Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa
The Subclass 191 visa is the permanent-residence step for skilled migrants who have built their lives in regional Australia. If you've held an eligible regional visa and met its conditions, this is your pathway to becoming a permanent resident. We help you evidence your regional residence and compliance, and lodge a complete application.
Who this visa is for
To qualify, you generally need to:
- Have held a Subclass 491 or Subclass 494 provisional visa for at least three years
- Have substantially complied with your visa conditions, including living, working and studying only in designated regional areas
- Meet any income or evidentiary requirements in force at the time of your application — these settings have been the subject of change, and we confirm exactly what applies to you before you lodge
- Meet the health and character requirements
How the application works
We begin with an eligibility assessment — reviewing your visa conditions, your regional residence and employment, and your supporting evidence — then prepare and lodge your application with the Department. You may generally be in or outside Australia when you apply and when the visa is granted.
Frequently asked questions
Do my family members get permanent residence too?
Generally yes — members of your family unit can be included through a combined application, and they don't need to hold a 491 or 494 themselves. Each family member must meet health and character requirements and have substantially complied with the conditions of any visas they have held.
What if my work situation changed during my 491?
What matters is substantial compliance with your visa conditions across the period. Changes in employment aren't automatically a problem — but they should be assessed properly before you lodge, which is exactly what the diagnosis stage is for.
Can I apply from outside Australia?
Generally yes — you may be in or outside Australia both when you apply and when the visa is granted. We confirm the settings that apply at your time of application.
Ready to get started?
We're based in Perth CBD and assist regional visa holders across Australia. Check your eligibility or Book a consultation to confirm you're ready for permanent residence.
Speak to us about your matter
Visa & Migration Doctors is a migration practice led by Registered Migration Agent (RMA) Sunil Uprety (MARN: 2318234). Based in Perth CBD, assisting clients Australia-wide.
- Phone +61 493 719 431
- Email enquiries@migrationdoctors.com.au
- Office Level 27, 44 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000
Immigration assistance is provided by Sunil Uprety, Registered Migration Agent (MARN: 2318234). Information on this page is general in nature and current at the time of publishing. Requirements, processing times and government policy can change — contact us to confirm the requirements currently in force and any current pricing before you act. This information does not constitute immigration assistance or legal advice. Eligibility depends on your individual circumstances. Last reviewed: July 2026.