Subclass 191 · Australia PR
Subclass 191 — Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional)
The Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) is the permanent stage for holders of provisional regional visas (Subclass 491 or 494). It grants full Australian permanent residence once regional residence and ATO taxation lodgement obligations have been met for three years.
Visa type
Permanent Residency
Eligibility
Held 491/494 for 3 years
Income rule
ATO NOAs (Threshold removed)
Points test
Not points tested
Who this pathway suits
A realistic fit matters more than enthusiasm.
Subclass 491 or 494 visa holders who have lived in designated regional Australia for at least 3 years
Provisional visa holders who complied with regional condition 8579 throughout their stay
Applicants who have lodged notices of assessment (NOA) with the ATO for three income years
Families seeking unconditional Australian permanent residency, Medicare, and citizenship pathways
What subclass 191 gives you
Subclass 191 completes the regional migration journey by converting your provisional status into unconditional Permanent Residency. Once granted, you are no longer bound by regional residence condition 8579.
- Permanent residency for you and eligible family members
- Full and unrestricted freedom to live, work, and study anywhere across Australia
- Full access to Medicare and social security benefits where eligible
- Eligibility to sponsor family relatives for Australian permanent visas
- Direct pathway to apply for Australian citizenship after satisfying residency requirements
Official removal of minimum income threshold
Previously, applicants anticipated a minimum taxable income threshold of $53,900. The Australian Department of Home Affairs officially removed this minimum income threshold requirement for the Subclass 191 visa. Applicants simply need to have lodged Australian Taxation Office (ATO) Notices of Assessment for three income years while holding their eligible provisional visa.
- Must provide ATO Notices of Assessment for three relevant income years
- No specific minimum dollar amount of taxable income is mandated
- Must have complied substantially with condition 8579 (living and working in designated regional areas)
Key evidence and compliance monitoring
Home Affairs verifies whether you genuinely resided, worked, or studied in designated regional postcodes during your 3-year qualifying period. Maintaining comprehensive documentation from day one of your 491 grant is critical.
The process
Five stages, each one decision-ready.
Provisional period compliance
Live, work, and study exclusively within designated regional postcodes on your Subclass 491 visa for a minimum of 3 years.
ATO tax lodgement and record keeping
File individual Australian tax returns each year and collect official Notices of Assessment from the ATO for 3 income years.
Subclass 191 visa lodgement
Submit your online Subclass 191 permanent residency application through ImmiAccount with regional residence proofs.
Permanent residence grant
On grant by Home Affairs, your provisional restrictions end and you become an Australian Permanent Resident.
Costs & government fees
- Base Visa Application Charge of AUD 475 for the primary applicant.
- Additional applicant charge of AUD 240 for each applicant aged 18 and over.
- Additional applicant charge of AUD 120 for each applicant aged under 18.
- Government fees are subject to indexation by Home Affairs; verify current charges prior to lodgement.
Timelines
- Eligibility can only be lodged after completing at least 3 years on an eligible provisional visa.
- Processing times are published and periodically updated by the Department of Home Affairs on their global processing standards portal.
Fees, processing times and occupation lists change. Always confirm the current position with the authority that makes the decision.
Department of Home Affairs — Subclass 191 →Common questions
Answered without hype.
No. The Department of Home Affairs officially removed the minimum income threshold requirement ($53,900). You are required to provide ATO Notices of Assessment for three income years, with no minimum earnings amount specified.
Yes. Once Subclass 191 is granted, you are an Australian Permanent Resident and are no longer restricted by condition 8579. You may live, work, and study anywhere in Australia.
No. Subclass 191 does not require a fresh skills assessment or points test. Secondary applicants who previously demonstrated functional English or paid the second installment do not need to re-test.
Related pathways
Explore your other options.
Talk this pathway through with a specialist.
Book a free assessment and a named consultant will review your occupation, qualifications and experience against current criteria.
MovesEdu is a private migration advisory firm. We are not a government body; all final decisions rest with Australian and Canadian immigration authorities.
Department of Home Affairs — Subclass 191 is the authoritative source for current fees, processing times and eligibility. Requirements change; always verify before making decisions.