Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191)

 Australia offers a range of visas for individuals who wish to live and work in the country. One such visa is the Skilled Regional visa (subclass 191), which provides a pathway to permanent residency for those who have lived and worked in regional areas of Australia. The visa is designed to encourage skilled workers to live and work in regional areas, which in turn helps to boost the economy and support local communities. In this post, we will explore the key features and benefits of the Skilled Regional visa (subclass 191), and provide an overview of the requirements and application process.

What is the 191 visa?

The 191 visa, also known as the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa, is a permanent visa category that allows skilled workers to live and work in regional areas of Australia. This visa was introduced in November 2022, as a part of the Australian government's initiative to encourage skilled migration to regional areas and address the population imbalance in the country. The 191 visa offers a pathway to permanent residency for those who have already held a regional provisional visa, such as the 491 or 494 visa, and have met the eligibility criteria, including the minimum income threshold and compliance with visa conditions. The 191 visa offers a range of benefits to the visa holders, including access to Medicare and the ability to sponsor eligible family members for permanent residency.

It's important to note that this visa is only available to individuals who hold a regional provisional visa, such as the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) or the Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 489) and have lived and worked in a designated regional area of Australia for at least three years. Additionally, applicants must meet the requirements of the regional provisional visa, including age, English language proficiency, and occupation. Meeting these requirements can be competitive and may require significant planning and preparation. Finally, the visa application process can be complex, and applicants may benefit from seeking the assistance of a registered migration agent.

What are the benefits of 191 visa?

The Skilled Regional (Permanent) visa subclass 191 is designed to provide skilled workers with a pathway to permanent residency in regional Australia. Here are some of the benefits of the 191 visa:

• Permanent residency: The 191 visa offers a pathway to permanent residency in Australia, which means you can live and work in the country indefinitely.
• Eligibility for citizenship: After holding the 191 visa for a certain period of time, you may be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship.
• Access to healthcare and education: As a permanent resident, you and your family will have access to Medicare, the Australian healthcare system, and public education.
• Work and study opportunities: You will have the right to work and study in Australia without any restrictions.
• Travel: With the 191 visa, you can come and go from Australia as you please. You will also be eligible to sponsor eligible family members for permanent residency.
• Pathway to other visas: Holding a 191 visa may also make you eligible for other visas in the future, such as the Employer Nomination Scheme or the Global Talent visa.

What are the requirements for 191 visa?

The Skilled Regional visa (subclass 191) is a permanent residency visa for individuals who have lived and worked in regional Australia on a temporary visa, such as the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) or the Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494).

To be eligible for the Skilled Regional visa (subclass 191), you must meet the following requirements:

• Hold an eligible visa: You must hold an eligible visa (subclass 491 or 494) for at least 3 years before you apply.
• Meet the income requirement: Your taxable income must be at least the minimum income threshold for at least 3 income years. The minimum income threshold is specified in the relevant regulatory instrument for each income year.
• Comply with the conditions of your eligible visa: You must have complied with the conditions of your eligible visa during your stay in Australia.
• Meet the health requirement: You and your family members who are applying for the visa with you must meet the health requirement.
• Meet the character requirement: You and your family members who are 16 years or older and are applying for the visa with you must meet the character requirement.
• Sign the Australian values statement: If you are 16 years of age or older, you must read or have the Life in Australia booklet explained to you and sign an Australian Values Statement to confirm that you will respect the Australian way of life and obey Australian laws.

How do I get a 191 visa?

If you are considering applying for the Skilled Regional visa (subclass 191), it's important to familiarize yourself with the requirements and application process. Firstly, you must hold an eligible visa, either a subclass 491 or 494 visa, for at least three years before applying. You must also satisfy the minimum income threshold for at least three income years and comply with the conditions of your eligible visa while in Australia. Meeting the health and character requirements is also essential, as well as signing the Australian values statement.

To apply for the subclass 191 visa, you must first create an ImmiAccount and complete the application form. You will need to provide a range of documents, including proof of identity, qualifications, and employment history. You may also need to provide evidence of your language proficiency and skills assessment. The visa application fee must be paid at the time of lodgement.

It's important to ensure that all information provided in your application is accurate and complete, as any false or misleading information could result in the refusal of your visa application. It's recommended that you seek professional advice and assistance to ensure your application is complete and meets all requirements.

The Skilled Regional visa (subclass 191) provides a pathway to permanent residency for skilled workers who have lived and worked in regional Australia. It's a valuable opportunity for those seeking to settle in Australia and enjoy the benefits of living in regional areas, such as lower living costs and access to quality education and healthcare services. By meeting the requirements and submitting a strong application, you can increase your chances of successfully obtaining this visa and achieving your goals of living and working in Australia.

Final thought

In conclusion, the Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa subclass 191 is a great option for skilled workers who want to live and work in regional areas of Australia permanently. It provides a pathway to permanent residency and offers several benefits, such as access to Medicare, education for children, and social security payments.

However, to be eligible for the visa, you must meet several requirements, including holding an eligible visa, satisfying the income requirement, complying with visa conditions, and meeting health and character requirements.

If you are considering applying for the subclass 191 visa, it is important to carefully assess your eligibility and prepare a strong application. Seeking advice from a registered migration agent can be helpful in ensuring your application is complete and meets all requirements.

In addition, it is recommended that you thoroughly research and consider the specific regional area you plan to settle in. This can help you better integrate into the community and enjoy all that regional Australia has to offer.

Overall, the subclass 191 visa is an excellent opportunity for skilled workers seeking permanent residency in regional Australia. With careful planning and preparation, you can make your dream of living and working in regional Australia a reality.