Hong Kong stream 189 / 191
Permanent residence for Hong Kong and British National (Overseas) passport holders who have held a 457, 482 or 485 visa for 4 years (3 years in regional areas).
In force
Who it is for
Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport holders in Australia on an eligible temporary visa (457, 482 or 485 granted as the main applicant). The 189 stream needs 4 years of residence; the 191 stream needs 3 years living, working or studying in a designated regional area.
Main requirements
- Hold a Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport when you apply.
- 189: hold an eligible 457, 482 or 485 visa (main applicant) held for at least 4 years, and usually resident in Australia for a continuous 4 years before applying. Visas cannot be combined to meet the period.
- 191: hold an eligible visa for at least 3 years, usually resident in a designated regional area for a continuous 3 years, and any work or study in that period done in a designated regional area.
- Complied with the conditions of the eligible visa.
- Functional English or pay the second instalment; health and character.
Where you apply from
In or outside Australia, not in immigration clearance.
Your journey, step by step
From the first enquiry to the decision and after, with how a registered migration agent helps at each step. No step promises an outcome.
- First enquiry
You tell us your current visa, where you are, your family and any past refusals or cancellations.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent identifies your current visa, its conditions and expiry, and any early risk. - Check the visa and residence period
Confirm the single eligible visa held for the full period and continuous residence.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent checks visa history and residence carefully, because visas cannot be combined. - Service agreement
Before any personal advice or preparation, you receive a written service agreement and the OMARA Consumer Guide.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent sets out the work, the fee and the refund policy in writing. No money is taken for visa work before the agreement is signed. - Evidence
Passport, visa grant, residence evidence and, for 191, regional work or study evidence.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent prepares residence and regional evidence. - Lodge
Lodge in ImmiAccount and include family members.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent lodges a complete application. - Health, police and biometrics
Health examinations, police certificates and biometrics when the Department asks.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent tracks every request and deadline so nothing lapses. - Permanent residence
Medicare, family sponsorship and citizenship when eligible.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent plans citizenship timing.
Government charges from 1 July 2026
Paid to the Department of Home Affairs, not to us.
| Applicant or item | Charge (A$) |
|---|---|
| 189 Hong Kong stream, main applicant | A$6,135 |
| 189: family member 18 or over | A$3,070 |
| 189: family member under 18 | A$1,535 |
| 191 Hong Kong stream, main applicant | A$6,135 |
| 191: family member 18 or over | A$3,065 |
| 191: family member under 18 | A$1,535 |
| Second instalment, each applicant 18 or over without functional English | A$4,885 |
Check every charge in the Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator.
Processing times
Not listed separately in the Home Affairs processing time guide. Read 22 October 2026. A guide only, not a promise.
| Processing time | Not published. Home Affairs processing times |
|---|
Common refusal reasons
- Eligible visa not held for the full period, or visas combined.
- Residence not continuous, or outside a designated regional area (191).
- Visa condition breaches.
- Health or character.
Document checklist
Tick items as you gather them. Your ticks stay on this device only.
- Eligibility
- Family
Recent and upcoming changes
- 1 July 2026
Charges from 1 July 2026: main applicant A$6,135.
Talk it through before you apply.
The first 15 minutes are free and general. Personal advice starts after a written service agreement.
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice for your situation. Rules and charges change; check the official sources before you act.