How long must I hold my 491 or 494 before I can apply for the subclass 191?

To move from a provisional regional visa to the permanent 191, you must have held your 491 or 494 for at least three years. During that period you are expected to comply with your visa conditions, including living and working in a designated regional area.

This three-year window is one reason the regional pathway requires genuine commitment to regional Australia. Time spent before you held the eligible provisional visa does not count toward the requirement.