Australia remains one of the most popular destinations for skilled migrants seeking a better quality of life, excellent job opportunities, and a secure future for their families. Among the various pathways to achieving Australia PR (Permanent Residency), the Subclass 191 Visa plays a crucial role for those who have lived and worked in regional Australia on a provisional visa.
But the question many aspiring migrants ask is: Can I apply directly for the 191 visa?
In this blog, Cross Border Education, a leading name in immigration consulting, explains everything you need to know about the 191 visa - eligibility criteria, process, benefits, and whether a direct application is possible.
What is the Subclass 191 Visa?
The Subclass 191 Visa, officially called the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa, is a pathway to permanent residency for migrants who have already lived and worked in regional Australia on a provisional skilled visa, such as the Subclass 491 or Subclass 494.
This visa aims to reward migrants who commit to contributing to regional development and demonstrate self-sufficiency over a certain period. Once granted, the 191 visa allows you and your family to:
- Stay in Australia permanently
- Work and study anywhere in the country
- Enroll in Medicare
- Sponsor eligible family members for permanent residency
Can You Apply Directly for the 191 Visa?
The short answer is: No, you cannot apply directly for the Subclass 191 visa.
The 191 visa is not a standalone visa that is open to all applicants. It is a second-stage visa that follows a period of living and working in regional Australia under a provisional visa such as:
- Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional – Provisional)
- Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional – Provisional)
In other words, you must first hold and fulfill the requirements of a 491 or 494 visa before becoming eligible for the 191 visa.
Eligibility Criteria for the Subclass 191 Visa
To be eligible for the Subclass 191 visa, you must meet the following key requirements:
1. Hold an Eligible Visa: You must have held either a Subclass 491 or Subclass 494 visa for at least 3 years before you can apply for the 191 visa. These provisional visas are issued to skilled workers who agree to live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia.
2. Minimum Taxable Income: You must demonstrate that you have earned a minimum taxable income (as set by the Department of Home Affairs) for at least 3 financial years out of the 5 years while holding the 491 or 494 visa. This income requirement ensures that you have actively contributed to the economy and have remained self-reliant during your stay.
3. Compliance with Visa Conditions: You must have complied with all visa conditions imposed under the 491 or 494 visas, including living in designated regional areas, working in regional areas and avoiding restricted zones.
4. No Direct Sponsorship Required: Unlike employer-nominated or state-nominated visas, the 191 visa does not require further sponsorship or nomination once you fulfill the above conditions.
Why Can’t You Apply Directly for the 191 Visa?
The Subclass 191 visa is part of a strategic migration model designed to promote population and economic growth in regional Australia. The government wants migrants to spend a few years contributing to underpopulated areas before they are granted permanent residency.
This structure offers a number of advantages for both the government and migrants:
- It ensures that regional areas benefit from migration
- It offers migrants a clear and achievable path to PR
- It encourages long-term settlement in rural and developing zones
Pathway to Subclass 191: Step-by-Step Guide
At Cross Border Education, we help you understand the entire journey to the 191 visa:
Step 1: Apply for a Provisional Regional Visa (491 or 494)
This is the first step in your journey to Australia PR via the regional pathway. Depending on your profile, you may apply for the:
- Subclass 491 Visa - This requires state nomination or sponsorship by an eligible relative
- Subclass 494 Visa - This requires employer sponsorship in a regional area
Step 2: Fulfill the Visa Conditions Over 3 Years
You must live and work in a regional area, stay compliant with visa conditions, and meet the taxable income threshold. This is a critical period where proper planning and documentation are essential.
Step 3: Apply for the Subclass 191 Visa
Once eligible, you can submit your application for the 191 visa without needing further sponsorship or nomination. The process involves submitting evidence of income, regional compliance, and other supporting documents.
Key Benefits of the 191 Visa
The Subclass 191 visa comes with many long-term benefits, making it one of the most attractive pathways to permanent residency in Australia:
- Full Permanent Residency Rights: You will gain the same rights as other PR holders, including access to healthcare, education, and public services.
- Pathway to Citizenship: After holding the 191 visa for a certain period and meeting the residency requirements, you can apply for Australian citizenship.
- Freedom of Movement: Once you obtain the 191 visa, you can move freely and live in any part of Australia, not just regional areas.
- Sponsor Family Members: You can sponsor your spouse, children, or other eligible relatives for permanent residency.
Why Choose Cross Border Education?
At Cross Border Education, we specialize in guiding skilled professionals through every stage of their Australian migration journey from skills assessment and EOI submission to visa applications and PR transitions.
Here’s how we can support you:
- Detailed eligibility check for 491 or 494 visa
- Assistance with regional compliance and documentation
- Taxable income guidance and reminders
- Full support in preparing and lodging the 191 visa application
- Expert consultation for citizenship and family sponsorship pathways
With our in-depth understanding of Australian immigration laws and hands-on experience, we ensure that your dream to immigrate to Australia becomes a reality!
