Last Updated: 11 November 2026

Australia PR Visa: Requirements, Points and How to Apply

Australian Permanent Residency (PR) gives you the right to live, work, and settle in Australia permanently with no visa conditions or employer restrictions. The Australian government is actively welcoming skilled professionals and families through a structured points-based migration program. Under the 2026-27 Permanent Migration Program, 185,000 PR places have been confirmed with over 70% reserved for skilled migrants across healthcare, engineering, IT, construction and trades. This guide covers everything you need to know about how to obtain PR in Australia, including eligibility, points, the application process and current costs.

*Want to check your eligibility for Australian PR? Use the free Y-Axis Australia PR Points Calculator to find out in minutes.

Why Apply for Australian PR?

Australian PR is the most secure way to settle in Australia permanently. It gives you and your family the stability and freedom to plan and build a long-term future in Australia.

• Work for any employer across Australia
• Earn an average annual salary of AUD 106,000
• Full Medicare access from day one
• Free state schooling for your children
• Sponsor your family members to join you
• Pathway to Australian citizenship after four years

What is Australian Permanent Residency?

Australian Permanent Residency (PR) is a permanent visa status granted to foreign nationals who meet Australia's skilled migration eligibility criteria. Unlike temporary visas, PR has no expiry date and is not tied to a specific employer, occupation, or location. Applications are assessed through a points-based system that rewards age, English proficiency, work experience, and qualifications.

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Australia PR Requirements

To apply for Australian Permanent Residency through skilled migration, applicants must meet the eligibility criteria set by the Department of Home Affairs.

Australia PR Eligibility Checklist

Applicants generally need to meet the following requirements:

• Be under 45 years of age when invited to apply.
• Have an occupation listed on the relevant skilled occupation list.
• Obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority.
• Meet the English language requirements for the selected visa pathway.
• Score at least 65 points on the skilled migration points test.
• Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect.
• Receive an invitation to apply for a skilled visa.
• Meet Australian health and character requirements.
• Hold a valid passport and provide the required supporting documents.

Important: Meeting the minimum 65-point requirement does not guarantee an invitation. Invitation outcomes depend on occupation, points ranking, available places and applicable selection priorities.

Australia Immigration Levels Plan 2026-27

The Australian Government has confirmed 185,000 places under the 2026-27 Permanent Migration Program. The program focuses on skilled migration, employer sponsorship, state and territory nomination, regional migration and family reunification.

Australia Permanent Migration Program 2026-27

The government has also confirmed plans to reform the skilled migration points test. However, the implementation date and revised points values have not yet been published. Until further details are announced by the Department of Home Affairs, applicants should continue to use the existing points test and eligibility requirements.

Types of Australian PR Visas

Australia offers several permanent residency pathways for skilled professionals, families, sponsored workers, and investors. The right pathway depends on your occupation, points score, work experience, employer sponsorship, and whether you are applying from within Australia or overseas.

• Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): Points-based permanent visa for skilled workers that does not require employer sponsorship or state nomination.
• Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): Points-based permanent visa requiring nomination by an Australian state or territory government.
• Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491): Temporary regional visa leading to permanent residency through Subclass 191 after three years of living and working in a designated regional area.
• Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186): Permanent visa for skilled workers nominated by an approved Australian employer.
• Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482): Temporary employer-sponsored visa providing a pathway to permanent residency after two years of employment with an approved Australian sponsor.
• Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801): Permanent visa for spouses or de facto partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens.
• National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858): Permanent visa for exceptionally talented individuals with an internationally recognised record of achievement in research, sport, arts, academia, or investment.

Australia PR Visa Comparison: Subclass 189 vs 190 vs 491

Australia has three main points-based PR pathways: Subclass 189, 190 and 491, each suited to a different applicant profile. Subclass 189 offers full independence with no sponsorship required, Subclass 190 adds 5 points through state nomination, and Subclass 491 adds 15 points for applicants willing to live and work in regional Australia.

Australia PR Points System

Australia uses a points-based selection system for skilled migration visas such as Subclass 189, 190 and 491. Applicants must score at least 65 points to meet the minimum points requirement. Points are awarded based on age, English proficiency, skilled employment, qualifications, Australian study, regional study and partner eligibility.

Australia PR Points Table

1. Age

2. English Language Proficiency

3. Overseas Skilled Employment

4. Australian Skilled Employment

5. Educational Qualifications

A recognised overseas bachelor's or master's degree can also earn 15 points. The qualification does not need to have been obtained in Australia.

6. Specialist Education Qualification

7. Additional Points

Important points-test conditions:

• Applicants cannot claim multiple partner-related point categories simultaneously.
• Australian study points require the qualification to meet the Australian study requirement.
• Regional study points require eligible study and residence in a designated regional area.
• Employment must meet the relevant skilled employment criteria.
• The maximum combined points for skilled employment experience is 20.
• All points claims must be supported by appropriate evidence.

*Planning to settle in Australia permanently? Book a Free Consultation with Y-Axis today.

English Language Requirements for Australia PR

English proficiency is an important requirement for Australian skilled migration. Applicants may receive 0, 10 or 20 points depending on their English language level. The Department of Home Affairs changed its approved English test requirements on 7 August 2025. Applicants taking tests from this date must meet the updated component-wise scores.

Superior English: 20 Points

Proficient English: 10 Points

These PTE requirements apply to tests taken on or after 7 August 2025. Applicants who took their English tests before 7 August 2025 may be eligible to use the previous score requirements, depending on the visa subclass and applicable validity period. English test results must meet the requirements applicable to the selected visa. Meeting the points-test English threshold does not automatically satisfy every other visa requirement.

How to Increase Your Australia PR Points?

Improving your points score can strengthen your position in Australia's skilled migration system. Applicants can consider the following options:

• Improve English proficiency to achieve Superior English and earn 20 points.
• Gain additional skilled work experience in Australia.
• Gain eligible overseas skilled work experience.
• Obtain a recognised higher educational qualification.
• Apply for state or territory nomination.
• Consider the regional migration pathway.
• Complete an eligible Professional Year program.
• Obtain a credentialled community language qualification.
• Claim eligible Australian study and regional study points.
• Include an eligible partner's English and skills qualifications.

Your points score should be calculated carefully before submitting an Expression of Interest.

Australia Skilled Occupation List

To apply for Australian skilled migration, your nominated occupation must be eligible for the selected visa pathway. The relevant occupation list and state nomination requirements depend on the visa subclass.

Some sectors with skilled migration opportunities include:

Occupation eligibility and nomination availability can change. Applicants should check the current requirements before selecting their nominated occupation.

Skills Assessment for Australia PR

A positive skills assessment is required for most skilled migration pathways. The assessment verifies whether an applicant's qualifications and employment experience meet Australian standards for the nominated occupation.

Major Australian Skills Assessment Authorities

Processing times and documentation requirements vary by assessing authority and occupation.

Documents Required for Australia PR

Applicants must prepare supporting documents to establish their identity, qualifications, employment history, English proficiency and eligibility.

1. Identity Documents

• Valid passport.
• Birth certificate.
• National identity documents, where applicable.
• Marriage certificate, if applicable.

2. Educational Documents

• Degree or diploma certificates.
• Academic transcripts.
• Professional qualifications.
• Skills assessment outcome.

3. Employment Documents

• Employment reference letters.
• Job descriptions and responsibilities.
• Salary slips.
• Tax records.
• Employment contracts, where applicable.

4. English Language Documents

• IELTS results.
• PTE Academic results.
• Other accepted English test results.

5. Health and Character Documents

• Medical examination results.
• Police clearance certificates.
• Additional character documents, if requested.

6. Additional Documents

• Expression of Interest confirmation.
• State nomination documents, if applicable.
• Partner and dependent documents.
• Evidence supporting points claims.

Australia PR Visa Application Process: Step by Step

Applying for Australia PR is a structured process that starts with a skills assessment and submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect. Once invited, you can lodge your visa application through ImmiAccount with the required documents, health checks, and character clearances.

Step 1: Choose the Right Visa Subclass

Select the PR pathway that best matches your occupation, points score, work experience, and personal circumstances.

Step 2: Get a Skills Assessment

Submit your qualifications and work experience to the relevant assessing authority for your occupation. A positive skills assessment is required before submitting your EOI.

Step 3: Complete an English Proficiency Test

Take an approved English language test such as IELTS, PTE Academic, OET, or TOEFL iBT and achieve the required score for your chosen visa subclass.

Step 4: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect

Lodge your EOI through the SkillSelect portal. Your profile remains valid for up to two years and is ranked against other applicants during invitation rounds.

Step 5: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

If your EOI meets the required criteria and places are available, you may receive an Invitation to Apply for your selected visa subclass.

Step 6: Lodge Your Visa Application

Submit your complete visa application through ImmiAccount within 60 days of receiving your invitation, along with supporting documents, health examinations, and character clearances.

Step 7: Receive Your PR Visa

Once approved, your Australia PR visa is granted, allowing you to live, work, and settle permanently in Australia.

*Want to apply for Australia PR? Book a Free Consultation with Y-Axis today.

Australia PR Processing Time 2026

Australian PR processing times vary depending on the visa subclass, application volume, occupation, migration program priorities and completeness of the submitted documents. The Department of Home Affairs publishes processing information based on recently decided applications. These figures are indicative and do not guarantee an individual outcome.

Current Processing Time Reference

The published median relates to the Skilled Permanent visa category for September 2026. It is not a separate processing-time guarantee for Subclass 189, 190 or 491. Applicants should use the latest processing time guide when planning their applications, as processing times are updated periodically.

Factors that can affect processing times include:

• Completeness of the application.
• Accuracy of supporting documents.
• Health and character checks.
• Skills and employment verification.
• Migration program priorities.
• Availability of visa places.
• Requests for additional information.

Submitting a complete and decision-ready application can help avoid unnecessary delays.

Australia PR Cost: Visa Fees and Application Charges

The cost of Australian PR depends on the visa subclass, number of applicants and applicable government charges. The following are the published main applicant visa application charges effective from 1 July 2026.

Australian PR Visa Fees 2026

Additional charges apply to family members included in the application. For planning purposes, the adult dependent and child dependent charges should be calculated using the current Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator. The child fee should not be treated as a fixed amount across visa subclasses without checking the applicable pricing category.

Additional Australia PR Application Costs

Applicants may also need to pay for:

These are indicative additional expenses and are not included in the government visa application charge. The total cost depends on the applicant's circumstances and the number of family members included.

How to Maintain Your Australian PR Status

Australian permanent residency allows eligible visa holders to remain in Australia indefinitely. However, the travel facility attached to most permanent skilled visas is generally valid for five years. After the travel facility expires, permanent residents may need a Resident Return Visa to travel outside Australia and return as permanent residents.

Important Points for Maintaining PR Status

• Your permanent residency status does not automatically expire after five years.
• The travel facility generally lasts five years from the visa grant date.
• Apply for a Resident Return Visa before travelling if your travel facility has expired or is about to expire.
• You may qualify for a five-year RRV if you meet the relevant residence requirements.
• Applicants who do not meet the residence requirement may qualify for a shorter travel facility if they demonstrate substantial business, cultural, employment or personal ties to Australia.

Resident Return Visa Cost 2026

The online application charge for a Resident Return Visa (Subclass 155 or 157) is AUD 1,475. This fee is effective from 1 July 2026. The previous fee was approximately AUD 490. The increase is approximately 201%. However, applicants should focus on the current application charge rather than relying on historical fee comparisons.

Australian PR to Citizenship

Permanent residents may apply for Australian citizenship through conferral if they satisfy the eligibility requirements. The general residence requirement includes:

• Four years of lawful residence in Australia immediately before applying.
• Permanent resident status for the final 12 months.
• No more than 12 months outside Australia during the four-year period.
• No more than 90 days outside Australia during the final 12 months.

Additional requirements, including character and citizenship test requirements where applicable, must also be met.

Highest-Paying Jobs in Australia

Australia offers employment opportunities across healthcare, engineering, technology, construction, finance and education. Some occupations offer competitive salaries and may also have skilled migration opportunities.

High-Paying Industries in Australia

Salary figures are indicative and can vary by occupation, experience, location and employer. A high-paying occupation does not automatically qualify an applicant for Australian PR. Applicants must also meet the relevant skilled migration requirements.

Australia PR Pathways for Temporary Visa Holders

If you are already in Australia on a temporary visa, your pathway to PR depends on the visa you currently hold. Most temporary visa holders are well positioned to apply for PR from within Australia.

• Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand Visa): 482 visa holders can apply for PR through the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme after two years of employment with an approved sponsor in the same occupation.
• Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate Visa): 485 visa holders can submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect and apply for Subclass 189, 190, or 491. Australian study and work experience on your 485 visa counts toward your points score.
• Subclass 500 (Student Visa): The standard pathway for student visa holders is to complete your degree, transition to a Subclass 485 graduate visa, gain work experience, complete a skills assessment, and apply for PR through SkillSelect.
• Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Visa): 491 visa holders can apply for permanent residency through Subclass 191 after three years of living and working in a designated regional area of Australia, with a minimum annual income of AUD 53,900.

How Can Y-Axis Help With Your Australia PR Application?

Y-Axis Australia is a MARA-registered migration consultancy with offices in Melbourne and Sydney. Our Registered Migration Agents are authorised to provide immigration advice and support you throughout your Australia PR application process.

When you work with Y-Axis, you get:

• Free eligibility assessment using the official Australia PR Points Calculator
• Honest advice on which visa subclass you qualify for
• End-to-end case management from your first consultation to your PR grant
• Skills assessment support across ACS, Engineers Australia, VETASSESS, AHPRA, CPA Australia and CAANZ
• PTE and IELTS coaching through our Australia-based team
• Document review and EOI preparation through SkillSelect
• Family visa lodgement for your spouse and children
• Post-arrival support with Medicare, Centrelink and your first Australian job

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