Breaking News: No Minimum Income Requirement for Subclass 191 Visa Applicants!
We have received advise that there is no longer a minimum income requirement for applicants of the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa subclass 191. This advice comes as a game-changer for individuals hoping to apply for permanent residency through the 491/494-191 pathway, as well as current holders of the subclass 491 and subclass 494 visas.
The Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa subclass 191 is designed to provide a pathway to permanent residency for eligible individuals who hold the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) subclass 491 and Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) subclass 494 visas. Previously, it was widely believed that subclass 191 applicants were required to provide evidence of having a salary that met the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) for a continuous period of three years.
However, according to the recent communication received from the Department of Home Affairs there is no legislative instrument in place that specifies a minimum income threshold for the subclass 191 visa. This news would surely bring great relief to aspiring applicants who may have been concerned about meeting the salary requirement.
Instead of a minimum income requirement, primary applicants are now required to provide notices of assessment issued by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for three income years out of the five years of their eligible visa. This means that applicants must demonstrate their compliance with Australian taxation regulations and provide evidence of their income through ATO assessments. It is essential for individuals who have already lodged their applications to review and ensure that their submissions include these three notices of assessment.
The removal of the minimum income requirement for subclass 191 applicants opens up new possibilities and opportunities for skilled migrants seeking permanent residency in regional areas of Australia. It particularly benefits those who may not have met the previous income threshold but have otherwise met the eligibility criteria for the subclass 491 and subclass 494 visas.
This development is especially good news for individuals who have been working diligently in regional areas under the subclass 491 or subclass 494 visas, as it allows them to pursue their long-term goal of obtaining permanent residency without the additional burden of meeting a specific income requirement.
The Australian government’s decision to eliminate the minimum income requirement reflects their recognition of the valuable contributions made by skilled migrants in regional communities. It also acknowledges the importance of providing a fair and accessible pathway to permanent residency for deserving individuals.
As always, it is recommended that prospective applicants seek professional advice from registered migration agents or consult the official website of the Department of Home Affairs to stay updated on the latest information and requirements for the subclass 191 visa.
In conclusion, the announcement by the Department of Home affairs stating the removal of the minimum income requirement for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa subclass 191 will bring tremendous relief and optimism to subclass 491 and subclass 494 visa holders, as well as those aspiring to apply for permanent residency through the 491/494-191 pathway. We believe that this change provides a more inclusive and flexible pathway for skilled migrants seeking permanent residency in regional Australia.
