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Australia has long been an enticing destination for skilled migrants seeking new opportunities and a high quality of life. For those who have spent time living and working in designated regional areas of the country, the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa offers a pathway to make Australia their permanent home. In this article, we will explore the key features, eligibility criteria, and benefits of the Subclass 191 visa, shedding light on why it's an attractive option for many skilled migrants.
The Subclass 191 visa is part of Australia's skilled migration program, designed to address regional skill shortages and promote economic growth in designated regional areas. This visa provides a pathway for skilled workers and their families who have held a Subclass 491 or 494 visa and have lived and worked in regional areas for at least three years. It represents a significant step toward achieving permanent residency in Australia.
Permanent Residency: The most significant advantage of the Subclass 191 visa is that it leads to Australian permanent residency. This means visa holders can live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely, enjoying the same rights and privileges as Australian citizens.
No Further Stay Conditions: Unlike some other temporary visas, the Subclass 191 visa does not have a "No Further Stay" condition. This means visa holders are not restricted from applying for other visas or pathways to citizenship if they meet the eligibility criteria.
Access to Social Services: Permanent residents in Australia have access to an extensive range of social services, including Medicare (Australia's public health system), education, and welfare benefits.
Work Flexibility: Subclass 191 visa holders can work in any occupation, for any employer, and in any location within Australia, providing them with considerable career flexibility.
To be eligible for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Holding a Relevant Visa: Applicants must have held either a Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) or Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional) visa for at least three years.
Living and Working in Regional Areas: During the three-year period, applicants must have lived and worked in a designated regional area in Australia. They should be able to provide evidence of their residence and employment in these regions.
Income Threshold: Applicants must have earned a minimum income for at least three years while holding the initial regional visa. This income threshold is subject to change and should be verified at the time of application.
Compliance with Visa Conditions: Applicants must have complied with the conditions of their initial regional visa, including not engaging in unacceptable employment practices.
Health and Character Requirements: Standard health and character checks are mandatory for all applicants.
The application process for the Subclass 191 visa involves several steps:
Ensure Eligibility: Before applying, ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria, especially the requirement for three years of regional living and work experience.
Gather Supporting Documents: Collect all necessary documents, including evidence of regional residence and employment, income statements, health checks, character checks, and more.
Submit Expression of Interest (EOI): Express your interest in applying for the Subclass 191 visa through the SkillSelect system.
Receive an Invitation: If your EOI is successful, you will receive an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs to apply for the visa.
Lodge the Application: Complete the online application form, attach all required documents, and pay the application fee.
Await a Decision: The processing time for the Subclass 191 visa can vary. You will be notified of the decision once the application is processed.
The Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa is a valuable opportunity for skilled migrants who have contributed to the growth and development of designated regional areas in Australia. It provides a clear pathway to permanent residency and all the benefits that come with it. For those who have spent three years living and working in regional areas, the Subclass 191 visa represents not just a new chapter but the beginning of a lifelong journey in the Land Down Under.
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