191 VISA
191 Visa Overview
The 191 visa is a permanent residency visa that allows applicants to live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia without employer restrictions while enjoying all the rights and benefits of Australian permanent residency.
Advantages of the 191 Visa
- Permanent Residency: Allows you to stay in Australia indefinitely with full permanent resident rights.
- No Work or Location Restrictions: Freedom to work and study anywhere in Australia, without employer sponsorship.
- Family Inclusion: Eligible family members can be included in the application, and all will receive PR status.
- Access to Social Benefits: Eligible for Medicare, education, and other social welfare programs in Australia
191 Visa Application Requirements
- Holding a Temporary Regional Visa: Applicants must have held either the 491 or 494 visa for at least 3 years and met the regional living and work requirements during this time.
- Income Requirement: During the 3 years before applying, applicants must have earned at least the minimum income threshold set by the Australian government (currently AUD $53,900 per year) and provide tax records as proof.
- Residency Requirement: Applicants must have lived in a regional area of Australia for at least 3 years.
- Compliance Requirements: Applicants must have strictly followed the conditions of their temporary visa, including working and living in a regional area.
- Health and Character Requirements: As with other permanent visas, applicants must meet health and character checks.
191 Visa Application Process
- Meet Basic Requirements:
- Ensure that you have held a 491 or 494 visa for at least 3 years and have met the income and residency requirements.
- Prepare Application Documents:
- Passport and identification documents
- Taxation assessment notices from the past 3 years (Notice of Assessment)
- Proof of residence in a regional area (e.g., lease agreements, utility bills)
- Employment proof and income records
- Submit Application:
- Use ImmiAccount to submit the application online, ensuring all details are accurate and supporting documents are uploaded.
- Pay the application fee as required.
- Wait for Approval: Processing time may vary but generally takes anywhere from a few months to up to a year.
- Visa Approval: Once approved, both you and your dependent family members will become permanent residents of Australia.
191 Visa Application Fees
- Main Application Fee: the primary application fee for the 191 visa is AU$435.
- Additional Fees:
If the application includes family members, there may be additional fees.
- Other Fees:
Costs for health checks, police clearance certificates, and document translations will be borne by the applicant.
- If you need more personalized guidance or a specific materials checklist, feel free to let me know! I’m happy to assist further.