Requirements for Subclass 191 visa – Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional)

The subclass 191 visa is a pathway for existing regional provisional visa holders (subclass 491 or 494) to apply for permanent residency. The visa can include eligible members of your family unit. You do not need a sponsor or be nominated for this visa.

SKILLED REGIONAL VISA REQUIREMENTS

Visa Applicant

You must:

· hold a qualifying visa for at least 3 years prior to the visa application as listed below.

o subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa; or

o subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa.

· have complied with the conditions of the qualifying visa while in Australia, including any family members holding the same qualifying visa as a dependent

· have lived in a designated regional area for at least 3 years on a qualifying visa (Subclass 491 or Subclass 494)

· have functional English or pay the second visa application charge.

· meet relevant health and character criteria, including any family members holding the same qualifying visa as a dependent

June 2023 update: Please be advised that there is no minimum income requirement for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191), as there is no legislative instrument in place specifying a minimum income threshold for this visa.

With this visa, you can…

· work and study anywhere in Australia

· sponsor eligible family members for permanent residence.

· if eligible, become an Australian citizen.

income year has the meaning given by the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997.

relevant income year: an income year is a relevant income year for an applicant if:

(a) the income year ended before the date of application; and

(b) the applicant held a regional provisional visa for all or part of the income year.

(1) The applicant has provided copies of notices of assessment, and any notices of amended assessments, given to the applicant under the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 in relation to 3 relevant income years for the applicant.

(2) The applicant’s taxable income for each of those relevant income years is at least equal to the amount specified in an instrument under subclause (3) in relation to the applicant.

(3) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, specify an amount for the purposes of subclause (2) in relation to all applicants or different classes of applicants.

(4) Subclause (1) is satisfied in relation to a copy of a notice even if the copy does not include the applicant’s tax file number within the meaning of Part VA of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936.

It’s important to note that immigration regulations can change over time, so it’s always best to consult with an Immigration Lawyer or a registered migration agent for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding visa requirements and exemptions. Please call our office on 02 9286 8700 or email: ppmail@ppilaw.com.au

Parish Patience Immigration Lawyers is here to assist if you wish to move to Australia as a skilled worker and require professional advice.

Book a Consultation for Expert Advice on subclass 191 Visa.