Subclass 191 / Regional Provisional stream
Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191)
Your regional chapter. A longer future ahead.
Review the permanent stage with your regional visa history in view. We help you understand the eligible visa period, compliance and tax evidence required for the 191 Regional Provisional stream.
- Visa type
- Permanent
- Eligible earlier visas
- Subclass 491 or 494
- Employer nomination
- Not required for this stream
What this pathway offers
The permanent stage. A clear view of the evidence.
This page focuses on the Regional Provisional stream after an eligible 491 or 494 visa. The separate Hong Kong stream has different criteria.
Permanent residence if granted
Live, work and study anywhere in Australia as a permanent resident, with the grant's travel arrangements considered separately.
No new employer nomination
The Regional Provisional stream does not need a sponsor or nominator. Your eligible visa history and compliance still need to be established.
Review the family position
Check which eligible family members can be included and prepare their visa, identity and personal-requirement evidence.
Know the application you are preparing
Two streams. Different starting points.
Do not apply the regional provisional criteria to every 191 applicant. Identify the stream before preparing the evidence.
Regional Provisional stream
For qualifying holders of a 491 or 494 visa. This page explains the main visa-history, compliance and ATO evidence requirements.
Hong Kong stream
For eligible Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport holders who meet the separate visa and residence requirements. An ordinary British passport alone is not the criterion.
The requirements in context
What needs to line up.
For the Regional Provisional stream, the core checks include:
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An eligible visa held for at least three years
You must hold an eligible 491 or 494 visa when applying and have held the eligible visa for at least three years before applying. Review the exact grant history.
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Compliance with visa conditions
Check compliance with the eligible visa's conditions across the relevant period, including the regional requirements and any changes to work or residence.
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ATO notices of assessment
Provide notices of assessment for three income years out of the five years of the eligible visa. There is currently no minimum income requirement for this stream.
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Personal and family requirements
Review identity, eligible family members, health, character and the other application requirements. A three-year visa period alone does not establish eligibility.
No minimum income threshold.
Tax evidence still matters.
Home Affairs currently states that the Regional Provisional stream has no minimum income requirement. Use the current stream requirements when reviewing your tax records and eligibility.
You still need the required ATO notices of assessment and evidence of compliance with your eligible visa. Permanent residence requires a separate application and decision.
View the separate Hong Kong streamA plan you can follow
From your circumstances to a practical next step.
We help connect the original visa grant, regional history and current documents into a focused permanent-stage application.
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Check the visa history and timing
Review the eligible visa grants, dates and family circumstances before deciding when an application can be made.
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Review compliance and ATO records
Bring together residence and work history, any relevant changes and the required notices of assessment.
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Prepare and lodge the application
Complete the online visa application with the relevant identity, family and supporting evidence. No new employer nomination is required for this stream.
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Respond and review the outcome
Keep details current and address requests. If granted, review permanent status and the travel facility on the grant notice.
Preparation that makes sense
The right records. A clearer application.
The checklist depends on the visa, stream and people involved. Depending on your circumstances, it may include:
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Passport, eligible 491 or 494 grant notices and relevant visa history.
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ATO notices of assessment for the required three income years.
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Records supporting compliance with regional and other visa conditions.
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Relevant residence and employment history and explanations of changes.
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Family, health and character evidence required for the application.
A little more clarity
Your 191 questions, made clearer.
Start with the essentials, then look at how the requirements apply to the role, history and application.
Is the 191 only for people who held the 494?
No. The Regional Provisional stream can be available to eligible 491 or 494 visa holders. There is also a separate Hong Kong stream with different passport, visa and residence requirements. Identify the correct stream before assessing eligibility.
Do I need my employer to sponsor me again?
The Regional Provisional stream does not require a sponsor or nominator. You still need to establish the eligible visa period, compliance and all other application requirements.
Must my taxable income exceed a set amount?
Home Affairs currently states there is no minimum income requirement for the Regional Provisional stream. You must still provide ATO notices of assessment for three income years out of the five years of your eligible visa. Keep the actual notices; payslips alone do not replace them.
Is permanent residence automatic after three years?
No. Three years holding an eligible visa is one requirement. You must make a separate application and meet the relevant compliance, tax-evidence, health, character and other criteria. Your provisional visa does not convert automatically to permanent residence.
What if I am considering the Hong Kong stream?
This stream is for eligible Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport holders. It has separate rules for eligible 457, 482 or 485 visas, regional residence and any work or study. An ordinary British passport alone does not meet the passport criterion. Review the Hong Kong stream requirements separately.
How long will it take and what will it cost?
Timing depends on the stream, evidence, required checks and Home Affairs assessment. See current processing guidance and visa charges. Allow for any health, police-certificate, document and professional costs. We explain the agreed scope and fees before work begins.
Your next step starts with you
Bring the permanent stage into focus.
Tell us which regional visa you hold and when it was granted. We will help you understand the timing, evidence and next step.