Permanent Residence for Temporary Work Visa Holders (Subclasses 191/887)

Overview

This visa allows you live, work and study in Australia permanently, if you have held an eligible temporary visa and meet certain residence, work and income requirements.

The subclass 191 visa is the permanent visa pathway for holders of subclass 491 and 494 visas. Currently, 491 visa holders do not have to meet minimum income requirements to apply for this visa.

The subclass 887 visa is the permanent visa pathway for holders of subclass 475, 487 and 489 visas (these three visas are no longer open to new applicants).

This may be the right visa for you if:

What You Can Do & How Long You Can Stay

These are permanent visas.
You can travel to and from Australia multiple times.
You can work in Australia whilst on this visa.
You can bring family members to Australia.
You may be eligible for a Bridging Visa to remain in Australia while waiting for this visa to be processed.

Limitations and Important Things to Know

Which visa you choose is dependent on your visa history.
Subclass 191 visas generally require you to meet a minimum taxable income for 3 years, whilst holding an eligible visa (subclasses 491 and 494). Hong Kong passport holders do not have to meet the income requirement if they have lived in regional Australia for 3 years.
Subclass 887 visas generally require you to have 2 years of residence and 1 year of full time work in Australia on an eligible visa (subclasses 475, 487 and 489).
You must have complied with the conditions of your temporary visa.
These visas do not offer a permanent visa pathway for subclass 482 visa holders. Subclass 482 visa holders should apply for permanent residence through the subclass 186 Temporary Residence Transition stream instead.

If you are worried about encountering issues or restrictions when applying for this visa, we may be able to help. Please contact us for more information.