191 Visa: Your Complete Guide from Regional to Permanent Residency

Three years. That’s how long David had been working toward this moment. Three years of living in Geelong, working as a software developer, keeping meticulous records, maintaining his income above the threshold. Now he was sitting at his computer, about to lodge his 191 visa application—the final step to Australian permanent residency.

His hands shook slightly as he uploaded the last document. Three years of his life distilled into a set of PDFs: tax returns, payslips, rental agreements, employment letters.

Two months later, David received the email he’d been waiting for:

“We are pleased to inform you that your application for a Skilled Regional (Permanent) visa (subclass 191) has been APPROVED.”

Australian permanent residency. Finally.

David’s journey from provisional regional visa to permanent residency represents the dream pathway for thousands of skilled migrants in Australia right now. If you’re on a 491 visa or 494 visa, or you’re considering the regional pathway, understanding the 191 visa is absolutely critical.

This is your roadmap to permanent residency. Let me show you exactly how to get there.

What Is the 191 Visa?

The Subclass 191 Skilled Regional (Permanent) visa is Australia’s permanent residency pathway for people who have held a 491 or 494 provisional visa and lived and worked in regional Australia.

Think of it as the graduation ceremony after completing your 3-year regional commitment.

What the 191 visa gives you:

• Australian permanent residency (PR)
• Live anywhere in Australia (yes, you can move to Sydney/Melbourne/Brisbane)
• Work in any occupation anywhere in Australia
• Full Medicare access
• Access to social security after waiting periods
• Sponsor eligible family members for PR
• Travel in and out of Australia for 5 years
• Pathway to citizenship after 4 years of PR

Key details:

• Permanent visa (doesn’t expire, though travel facility expires after 5 years)
• No restrictions on where you live or work after grant
• Costs approximately $2,710 for primary applicant
• Processing times currently 6-12 months
• Can include family members in application

The 191 is your ticket to full, unrestricted Australian permanent residency. But you need to earn it first.

Who Can Apply for the 191 Visa?

To be eligible for the 191 visa, you must:

1. Hold (or have held) a 491 or 494 visa for at least 3 years

This is the non-negotiable foundation. You need to have held one of these regional provisional visas:

• Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional – Provisional)
• Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional – Provisional)

Important timing note: Your 3 years starts from the date your 491/494 visa was GRANTED, not from when you moved to Australia or started working.

2. Have lived in a designated regional area for at least 3 years

You must prove you’ve genuinely lived in regional Australia during your provisional visa period. This means:

• Your primary residence was in a regional area
• You maintained a genuine commitment to living regionally
• You can prove residence through leases, bills, etc.

What counts as evidence:

• Rental agreements or mortgage documents
• Utility bills in your name
• Council rates
• Bank statements showing regional address
• Driver’s license with regional address

What doesn’t work:

• Just visiting regional areas on weekends
• Maintaining a metro address while claiming regional living
• Short-term or temporary regional stays

Immigration can and will verify your claimed residence. Be honest and keep thorough records.

3. Have worked in a designated regional area for at least 3 years

Employment in regional Australia is critical. You need to demonstrate:

• You worked in a regional area
• Your employment was genuine
• You met minimum income thresholds

What counts as evidence:

• Employment contracts showing regional employer/location
• Payslips
• Tax returns (showing regional employment income)
• Employer references
• Business Activity Statements (if self-employed)

4. Meet the minimum taxable income threshold

This is where many people get nervous. You need to show you earned at least the minimum taxable income in each of the three years.

Current threshold (2024-25): Approximately $53,900 per year

This amount is indexed annually, so check the current threshold when you’re ready to apply.

Critical details about the income threshold:

• It’s TAXABLE income, not gross salary (after pre-tax deductions)
• Must meet threshold in EACH of the 3 years, not averaged
• Part-time work can count if total income meets threshold
• Multiple jobs can be combined to meet threshold
• Self-employment income counts
• Investment income does NOT count toward threshold
• Government payments (like JobSeeker) do NOT count

Example:

✅ Year 1: $55,000 taxable income – PASS
✅ Year 2: $58,000 taxable income – PASS
✅ Year 3: $54,500 taxable income – PASS

Result: Eligible for 191

❌ Year 1: $55,000 taxable income – PASS
❌ Year 2: $52,000 taxable income – FAIL
❌ Year 3: $60,000 taxable income – PASS

Result: NOT eligible for 191 (failed Year 2)

This is harsh, but it’s the rule. One year below threshold means you don’t qualify, regardless of how much you earned in other years.

5. Comply with all visa conditions during your 491/494 period

You must have:

• Maintained your regional residence
• Complied with all visa conditions
• Not been involved in fraudulent activity
• Met character requirements
• No adverse immigration history

6. Continue to meet health and character requirements

Just like your original 491/494 application, you need:

• Health examinations (if requested)
• Police clearances
• Good character

The 3-Year Timeline: What You Need to Do Each Year

Let me break down what you should be doing during each year of your 491/494 visa to ensure you’re on track for 191 success.

Year 1: Foundation Setting

Employment:

• Secure stable employment in regional area
• Ensure your job will help you meet income threshold
• Get employment contract in writing
• Start building employment history

Residence:

• Sign lease or buy property in regional area
• Put utilities in your name
• Update all addresses (bank, license, etc.)
• Start collecting proof of residence

Record keeping:

• Create a dedicated folder (physical and digital)
• Save all payslips immediately
• Keep all rental/mortgage documents
• Save utility bills
• Take photos/screenshots of everything

Financial planning:

• Calculate if your salary meets threshold after tax
• Plan for potential income fluctuations
• Consider secondary income if close to threshold
• Open Australian bank account in regional area

Year 1 checklist: □ Employed in regional area □ Lease/property in regional area
□ All addresses updated to regional □ Payslips organized and saved □ Tax return filed showing regional income □ Evidence folder started

Year 2: Consistency and Documentation

Employment:

• Maintain stable employment
• If changing jobs, ensure new job is also in regional area
• Keep earning above threshold
• Save all documentation from job changes

Residence:

• Renew lease or maintain property ownership
• Continue keeping bills in your name
• Maintain consistent regional address
• Avoid any extended periods away

Record keeping:

• Continue saving every payslip
• File Year 2 tax return
• Verify you met income threshold
• Update evidence folder

Planning ahead:

• Calculate how much you’ve earned in Year 2
• Confirm you’re on track for threshold
• Plan for Year 3 requirements
• Consider when to lodge 191 (after 3 years + processing time)

Year 2 checklist: □ Still employed in regional area □ Income still above threshold □ Lease renewed/property maintained □ All payslips saved □ Tax return filed for Year 2 □ No visa breaches

Year 3: Final Push and Application Preparation

Employment:

• Maintain employment for full year
• Ensure final year meets income threshold
• Get employment reference letter
• Prepare detailed employment history

Residence:

• Maintain regional residence through end of 3 years
• Don’t move to metro area before 191 is granted!
• Keep final year’s bills and lease documents
• Prepare comprehensive residence evidence

Record keeping:

• File Year 3 tax return
• Gather all 3 years of tax returns
• Organize all payslips from 3 years
• Compile all residence evidence
• Prepare statutory declarations if needed

Application preparation:

• Calculate exact date you’re eligible (3 years from 491/494 grant)
• Gather health insurance details
• Update police clearances
• Prepare family member documentation (if including them)
• Book medical examinations

Year 3 checklist: □ Employed in regional area for full year □ Final year income above threshold □ All 3 tax returns showing threshold met □ All payslips organized □ All residence evidence compiled □ Medical and police checks booked □ 191 application documents ready

The Income Threshold: Strategies for Meeting It

The $53,900 threshold trips people up. Let me give you practical strategies for meeting and maintaining it.

Strategy 1: Full-Time Employment

The most straightforward approach. If your full-time salary is $55,000+, you’re safe.

Calculation example:

• Gross salary: $60,000
• Superannuation (not counted): -$6,000
• Tax withheld: -$8,000
• Taxable income: $60,000 ✓ (Well above threshold)

Strategy 2: Part-Time or Casual Work (Combined)

You can work part-time or casual hours, as long as total taxable income meets threshold.

Example:

• Part-time job (25 hours/week): $38,000
• Second part-time job (10 hours/week): $16,000
• Total taxable income: $54,000 ✓

Strategy 3: Self-Employment

If you run your own business in regional Australia, your business income counts.

Example:

• Business revenue: $120,000
• Business expenses: -$65,000
• Net business income (taxable): $55,000 ✓

Important: Keep immaculate business records. Immigration will scrutinize self-employment income carefully.

Strategy 4: Combination of Employment Types

You can combine:

• Employment income
• Self-employment income
• Freelance/contracting income

As long as the TOTAL meets the threshold.

What DOESN’T count: 

 Investment income (dividends, rent, interest) 

 Government welfare payments (JobSeeker, parenting payment) 

 Gifts or family support 

Income from outside Australia 

Superannuation contributions

Emergency strategies if you’re close to threshold:

If you’re $2,000-$3,000 short:

• Take on second job for final months of year
• Do freelance work in your field
• Ask for overtime hours
• Take on contract projects

If you earn $50,000 in a year: You’re $3,900 short. Options:

• Freelance work: 100 hours at $40/hour = $4,000 ✓
• Second job: 10 hours/week for 10 weeks at $40/hour = $4,000 ✓
• Overtime: 20 hours/month for 5 months at $40/hour = $4,000 ✓

Plan ahead. Don’t wait until December to realize you’re short.

Common Mistakes That Cause 191 Refusals

I’ve seen too many people stumble at the finish line. Don’t let these mistakes derail your PR.

Mistake #1: Not Meeting Income Threshold in One Year

The scenario: Year 1: $55,000 ✓ Year 2: $52,000 ✗ (laid off for 3 months) Year 3: $60,000 ✓

Result: 191 refused. You failed Year 2.

Solution: If you have a low-income year, you may need to work an additional year on your 491/494 to have 3 consecutive years above threshold.

Mistake #2: Moving to Metro Area Too Soon

The scenario: After 3 years on 491, you get excited and move to Sydney. Then you lodge your 191 application showing your current address as Sydney.

Result: Immigration questions whether you genuinely fulfilled 3-year regional commitment. Application scrutinized or refused.

Solution: Stay in regional area until AFTER your 191 is granted. Don’t jump the gun.

Mistake #3: Inadequate Proof of Regional Living

The scenario: You claim you lived in Geelong, but:

• Your bills are in someone else’s name
• Your bank statements show a Melbourne address
• Your driver’s license shows Melbourne
• You can’t provide lease agreement

Result: Immigration doesn’t believe you genuinely lived regionally. Refused.

Solution: Put EVERYTHING in your name at your regional address. Overcollect evidence.

Mistake #4: Employment Gaps Not Explained

The scenario: You have a 4-month gap in employment during Year 2. You don’t explain why in your application.

Result: Immigration questions your commitment to regional Australia. Requests additional evidence or refuses.

Solution: Explain any employment gaps with statutory declarations. Were you:

• Between jobs? (Show you were job hunting in regional area)
• Studying? (Show full-time study enrollment)
• On parental leave? (Show partner met threshold)

Mistake #5: Counting Non-Taxable Income Toward Threshold

The scenario: Your tax return shows:

• Taxable income: $51,000
• But your payslips show gross $58,000

You think you met threshold because gross was $58,000.

Result: Refused. Threshold is TAXABLE income ($51,000 < $53,900).

Solution: Understand the difference between gross income and taxable income. Salary sacrifice super contributions reduce your taxable income.

Mistake #6: Lodging Too Early

The scenario: Your 491 was granted March 15, 2022. You lodge 191 on March 1, 2025 (14 days early).

Result: Refused for not meeting 3-year requirement.

Solution: Count EXACT days. 3 years from grant date means 3 years, not one day sooner.

The 191 Application Process: Step-by-Step

Ready to apply? Here’s exactly what to do.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility (Month before lodging)

• Calculate exact 3-year anniversary of 491/494 grant
• Verify you met income threshold all 3 years
• Confirm you have proof of regional living
• Check you have proof of regional employment

Step 2: Gather Documents

Employment evidence:

• All employment contracts from 3 years
• All payslips from 3 years (yes, ALL of them)
• All 3 tax returns (Notices of Assessment)
• Employer reference letters
• Business Activity Statements (if self-employed)

Residence evidence:

• All lease agreements or property documents
• Utility bills across 3 years (select quarterly samples)
• Bank statements showing regional address
• Driver’s license
• Medicare card
• Vehicle registration

Identity and family:

• Passport copies (all pages)
• Birth certificates
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Children’s birth certificates (if including them)
• Partner’s documents (if including them)

Health and character:

• Police clearances (if in Australia 12+ months)
• Health examinations (if requested by immigration)

Step 3: Book Medical Examinations (if required)

Immigration may request health examinations. If so:

• Find approved panel physician
• Book appointment
• Complete examinations
• Submit eHealth forms

Step 4: Prepare Online Application

• Create ImmiAccount (if you don’t have one)
• Start new 191 visa application
• Fill in all fields carefully
• Upload all documents
• Write clear explanations for any gaps or issues

Step 5: Pay Application Fee

Current fees (2025):

• Primary applicant: $2,710
• Partner (over 18): $1,355
• Child (under 18): $680

Payment methods:

• Credit card
• Debit card
• PayPal

Step 6: Lodge Application

• Review everything one final time
• Submit application
• Save confirmation and receipt
• Note transaction reference number (TRN)

Step 7: Wait for Decision

Typical processing: 6-12 months

During processing:

• Respond quickly to any requests for information
• Keep contact details updated
• Don’t travel extensively (though some travel is fine)
• Maintain health insurance

Step 8: Visa Grant

When granted, you’ll receive:

• Email notification
• Visa grant letter
• VEVO check details

Celebrate! You have Australian permanent residency.

What Happens After 191 Grant?

Immediate benefits:

 You can move anywhere in Australia

• Want to move to Sydney? Go ahead.
• Want to stay in regional area? That’s great too.
• No restrictions whatsoever.

You can work in any occupation

• Change careers if you want
• Start a business anywhere
• No limitations

You can access full Medicare

You can sponsor family members for PR

You can travel freely for 5 years

Timeline to citizenship:

From the date of 191 grant, you need:

• 4 years of PR (total, including any time on previous PR visas)
• Meet residence requirements (physically in Australia for 4 years, including 12 months in last 4 years)
• Pass citizenship test
• Meet character requirements

For most 191 holders:

• 191 granted: Year 0
• Eligible for citizenship: Year 4
• Apply for citizenship: Year 4
• Receive citizenship: Year 4-5

Travel facility:

Your 191 visa lets you travel in/out of Australia for 5 years from grant. After 5 years:

• You’re still a permanent resident
• But you need a Resident Return Visa (RRV) to re-enter Australia
• RRV is easy to get if you’ve lived in Australia

Real Success Stories

David – Software Developer (Geelong)

491 grant: March 2021
191 lodge: April 2024 191 grant: June 2024

“I kept every single payslip. I had a folder with 156 payslips, 3 tax returns, 2 rental agreements, 36 months of electricity bills. When I lodged my 191, I was so confident because I knew I had perfect documentation. Granted in 8 weeks.”

Maria – Nurse (Adelaide)

491 grant: June 2020 Income Year 1: $54,200 ✓ Income Year 2: $51,800 ✗ (maternity leave) Income Year 3: $55,100 ✓ Income Year 4: $56,300 ✓ 191 lodge: July 2024 191 grant: December 2024

“I had a baby in Year 2 and my income dropped below threshold. I panicked. My migration agent explained I could work an extra year. So I did Year 4, and then I had 3 consecutive years above threshold (Years 2-4 didn’t count, so I used Years 2, 3, 4). Longer wait but I still got PR.”

James – Tradie (Perth)

491 grant: August 2021 Self-employed electrician
Income Year 1: $58,000 ✓ Income Year 2: $62,000 ✓ Income Year 3: $55,500 ✓ 191 lodge: August 2024 191 grant: October 2024

“Being self-employed, I was worried immigration would question my income. I prepared detailed business records, bank statements, tax returns, even client invoices. They didn’t ask a single question. Granted in 9 weeks. Perth was the best decision I ever made.”

Your 191 Action Plan

Here’s what to do right now based on where you are in your journey:

If you’re considering regional pathway:

1. Understand 191 requirements before committing
2. Plan for 3+ years in regional Australia
3. Choose regional area with jobs in your field
4. Be ready to meet income threshold

If you’re in Year 1 of 491/494:

1. Set up record-keeping system TODAY
2. Save every payslip
3. Put all bills in your name
4. Verify your income will meet threshold
5. Keep regional address on everything

If you’re in Year 2 of 491/494:

1. Check you met Year 1 threshold
2. Verify you’re on track for Year 2 threshold
3. Continue saving all documentation
4. Don’t switch to metro area yet
5. Maintain consistent regional living

If you’re in Year 3 of 491/494:

1. Verify all 3 years meet threshold
2. Compile all documentation
3. Calculate exact eligibility date
4. Book medical examinations
5. Prepare 191 application
6. Lodge on or after 3-year anniversary

If your 191 is lodged:

1. Respond quickly to any requests
2. Maintain regional residence until granted
3. Keep health insurance current
4. Be patient (6-12 months processing)

The Bottom Line

The 191 visa is your finish line. After 3 years of commitment to regional Australia, you earn full, unrestricted Australian permanent residency.

The journey requires:

• 3 years of regional living
• 3 years of regional work
• Meeting income thresholds
• Meticulous record-keeping

But the reward is worth it:

• Australian PR
• Freedom to live anywhere
• Freedom to work anywhere
• Medicare access
• Path to citizenship

David’s hands shook when he submitted his 191 application because he understood what it meant. Three years of his life, hundreds of hours of work, thousands of dollars invested, all culminating in that one click.

Two months later when he received his PR grant, he called his parents back home.

“I did it,” he told them, voice breaking. “I’m a permanent resident of Australia.”

After years of uncertainty, visa renewals, and temporary status, David finally had what he’d worked so hard for: permanent residency. The freedom to build a life without restrictions.

The 191 visa gave him that freedom.

It can give you that freedom too.

Ready to start your 191 journey? Download our 191 Visa Documentation Checklist to ensure you’re tracking everything you need, or book a consultation to review your specific timeline and requirements. Your permanent residency is 3 years away. Make sure you get there.