Permanent residence (skilled regional)
(subclass 191)
On a 191 visa you can work and study throughout Australia, sponsor eligible family members for permanent residence, and potentially become an Australian citizen. To qualify, hold an eligible visa for at least three years and provide notices of assessment from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for three income years within the five years of your eligible 491 or 494 visa.Â
Notably, there’s no minimum income requirement. Ensure compliance with the conditions of your eligible visa to enjoy these opportunities. This pathway offers a comprehensive approach to building a life in Australia, combining work, study, family sponsorship, and potential citizenship. You can apply for this visa online through the ImmiAccount.
With 191 visa you can
- Permanent Residency: Enjoy the privilege of residing permanently in Australia.
- Work and Study Opportunities: Engage in work and study activities throughout Australia.
- Medicare Enrollment: Access Australia’s public healthcare scheme, Medicare, for comprehensive healthcare.
- Family Sponsorship: Sponsor your relatives to join you and establish a family presence in Australia.
- 5-Year Travel Entitlement: Travel to and from Australia without restrictions for a duration of five years.
- Australian Citizenship Eligibility: If eligible, apply for Australian citizenship to further integrate into the community.
This pathway offers a diverse and enriching experience, providing stability, educational and career opportunities, healthcare benefits, family reunification, and the potential for long-term citizenship. Stay informed to make the most of your Australian journey.
How long you can stay on permanent residence 191 visa
This visa is your pathway to permanent residency in Australia, allowing you to stay indefinitely. The visa includes a travel component valid for five years from the grant date. If you plan to travel beyond this period, you’ll need to apply for a Resident Return visa. Notably, for citizenship purposes, your permanent residence is considered effective from the day the visa is granted, provided you are in Australia. This visa offers a lasting solution for those seeking permanent residency, with considerations for travel and potential citizenship. Stay informed to make the most of your Australian residency.
Include family
- Family Inclusion: Include family members in your visa application either during submission or after but before the decision.
- Eligibility and Application: Generally, family members don’t need an eligible visa, but if circumstances change, they must hold an eligible visa granted based on family unit status.
- Health and Character Requirements: Family members included in the application, whether coming to Australia or not, must meet health and character standards.
- Flexible Process: This approach provides flexibility in adding family members to your visa application, ensuring a smooth and informed process. Stay updated to navigate these requirements effectively.
Newborn children
If your child is born in Australia after your current visa was granted, it’s crucial to inform us before submitting this application. Learn what steps to take if your child is born post the visa grant. If we haven’t linked your child’s current visa to their passport, you won’t be able to submit their application online. Ensuring prompt communication about your child’s birth is essential for a smooth application process. Stay informed to address these circumstances effectively.
Cost of 191 visa
For Regional Provisional stream
Visa Government Costs:
- Main applicant: AUD $490.00
- Additional applicant (18 and above): AUD $245.00 each
- Additional applicant (under 18): AUD $125.00 each.
For Hong Kong stream
Visa Government Costs:
- Main applicant: AUD $4765.00
- Additional applicant (18 and above): AUD $2380.00 each
- Additional applicant (under 18): AUD $1195.00 each.
Additional Costs:
- Other expenses may apply for health checks, police certificates, and biometrics.
Ensure you’re aware of these fees for a comprehensive understanding of the visa application process. Stay informed to navigate the financial aspects effectively.
Apply from
Apply for the visa whether you’re inside or outside Australia; it doesn’t matter. Your location won’t impact the application process, but it’s important not to be in immigration clearance during this time. Ensure you’re in a suitable location to complete the application without any immigration clearance constraints. Stay informed for a smooth and hassle-free application experience.
191 visa processing time
To estimate 191 visa processing time, refer to the visa processing time guide tool, displaying recent application decisions. However, it’s a general guide and not tailored to your specific case.
Our assessment is individualized, influenced by factors such as the completeness of your application, your prompt responses to information requests, and the time taken for necessary checks. Variances may occur due to information retrieval from external agencies, especially concerning health, character, and national security requirements. Additionally, the availability of migration program slots plays a role. Stay informed about these factors for a realistic expectation of processing times.
Eligibility for 191 visa
Have an eligible visa
When applying for 191 visa, ensure you possess an eligible visa and have held it for a minimum of 3 years before submitting your application. The eligible visas are subclass 491 or subclass 494. Adhering to this requirement is crucial for a successful application process. Stay informed about the visa criteria to ensure a smooth and compliant submission. residency may be limited.
Satisfy the income requirement
There’s no specific income requirement. However, you’re required to furnish notices of assessment from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for 3 out of the 5 income years of your eligible visa. This ensures a straightforward and transparent documentation process for your application. Stay informed about these financial aspects to navigate the application with ease.
Comply with the conditions of your eligible visa
You must adhere to the conditions of your eligible visa throughout your stay in Australia. This requirement is applicable for the entire duration of holding the visa(s). Ensuring compliance with visa conditions is essential for a trouble-free and lawful stay. Stay informed about these obligations to navigate your visa responsibilities seamlessly.
Meet our health requirement
You and any family members applying for the visa with you must satisfy our health requirements. This obligation extends to family members not intending to travel to Australia, who may also be subject to the health requirement. Ensuring compliance with these health standards is crucial for a smooth visa application process. Stay informed about the health requirements to navigate your application seamlessly and meet the necessary criteria.
Meet our character requirement
You and family members aged 16 years and above, applying for the visa together, must meet our character requirements. Additionally, family members not planning to travel to Australia are also required to fulfill the character requirement. Ensuring adherence to these character standards is essential for a seamless visa application process. Stay informed about the character requirements to smoothly navigate your application and fulfill the necessary criteria.
Sign the Australian values statement
If you’re 16 or older, you need to:
- Familiarize yourself with the Life in Australia booklet, either by reading it or having it explained to you.
- Sign an Australian Values Statement, affirming your commitment to respecting the Australian way of life and complying with Australian laws. This step is integral to your visa application process, demonstrating your understanding and adherence to the values upheld in Australia. Stay informed and follow these requirements for a successful application.
Pay back your debt to the Australian Government
If you or any family members have debts to the Australian Government, repayment is mandatory. Arrangements can be made to settle the owed amount. This obligation applies to all family members, even those not included in your visa application. Taking steps to address outstanding debts is crucial for a smooth visa application process. Stay informed about these financial responsibilities to ensure compliance and facilitate a successful application experience.
No prior visa cancellations or application refusals
Your immigration history significantly influences visa eligibility, and having a visa cancellation or refusal may impact your application. However, there are circumstances where applying for a permanent visa is still possible after a visa cancellation or refusal.
You can be in or outside Australia when you apply for the visa and when the Department decides on your application. You cannot be in immigration clearance.
If you require immigration assistance, explore options for professional support in your visa application process. Understanding your immigration history is vital for a well-informed and successful application experience.