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.
You must provide ATO notices of assessment for at least 3 income years out of the 5 years of your eligible visa. There is no minimum income requirement. Figures current at October 2026.
You and your family members (including family members not coming with you) must meet the character requirement. A criminal conviction, in Australia or overseas, does not automatically mean your application will be refused, but it must be declared and will be considered — get advice before lodging.
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
You need ATO notices of assessment for at least 3 income years out of the 5 years of your eligible visa. There is no minimum income amount — your lodged tax returns are key evidence that the Department will assess.
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 at least 3 income years out of the 5 years of your eligible visa. There is no minimum income amount — lodged tax returns are key evidence.
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 October 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.
1313 Success Group Pty Ltd trading as Nanak Migration Group 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 October 2026. Verify all requirements with the Department of Home Affairs (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) before lodging any application.