Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa – subclass 191
This visa allows workers who hold an eligible visa and meet an income requirement to live and work in Australia permanently.
The Australia Subclass 191 Visa, known as the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa, provides skilled workers and their families a pathway to permanent residency in Australia. It is specifically tailored for individuals who have lived, worked, or studied in regional areas of Australia or for certain eligible Hong Kong visa holders.
This blog explains the two streams under the Subclass 191 Visa, their requirements, eligibility criteria, costs, sponsorship details, and other essential information.
Overview of the Subclass 191 Visa
The Subclass 191 Visa is a permanent residency visa introduced to incentivize skilled workers to live and contribute to regional Australia. Its objective is to promote population growth and economic development outside metropolitan areas while offering certain privileges to Hong Kong residents.
Streams Under Subclass 191 Visa
The Subclass 191 Visa has two distinct streams:
1. Regional Provisional Stream
This stream is for individuals who have previously held an eligible provisional visa, such as the Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) Visa or the Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional) Visa.
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2. Hong Kong Stream
The Hong Kong Stream is for Hong Kong and British National (Overseas) passport holders who have been living in Australia on certain temporary visas.
Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 191 Visa
The criteria for the Subclass 191 Visa vary depending on the stream. Below is a detailed breakdown.
1. Regional Provisional Stream
To qualify for the Regional Provisional Stream, you must:
- Hold an Eligible Provisional Visa:
- Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa) or
- Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa).
- Residency and Work Requirements:
- Have lived, worked, or studied in a designated regional area for at least three years.
- Comply with visa conditions during your provisional visa period.
- Meet the Income Threshold:
- Demonstrate a taxable income of at least AUD 53,900 per year for at least three years during your eligible provisional visa period.
- Health and Character Requirements:
- Meet Australia’s standard health and character requirements.
2. Hong Kong Stream
To qualify for the Hong Kong Stream, you must:
- Be a Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) Passport Holder.
- Hold an Eligible Temporary Visa:
- Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage Visa)
- Subclass 457 (Temporary Work (Skilled) Visa)
- Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate Visa)
- Residency Requirement:
- Have lived in Australia for at least four years immediately before applying for the Subclass 191 Visa while holding an eligible temporary visa.
- Health and Character Requirements:
- Meet the standard health and character checks.
Age Requirements
Unlike many other Australian visas, there are no age restrictions for the Subclass 191 Visa. However, your eligibility for the prerequisite visas, such as the Subclass 491 or Subclass 494, may have age limitations.
Sponsorship Requirements
For the Subclass 191 Visa:
- Regional Provisional Stream: Sponsorship is not required. However, sponsorship might have been required for your initial Subclass 491 Visa (e.g., sponsorship by an eligible family member or state/territory government).
- Hong Kong Stream: Sponsorship is not required.
Cost of Subclass 191 Visa
The cost of the Subclass 191 Visa is:
- Primary Applicant: AUD 435.
- Additional Adult Applicants: AUD 220 per person.
- Additional Child Applicants: AUD 110 per person.
You may incur additional charges for health checks, police certificates, and biometrics.
Application Process for Subclass 191 Visa
Here are the steps to apply for the Subclass 191 Visa:
- Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet the requirements for your relevant stream (Regional Provisional or Hong Kong Stream).
- Prepare Documents: Collect necessary documents, including proof of regional residency, income records, and identity documents.
- Apply Online: Lodge your application through the Department of Home Affairs’ ImmiAccount portal.
- Pay the Visa Fee: Ensure payment of the appropriate fee during application submission.
- Processing Time: Visa processing times may vary, but it usually takes several months.
Key Differences Between the Two Streams
| Feature | Regional Provisional Stream | Hong Kong Stream |
|---|---|---|
| Eligible Visa Types | Subclass 491 or 494 | Subclass 482, 457, or 485 |
| Residency Requirement | 3 years in regional Australia | 4 years anywhere in Australia |
| Income Threshold | AUD 53,900 annually for 3 years | No income threshold |
| Passport Requirement | No specific passport required | Must hold a Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport |
Benefits of Subclass 191 Visa
Holders of the Subclass 191 Visa enjoy the following benefits:
- Permanent Residency: Ability to live and work anywhere in Australia permanently.
- Social and Healthcare Benefits: Access to Medicare and other social services.
- Pathway to Citizenship: Eligibility to apply for Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements.
- Family Inclusion: Ability to include eligible family members in your application.
- Sponsorship Rights: Opportunity to sponsor eligible relatives for visas.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I move to a metropolitan area after obtaining the Subclass 191 Visa?
Yes. Once you are granted the Subclass 191 Visa, you are free to live and work anywhere in Australia, including metropolitan areas.
2. Do I need to meet the income threshold under the Hong Kong Stream?
No. The income threshold requirement only applies to the Regional Provisional Stream.
3. Can family members apply with me?
Yes, family members, such as spouses and dependent children, can be included in your application.
4. Is the visa cost refundable if my application is denied?
No. Visa fees are generally non-refundable, even if your application is refused.
Conclusion
The Subclass 191 Visa provides a fantastic opportunity for individuals and families to transition to permanent residency in Australia. Whether you’re a skilled worker in a regional area or a Hong Kong national on a temporary visa, this visa opens doors to a stable and prosperous life in Australia.
For assistance with your application or to clarify your eligibility, consider consulting a registered migration agent or visiting the official Australian Department of Home Affairs website.
