494 to 191 Visa: Step-by-Step Guide to Permanent Residency in Australia

494 to 191 Visa

The Permanent Residence Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 191) offers skilled migrants a clear and secure pathway to permanent residency in Australia. Designed for individuals who have lived and worked in designated regional areas under eligible provisional visas—such as the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa—the 191 visa allows them to stay in Australia permanently.

This visa rewards regional commitment by granting skilled professionals and their families the right to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia. It’s the final step for many 494 visa holders seeking long-term stability and the benefits that come with being a permanent resident.

What is the 191 Visa in Australia?

The Subclass 191 Visa is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers who have lived and worked in regional Australia while holding an eligible provisional visa, such as the 494.

It allows successful applicants—and their immediate family members—to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia permanently. Once granted, you can also enrol in Medicare, sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence, and eventually apply for Australian citizenship, provided you meet residency and other eligibility requirements.

To qualify, you must hold an eligible provisional visa and meet the relevant residency, income, and compliance conditions.

494 to 191 Visa Requirements

Transitioning from the 494 to the 191 visa requires meeting specific eligibility and compliance conditions set by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA).

To qualify, applicants must:

Have held a Subclass 494 visa for at least three years before applying.
Have complied with all visa conditions, including living, working, and studying only in designated regional areas during that period.
Have met the minimum taxable income requirement for each of the three years, as outlined by the DHA.
Have lodged and maintained valid Australian tax returns for those years.
Include any eligible dependent family members who were part of their 494 visa or who meet secondary criteria.

For more details about the 494 visa, visit our Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa page.

What are the Requirements for the 191 Visa?

To apply for the Subclass 191 visa, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

Hold an eligible provisional regional visa (such as Subclass 494 or 491).
Have lived and worked in a designated regional area for at least three years.
Have earned the minimum taxable income for three consecutive financial years.
Have complied fully with all visa conditions during the provisional period.
Meet English language, health, and character requirements.

Family members included in the application must also meet health and character requirements.

How to Apply for the 191 Visa

Applying for the 191 visa involves several key steps:

Confirm Eligibility – Ensure you meet all criteria, including the three-year residency and income thresholds.
Prepare Documentation – Gather essential documents such as identity evidence, tax records, employment records, health assessments, and police clearances.
Lodge Your Application Online – Submit your application through the ImmiAccount portal or with a registered migration agent.
Pay the Application Fee – The visa application fee must be paid at the time of lodgement.
Wait for Assessment – The DHA will review your application, and you may be asked to provide additional information.

Given the complexity of migration regulations, seeking professional guidance from a registered migration agent can help ensure your submission is accurate, compliant, and complete.

How Long Does the 191 Visa Take to Process?

Processing times for the Subclass 191 visa can vary depending on individual circumstances and DHA workload.

Currently, most applications are processed within 4 to 12 months. Factors such as incomplete documentation, health or character checks, and high demand may extend the timeline.

Submitting a complete and well-prepared application with the help of a migration professional can significantly reduce delays.

Does the 191 Visa Require a Medical?

Yes, most applicants (and their family members) will need to undergo health checks as part of the 191 visa process.

These medical examinations ensure applicants meet Australia’s public health standards. Common assessments include:

A general physical examination.
Chest X-rays.
Blood tests.

The results help the DHA confirm that applicants pose no significant health risks or undue costs to Australia’s healthcare system.

Health assessments are typically valid for 12 months, so timing your medicals correctly is important when lodging your application.

When Can I Apply for the 191 Visa?

You can apply for the 191 visa after holding a Subclass 494 visa for three years and once you have:

Lived and worked exclusively in a designated regional area.
Met the minimum income threshold for each of the three years.
Maintained valid tax returns and visa compliance throughout the period.

This pathway ensures that applicants who have contributed to regional Australia’s workforce are rewarded with permanent residency.

FAQs

1. Can I include my family in my 191 visa application?

Yes, you can include eligible family members such as your spouse or de facto partner, and dependent children. Family members included in your 494 visa can transition with you to the 191 visa, provided they continue to meet eligibility and character requirements.

2. Do I need to live in a regional area after getting the 191 visa?

No. Once you are granted the 191 visa, you are no longer restricted to regional areas. You are free to live and work anywhere in Australia without regional obligations.

3. Can I apply for the 191 visa if I haven’t met the income threshold?

Unfortunately, no. Meeting the income threshold for each of the three years is a key eligibility requirement. However, there may be limited exceptions for extenuating circumstances such as parental leave or medical conditions. It’s best to seek advice from a registered migration agent to assess your situation.

4. Is the 191 visa permanent residency?

Yes, the Subclass 191 visa grants permanent residency in Australia. Once approved, you’ll have the same rights and benefits as other permanent residents, including access to Medicare, the ability to sponsor family members, and eligibility to apply for Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements.

Get Professional Support for Your 494 to 191 Visa Application

The Subclass 191 visa provides a clear and achievable pathway to permanent residency for skilled regional workers. It’s the final step for many migrants who have contributed to Australia’s regional development under the 494 visa.

At Australian Visa and Immigration Experts (AVIE), our team specialises in guiding applicants through the 494 to 191 visa transition, ensuring every step is handled with precision and care. From assessing your eligibility to preparing your documentation, we help make your journey to permanent residency smoother and stress-free.

Published: 9 October 2025