191 Visa Requirements and Fees: What You Need to Know

Are you on a regional visa and dreaming of permanent residency? The 191 visa is the final step for many skilled workers.

But you must meet the 191 visa requirements first. And you should know the 191 visa fees before you lodge. This guide explains both in plain words.

What Is the 191 Visa?

The 191 visa is called the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa. It is a permanent visa. You can stay in Australia for good.

You cannot apply for it directly. You must first hold a regional provisional visa, then move across to the 191 visa.

Who Is the 191 Visa For?

It is for people who have lived and worked in a regional area of Australia on one of these visas:

• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa, subclass 491
• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa, subclass 494

191 Visa Streams

Most people apply in the Regional Provisional stream. There is also a separate stream for eligible Hong Kong passport holders. This guide covers the Regional Provisional stream.

191 Visa Requirements and Fees at a Glance

191 Visa Requirements

Here are the main 191 visa requirements for the Regional Provisional stream:

1. Hold the right visa. You must hold a 491 or 494 visa when you apply.
2. Held it for 3 years. You must have held that visa for at least 3 years.
3. Follow your visa conditions. You must have complied with all conditions of your provisional visa.
4. Show your tax records. You must give ATO notices of assessment for 3 income years.
5. Meet health and character rules. Everyone in your application must pass these checks.

Missing even one of these can lead to a refusal. So check each point before you lodge.

Is the 191 Visa Points Tested?

No. You do not need to claim points again. You also do not need a new nomination or sponsor for this stage.

191 Visa Requirements for Family Members

You can include family members who are on your application. They must also meet health and character requirements.

191 Visa Regional Area Rules

Your provisional visa made you live and work in a designated regional area. The same rule counts for your 191 visa.

In simple terms, most places outside Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane are regional. This includes cities like Perth and Adelaide. Always check the official postcode list before you move or change jobs.

What Counts as Regional Living for the 191 Visa?

• Your home must be in a regional area
• Your work must be in a regional area
• Any study must be in a regional area

Keep proof such as lease papers, payslips and utility bills. These help show you followed the rules.

191 Visa Income and ATO Requirements

Many people ask about the income needed for the 191 visa. The good news is simple.

There is no minimum income amount for the Regional Provisional stream. But you must still provide ATO notices of assessment for 3 income years from the time you held your provisional visa.

How Do I Get ATO Notices of Assessment for the 191 Visa?

You can get them through your myGov account linked to the ATO. Lodge your tax returns on time. Then download the notice for each year.

Tip for Meeting the 191 Visa Income Requirements

Do not wait until the last minute. If a tax return is late, your notice will be late too. That can delay your 191 application.

191 Visa Fees

From 1 July 2026, the 191 visa fees in the Regional Provisional stream are:

Other Costs on Top of 191 Visa Fees

Budget for more than the visa charge. You may also pay for:

• Health examinations
• Police certificates from Australia and other countries
• Translations of documents, if needed
• Agent or lawyer fees, if you use one

Example of Total 191 Visa Fees for a Family

A couple with one child would pay AUD 630 + AUD 315 + AUD 160. That adds up to AUD 1,105 in government charges, before other costs.

Are 191 Visa Fees Changing?

Fees can change, often on 1 July each year. Always check the Home Affairs visa pricing page on the day you lodge.

Benefits of the 191 Visa

Once you get the 191 visa, you become a permanent resident. You can:

• Live in Australia for as long as you like
• Work and study anywhere in Australia
• Enrol in Medicare
• Sponsor eligible family members for permanent visas
• Travel in and out of Australia during the visa’s travel period
• Apply for Australian citizenship when you meet the rules

191 Visa Documents Checklist

Gather these early. Missing papers slow things down.

• Passport and ID for every applicant
• Your 491 or 494 visa grant notice
• ATO notices of assessment for 3 income years
• Proof of living and working in a regional area
• Payslips, employment letters and bank records
• Police certificates
• Marriage or relationship papers and birth certificates for family members

How to Apply for the 191 Visa

Step-by-Step 191 Visa Application

191 Visa Processing Time

Times change from month to month. They depend on how complete your application is and how busy the Department is.

You can help by lodging a full application with all documents. Check the current processing times on the Home Affairs website before you plan your next move.

Can I Stay in Australia While My 191 Visa Is Processed?

Usually you stay on your current visa while you wait. Check your visa expiry date carefully. If it is close, get advice early.

Common 191 Visa Requirements Mistakes

• Applying before reaching 3 years on the provisional visa
• Not lodging tax returns on time
• Living or working outside a designated regional area
• Leaving out family members or documents
• Using old 191 visa fees from an out-of-date website
• Letting the provisional visa expire before lodging

191 Visa Requirements and Fees FAQs

How much are 191 visa fees?

The Regional Provisional stream costs AUD 630 for the main applicant, AUD 315 for each adult and AUD 160 for each child.

Is there a minimum income for 191 visa requirements?

No minimum amount applies to the Regional Provisional stream. But you must give ATO notices of assessment for 3 income years.

How long must I hold a 491 or 494 visa before the 191 visa?

At least 3 years.

Is the 191 visa permanent?

Yes. It gives you permanent residence.

Can I apply directly for the 191 visa?

No. You must first hold a 491 or 494 visa.

Do I need an employer or state to sponsor me again?

No. You do not need a new sponsor or nomination at the 191 stage in the Regional Provisional stream.

Can I add my family to my 191 visa application?

Yes. Eligible family members can be included. Extra 191 visa fees apply for each person.

Conclusion: Why Use a Migration Agent Australia for 191 Visa Requirements and Fees

The 191 visa is a clear path from a regional provisional visa to permanent residency. The 191 visa requirements are simple on paper. But small errors in dates, tax records or regional proof can cause big delays.

A registered migration agent Australia wide can check your timeline, review your documents and explain the 191 visa fees for your whole family. They also keep you updated when rules change.

Ready to move from regional visa to PR? Talk to a trusted migration agent Australia applicants rely on, and lodge with confidence.

Important: This article provides general information only. Visa requirements, charges and processing times change, and your eligibility depends on your individual circumstances. Always check the latest information on the official Department of Home Affairs website before you make a visa application. For advice about your situation, consider speaking with a registered migration agent or qualified legal professional.