3 years of holding 491 or 494
Total of at least 3 years as a holder of an eligible regional provisional visa. Combined 491 and 494 time counts.
3 Years Regional · Income Test · Subclass 191
491 to 191 is the newer regional PR pathway.
Our skilled team Gurjeev Bhalla, Sourabh Aggarwal, and Pragya Gautam plans regional pathways from Darwin, Gold Coast, and Cairns offices. Replacing older regional PR options, the Subclass 191 gives 491 holders who live and work regionally for 3 years a direct path to permanent residency. Here is how the pathway works in 2026.
Core 191 eligibility
Four requirements.
Every 191 application is assessed against these four core requirements.
Lived in designated regional area
Lived, worked, or studied in a designated regional area throughout the 3 years.
Minimum income test
Taxable income at or above the minimum income threshold (around AUD $53,900 in 2026) for at least 3 years. Tax records evidence.
Compliance with visa conditions
No breach of 491 or 494 conditions. Continuing good immigration standing.
Income test details
Each of 3 years must meet the threshold.
The income test is applied year by year.
Annual Taxable IncomeAssessed from Australian Tax Office records. Each year must meet the threshold.
Salary or self-employmentEmployed or self-employed income both count. Must be taxable earnings.
Multiple employers across yearCombined income across employers in the tax year. Continuous employment not required.
Partial yearsPartial tax year at 491 grant sometimes counts pro-rata. Check with specialist for specifics.
Planning the pathway
Three strategic priorities.
491 to 191 is a long pathway. Planning from 491 grant onward matters.
Keep tax records
Annual tax returns, payroll records, ATO records. Evidence the income test.
Stay regional
Moving to Sydney, Brisbane, or Melbourne mid-way invalidates the pathway. Plan life around regional residence for 3 years.
Track 3-year anniversary
Lodge 191 as soon as 3-year eligibility reached. Bridging visa continues during processing.
The 191 is genuinely a direct permanent residency visa.
Unlike 186 TRT which requires employer nomination, the 191 is self-directed. The 491 holder simply meets the 3-year regional living and income test, then applies. No sponsor dependency. This is a structural advantage of the 491/191 pathway.
Common questions
The questions we hear most.
For 491 to 191 pathway planning, book with Gurjeev Bhalla.
Can I lodge 191 offshore?
Most 491 holders lodge 191 onshore while still in Australia. Offshore lodgement possible but less common.
What if I moved to non-regional for 3 months during my 491?
Brief absences generally acceptable. Extended non-regional living can affect 191 eligibility. Case-by-case.
Does 494 time count toward 191?
Yes. 494 time can combine with 491 time to reach the 3-year threshold.
What if I fail the income test in one year?
The test applies for 3 qualifying years. If you miss a year, you may need to work another year before applying. Review each year individually.
Some information on this page has been sourced from the Department of Home Affairs and has been interpreted and approved by Principal Migration Agent Sourabh Aggarwal (MARN 1462159). Last reviewed: May 2026.