Can I apply directly for the 191 visa?

No, you cannot directly apply for the 191 visa. To be eligible, you must have a valid regional provisional visa and hold a subclass 491 or 494 visa for at least three years. The 191 visa is a two-step process to permanent residency in Australia. First, you must obtain a regional provisional visa and hold a subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) or 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional).
 

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What is a 191 visa?

The Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191), also known as the 191 visa, is a pathway to Australia for individuals who have lived and worked in Australia's regional areas through a provisional visa, such as a 491 or 494 visa, for at least three years.
 

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Eligibility for the 191 visa

To be eligible for the 191 visas, you must fulfill the conditions given below. You must:
 

• Hold a qualifying visa
• Provide assessment-issued notices authorized by the Australian Taxation Office for 3 income years of the 5-year validity of your qualifying visa.
• Adhere to the conditions of your qualifying visa
• Have a good health certificate
• Have a good character certificate
• Comply with the Australian values statement
• Pay back debt to the Government of Australia (if any)
• Not have visa cancellations or refusal of application earlier.
   

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Eligibility for a 491 visa

The eligibility conditions of the 491 visa are given below. You must:

• Have a nomination by a state or territory of Australia agency or sponsorship by an eligible family member.
• Be employed in an occupation listed in a relevant skilled occupation list
• Have the required skills assessment for the job role
• Have an invitation to apply for the 491 visa
• Have a score of 65 points or more in the points grid system
   

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Eligibility for the 494 visa

The eligibility criteria for the 494 visa are given below. You must:

• Have nomination by an Australia-based work sponsor.
• Be employed in an occupation listed on the relevant skilled occupation list.
• Have a favorable report for skills assessment for your occupation
• Be below 45 years
• Have the required skills in the English language
   

Also read…

Australia Replaces ANZSCO with OSCA for Job Classification
 

How to apply for the 191 visa?

The detailed procedure to apply for the 191 visa is given below.

Step 1: Hold a valid qualifying visa to apply for the 191 visa.

Step 2: Check if you meet the other eligibility conditions for the 191 visa.

Step 3: Ensure you include all the required documents with the application.

Step 4: Submit the duly filled 191 visa application form.

Step 5: Become an Australian permanent resident with the 191 visa.
 

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