Permanent Residence Regional (Subclass 191): PR from 491 or 494
The Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa grants permanent residence to holders of the Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) or Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional) visas who have lived and worked in regional Australia for at least 3 years. You must demonstrate a minimum taxable income of $53,900 per year for 3 of the 5 years you held your provisional visa. The 191 became available on 16 November 2022 for the first eligible applicants.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Visa subclass | 191 |
| Visa type | Permanent |
| Cost | $415 (primary applicant) |
| Eligible from | 491 or 494 visa holders |
| Regional residence | At least 3 years |
| Income threshold | $53,900/year (taxable income) |
| Processing time | 3–12 months |
| Age limit | None (assessed at 491/494 stage) |
Eligibility Requirements
Must Hold a 491 or 494 Visa
You can only apply for the 191 if you currently hold, or have held, a Subclass 491 or Subclass 494 visa. No other provisional or temporary visa qualifies.
3 Years Regional Residence
You must have lived in a designated regional area for at least 3 years while holding your 491 or 494 visa. The regional area definition is the same as for the provisional visa — anywhere in Australia except Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
The 3 years doesn't need to be consecutive, but it must total at least 3 full years. Short trips interstate or overseas are generally acceptable, but prolonged absences from regional Australia may mean you don't meet the requirement.
Income Threshold: $53,900 Per Year
You must have earned a taxable income of at least $53,900 per year for at least 3 of the years you held your provisional visa. This is verified through your ATO Notice of Assessment or tax return records.
Key points about the income threshold:
- It's taxable income, not gross salary — deductions reduce your taxable income
- The $53,900 figure is indexed annually
- Part-time work can meet the threshold if total income is sufficient
- Self-employment income counts if properly declared
- It must be 3 years out of the 5-year provisional visa period (not necessarily the first 3 years)
Example: You hold a 491 visa granted on 1 January 2023. Your income history:
- 2023: $45,000 (doesn't meet threshold — still settling in)
- 2024: $58,000 (meets threshold)
- 2025: $62,000 (meets threshold)
- 2026: $55,000 (meets threshold)
- You now have 3 years meeting the threshold — eligible for 191
Compliance with Provisional Visa Conditions
You must not have breached any conditions of your 491 or 494 visa. Key conditions include:
- Living in a designated regional area
- Notifying the Department of address changes
- Maintaining health insurance (494 holders)
Health and Character
Standard health and character requirements apply, including medical examinations and police clearances if requested.
How to Apply
Step 1: Verify Eligibility
Check that you meet all requirements:
- 3+ years on a 491 or 494 visa in a regional area
- 3 years of taxable income at or above $53,900
- No visa condition breaches
Step 2: Gather Evidence
Income evidence:
- ATO Notice of Assessment for each relevant year
- Tax return summaries from myTax or your accountant
- PAYG payment summaries or income statements
Regional residence evidence:
- Residential lease agreements or mortgage documents
- Utility bills showing your regional address
- Bank statements with regional address
- Employer letters confirming work location
- Children's school enrolment in regional area
Step 3: Lodge Application
Apply through ImmiAccount. The application fee is $415 — significantly lower than most permanent visas.
Step 4: Processing
Processing times vary from 3-12 months. You remain on your provisional visa (with full rights) during processing.
Step 5: Visa Grant
Once granted, you're a permanent resident of Australia with full rights to live and work anywhere in Australia — including moving to Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane if you choose.
What Permanent Residence Gives You
- Live and work anywhere in Australia — no more regional restrictions
- Access Medicare — Australia's public healthcare system
- Social security eligibility (after waiting periods)
- Sponsor family members for migration
- Apply for Australian citizenship after meeting residence requirements
- Travel freely in and out of Australia (travel facility valid for 5 years)
- Pathway to citizenship after 4 years of residency
Common Questions About the Income Threshold
Does My Partner's Income Count?
Each applicant (primary and secondary) must individually meet the income threshold. Your partner's income doesn't supplement yours, and you can't combine household income to reach $53,900 per person.
However, if your partner is the secondary applicant and doesn't work (e.g., full-time carer), they are assessed differently — the Department considers the circumstances.
What If I Had a Gap in Employment?
A period of unemployment doesn't disqualify you, as long as you meet the income threshold in 3 out of 5 years. If you were unemployed for one year, you still have 4 other years to meet the requirement three times.
What About Maternity/Parental Leave?
Paid parental leave counts toward income. Unpaid leave may result in a year where you don't meet the threshold, but again, you only need 3 out of 5 years.
Do Centrelink Payments Count?
Government payments (Centrelink) are generally included in taxable income and count toward the threshold.
491 vs 494 Pathway to 191
| Feature | From 491 | From 494 |
|---|---|---|
| Provisional visa type | Points-tested skilled | Employer sponsored |
| Provisional duration | 5 years | 5 years |
| Regional requirement | 3 years | 3 years |
| Income threshold | $53,900 × 3 years | $53,900 × 3 years |
| PR visa cost | $415 | $415 |
| Employer dependency | No | During 494, not for 191 |
Both pathways lead to the same outcome — permanent residence through the Subclass 191.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I move to Sydney or Melbourne after getting the 191?
Yes. Once your 191 is granted, you're a permanent resident with no geographical restrictions. You can live and work anywhere in Australia.
Do I need to continue working in the same occupation?
No. The 191 has no occupation or employment restrictions. You can change careers, start a business, or do anything else.
What if my 491 or 494 visa expires before the 191 is processed?
If you've lodged a valid 191 application before your provisional visa expires, you'll receive a bridging visa that maintains your status until a decision is made.
Can my children apply with me?
Yes. Family members (partner and dependent children) included on your 491 or 494 visa can be included on the 191 application.
Is the $53,900 threshold likely to increase?
Yes, it's indexed annually. Check the Department of Home Affairs website for the current figure when you're ready to apply.
What if I earned income from outside Australia?
The threshold is based on Australian taxable income. Overseas income may be included in your Australian tax return if you're a tax resident of Australia, but the specifics depend on your tax situation. Consult a tax professional.
