The 191 visa income requirement: a minimum over 3 years

What is the income requirement for the 191 visa

The 191 visa (Permanent Residence — Skilled Regional) is the final milestone in the journey from the 491 visa to permanent residence. Beyond the requirement to live and work in a regional area, one of the key conditions is that you must show you have earned a sufficient income across 3 consecutive financial years while holding the 491 visa.

This income requirement is designed to ensure you do not merely “have a presence” in the regional area but genuinely take part in the workforce and contribute to the local economy.

What is the TSMIT income level

TSMIT stands for the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold — a minimum income level for temporary skilled migrants, set by DHA. It is a reference wage used across several skilled work visas in Australia.

The TSMIT level is reviewed and adjusted periodically. For the 191 requirement, you need to meet the TSMIT level in force in each applicable financial year. Always check the official TSMIT level on the DHA website, as the figure changes over time.

An important note: the 191 requirement is that the income from employment in the regional area meets TSMIT or the equivalent. Income from investments, rent or sources unrelated to employment is generally not counted.

3 financial years — understanding the requirement correctly

When DHA says “3 financial years”, it refers to the Australian financial year (1 July to 30 June the following year). You need to meet the income requirement in at least 3 financial years while holding the 491 visa.

Some points to understand clearly:

• Not necessarily consecutive: if in one financial year you do not reach the threshold (for example due to parental leave or illness), that year does not count, but you can make it up in another year if you still have time on the 491 visa
• A partial financial year: if you receive the 491 visa in March, that financial year only counts from March to June (4 months) — which may not be enough to reach the full-year income threshold. Many people plan to apply for the 491 before July so they can start counting a full financial year from 1 July
• A “full” financial year is more reliable: aim for 3 full financial years (12 months each) to avoid any dispute

How income is calculated

DHA considers the actual income recorded in your tax return. The types of income counted:

• Salary and bonuses from an employer in the regional area
• Income from self-employment in the regional area (after deducting reasonable expenses)
• Overtime and allowances from work in the regional area

Income from part-time work can be counted if the total for the year reaches the threshold. However, if your income is significantly below TSMIT, you should consult a migration agent to assess whether you can meet the requirement.

Documents to prepare to prove income

When you lodge your 191 application, you need to provide:

1. Tax returns for each financial year — this is the main evidence
2. Notice of Assessment from the ATO — confirmation from the Australian Taxation Office of the income declared
3. Payslips from your employer (keep every month’s in full)
4. An employment letter from your employer stating your salary and place of work
5. Group certificate / Payment summary at the end of each financial year

Lodging your tax return on time and in full each year is a prerequisite. If you miss a year’s tax return, you will lack the evidence you need when you lodge your 191 application.

Plan from the first day you hold the 491 visa

The income requirement and living in a regional area are the two pillars of moving from the 491 to the 191. Planning your finances early helps you avoid surprises later:

• Find full-time work paying at least TSMIT as soon as you arrive
• Don’t move your place of work outside the regional area without a clear plan
• Lodge your tax return on time each year (deadline: 31 October if you self-lodge, or later if you use a tax agent)