Visa file / Skilled and work visas
Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa 191
Permanent visa for 491 and 494 holders after 3 years in regional Australia.
In force
Who it is for
Holders of a 491 or 494 visa who have lived and worked in regional Australia.
Published eligibility
- Hold a 491 or 494, held for at least 3 years.
- Notices of assessment from the Australian Taxation Office for 3 income years within the period of the visa. There is no minimum income amount.
- Complied with the conditions of the visa for the whole period.
- Health and character.
Where you apply from
In or outside Australia (not in immigration clearance).
Streams
- Regional Provisional stream (Hong Kong stream: see the Hong Kong stream guide) Hong Kong stream guide.
Related
Points test self-checkFrom first enquiry to grant and after.
The usual steps, and where a registered migration agent can help at each one. Immi Worldwide gives general information and settlement support, never advice about your visa.
- 01
Track your dates
From the start of your 491 or 494, track the 3-year date and lodge tax returns on time.
Where a registered migration agent can helpReviews compliance across the whole provisional period.
- 02
Resolve tax issues
Pay any tax debt or arrange a payment plan.
Where a registered migration agent can helpFlags tax issues that can delay a decision.
- 03
Service agreement
Before any personal advice or preparation, you receive a written service agreement and the OMARA Consumer Guide.
Where a registered migration agent can helpSets out the work, the fee and the refund policy in writing. No money is taken for visa work before the agreement is signed.
- 04
Lodge after 3 years
Apply in ImmiAccount and include eligible family.
Where a registered migration agent can helpPrepares evidence of regional residence and work.
- 05
Health, police and biometrics
Health examinations, police certificates and biometrics when the Department asks.
Where a registered migration agent can helpTracks every request and deadline so nothing lapses.
- 06
Permanent residence
A permanent visa with a 5-year travel facility; citizenship when eligible.
Where a registered migration agent can helpPlans citizenship timing.
Charges and processing times.
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Main applicant | A$630 |
| Family member 18 or over | A$315 |
| Family member under 18 | A$160 |
Source: Home Affairs Current visa pricing table, charges from 1 July 2026. Check the Visa Pricing Estimator before you rely on a figure.
| Stream | 50% decided within | 90% decided within |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Regional | 8 months | 10 months |
Home Affairs Global visa processing times. Read 22 October 2026. Times change monthly and are not a promise. Global visa processing times.
Common refusal reasons
- Breach of regional residence or work conditions.
- Fewer than 3 income years assessed by the tax office.
- Applying before holding the visa for 3 years.
- Health or character.
Drawn from the published criteria and general practice experience. They are not Departmental statistics.
Document checklist
Eligibility
Identity and family
A general list. The Department's own document checklist for your application is the one that counts. Ticks stay on this page only.
What changed, and what people ask.
No recent changes are listed for this visa. Check the Home Affairs page for the latest information.
Sources
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice about your circumstances.
How any of these rules applies to a particular person, which visa to choose, and any application are immigration assistance, given only by a registered migration agent.
Immi Worldwide does not give immigration assistance. For advice about your own situation, Immi Worldwide can refer you to Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130, of The Immigration Worldwide Pty Ltd, or you can choose any registered migration agent.
The referral form opens with the box to pass your enquiry to the registered agent already ticked. Immi Worldwide does not charge for a referral.