Subclass 191 Visa (Permanent Residence - Skilled Regional)

The Subclass 191 visa is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers who have held a Subclass 491 or 494 visa and met specific requirements. Here's an overview:

1. Purpose: The Subclass 191 visa, also known as the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa, is designed to provide a pathway to permanent residency for skilled workers who have lived and worked in a designated regional area of Australia on a Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa or a Subclass 494 Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa.
2. Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible for the Subclass 191 visa, you must have held an eligible regional provisional visa (491 or 494) for at least three years, have complied with the conditions of that visa, and have met the income threshold requirement (if applicable). You must also meet health and character requirements.
3. Income Threshold Requirement: If you are applying for the Subclass 191 visa as the holder of a Subclass 491 visa, you must have earned a minimum taxable income for at least three years at or above a specific threshold. The income threshold varies depending on the number of dependents you have.
4. Designated Regional Areas: The Subclass 191 visa requires that you have lived and worked in a designated regional area of Australia while holding the Subclass 491 or 494 visa. Designated regional areas are specified by the Australian government and typically include areas outside of major cities and metropolitan areas.
5. Permanent Residency: The Subclass 191 visa provides permanent residency in Australia, allowing you to live, work, and study in the country indefinitely. It also provides access to Medicare, Australia's public health care system, and allows you to apply for Australian citizenship once eligible.
6. Application Process: The application process for the Subclass 191 visa involves gathering the necessary documentation, meeting the eligibility criteria, and submitting an online application through the Department of Home Affairs website. You may also need to undergo health and character assessments.
7. Family Members: You can include certain family members in your Subclass 191 visa application, such as your spouse, dependent children, or other dependent family members. Each family member included in the application must meet the relevant visa requirements.

Overall, the Subclass 191 visa provides a pathway to permanent residency for skilled workers who have made a commitment to living and working in regional areas of Australia. It aims to encourage skilled migration to these areas and support their economic and social development.