Apply for the Skilled Regional subclass 191 visa with Search Education and live and work permanently in Australia after regional work experience.
Skilled Regional subclass 191 visa is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers holding an eligible visa, such as a 491 or 494, who have lived and worked in a designated regional area of Australia for at least 3 years. Designated regional areas of Australia include all cities except major ones such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
The primary advantage of the 191 visa is that it does not require sponsorship from family members or nomination by an Australian state or territory. You only need to hold an eligible visa (such as a 491 or 494 visa) and comply with its conditions. More comprehensively:
To qualify for the 191 visa, one must meet the following requirements:
The step-by-step guide for the 191 visa application process is outlined below:
Step 1: Check if you meet the 191 visa requirements.
Step 2: Collect all the documents required by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA).
Step 3: Apply for the visa through your ImmiAccount.
Step 4: Await a decision.
The fees for applying for the 191 visa depend on the number of applicants and visa streams, but generally:
| Description | Regional Provisional stream | Hong Kong stream |
| 191 visa primary applicant | From AUD 630.00 | From AUD 6,135.00 |
| Additional fee for applicants aged 18 and over | From AUD 315.00 | From AUD 3,065.00 |
| Additional fee for applicants under 18 | From AUD 160.00 | From AUD 1,535.00 |
Note: Other additional costs may include health checks, police certificates, and biometrics.
The 191 visa processing time varies depending on various factors, including application volume, individual circumstances, and new updates in immigration policies:
| Processing stage | Estimated timeframe |
| State nomination processing | 1 to 6 months (varies by state) |
| Invitation to apply (ITA) | 1 to 12 months (depends on occupation demand & points) |
| 191 visa application processing | |
| 90% of applications finalized | Within 11 months (as per DHA) |
| 50% of applications finalized | Within 9 months (as per DHA) |
Incomplete or missing information may extend processing times for your visa application.
The Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) subclass 191 visa allows eligible holders of regional provisional visas to take the next step towards permanent residency in Australia. Meeting the eligibility requirements and providing the correct documentation are essential for a smooth application process.
At Search Education, our MARA-registered migration agents offer expert guidance on your subclass 191 visa application, helping you assess your eligibility, prepare the required documents, and navigate the application process with confidence. From your initial consultation to the final visa decision, we're here to support you every step of the way.
Book a consultation today and let Search Education help you secure your future in Australia with the subclass 191 visa.
The relevant documents to support their 191-visa application are:
Yes, the subclass 191 visa is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers who have lived and worked in regional areas of Australia for at least 3 years.
Yes, you can include your family members on the 191 visa. Your spouse or de facto partner and your dependent children are eligible.
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