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Skilled Transitional Visa

Skilled Regional Visas – Subclass 887 & 191-Transition from provisional to permanent residency with the Subclass 887 and 191 visas, designed for skilled professionals in regional Australia.

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Visa Type

Transitional Visa

Subclass 191 – Talent (Permanent)
Subclass 887 – Skilled Regional (Permanent)
Main purpose

Permanent residency visa for holders of an eligible regional provisional visa (491/494) who have lived and worked in a designated regional area — transitioning from provisional to permanent residency.

Permanent visa for skilled workers who have previously lived and worked in specified regional areas on an eligible provisional visa; reward for regional work/residence commitment.

Visa Type

Permanent resident visa (grant gives PR).

Permanent resident visa (grant gives PR).

Pre Requisite Provisional Visas

Must hold (or have held) a qualifying regional provisional visa — typically Subclass 491 or Subclass 494 — and meet residence & income requirements.

Must have held a qualifying provisional regional visa (e.g., Subclass 489, or other eligible visa — depending on stream) and have lived and worked in a specified regional area for required period.

Residence Requirement

Typically at least 3 years in a designated regional area while holding the qualifying visa.

Typically at least 2 years residence in a specified regional area before applying.

Work (Employment) Requirement

Must have worked (and lived) in the regional area as per visa conditions; income / tax records over the period are required.

Must have worked fulltime (minimum hours as specified, often 35+ hrs/week) for at least 12 months in that regional area.

Points Test / Skills Test Required?

No — the 191 visa does not require a new skills test or points based assessment.

No — Subclass 887 generally does not require a new skills test or points test.

Rights Once Granted (Stay, Work, Study, Benefits)

Permanent residency: can live, work, study anywhere in Australia, access Medicare, social benefits; can sponsor eligible family; eligible eventually for citizenship.

Permanent residency: same rights — live, work, study anywhere; access Medicare/social benefits; sponsor family; pathway to citizenship.

Apply for your Skilled Migration today and experience all that Australia has to offer!

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Book a free consultation
Testimonials

We’re in Our Clients’ Hearts

Excellence speaks for itself—our clients’ emotions tell the story.

Nilesh and Nirav proved to be true immigration experts, turning the Subsequent Entrant visa 491 process for a sister-in-law into a genuinely smooth and delightful experience. Their exceptional knowledge and unwavering support made them the best possible agents to have in your corner.

Shivam Jha
Assistant Medical Consultant

Knowbal Migration provided exceptional support from student visa to Subclass 190 PR approval. Rishav was particularly outstanding — proactive, detail-oriented, and consistently followed up to ensure timelines were met. The team also efficiently handled a parents' visitor visa. A genuinely stress-free experience, highly recommended for reliable migration guidance.

Rainita Gurjar
Developer Programmer

Knowbal Migration and Education played a pivotal role in securing a 190 PR in Adelaide. Dhruv deserves special recognition for his thorough guidance and consistent support from start to finish, making the entire visa process smooth, efficient, and stress-free. Highly recommended.

Deep Sath
Welder

Knowbal Migration delivered outstanding results for our family — securing a parents' visitor visa in just two days and the 191 visa within six months. Their highly skilled team was always responsive and supportive. Special thanks to Nirav Bhai for exceptional guidance throughout.

Ravi Shah
Pharmacy Assistant

After a 17-year migration journey, Knowbal delivered the breakthrough Prarthit had long sought. Nileshbhai's compassion, expertise, and genuine commitment to clients' dreams — not just fees — sets Knowbal apart. The team goes well above and beyond, earning lifelong gratitude from those they serve.

Prarthit Pandit
Truck Driver

Nilesh, Pragat, Trushen, and the entire Knowbal team provided genuinely trustworthy and wholehearted support throughout the 190 visa process. Their prompt actions, constant motivation, and dedication were truly appreciated. For anyone seeking a reliable migration agent, Knowbal is a team worth trusting completely.

V SRI
Electrical Engineer

Amazing experience with Knowbal Migration for visitor and 191 visa applications. Quick results, including a parents' visa in just 2 days. Skilled and responsive team. Special thanks to Niravbhai for excellent support.

Ravi Shah
How to apply

The Knowbal Visa Application Process

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I transition from a 491 or 494 visa to the 191 visa (Permanent Skilled Regional)?

To transition to the 191 visa, you must have held an eligible regional provisional visa like the 491 or 494 and met the required residency and work conditions in a regional area.

If your visa is nearing expiration, we recommend starting the process early to avoid any gaps. Our team can guide you through the residency verification and income requirements to ensure a smooth transition to permanent residency.

What happens if my 491 visa expires before I apply for the 191 visa?

If your 491 visa expires before you meet the conditions for the 191 visa, you may face complications. You might need to apply for a Bridging Visa A (BVA) or Bridging Visa B (BVB) while your application is processed.Consult with us early to ensure you remain in a valid visa status and avoid interruptions to your pathway to permanent residency.

Can I apply for the 887 visa if I haven’t worked full-time for 12 months in a regional area?

In most cases, no — the standard Subclass 887 requirement is at least 12 months of full-time work in a specified regional area.

However, if you qualify under the COVID-19 concessions, you may be eligible with at least 9 months of full-time work in a specified regional area, and 2 years of residence in a specified regional area. If you’re unsure whether the concession applies to you, we can review your visa history, regional addresses, and employment evidence, and guide you on the best way to document work and residence to meet the eligibility rules.

How do I prove my regional work experience for the 887 visa if I have multiple employers?

For the 887 visa, it’s important to show that you’ve worked at least 35 hours per week in a regional area for a minimum of 12 months.
If you’ve worked for multiple employers, make sure to gather:

  • Payslips or tax records for each role,
  • Letters from employers confirming employment dates and hours worked.
    We can assist in organising your documentation to ensure everything aligns with the visa requirements and prevent any delays in processing.
What if my 491 or 494 visa conditions change before I apply for the 191 visa?

If your 491/494 visa conditions change, such as a change in your employer or job duties, it’s crucial to review the eligibility requirements for the 191 visa.We’ll help ensure your situation still aligns with the criteria, and if needed, we can explore Bridging Visas or other alternatives to maintain your regional residency and work status while applying for the 191 visa.

Can I include my partner in my 191 or 887 visa application, even if they haven't worked in a regional area?

Yes, you can include your partner in the 191 or 887 visa application if they meet the eligibility criteria, even if they haven’t worked in a regional area.

However, it’s crucial to ensure all other eligibility conditions are met, such as meeting the regional work and residence requirements. Consult with us to clarify the best strategy for including your partner in your application while maximising your chances of success.

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