494 Visa Holders
The 494 visa is designed for skilled workers who have been nominated by an employer in a regional area to fill a position in areas of Australia outside major cities. It provides a pathway to permanent residency via the Subclass 191 visa after three years of work and residence in a regional area.
Visa holders must comply with a number of conditions, including:
8578 – Must notify Immigration within 14 days of a change to:
● residential address
● email address
● phone number
● passport details
● employer’s address
● the address of the location of a position where you are employed.
8579 – Must live/work/study in a designated regional area – as set by postcode
8580 – Must provide evidence of addresses if requested by Immigration
8581 – Must attend interview if you are invited to do so in writing.
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.
- Complied with all visa conditions, including living, working, and studying only in designated regional areas during that period.
- Evidence of a taxable income for each of the three financial years prior to lodgement.
- Lodged and maintained valid Australian tax returns for those years.
- Declared any eligible dependent family members who were part of their 494 visa.
For more details about the 494 visa, visit our Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa page.
What if I change employers on a 494 visa?
Changing employers on a 494 visa is restricted. You can only work for your nominating employer, but it is possible to transfer to a new employer while you hold this visa. Transferring will not affect your pathway to permanent residency, as this is based on living and working in regional Australia and not on employment with a single sponsor. Visa holders must report to Immigration of any change of employment, including the location of their role.
How to Apply for the 191 Visa
Applying for the 191 visa involves several key steps:
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Confirm Eligibility – Ensure you meet all criteria, including the three-year residency and income thresholds.
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Prepare Documentation – Gather essential documents such as identity evidence, tax records, employment records, health assessments, and police clearances.
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Lodge Your Application Online – Submit your application through the ImmiAccount portal or with a registered migration agent.
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Pay the Application Fee – The visa application fee must be paid at the time of lodgement.
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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?
No. Most applicants (and their family members) will have already undergone health checks as part of the original 494 visa process.
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 worked?
Unfortunately, no. Providing evidence of an income for each of the three years is a key eligibility requirement.
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 the ability to sponsor family members and 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.
Contact us today to start your 191 visa application with expert support from AVIE.
