A Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (494).
2. Meet the Residency Requirement
Applicants must have lived, worked, or studied in a designated regional area of Australia for at least 3 years while holding an eligible visa.
3. Income Requirement
For each of the 3 years, you must have earned at least the taxable income threshold set by the Department of Home Affairs (currently AUD 53,900 per year). Proof of income, such as ATO notices of assessment, will be required.
4. Visa Conditions Compliance
You must have complied with the conditions of your 491 or 494 visa. This includes living only in regional areas and not breaching work or study requirements.
5. Health and Character Checks
As with all permanent visas, you and any family members included in the application must meet the standard health and character requirements.
Benefits of the 191 Visa
Getting the 191 visa comes with several advantages that make it one of the most attractive permanent residency options for skilled migrants.
1. Permanent Residency in Australia
The biggest benefit is that the 191 visa grants you permanent residency. This means you can stay in Australia indefinitely without worrying about renewing temporary visas.
2. Work and Study Freedom
With the 191 visa, you can work and study anywhere in Australia, not just in regional areas. You’re no longer restricted by location or employer sponsorship.
3. Access to Medicare
As a permanent resident, you gain access to Australia’s public healthcare system (Medicare), which can help reduce your medical expenses significantly.
4. Pathway to Australian Citizenship
The 191 visa puts you on the path to citizenship. After meeting residency requirements, you can apply for Australian citizenship and enjoy full rights, including voting.
5. Sponsor Family Members
Once you hold the 191 visa, you can sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residency in Australia. This can help bring your loved ones closer.
6. Travel Rights
You can travel freely in and out of Australia for 5 years from the date of grant. After this, you can apply for a Resident Return Visa (RRV) if you haven’t yet secured citizenship.
Common Challenges with the 191 Visa
While the pathway is straightforward, there are challenges that many applicants face:
Meeting the income requirement for 3 consecutive years can be difficult if employment is unstable.
Regional obligations mean you can’t move to metropolitan areas until you’re eligible to apply.
Paperwork and compliance can be overwhelming, especially when proving income and residency.
This is where an experienced migration consultant can be invaluable.
Why Work with a Migration Consultant?
The 191 visa application may look simple on paper, but missing documents or misinterpreting requirements can lead to delays or even refusals. A registered migration consultant can help you by:
Checking your eligibility before applying.
Ensuring all documents, especially income and residency evidence, are properly prepared.
Advising on any complex situations, such as breaks in employment.
Guiding you through health and character requirements.
Saving time and reducing stress by handling the paperwork for you.
Final Thoughts
The 191 visa is one of the most reliable ways for skilled migrants in regional Australia to secure permanent residency. By meeting the visa conditions—such as living in regional areas, maintaining your income level, and complying with your previous visa—you can unlock a future of stability and opportunity in Australia.
The benefits of the 191 visa, from PR rights to pathways for citizenship, make it highly valuable for anyone looking to build a long-term life in Australia.
If you’re considering applying, consulting with a trusted migration consultant can make the process smoother and increase your chances of success.
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