Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa 191
Permanent visa for 491 and 494 holders after 3 years in regional Australia.
In force
Who it is for
Holders of a 491 or 494 visa who have lived and worked in regional Australia.
Main requirements
- Hold a 491 or 494, held for at least 3 years.
- Notices of assessment from the Australian Taxation Office for 3 income years within the period of the visa. There is no minimum income amount.
- Complied with the conditions of the visa for the whole period.
- Health and character.
Where you apply from
In or outside Australia (not in immigration clearance).
Streams
- Regional Provisional stream (Hong Kong stream: see the Hong Kong stream guide)
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.
- Track your dates
From the start of your 491 or 494, track the 3-year date and lodge tax returns on time.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent reviews compliance across the whole provisional period. - Resolve tax issues
Pay any tax debt or arrange a payment plan.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent flags tax issues that can delay a decision. - 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. - Lodge after 3 years
Apply in ImmiAccount and include eligible family.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent prepares evidence of regional residence and work. - 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
A permanent visa with a 5-year travel facility; 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$) |
|---|---|
| Main applicant | A$630 |
| Family member 18 or over | A$315 |
| Family member under 18 | A$160 |
Check every charge in the Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator.
Processing times
Home Affairs Global visa processing times. Read 22 October 2026. A guide only, not a promise.
| Skilled Regional | 50% in 8 months, 90% in 10 months |
|---|
Common refusal reasons
- Breach of regional residence or work conditions.
- Fewer than 3 income years assessed by the tax office.
- Applying before holding the visa for 3 years.
- Health or character.
Document checklist
Tick items as you gather them. Your ticks stay on this device only.
- Eligibility
- Identity and family
Recent and upcoming changes
No recent changes are listed for this visa. Check the Home Affairs page for the latest information.
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.