Subclass 191 Eligibility Requirements
You must currently hold a valid subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) or subclass 494 (Employer Sponsored Regional) visa at the time of application. The 191 is not available to other temporary visa holders.
You must have resided and worked in a designated regional area of Australia for at least three years during the qualifying period. Regional areas for the 191 are determined by the same regional definitions as the 491 and 494 visas.
Your taxable income must have met the income threshold (currently $53,900 p.a. from 1 July 2025, indexed annually) for at least three of the five years before you apply. Evidence includes ATO notices of assessment or income statements. Figures current at August 2026.
You must not have been convicted of a criminal offence in Australia during the qualifying period.
You must have complied with the conditions of your subclass 491 or 494 visa throughout the qualifying period. Breaches of visa conditions may affect eligibility.
Meeting the Income Requirement
The income requirement must be met for at least three of the five years before you apply for the subclass 191. The Department will assess your taxable income, which is broadly your gross income less allowable deductions as reported to the ATO.
How to Apply for the Subclass 191
Verify that you have held a 491 or 494 visa for at least three years and have lived and worked in a designated regional area for that period. Check your travel history — time outside Australia may not count toward the qualifying period.
Obtain ATO Notices of Assessment for each income year in your qualifying period. Confirm that your taxable income met the income threshold for at least three years.
Your residential address and place of work during the qualifying period must be in a designated regional area. Compile evidence of your address (e.g. utility bills, lease agreements) and employment location (e.g. payslips, employer letters).
Submit the subclass 191 application through ImmiAccount with all supporting evidence. Health examinations are required. Character requirements (including a police clearance for time spent in Australia) apply.
Once approved, you receive permanent residence from the date of grant. No further qualifying conditions apply after grant — you are free to live, work and study anywhere in Australia.
Subclass 191 Application Fees
Figures current at August 2026 — confirm on the Department of Home Affairs website before lodging.
Professional fees: Nanak Migration Group provides a fixed-fee quote after assessing each matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
This information is general in nature and does not constitute immigration assistance or legal advice for any individual situation. Requirements including occupation lists, fees and processing criteria change without notice.
Nanak Migration Group Pty Ltd makes no representation that information on this site is complete, current or applicable to your circumstances. Nothing here guarantees, implies or represents any visa outcome, approval likelihood or processing time.
Obtain advice tailored to your situation from a registered migration agent or Australian legal practitioner. Navpreet Aulakh, MARN 2619467, is registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority.
Information current as at August 2026. Verify all requirements with the Department of Home Affairs (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) before lodging any application.