Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional)
The Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa offers a pathway for skilled workers in Australia to obtain permanent residency. This visa is ideal for individuals who have lived and worked in designated regional areas and are now seeking to transition to permanent resident status.
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Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 191 Visa
- Eligible Visa Holder: Must have held a Subclass 491 or 494 visa for at least 3 years.
- Residence in Designated Regional Area: Applicants and their family members must have lived, worked, and studied only in designated regional areas during the provisional visa period.
- Income Requirements: While there is no specified minimum income threshold, applicants are required to provide Notices of Assessment from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for at least 3 financial years within the last 5 years to demonstrate their income.
- Health and Character Standards: Must meet the health and character requirements as stipulated by the Department of Home Affairs.
This stream is designed for individuals who have held an eligible provisional visa, such as the Subclass 491 or 494, for at least three years. Applicants must have lived, worked, and studied exclusively in designated regional areas during this period and complied with all visa conditions. Notably, as of 20 June 2023, there is no minimum income requirement for this stream; however, applicants must provide Notices of Assessment from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for three years within the five-year validity of their provisional visa.
Application Charges:
- Base application fee: AUD 475
- Additional applicant charge (18+): AUD 240
- Additional applicant charge (under 18): AUD 120
This stream caters to holders of Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passports who have demonstrated a commitment to Australia. Eligibility criteria include holding an eligible visa (such as Subclass 457, 482, or 485) for at least three years, residing continuously in a designated regional area during this period, and complying with all visa conditions. Applicants must also possess at least functional English or be prepared to pay a second installment of the visa application charge if this requirement is not met.
Application Charges:
- Base application fee: AUD 4,640
- Additional applicant charge (18+): AUD 2,315
- Additional applicant charge (under 18): AUD 1,160
- Second installment (if no functional English): AUD 4,885 for applicants aged 18 and over
Key Benefits of the Subclass 191 Visa
- Grants indefinite stay in Australia with access to work and study opportunities nationwide.
- Enables the sponsorship of eligible relatives for permanent residence.
- Holders may become eligible for Australian citizenship, subject to meeting residency and other criteria.
- Eligibility to enroll in Medicare, Australia’s public health care system.
Application Process for Subclass 191 Visa
1. Gather Necessary Documents
Collect all required documents, including proof of residence, employment, and ATO Notices of Assessment.
2. Lodge Application
Submit the visa application through the Department of Home Affairs’ online portal, ensuring all information is accurate and complete.
3. Await Processing
Processing times can vary; refer to the visa processing time guide tool for current estimates.
4. Health and Character Checks
Undergo any required health examinations and provide police clearance certificates as requested.
5. Receive Visa Outcome
Once approved, you will be granted permanent residency status in Australia.
Common Reasons for Subclass 191 Visa Refusal
- Incomplete Documentation: Submitting applications without all required documents can lead to delays or refusals. Ensure all forms are filled out correctly and all necessary supporting documents are provided.
- Non-Compliance with Visa Conditions: Applicants must have complied with all conditions of their provisional visas (Subclass 491 or 494). Any breaches can adversely affect eligibility.
- Health and Character Requirements: Failing to meet health or character standards set by the Australian government can result in refusal. It’s essential to undergo necessary health examinations and provide police clearance certificates as required.
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How We Can Help
Sleek Migration offers end-to-end support for your Subclass 191 visa application:
- Eligibility Check: We evaluate your eligibility based on your visa history, residency, and income, ensuring you meet all criteria before submitting your application.
- Document Collection and Preparation: Our team assists you in gathering necessary documents, such as ATO assessments, health and character reports, to present a complete and accurate application.
- Application Submission: We manage the entire submission process on your behalf, reducing errors and improving efficiency.
- Guidance on Compliance: For those transitioning from a provisional visa, we provide ongoing advice to help you meet all conditions and ensure a seamless path to permanent residency.
Navigating the Subclass 191 visa application can be complex. Our experienced migration agents are here to assist you every step of the way, ensuring a smooth transition to permanent residency in Australia. Contact us today for personalized guidance.
FAQs
How long can I stay with the 191 visa?
This visa allows you to stay in Australia indefinitely, with a 5-year travel component from the visa grant date.
Can I include family members in my 191 visa application?
Yes, family members can be included if they meet health, character, and residency requirements.
What if I don’t meet the income requirement?
Although no minimum threshold is specified, you must submit ATO notices of assessment for 3 years out of the last 5 to demonstrate your income in Australia.
