Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa
Holders of a 491 or 494 regional provisional visa who have met the 3-year residence and income requirements.
The Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) is an Australian skilled (points-tested) visa. This guide covers who the 191 visa is for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025-26 cost (~$560 (main applicant)) and processing time (~6-12 months), the pathway to permanent residence, common pitfalls, and frequently asked questions.
Who the 191 visa is for
Holders of a 491 or 494 regional provisional visa who have met the 3-year residence and income requirements.
This is the permanent residence step for the newer regional visas (491/494).
Subclass 191 eligibility criteria
- Held a 491 or 494 visa for at least 3 years
- Met the minimum taxable income requirement for the required period
- Lived in a designated regional area
- Complied with the conditions of your provisional visa
Subclass 191 cost & processing time (2025-26)
The indicative government visa application charge for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) is ~$560 (main applicant), with an indicative processing time of ~6-12 months. Figures are for 2025-26 and government charges usually change on 1 July.
| Visa type | Permanent |
|---|---|
| Location | Onshore or offshore |
| Length of stay | Permanent |
| Work rights | Unlimited - full PR work rights |
| Study rights | Yes |
| Government charge | ~$560 (main applicant) |
| Processing time | ~6-12 months |
| Pathway to PR | This is the permanent residence step for the newer regional visas (491/494). |
Pathway & next steps
This is the permanent residence step for the newer regional visas (491/494).
Many applicants also compare the 491 (Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa), the 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa), the 887 (Skilled Regional visa). Run a free 60-second VisaChief check to see which subclass best fits your profile, then prepare a lodgement-ready application reviewed by a registered migration agent.
Common 191 visa pitfalls we fix
Subclass 191 visa - frequently asked questions
How much does the subclass 191 visa cost?
The Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) base application charge is ~$560 (main applicant). Government charges are indicative for 2025-26 and usually change on 1 July - always confirm the current visa application charge at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au before lodging.
How long does the subclass 191 visa take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~6-12 months. Actual timeframes depend on the Department of Home Affairs caseload, how complete your application is, and your individual circumstances.
Does the subclass 191 visa lead to permanent residence?
This is the permanent residence step for the newer regional visas (491/494).
Can I work on the subclass 191 visa?
Work rights on the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191): Unlimited - full PR work rights.
Who can apply for the 191 visa?
Holders of a 491 or 494 regional provisional visa who have met the 3-year residence and income requirements.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Australian Government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, charges and processing times change - confirm the current rules before you lodge:
- Department of Home Affairs (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) - official Australian immigration authority