Why apply for an Australia PR?

Obtaining Australia PR grants skilled migrants and their families the right to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely. Permanent residency holders enjoy access to healthcare, social security benefits, and a five-year travel facility. After residing in Australia for four years, they become eligible to apply for Australian citizenship. In 2023, over 160,000 permanent visas were granted, highlighting Australia’s commitment to skilled migration. Australia PR is a crucial step towards full citizenship and integration into Australian society.
 

• Ranked as the 8th happiest country globally
• Welcomed 500,000 new migrants in 2024
• 800,000 job openings available for skilled workers
• Australia PR offers up to 100-fold return on investment
• Access to comprehensive Universal Healthcare services
• Complimentary education for your children in public schools
• Eligibility for retirement benefits as a permanent resident
• Simplified and straightforward path to Australian citizenship
   

Australia PR process

Australia PR Process: Three Different Stages

The process of obtaining Australia PR can be broadly divided into three key stages:
 

1. Australia Skill Assessment

This initial stage involves getting your skills assessed by a designated skill assessment body relevant to your occupation. The assessment verifies that your qualifications and work experience meet Australian standards. A positive skill assessment is mandatory for most skilled visa applications and is crucial for meeting eligibility criteria.
 

2. Australia PR Visa Approval

After successful skill assessment and submission of a complete Australia PR application, including an Expression of Interest (EOI) and meeting visa requirements such as age, English proficiency, health, and character checks, the application is processed by the Australian immigration authorities. Processing times vary by visa subclass but generally range from 6 to 12 months. Upon approval, you receive your permanent residency visa, allowing you to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely.
 

3. Preparation for Departure

Once your Australia PR visa is granted, you can prepare for your move to Australia. This includes organizing travel documents, understanding your rights and responsibilities as an Australia permanent resident, and planning your settlement. The PR visa comes with a travel facility valid for five years, permitting you to travel internationally and re-enter Australia. After residing in Australia for four years, you may become eligible to apply for Australian citizenship.
 

* Need guidance to apply for Australia PR? Get expert advice with Migrate to Australia
 

Visa options to become a Permanent Resident of Australia

Australia offers various permanent visa options tailored to different applicants:
 

• Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189): Points-tested, no sponsorship required.
• Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190): Requires state or territory nomination.
• Employer-Sponsored Visas ( subclass 186): For workers sponsored by Australian employers.
• Regional Visas (subclass 491 leading): For skilled workers in regional areas.
• Family Stream Permanent Visa: For partners, parents, and other family members of Australian citizens or permanent residents.
• Special Category Visa (SCV) for New Zealand citizens, with pathways to permanent residency. Each visa category has specific eligibility criteria and benefits.
• Business Innovation Stream: Designed for business owners and entrepreneurs to establish or manage a business in Australia, leading to permanent residency.
• Investor Stream: For individuals who make a designated investment in Australia and meet specific financial and business requirements to obtain permanent residency.
• Subclass 891 Visa: A permanent visa for New Zealand citizens who have lived in Australia for a certain period and meet residency requirements.
• Graduate Work Visa (Subclass 485): Allows international graduates with skills and qualifications needed in Australia to live and work temporarily, with pathways to permanent residency.
• Professional Year Program (PYP): A structured professional development program for recent graduates in accounting, IT, or engineering to enhance employability and support permanent residency applications.
• National Innovation visa (subclass 858): A fast-track visa pathway for highly skilled individuals in specific sectors to live and work in Australia permanently.
• Australia Parent Visa: Enables parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents to live in Australia permanently, subject to eligibility and sponsorship requirements.
   

Australia PR eligibility

Below are the eligibility criteria to apply for Australia PR:

• Age limit: Generally under 45 years old at the time of application.
• Points test: Minimum 65 points based on age, English proficiency, work experience, education, and other factors.
• Occupation: Must be listed on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL).
• Health and character: Must pass medical examinations and police checks.
• English language proficiency: Competent level demonstrated through tests such as IELTS or PTE.
• Residence requirement: For citizenship eligibility, permanent residents must have lived in Australia for at least four years. Meeting these criteria improves the chances of a successful application.
   

*Want to check your eligibility for Australia? Avail FREE Y-Axis Australia PR Points Calculator and get an instant score!
 

Australia PR requirements

A minimum score of 65 points is required to qualify for an Australia PR visa. Achieving a higher score on the eligibility assessment increases your likelihood of receiving an invitation to apply for Australia PR. Candidates scoring between 80 and 85 points may become eligible for a faster invitation process. There are multiple visa categories available for applying for Australia PR, each with its own specific eligibility criteria. However, the general eligibility factors include the following:
 

• Have a valid skills assessment from a relevant assessing authority.
• Achieve a minimum score of 65 points on the points test
• Submit a valid Expression of Interest through SkillSelect (for skilled visas).
• Provide evidence of English proficiency.
• Meet health and character requirements.
• Have a valid passport or travel document.
• Submit all required documents, including identity, work experience, and educational qualifications
• Pay the applicable visa application fees
   

How to get an Australia PR?

The general steps to obtain Australia PR include:

Step 1: Determine the appropriate visa subclass based on your circumstances.
Choosing the correct visa subclass is crucial as it aligns with your occupation, skills, and personal situation. Different subclasses cater to various pathways such as skilled migration, employer sponsorship, or family sponsorship.
 

Step 2: Obtain a skills assessment from a designated skill assessment body.
This assessment verifies that your qualifications and work experience meet Australian standards. It is mandatory for most skilled visa applications and must be conducted by the relevant assessing authority for your occupation.
 

Step 3: Take an English proficiency test and achieve the required score.
Demonstrating competent English language skills through tests like IELTS or PTE is essential to meet visa requirements and improve your points score on the points test.
 

Step 4: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect.
An EOI is an online application where you express your interest in applying for permanent residency. It includes details about your skills, qualifications, and experience and allows Australian authorities to assess your eligibility.
 

Step 5: Receive an invitation to apply for PR.
If your EOI meets the criteria and there are available places, you will be invited to lodge a formal application for permanent residency.
 

Step 6: Lodge a complete Australia PR application with all supporting documents.
Submit your application along with all necessary documents such as identity proof, skills assessment results, English test scores, and health and character certificates.
 

Step 7: Undergo medical examination and police clearance.
These checks ensure you meet the health and character requirements set by the Australian government for all visa applicants.
 

Step 8: Await visa processing and decision.
Processing times vary depending on the visa subclass and individual circumstances. During this time, your application is thoroughly reviewed.
 

Step 9: Upon approval, receive your permanent visa and move to Australia indefinitely.
With your permanent residency visa granted, you gain the right to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely, with a travel facility valid for five years to re-enter the country.
 

Benefits of Australia Permanent Residency

Permanent residency in Australia offers:

• The right to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely.
• Access to Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system.
• Eligibility for social security benefits after fulfilling residency requirements.
• Ability to sponsor eligible family members for permanent residency.
• Freedom to travel in and out of Australia with a travel facility valid for five years.
• Pathway to Australian citizenship after meeting residence requirements.
• Protection under Australian laws and access to local government services. These benefits make PR highly desirable for migrants seeking a stable future in Australia.
   

What is an Australia PR Visa?

An Australia PR visa is a permanent residence visa that allows non-citizens to live in Australia indefinitely. It grants the holder many of the rights of Australian citizens, except the right to vote in federal elections and hold an Australian passport. PR visas come with a travel facility that permits holders to leave and re-enter Australia for five years from the date of grant. After this period, holders can apply for a Resident Return Visa to maintain travel rights. The PR visa is a critical step toward becoming an Australian citizen.
 

Australia 189 visa

The Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) is a points-tested visa for skilled workers not sponsored by an employer, state, or family member. It allows holders to live and work anywhere in Australia permanently. To qualify, applicants must:
 

• Have an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
• Meet the points test minimum of 65 points.
• Pass health and character checks.
• Submit an Expression of Interest and receive an invitation to apply. This visa is popular among skilled migrants seeking flexibility and independence.
   

Australia 190 Visa

The Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) requires nomination by an Australian state or territory government. It is also points-tested and allows holders to live and work permanently in the nominating state or territory. Applicants must:
 

• Have an occupation on the relevant state’s Skilled Occupation List.
• Meet the points test and other eligibility criteria.
• Commit to living in the nominating region for at least two years. This visa supports regional development and skilled workforce needs.
   

Jobs in Australia

Australia has a strong demand for skilled workers in sectors such as healthcare, engineering, IT, construction, and education. The Skilled Occupation List is regularly updated to reflect labor market needs. In 2024, occupations such as Registered Nurses, Software Engineers, Electricians, and Civil Engineers continue to be highly sought after. Additionally, there is increased demand for healthcare professionals, IT specialists, and construction workers. Skilled migrants with qualifications and experience in these areas have strong prospects of obtaining permanent residency in Australia. Here are list of occupations and the annual salary in Australia:

OCCUPATION	ANNUAL SALARY IN AUD
IT	$99,642 – $ 115, 000
Marketing & Sales	$84,072 – $103,202
Engineering	$92,517 – $110,008
Hospitality	$60,000 – $75,000
Healthcare	$101,569- $169279
Accounting & Finance	$77,842 – $92,347
Human Resources	$80,000 – $99,519
Construction	$72,604 – $99,552
Professional and Scientific Services	$90,569 – $108,544

 

Australia PR cost

The cost of applying for Australia PR varies by visa subclass and number of applicants. For example, the base application fee for subclass 189 and 190 visas is approximately AUD 4,240 for the primary applicant. Additional fees apply for family members. Other costs include:
 

• Skills assessment fees: AUD 300 to AUD 1,000+
• English tests: AUD 300 to AUD 400
• Medical examinations: AUD 300 to AUD 500
• Police clearance certificates Applicants should budget for these expenses to ensure a smooth application process.
   

Australia Skill Assessment

A skill assessment is conducted by a designated skill assessment body relevant to the applicant’s occupation. This assessment verifies that the applicant’s qualifications and work experience meet Australian standards. Examples of assessing authorities include Engineers Australia, the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council, and the Australian Computer Society. A positive skills assessment is mandatory for most skilled visa applications.
 

Australia PR Processing Time

Processing times for Australia PR applications depend on the visa subclass and the individual case. On average:

• Subclass 189: 6 to 9 months
• Subclass 190: 7 to 10 months
• Employer-sponsored visas: 8 to 12 months Factors influencing processing times include application completeness, health and character checks, and the volume of applications received. Applicants can track their application status online.
   

Factors affecting the Australia PR Visa processing time

Several factors can affect processing times:

• Incomplete or incorrect documentation.
• Delays in obtaining medical or police clearance certificates.
• High volume of applications during peak periods.
• Complexity of the case or additional checks required.
• Changes in immigration policy or visa requirements. Ensuring a complete and accurate application can help minimize delays.
   

Invest in Australia PR and get 100 times more returns

Investing in Australia through certain visa pathways can yield significant returns. Australia’s strong economy, stable political environment, and high quality of life attract investors and skilled migrants alike. Property investments, business ventures, and education opportunities offer long-term benefits. Skilled migrants with PR status can access Australia’s growing job market and social services, enhancing their financial and personal prospects.
 

How can Y-Axis help you?

Y-Axis is a leading immigration consultancy with over 15 years of experience assisting clients to obtain Australia PR. Their expert consultants provide personalized guidance on visa options, skill assessments, and application processes. They help applicants navigate complex immigration laws to maximize the chances of a successful application. With a high success rate and comprehensive support services, Y-Axis is a trusted partner for aspiring Australian permanent residents.
 

Their services include:
 

• Free eligibility check through the Australia Immigration Points Calculator
• Expert guidance/counseling for Australia Immigration
• Coaching services: Expert PTE coaching, IELTS proficiency Coaching
• Free career counseling; book your slot today
• Complete guidance for Australia PR visa
• Job search services to find related jobs in Australia
   

By offering end-to-end support, Y-Axis ensures applicants have a smooth and efficient journey towards obtaining Australian permanent residency.