Skilled Regional (Permanent Residence) Visa (Subclass 191) – Permanent Residency in Australia
This visa is designed for people who have lived, worked, and studied in regional Australia on an eligible provisional visa.
What This Visa Allows You To Do:
- Live permanently in Australia
- Work or study anywhere in Australia without restrictions
- Apply for Australian citizenship when eligible
- Sponsor eligible family members to join you in Australia
Eligibility Criteria:
- You must hold an eligible regional provisional visa (Subclass 491 or 494) at the time of applying for Subclass 191
- Have lived in a designated regional area for at least 3 years
- Comply with all conditions of your current or previous eligible regional visa (for both primary and secondary applicants)
Duration of Stay:
- This is a permanent visa, allowing you to stay in Australia indefinitely
- Your permanent residency starts from the date your visa is granted, which also counts towards Australian citizenship eligibility
Travel Rights:
- The visa includes a 5-year travel facility from the date of grant
- After 5 years, you may need to apply for a Resident Return Visa (RRV) to travel in and out of Australia as a permanent resident
Family Inclusion:
- Eligible family members holding a qualifying visa can be included in your application
- Family members must be added when lodging your application, not after
- Family members who have aged out (e.g., children over 23) but held a qualifying visa as family can still be included
- All family members must meet Australian health and character requirements, even if they are not migrating
Application Process:
- You must be inside Australia when applying and when your visa is granted
- Processing times vary depending on individual circumstances
- Delays can occur if applications are incomplete or documents are missing
- The application will not proceed if fees are unpaid or information is unverified
Important Conditions:
- You must continue to hold an eligible Subclass 491 or 494 visa when applying
- Maintain residence and income requirements in a designated regional area for at least 3 years
- Comply with all conditions attached to your provisional visa