491 to 191 Visa: Your Complete Pathway from Regional Australia to Permanent Residency

Understanding the 491 to 191 Pathway

The Subclass 191 visa is specifically designed for holders of the 491 visa (and its predecessor, the 489) who have fulfilled their regional obligations. Unlike other permanent residency pathways that require additional points tests or employer sponsorship, the 191 is a relatively straightforward progression if you meet the requirements.

Key Eligibility Requirements for Subclass 191

What Counts as a "Designated Regional Area"?

Regional Australia includes all areas outside Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. This means you can live in vibrant cities like:

• Perth (Western Australia)
• Adelaide (South Australia)
• Gold Coast (Queensland)
• Newcastle & Wollongong (New South Wales)
• Hobart (Tasmania)
• Canberra (ACT)

Note: The regional definition is more expansive than many expect. You don't need to live in remote outback areas to qualify.

Meeting the Income Requirement

One of the most critical requirements for the 191 visa is demonstrating that your taxable income has reached the minimum threshold for at least three income years while on your 491 visa.

How the Income Threshold Works

Important Points:

• Income must be from employment, business, or investments while living in regional Australia
• Part-time work is acceptable as long as total taxable income meets the threshold
• Your spouse's income cannot be combined with yours to meet the threshold
• The threshold is indexed annually, so check the current figure before applying

What if I Don't Meet the Income Threshold?

If your taxable income falls short in one or more years, you may need to:

1. Continue working on your 491 visa until you have three qualifying years
2. Increase your working hours or find higher-paying employment
3. Consider whether business income or investment returns can contribute

Timeline: From 491 to 191

Here's a realistic timeline for your pathway:

Year 1 (491 Visa): Settle in regional area, secure employment
                   → Lodge tax return showing income ≥ $53,900

Year 2 (491 Visa): Continue regional residence and employment
                   → Lodge second qualifying tax return

Year 3 (491 Visa): Complete 3-year residence requirement
                   → Lodge third qualifying tax return

Year 3+ (Apply):  Lodge Subclass 191 application
                   → Processing time: approximately 3-6 months
                   → Receive Permanent Residency

Preparing Your 191 Application

When you're ready to apply, gather these essential documents:

Required Evidence

• Residence proof: Rental agreements, utility bills, bank statements showing regional addresses
• Employment evidence: Payslips, employment contracts, tax returns (Notice of Assessment)
• Tax records: Three years of tax returns and Notices of Assessment from the ATO
• Regional address verification: Electoral roll records, Medicare records, driver's licence

Application Costs

Tip: The 191 visa has no skills assessment or English test requirements. If you met these for your 491 application, you don't need to provide updated evidence.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Moving out of regional areas too early: Your 3-year clock resets if you relocate to Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane before completing the requirement.

2. Not keeping residence records: Many applicants struggle to prove they lived regionally. Keep all rental agreements, utility bills, and correspondence.

3. Underestimating income requirements: Part-year employment, unpaid leave, or career breaks can affect your qualifying income.

4. Missing the application window: While there's no strict deadline, ensure your 491 visa remains valid when you apply for 191.

Benefits of the Subclass 191 Visa

Once granted, the 191 visa offers:

• Permanent residency with no further conditions
• Freedom to live anywhere in Australia (no regional requirement)
• Work rights for any employer nationwide
• Access to Medicare and social security benefits
• Pathway to citizenship after meeting residency requirements
• Sponsor eligible family members for migration

How First Migration Can Help

Navigating the 491 to 191 pathway requires careful documentation and timing. At First Migration Service Centre, our registered migration agents have helped hundreds of regional visa holders successfully transition to permanent residency. We can:

• Review your current visa conditions and timeline
• Assess your income eligibility across multiple tax years
• Prepare a comprehensive document checklist
• Lodge your 191 application with confidence

Ready to take the next step? We invite you to submit a free visa assessment so we can understand your situation and provide tailored advice.