191 Visa Lawyer in Australia – Regional Permanent Residency Experts

The 191 visa Australia, also known as the Subclass 191 visa, is a skilled regional permanent residence pathway for migrants who have held a 491 or 494 visa and met specific conditions. It’s the final step in the 491 to 191 visa transition, allowing you to live and work permanently anywhere in Australia.

To ensure a smooth transition and approval, it’s highly recommended to work with an experienced 191 visa lawyer in Australia who understands the complex documentation and income requirements involved.

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Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 191)

Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191)

Secure permanent residency in Australia after living and working in a regional area.
No employer or state nomination required at this stage.
A direct pathway to permanent residency after holding a regional visa.

What is the Subclass 191 Visa?

The Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191) allows skilled workers and their families to transition to permanent residency after meeting the conditions of an eligible regional visa.

Unlike other skilled visas, this visa is designed for individuals who have lived and worked in a designated regional area while holding a Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) or Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional) visa for at least three years.

If you’re considering applying, consulting a 191 visa lawyer in Australia can help ensure you meet all the eligibility criteria and navigate the application process smoothly.

Successful applicants gain full work rights, unrestricted residency, and access to Australian citizenship pathways.

Key Features & Benefits

Migrants choosing the Subclass 191 visa gain:

Permanent Residency: Stay in Australia indefinitely with full work rights.
No Points Test Required: Eligibility is based on meeting regional residency and work requirements.
Pathway to Citizenship: Apply for Australian citizenship after fulfilling residency criteria.
Access to Medicare: Enrol in Australia’s public healthcare system.
Freedom to Live & Work Anywhere: Unlike regional visas, holders of a 191 visa can relocate freely across Australia.
Include Family Members: Add eligible dependents, including partners and children, to the visa application.

This visa offers long-term security for skilled workers who have contributed to regional Australia.

Eligibility Criteria for the 191 Visa

To qualify for a Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191), applicants must:

Hold an Eligible Regional Visa: Must have held a Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) or Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional) visa for at least three years.
Meet Regional Work & Residency Requirements: Lived and worked in a designated regional area for at least three years while holding the eligible visa.
Provide Tax Documents: You must provide notices of assessment issued by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for three income years out of the five years of your eligible visa.
Comply with Visa Conditions: Must have adhered to the work and residency conditions of the 491 or 494 visa.
Meet Health & Character Requirements: Pass standard Australian health and character checks.

Since no points test or state nomination is required, applicants primarily need to prove they fulfilled their regional visa obligations.

191 Visa Application Process

The Subclass 191 visa application follows these key steps:

Confirm Eligibility: Ensure you have met the residency, work, and income requirements for at least three years.
Gather Required Documents: Obtain proof of regional residency, employment records, and tax return statements covering three years.
Submit the Visa Application: Apply online through the Department of Home Affairs.
Complete Health & Character Checks: Provide necessary police clearances and medical examinations.
Await Visa Grant: Once approved, receive permanent residency status in Australia.

Unlike other skilled visas, the Subclass 191 does not require a skills assessment, nomination, or sponsorship, making it a streamlined pathway to PR.

Why Choose Jade Immigration Lawyers?

At Jade Immigration Lawyers, we provide expert assistance for Subclass 191 visa applications, including:

Eligibility assessments to confirm qualification.
Guidance on income and residency requirements.
Comprehensive application support to avoid delays.
Appeal representation for visa refusals.

Book a Consultation Today to secure your Australian permanent residency.

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FAQ

Find answers to common questions about our Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 191) immigration services and processes. For further support, contact Jade Immigration Lawyers.

How long does the 191 visa take to process?

Processing times typically range between 6 and 12 months, depending on application complexity and document verification.

Do I need employer sponsorship for a 191 visa?

No. Unlike the Subclass 494 visa, the Subclass 191 does not require employer sponsorship.

Can I include family members in my application?

Yes. Partners and dependent children can be included in the 191 visa application, and they will also receive permanent residency.

What happens if I move out of the regional area before applying for a 191 visa?

Applicants must meet regional residency requirements for three years. Moving out of a designated regional area before applying could lead to visa ineligibility.

Does the 191 visa lead to Australian citizenship?

Yes. After holding permanent residency for at least one year and residing in Australia for four years, applicants may apply for citizenship.

Can I apply for a 191 visa directly without holding a 491 or 494 visa?

No. Only holders of a 491 or 494 visa who have met all conditions can transition to a 191 visa.

Can I live in any Australian state after receiving a 191 visa?

Yes. Once granted, the 191 visa allows unrestricted movement across Australia.