Last updated 28 Apr 2026

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The Subclass 191 visa is a permanent residency visa for skilled migrants who have lived and worked in regional Australia on an eligible provisional visa.

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According to the Department of Home Affairs, this visa is designed for applicants who:

• Hold a Subclass 491 visa or Subclass 494 visa

• Have met residency and tax requirements

• Have complied with all visa conditions

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This visa is the final PR step, not an entry visa. Unlike the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) or the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190), the Subclass 191 visa requires prior residence and employment in regional Australia.

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Quick Eligibility Check for 191 Visa

You can apply for the 191 visa if:

• You hold a 491 visa or 494 visa

• You have held it for at least 3 years

• You have 3 ATO Notices of Assessment

• You complied with all visa conditions

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You are not eligible yet if:

• You haven’t reached the 3-year mark

• You don’t have complete tax records

• You breached visa conditions

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What is 191 Visa?

The Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191):

• Grants permanent residency

• Does not require sponsorship or nomination at this stage

• Is only available after holding:

  • Subclass 491 (points-tested)

  • Subclass 494 (employer-sponsored regional)

 

You cannot apply directly for this visa.

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191 Visa Pathway

Step 1 — Get a Regional Visa

You must first hold:

• 491 visa (points-tested), or

• 494 visa (employer-sponsored)

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See full system in our employer sponsored visa page

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Step 2 — Live, Work, and Stay Compliant (3 Years)

You must:

• Hold your visa for at least 3 years from grant date

• Follow all visa conditions

• Lodge tax returns each year

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Step 3 — Meet ATO Evidence Requirement

You must provide:

• 3 Notices of Assessment from the ATO

• Covering 3 income years within 5 years

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Step 4 — Apply for Permanent Residency

Once approved:

• You become a permanent resident of Australia

• No more regional restrictions

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191 Visa Hong Kong Stream (Alternative Pathway)

The 191 visa also includes a separate pathway for eligible Hong Kong and British National (Overseas) passport holders.

This stream operates under different eligibility settings compared to the standard regional provisional pathway.

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Who this applies to

You may be eligible if you hold:

• A Hong Kong SAR passport

• A British National (Overseas) passport

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Key differences

• You do not need to hold a Subclass 491 or Subclass 494 visa

• You must meet specific residence and visa history requirements

• You must have lived in a designated regional area for at least 3 years immediately before applying

• You must have complied with all visa conditions during your stay

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According to the Department of Home Affairs, this pathway is designed specifically for eligible Hong Kong passport holders and does not apply to general skilled migration applicants.

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Visa outcome

• Permanent residency

• Full work and study rights in Australia

• Ability to apply for citizenship if eligible

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Cost

• From AUD 4,910 for the main applicant

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Important

This pathway is limited to eligible passport holders and has different eligibility rules. It is not part of the standard 491 or 494 to 191 pathway.

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191 Visa Requirements

1. Hold an Eligible Visa

You must:

• Hold a Subclass 491 or 494 visa

• Hold it for at least 3 years

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2. ATO Income Requirement

You must provide:

• 3 Notices of Assessment from the ATO

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Important clarification

• There is NO fixed minimum income threshold under current settings

• The requirement is based on taxable income records, not a specific salary

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The real test is:

• You were working

• You were compliant

• You were contributing economically

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3. Comply With Visa Conditions

You must comply with all conditions of your 491 or 494 visa:

• Regional residence obligations

• Work limitations (especially for 494)

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Non-compliance = risk of refusal

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4. Health and Character Requirements

You must:

• Pass health checks

• Provide police clearance

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5. Government Debt Requirement

If you owe money to the government:

• You must repay it or arrange payment before decision

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Not sure if you meet the 191 visa requirements?

A structured assessment can help you confirm your eligibility based on your visa history, ATO records, and compliance with visa conditions.​​​​​