Subclass 491 to 191 permanent residence pathway
Subclass 491 is a provisional regional visa. Some holders can later apply for the permanent Subclass 191 visa through the Regional Provisional stream. It is a separate application, not an automatic conversion.
Important correction to older guidance
The current detailed Home Affairs stream page says there is no minimum income requirement. Older articles that quote a $53,900 threshold are not a safe source for a current application.
Current core requirements
Home Affairs currently lists these core requirements for this stream:
- hold an eligible Subclass 491 or 494 visa and have held it for at least three years;
- provide ATO notices of assessment for three income years out of the five years of the eligible visa; and
- have complied with the conditions attached to the eligible visa.
These are not the only matters that may affect an application. Check the eligibility sections on the official stream page and the conditions shown in your own grant notice.
What the tax requirement actually means
The stream asks for Australian Taxation Office notices of assessment. It does not set a minimum taxable-income amount on the current detailed page. Keep each notice of assessment and make sure your tax affairs accurately reflect your circumstances. If a notice is missing or needs correction, deal directly with the ATO before relying on it as evidence.
Visa conditions and regional obligations
Conditions differ by visa and grant. Use VEVO and your grant letter to identify the exact conditions that apply to you. Keep contemporaneous records such as addresses, employment details and travel history where they help demonstrate compliance. Do not rely on a generic postcode list copied into a blog article because regional definitions can change.
A practical preparation checklist
- Confirm that your current visa is an eligible 491 or 494 visa.
- Calculate the date on which you will have held it for three years.
- Download and retain your ATO notices of assessment.
- Review every condition in your grant notice and check your compliance evidence.
- Read the official 191 stream page again immediately before lodging.
- Get registered migration advice if your tax record, travel or visa compliance is unclear.
Primary source
Verify the requirements on the detailed Home Affairs stream page, not a cached summary.
Open the Subclass 191 Regional Provisional stream page →Important Notice: The content on this page is for general information only. Australian visa policies and requirements are subject to change at any time. Always refer to the official Department of Home Affairs website for the most current and accurate information.