191 Visa – Permanent Residency (Skilled Regional) Visa
The 191 Visa Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional Visa) enables migrants who have lived and worked in a designated regional area in Australia to apply for permanent residency provided they hold an eligible visa.
With This Visa, You Can Do the Following:
1. Continue to live and work in Australia permanently
2. Apply for Australian citizenship, upon meeting the requirements
3. Work and study anywhere in Australia
4. Sponsor eligible family members to come to Australia
Criteria for Subclass 191 Visa
1. You hold an eligible visa (Subclass 491 or Subclass 494) and have held that visa for at least 3 years
2. You have lived in a designated regional area for at least three years and have complied with all the conditions of the regional provisional visa;
3. Meet all the relevant health and character requirements;
4. You don’t require a sponsor or be nominated for this visa;
5. You can include eligible members of the family.
Visa Compliance Requirements for Subclass 191 visa
To be eligible for the 191 visa, applicants need to show they have complied with their visa conditions for the duration of their visa.
The current conditions for the Subclass 494 visa include:
- 8608 – 494 nominated work condition
- 8578 – notify the Department of certain changes in details
- 8579 – must live in a regional area
- 8580 – if requested, provided certain information
- 8581 – if requested, attend an interview with the Department
The current conditions for the Subclass 491 visa include:
- 8578 – notify the Department of certain changes in details
- 8579 – must live in a regional area
- 8580 – if requested, provided certain information
- 8581 – if requested, attend an interview with the Department
191 Visa Processing times
Processing times fluctuate in accordance with the departmental workload and are updated monthly. You can check the current processing times on here.
191 Visa Cost
The current government application fee starts from AUD $490. This will vary depending on the number of dependants included in your application and their age. Our consultancy fee will be dependent on your individual circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions on Australian Citizenship
What are the eligibility criteria for Australian citizenship?
The eligibility criteria for Australian citizenship can vary depending on your circumstances, but generally, applicants must:
- Be a permanent resident of Australia.
- Have lived in Australia lawfully for at least four years, including the last 12 months as a permanent resident.
- Have not been absent from Australia for more than 12 months in total during the four-year period, including no more than 90 days in the last 12 months.
- Meet the character requirements (no serious criminal record).
- Have a basic knowledge of the English language and understand the responsibilities and privileges of Australian citizenship.
What is the Australian Citizenship Test, and who needs to take it?
The Australian Citizenship Test is a test that assesses your knowledge of Australia’s history, values, and government system, as well as your understanding of the responsibilities and privileges of being an Australian citizen. You must take the test if you are applying for citizenship by conferral (the most common pathway), and you are aged between 18 and 59 years. Applicants must score at least 75% to pass the test. People over 60, under 18, or with a permanent disability that affects their ability to take the test may be exempt.
How long does it take to process an Australian citizenship application?
Processing times for Australian citizenship applications can vary, but typically this is what it can take from date of application to ceremony
- 25% of applications are processed within 7 months.
- 50% of applications are processed within 9 months.
- 75% of applications are processed within 11 months.
- 90% of applications are processed within 13 months. After approval, the time taken for a citizenship ceremony can also vary depending on the location
Do I need to provide proof of identity and residency for my citizenship application?
Yes, you need to provide documents that verify your identity and residency. These typically include:
- Your current passport and any expired passports used during your time in Australia.
- Birth certificate.
- Evidence of your permanent residency status.
- Documents showing your time spent in Australia, such as travel records.
- Proof of your name change if applicable (e.g., marriage certificate). Additional documents may be required depending on your individual situation.
Can I hold dual citizenship if I become an Australian citizen?
Yes, Australia allows dual or multiple citizenships, meaning you can become an Australian citizen without having to give up your current nationality, provided that the other country also allows dual citizenship. However, it is essential to check the laws of your country of origin to ensure they permit dual citizenship, as some countries may require you to renounce your citizenship upon acquiring another.