GSM – Subclass 191
Overview
The Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa is designed to enable provisional Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) and Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Subclass 494) visa holders who have met specific residence and work requirements to apply for permanent residence. This pathway rewards skilled workers who have demonstrated commitment to regional Australia by living and working in designated areas for at least three years. The 191 visa allows holders to live, work and study anywhere in Australia permanently and provides a pathway to Australian citizenship. For skilled migrants seeking stability and unrestricted living rights across Australia, this visa represents the culmination of their regional commitment journey.
Eligibility Requirements
- Age requirements: No specific age limit exists for the 191 visa itself, though applicants must have previously met age requirements for their provisional 491/494 visa.
- Nationality requirements: Open to all nationalities who hold eligible provisional visas, with special provisions for Hong Kong and British National (Overseas) passport holders.
- Health and character requirements: Must meet Australian health and character standards, including police clearances from Australia and countries where applicants have lived for 12 or more months.
- Prior visa requirement: Applicants must have held a subclass 491 or 494 visa for at least three years before applying for the 191 visa.
- Regional residence requirement: Must have lived, worked, or studied in a designated regional area while holding the provisional visa for a continuous period of at least three years.
- Income documentation: Must provide notices of assessment issued by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for three income years out of the five years of their eligible visa period.
- Visa compliance: Must have complied with all conditions of previous provisional visas throughout the entire holding period.
Critical Update:
As of June 2023, there is no minimum income threshold requirement for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191), as confirmed by the Department of Home Affairs. However, ATO notices of assessment remain mandatory to demonstrate financial standing and tax compliance.
Hong Kong Stream
Application Process
Step-by-Step Overview
Preparation Phase
Ensure three-year provisional visa tenure and gather comprehensive documentation, including ATO notices and regional residence evidence.
Online Application
Submit via the ImmiAccount system – applicants can be inside or outside Australia during the application and decision phases.
Document Submission
Provide complete ATO assessment notices and detailed compliance evidence demonstrating continuous regional residence.
Assessment Period
The Department of Home Affairs reviews regional residence requirements and visa compliance history.
Decision Notification:
Written notification provided regardless of outcome.
Required Documents
- Valid passport and comprehensive identity documents for all applicants
- ATO notices of assessment covering three years during the provisional visa period serve as evidence of tax compliance rather than income thresholds
- Comprehensive evidence of regional residence, including rental agreements, utility bills, employment records, and educational enrollment documents
- Police clearances from Australia and all countries where applicants have resided for 12 or more months
- Health examination results if specifically requested by the Department
- For partners: Evidence of a genuine ongoing relationship, including joint financial commitments, shared residence, and social recognition
- For dependent children: Birth certificates, custody documentation, and evidence of dependency
- Educational transcripts demonstrating study in regional Australia, if applicable
- Employment verification letters confirming work in designated regional areas throughout the provisional visa period
Rights and Restrictions
- Unrestricted Residence: Live, work and study anywhere in Australia permanently without regional restrictions.
- Medicare Eligibility: Access to Australia’s public healthcare system.
- Family Sponsorship: Sponsor eligible relatives for Australian permanent residence.
- Travel Flexibility: Multiple entries to Australia for five years from the grant date.
- Travel Component Expiry: After five years, a Resident Return Visa is required for re-entry as a permanent resident.
- Character Obligations: Continue meeting character requirements throughout permanent residency.
- Citizenship Pathway: Eligible to apply for Australian citizenship, subject to residence and other requirements.
Step Towards Your Australian Dream!
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