Permanent Resident Visa (New) (Regional Skilled) (subclass 191)

Permanent Resident Visa (Skilled Regional) (subclass 191)

This is a new permanent residence visa that will operate in a similar way to the current Skilled Regional visa (subclass 887). The 191 visa will be introduced in November 2022, to accommodate the new skilled provisional visa holders applying from November 2019.

Will I be eligible to apply for the new subclass 191 visa?

Applicants will need to hold one of the new skilled provisional visas subclasses 494 or 491 and demonstrate that they have lived and worked in regional Australia for at least three years. Evidence of earnings (through annual tax returns) of at least $ 53,900 AUD per year for three years will be required. If you have a partner, only one of you needs to show this salary level and this person would be the main applicant for the subclass 191 visa.

Living and working in the metropolitan areas of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast or Perth will put you in breach of your provisional visa conditions, deeming you ineligible to apply for the subclass 191 visa.

If you currently hold a 489 visa, you will continue to be eligible for the 887 permanent residency visa after two years, and you will not be impacted by the new subclass 191 visa and it’s lengthier requirement.