Subclass 191 · Hong Kong stream
Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191): Hong Kong Stream
Permanent residence for Hong Kong and BN(O) passport holders who have lived in regional Australia for 3 years on an eligible visa.
About the Hong Kong stream
A regional permanent pathway.
- Stay in Australia permanently
- Work and study in Australia
- Join free English classes through the Adult Migrant English Program, if eligible
- Enrol in Medicare
- Sponsor eligible relatives
- Travel in and out of Australia for 5 years
- Become an Australian citizen, if eligible
AUD6,135 for the main applicant, plus charges for family members.
In or outside Australia.
Eligibility
What you need.
When you apply.
If it was granted before 9 July 2020, it must not expire after 8 July 2025.
You must have usually lived in a designated regional area for a continuous period of at least 3 years.
Any work or study in the 3 years before you apply must have been in a designated regional area.
When the visa is decided, have functional English, or pay a second instalment of the visa charge.
You and family members applying with you must meet the health requirement, and those aged 16 or over the character requirement. Permanent and provisional visa applicants, and family members applying with them, must have health examinations with an approved panel physician. Temporary visa applicants might need them, depending on the visa and their circumstances. For the character requirement, Home Affairs may ask for police certificates and Form 80.
Applicants 18 or over read the Life in Australia booklet and sign the Australian Values Statement, government debts must be repaid or arranged, and previous refusals or cancellations are considered.
Not applicable for this view.
When you have this visa
You are a permanent resident.
You can live, work and study in Australia indefinitely, with access to Medicare. Newly arrived residents may wait before getting some government payments.
Travel in and out of Australia as often as you like for 5 years from grant. After that, you need a Resident Return visa.
As a permanent resident you may be able to sponsor eligible relatives, and later apply for Australian citizenship.
Report a new passport, address or other change in circumstances.
Based on Department of Home Affairs information (October 2026). Visa costs, thresholds, occupation lists and processing times can change, so always confirm current details on the Department of Home Affairs website or ask our team. This page is general information, not migration advice for your circumstances.
Other Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191) Streams
Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191): Hong Kong Stream FAQs
Straight answers to the questions we hear most.
Still have questions?
Book an appointment with a registered migration agent and get clear answers about your visa options.
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Hong Kong or BN(O) passport holders with an eligible visa who have lived in a designated regional area for at least 3 years.
Any work or study in the 3 years before applying must have been in a designated regional area.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Book a consultation with a MARA registered migration agent.
