If you’re living and working in regional Australia on a 491 or 494 visa, the Subclass 191 visa is your pathway to permanent residency.

This visa allows you to stay in Australia permanently after meeting certain requirements — and it's your reward for committing to life in a regional area.

Who is the 191 Visa For?

You can apply for the 191 visa if you currently hold either:

• A 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa, or

• A 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa

What Counts as a “Designated Regional Area”?

Nearly all of Australia is considered regional, except the major cities: Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. If you’ve been living, working, or studying outside these cities, you’re likely in a designated regional area.

191 Visa Requirements

To be eligible, you must:

If you hold a 491 visa:

• Have lived, worked, or studied in a designated regional area for at least 3 years

• Meet health and character requirements

If you hold a 494 visa:

• Have lived and worked in a designated regional area for at least 3 years

• Meet health and character requirements

No minimum income threshold applies for the 191 visa, making it more accessible than previous permanent residency pathways.

Ready to Go Permanent?

The 191 visa is designed to reward those who contribute to regional communities by offering a clear path to permanent residency. If you’re unsure whether you meet the requirements or need help preparing your application, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Start with a free eligibility check today and find out if you’re ready to apply for the 191 visa.