Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191)
The Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191) is a pathway for temporary visa holders who have lived, worked, and studied in designated regional areas of Australia. This visa allows you to stay in Australia permanently after meeting the specific residency and work requirements of your previous provisional visa. The visa is designed to encourage migration to regional areas and help skilled workers gain permanent residency.
Key Features of the Subclass 191 Visa
- Permanent Residency: The visa provides permanent residency, allowing you to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia indefinitely.
- Work Rights: You can work for any employer in Australia, without any regional restrictions.
- Family Inclusion: You can include eligible family members in your application, such as a spouse and dependent children.
- Access to Social Benefits: Permanent residents have access to public healthcare (Medicare) and other social benefits.
- Pathway to Citizenship: After meeting residency requirements, this visa provides a pathway to Australian citizenship.
Eligibility Requirements for the Subclass 191 Visa
To apply for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191), you must meet several eligibility criteria, primarily related to your previous visa, residency, and work experience.
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Hold an Eligible Provisional Visa
- You must hold, or have held, one of the following visas:
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)
- Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494)
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Meet Residency Requirements
- You must have lived in a designated regional area of Australia for at least 3 years while holding your eligible provisional visa.
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Meet Work and Income Requirements
- You must have worked in a regional area for at least 3 years.
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Compliance with Visa Conditions
- You must have complied with the conditions of your provisional visa, such as living, working, and studying in a designated regional area.
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Health and Character Requirements
- You must meet Australian health and character requirements, which may include undergoing a medical examination and providing police clearance certificates.
Designated Regional Areas for the Subclass 191 Visa
A designated regional area is an area outside major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. These areas are designed to encourage skilled migration to less populated parts of Australia. Some of the key designated regional areas include:
- Adelaide (South Australia)
- Canberra (Australian Capital Territory)
- Hobart (Tasmania)
- Darwin (Northern Territory)
- Perth (Western Australia)
- Regional areas of New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland
Required Documents for the Subclass 191 Visa
When applying for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191), you will need to provide the following documents:
- Proof of Identity:
- Passport (certified copies of the bio-data pages).
- Proof of Residency:
- Documents that show you have lived in a designated regional area for the required 3 years, such as rental agreements, utility bills, and bank statements.
- Proof of Work and Income:
- Employment contracts, payslips, tax returns, and letters from your employer showing that you have met Employment requirement for each of the 3 years.
- Health and Character Documents:
- Medical examination results (if required).
- Police clearance certificates from every country you have lived in for 12 months or more over the past 10 years.
- Family Documents (if applicable):
- Marriage certificate, birth certificates of children, or proof of a de facto relationship if you are including family members in your application.
Application Process for the Subclass 191 Visa
The application process for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191) involves several steps:
- Submit Your Application
You can lodge your visa application online via ImmiAccount. Ensure that all required documents are attached to support your application.
- Await Processing
The Department of Home Affairs will review your application, checking that you meet the residency, work, and income requirements, as well as health and character conditions. Processing times can vary but typically range from 6 to 12 months.
- Visa Decision
Once approved, you will be granted permanent residency in Australia, allowing you to live and work anywhere in the country.
Visa Costs
The application fee for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191) is approximately AUD 490 for the main applicant. Additional charges may apply for dependent family members and for obtaining police clearance certificates or health examinations.
Pathway to Australian Citizenship
The Subclass 191 Visa provides a direct pathway to Australian citizenship. After living in Australia for 4 years as a permanent resident (with at least 12 months as a permanent resident), you may be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship.
How We Can Help
At A Square Migration Services, we provide expert guidance and support throughout the entire Subclass 191 Visaapplication process. Our services include:
- Eligibility Assessment: We assess your circumstances to ensure you meet the residency, work, and income requirements for the Subclass 191 Visa.
- Document Preparation: We help you gather and prepare the necessary documents to support your visa application.
- Application Lodgment: We assist with lodging your visa application online, ensuring that all documentation is complete and accurate.
- Ongoing Support: We provide continuous updates on your application status and help resolve any issues that may arise during processing.
Secure Your Permanent Residency with the Subclass 191 Visa
The Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191) provides a pathway for temporary visa holders in regional Australia to gain permanent residency and unlock the full benefits of living in Australia. At A Square Migration Services, we are here to help you achieve your migration goals and ensure a smooth visa process.
Contact us today to start your Subclass 191 Visa application!