The 491 to 191 pathway is a clear bridge from a provisional visa to permanent residency. This journey begins with a temporary visa that requires you to live and work in a regional part of Australia. By contributing to a local community for a set period, you demonstrate your commitment and earn your place. Understanding the rules of this pathway turns confusion into a confident plan for your future.
Why it Matters:
- Provides a pathway to permanent residency for regional skilled workers
- Allows unrestricted work and study rights across Australia
- Enables eligibility for Australian citizenship after 1 year
- No need for sponsorship or additional skills assessment
What is the 491 Visa?
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) is your official starting point. It’s a temporary, five-year visa granted on the understanding that you will live and work regionally. This “provisional” status means it’s a mandatory first step; you must hold it before applying for permanent residency through this pathway.
When you hear “regional,” the definition is broader than you might think. A designated regional area includes most of Australia except for Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. This means vibrant cities like Perth, Adelaide, the Gold Coast, and Canberra are all considered regional, offering a wide range of lifestyle and career opportunities. For more detail about 491 visa read our “Subclass 491 Visa Complete Guide”
What is the Subclass 191 Visa?
The Subclass 191 (Permanent Residence – Skilled Regional) visa is Australia’s permanent residency pathway specifically designed for holders of regional provisional visas. Introduced in November 2022, this visa allows skilled workers who have contributed to regional Australia to transition from temporary to permanent resident status.
The primary purpose of the Subclass 191 visa is to retain skilled migrants in regional areas by rewarding their commitment with permanent residency. It recognizes the valuable contribution regional visa holders make to Australia’s economy and communities outside major cities.
Key Benefits of Permanent Residency
Once granted the Subclass 191 visa, you gain significant advantages that transform your life in Australia:
- Indefinite stay rights with no visa expiry and freedom to live, work, or study anywhere in Australia without regional restrictions
- Access to Medicare for subsidized healthcare, government benefits after waiting periods, and domestic student fees for education
- Ability to sponsor eligible family members for permanent residency and reunite loved ones in Australia
- Eligibility to apply for Australian citizenship after holding permanent residency for just one year (with four years total residence).
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Convert 491 to 191 Visa
Converting your Subclass 491 visa to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 pathway involves five clear stages. Following this systematic approach ensures you meet all requirements and submit a complete application, minimizing delays and maximizing your chances of success.
Step 1 – Check Your Eligibility
Before applying, conduct a thorough self-assessment at least six months before reaching your three-year eligibility date.
- Confirm you’ve held your Subclass 491 visa for at least three years and lived exclusively in designated regional areas
- Check compliance with all visa conditions including regional living (8578), address notification (8579), and employment notification (8580)
- Ensure your passport is valid and you have no character concerns or visa breaches
Step 2 – Gather Required Documents
Collect comprehensive supporting documents and organize them systematically in PDF format for uploading.
- Identity documents: current passport, birth certificate, passport photos, and name change certificates if applicable
- Regional living evidence: lease agreements, utility bills, bank statements, and employment contracts showing regional addresses
- Income proof: three years of tax assessment notices, complete tax returns, payment summaries, and pays bills
- Additional documents: police certificates, health insurance records, and family member documentation
Step 3 – Submit Your Application
Lodge your application online through ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website.
- Online application process via ImmiAccount
- Application form requirements
- Payment of the visa application charge
Step 4 – Wait for Processing
Processing times currently range from 7 to 16 months depending on application complexity.
- The Department verifies your identity, compliance history, tax records, and residential addresses
- You can travel if your 491 visa remains valid, but must maintain regional living conditions
Step 5 – Receive Visa Grant
You’ll receive notification through ImmiAccount confirming your permanent resident status.
- Download your visa grant letter containing your grant number, grant date, and five-year travel facility
- Update all personal records and notify your employer of your new status
- Relocate anywhere in Australia immediately without regional restrictions
- Access Medicare, sponsor relatives, and apply for citizenship after 12 months of permanent residency
If you find any difficulty Book your consultation with the migration to understand the process of your visa application.
How to Meet the Minimum Taxable Income for the 191 Visa
The income requirement relies on an official government assessment. To meet the 191 visa income requirement, you must demonstrate a taxable income of at least the minimum threshold set by the government. This figure is currently $70,000 per year, but you should always check the Department of Home Affairs website for the most current number, as it can change.
Can I Apply for Other Visas While on 491?
Yes, you can apply for other Australian visas while holding a Subclass 491 visa. The Department of Home Affairs does not restrict 491 visa holders from lodging applications for alternative visa pathways. but you are restricted from applying for or being granted most other permanent skilled visas (such as subclass 189, 190 visa, or 186 visa) or partner visas (820) while onshore for the first three years. The primary pathway is to transition to permanent residence via the Subclass 191 visa after meeting 3 years of regional living and work requirements.
The 3 Critical Rules for Converting Your 491 Visa to a 191 Visa Pathway
The journey from the provisional 491 visa is not automatic; you must prove you have met a specific set of rules. The 191 visa eligibility criteria are built around three core requirements that show your genuine commitment to regional Australia.
To successfully apply, you must:
- Hold your 491 visa for at least 3 years.
- Genuinely live and work in a regional area and follow all your 491 visa conditions.
- Show you’ve earned a minimum income for at least 3 of those years.
Simply holding the visa isn’t enough you must provide evidence that you have substantially complied with the conditions. This means keeping records that prove your residency and employment, like rental agreements, utility bills, and employment contracts. The Department of Home Affairs needs to see a clear history of your life in regional Australia.
Cost of 491 to 191 Visa Conversion
Here’s the comparison table between subclass 491 to 191 visa.
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Book Consultation| Expense Type | Initial 491 Visa (Provisional) | 191 Visa (Permanent Conversion) |
| Primary Applicant | $4,910 | $505 |
| Secondary Applicant (18+) | $2,455 | $250 |
| Dependent Child (<18) | $1,230 | $130 |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Navigating the final step to permanent residency is exciting, but simple oversights can derail an application. Understanding common reasons for refusal helps ensure your hard work pays off.
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Failing to Prove Income Correctly:
A major pitfall isn’t just earning enough, but proving it with official ATO Notices of Assessment for at least three years. If you fail to lodge your tax returns on time, you won’t have this essential evidence.
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Working for a Non-Regional Employer:
Your employment must be tied to a regional area. For example, working remotely for a Sydney-based company while living in Newcastle may breach your 491 visa conditions for the PR pathway.
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Submitting Weak Residency Evidence:
A single lease isn’t enough. You need consistent proof like utility bills, bank statements, and community ties spanning the three years to help the government verify your 191 visa eligibility.
Benefits of Transitioning to Subclass 191
After fulfilling your provisional visa obligations, you reach the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa, subclass 191.
The most significant benefit is freedom: you are no longer required to live in a regional area. As a full permanent resident, you can live and work anywhere in Australia. Holding a 191 visa also grants you and your family access to Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system. This valuable benefit helps cover the costs of doctor visits, hospital care, and some medications.
Finally, the 191 visa is your direct path to becoming an Australian citizen. Once you have lived in Australia for the required period as a permanent resident, you can apply for citizenship, securing your long-term future with the right to vote and hold an Australian passport.
CONCLUSION
The 491 to 191 visa pathway represents a structured route to permanent residency for skilled workers committed to regional Australia. By holding your Subclass 491 visa for three years, maintaining regional residence and employment, and earning the minimum taxable income threshold, you position yourself for the transition to unrestricted permanent residency.
Once granted, the Subclass 191 visa removes regional restrictions, provides access to Medicare and government services, and opens the pathway to Australian citizenship within just one year of permanent residency. Ready to transition from your 491 visa to permanent residency? Book a consultation with The migration MARA agents today. We’ll assess your eligibility, review your documentation, and guide you through every step of the Subclass 191 application process.
Frequently Asked Questions
1: How can I get PR after a 491 visa in Australia?
You can obtain permanent residency after holding a Subclass 491 visa for at least 3 years by applying for the Subclass 191 visa. You must have lived and worked in designated regional areas, earned a minimum taxable income annually for 3 years, and complied with all visa conditions.
2: Can I apply for another visa while on 491?
Yes, you can apply for other visas while holding a Subclass 491 visa. Common options include the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa, partner visas, or business visas, depending on your circumstances and eligibility.
3: How to convert 491 to 191 visa?
To convert your 491 to 191 visa, you must meet the 3-year holding period, regional living and working requirements, and minimum income threshold. Then submit an online application through ImmiAccount with supporting documents, including tax returns, employment evidence, and proof of regional residence.
4: Can I apply for a 186 visa while on a 491 visa?
Yes, you can apply for a Subclass 186 ENS visa while holding a 491 visa if you meet the eligibility requirements, including having an eligible employer willing to sponsor you. This provides an alternative pathway to permanent residency.
5: Who is eligible for visa 191?
You’re eligible for the Subclass 191 visa if you hold a 491 or 494 visa for at least 3 years, have lived and worked in designated regional areas, earned minimum taxable income for 3 years, and maintained compliance with all visa conditions.
