The 491 visa has become one of Australia’s most popular migration options for skilled workers — especially those seeking a path to permanent residency. But while the 491 visa offers a clear bridge to a PR visa (specifically the subclass 191), many applicants don’t fully understand the timeline or the fine print involved.
If you’ve already secured a 491, or you’re considering applying, here’s what you need to know about turning it into a permanent stay — and what the journey realistically looks like from start to finish.
First, let’s clarify what the 491 visa is. The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) is a five-year visa that allows skilled migrants to live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia. It’s a points-tested visa, granted based on state or territory nomination (or sponsorship by an eligible family member living regionally).
The end goal for many? Permanent residency through the Skilled Regional visa (subclass 191) — but you’ll need to meet specific conditions before you can make the switch.
A common misconception is that simply holding a 491 visa gives you a fast track to PR. In reality, the process starts the day your 491 is granted — and from there, you need to complete at least three full years living and working in regional Australia.
But it’s not just about time — it’s also about your income. To be eligible for the 191 PR visa, you must prove that you’ve earned a taxable income of at least $53,900 per year for three consecutive years. That means lodging tax returns, maintaining stable employment, and keeping your documentation watertight.
Any gaps in income or non-compliance with visa conditions (like moving out of a designated regional area) can set you back significantly — or worse, make you ineligible.
Once you hit the three-year mark and meet the income threshold, you can apply for the 191 visa — your ticket to permanent residency.
This is where preparation pays off. You’ll need to supply:
Many applicants find this stage stressful — not because the visa is difficult, but because they didn’t prepare early. The more you treat your 491 as a stepping stone and track your progress from the start, the smoother the transition to PR will be.
Let’s be realistic: from the day your 491 is granted to the day your PR is approved, you’re probably looking at anywhere from 3.5 to 5 years.
Here’s why:
So, while the 491 is valid for five years, most applicants won’t reach PR before year four — assuming everything goes smoothly.
Unfortunately, no — the three-year income requirement is non-negotiable. However, what you can control is how well you prepare:
The process might seem straightforward — but it rarely is. From meeting the income test to interpreting regional compliance conditions, small mistakes can have big consequences.
At GovLinked, our Registered Migration Agents help clients plan their migration journey from the start — not just at the PR application stage. We provide tailored guidance based on your job, income, region, and goals, so you can stay on track and avoid unnecessary delays.
Whether you’ve already received your 491 or you’re still thinking about applying, now is the time to plan for PR. The journey from provisional to permanent residency takes time, but with the right support, it doesn’t have to be uncertain or stressful.
Book a free consultation with a Registered Migration Agent to make sure you’re on the right path — and stay in control of your migration future.
