The Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191) is a permanent residency visa for holders of regional provisional visas such as the Subclass 491 and Subclass 494, as well as eligible Hong Kong applicants. It rewards those who have committed to living and working in designated regional areas of Australia by providing a clear pathway to permanent residency.

Key Highlights

  • Apply from inside or outside Australia
  • Live, work, and study in Australia permanently
  • Two visa streams: Regional Provisional Visas and Hong Kong (Regional)
  • Grants permanent residency, allowing you to stay in Australia indefinitely

Eligibility Requirements

Common Criteria for All Streams

  • Apply under the correct visa stream
  • Meet health and character requirements
  • Satisfy Public Interest and Special Return criteria

Regional Provisional Visas Stream

  • Hold an eligible regional provisional visa (Subclass 491 or 494)
  • Must have held that visa for at least 3 years
  • Complied with all visa conditions during your stay
  • Have a taxable income at or above the required threshold (if applicable) for at least 3 years

Hong Kong (Regional) Stream

  • Hold a Hong Kong passport or a British National (Overseas) passport
  • Hold an eligible visa (Subclass 457, 482, or 485) for at least 3 years
  • Must have been usually resident in Australia for at least 3 years
  • Complied with all visa conditions
  • During the 3 years immediately before application, you must have lived, worked, or studied only in a designated regional area (with limited exceptions)
Important Notice: This content is provided for general information only and is not immigration advice. Visa requirements and conditions change frequently. Please contact Starks Immigration Services for the most up-to-date and personalised guidance.

Why Choose Starks Immigration Services?

At Starks Immigration Services, we specialise in helping provisional visa holders and Hong Kong applicants transition to permanent residency. Our expert migration team ensures your income, residency, and compliance records are clearly presented for a strong application outcome.

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Expert Guidance

At Starks Immigration Services, we provide personalized support from the very beginning—starting with your Expression of Interest (EOI), all the way through to your final visa grant. Our team makes sure you understand each step clearly, so you can move forward with confidence and avoid costly mistakes.

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Trusted Immigration

Australian immigration laws and policies change frequently. At Starks, we stay on top of the latest updates to provide you with accurate and timely advice. Our trusted guidance ensures your application is aligned with current regulations, improving your chances of a successful outcome.

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Processing times vary, but typically range from 12 to 18 months, depending on application completeness.

No. Unlike Subclass 491 or 494 visas, the Subclass 191 does not require ongoing nomination.

Yes, you can include eligible family members such as your spouse/partner and dependent children.

The income threshold requirement may vary. Applicants must show that their taxable income met or exceeded the specified level for 3 years while holding their eligible visa.

Yes. The Subclass 191 visa grants permanent residency, which is a pathway to Australian citizenship once residency and eligibility requirements are met.

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