Australia Immigration - How to Get PR and Move Permanently

Securing Australia Permanent Residency (PR) in 2025 opens the door to a stable and high-quality life for skilled professionals and their families. With PR status, you gain the right to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia indefinitely. It also comes with full access to government-subsidized healthcare (Medicare), social security support, and a five-year travel facility that allows you to leave and re-enter Australia freely.

After four years of lawful residence, PR holders become eligible to apply for Australian citizenship—a milestone that offers deeper integration and rights within the country. In recent years, Australia has significantly expanded its migration intake. Over 160,000 permanent visas were granted in 2023, and with a growing need for skilled professionals, 2025 is one of the most opportune times to apply for PR.

Choosing to migrate to Australia through PR is not just about relocation, it’s a long-term investment in personal growth, career advancement, and family well-being.
 

 

Key Updates & Reasons to Apply for Australia PR in 2025

• Ranked among the top 10 happiest countries globally
  (Australia was ranked the 8th happiest country in recent global surveys, reflecting its strong economy, healthcare, safety, and work-life balance.)

• 500,000+ migrants welcomed in 2024, with high skilled migration demand continuing in 2025
  (Australia is on track to meet critical skill shortages through increased PR intakes.)

• 800,000 job vacancies across sectors like IT, healthcare, construction, and engineering
  (Top occupations include software engineers, nurses, electricians, and project managers.)

• One of the easiest and most accessible PR pathways among developed countries
  (With multiple visa streams, a transparent points system, and no requirement for employer sponsorship in many cases.)

• Full access to Medicare, Australia's world-class public healthcare system
  (PR holders are entitled to subsidized medical treatments and hospital care.)

• Free public education for children in government schools
  (Saving lakhs in schooling costs for Indian families migrating with kids.)

• Eligible for age pension and retirement benefits after qualifying period
  (You build superannuation benefits like Australian citizens.)

• Pathway to citizenship after 4 years of stay, including 1 year as a PR holder
  (Australia allows dual citizenship and offers a clear, legal path to citizenship.)

• High return on investment (ROI) for skilled migrants
  (Professionals often earn in AUD what they used to earn annually in INR - within months of settling.)

• Increased PR invitations in 2025 under subclass 189 and 190
  (Especially for occupations listed on the MLTSSL and State Nomination Lists.)

 

How to Get Australia PR?

Australia PR Process: Three Different Stages

Planning to move to Australia as a permanent resident? The Australia PR process is structured into three important stages. Understanding each step can help you prepare better and avoid unnecessary delays. If you’re planning to migrate to Australia, the PR process involves three main steps:

1. Australia Skill Assessment

The first step in applying for Australia PR is getting your skills assessed by the relevant authority for your occupation. This step verifies that your education and work experience meet Australian standards.
A positive skills assessment is essential for most skilled visas like Subclass 189, 190, or 491. Each occupation has its own assessing body, so it's important to apply to the correct one.

Tip: Double-check your documents before submission. Incomplete or inaccurate details can cause delays or lead to rejection.

 

2. PR Visa Application & Approval

Once your skills are successfully assessed, the next step is to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through Australia’s SkillSelect system. Based on your points score, age, English proficiency, work experience, and other criteria, you may receive an invitation to apply for the PR visa.

After receiving an invitation, you’ll need to submit the complete visa application along with health checks and police clearance.

Processing Time: Around 6 to 12 months, depending on your visa subclass and individual profile.Once approved, you will receive your Australia PR visa, allowing you to live, work, and study in Australia permanently.

 

3. Get Ready to Move

With your PR visa granted, it’s time to plan your move. This includes booking flights, arranging accommodation, and learning about life in Australia, such as healthcare, taxes, and your rights as a permanent resident.

Your visa includes a 5-year travel facility, which means you can leave and re-enter Australia freely during this period. After 4 years of residence (including at least 1 year as a PR holder), you may become eligible to apply for Australian citizenship.

* Need guidance to apply for Australia PR? Get expert advice with Migrate to Australia from our trusted migration consultants.

 

Australia PR Visa Options: Choose the Right Pathway

Australia offers several permanent visa pathways, depending on your skills, background, and reason for migrating. Whether you're a skilled professional, have family in Australia, or want to invest or start a business, there's a PR visa option designed for your profile.

Choosing the right visa stream is the first step toward building a future in Australia.

• 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.
   

What Are the Eligibility Criteria for Australia PR?

If you're planning to move to Australia permanently, it's important to first check whether you meet the basic eligibility requirements. These criteria help determine if you qualify for a skilled migration visa. 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 Permanent Residency (PR) visa allows non-citizens to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely. While PR holders enjoy most of the rights of Australian citizens including access to healthcare, education, and work opportunities, they cannot vote in federal elections or hold an Australian passport.

A PR visa includes a 5-year travel facility, allowing you to freely leave and re-enter Australia during that period. After 5 years, you can apply for a Resident Return Visa (RRV) to maintain your travel rights. Holding PR status is also a major step toward gaining Australian citizenship, which you may become eligible for after four years of lawful residence (with at least one year as a PR holder).

 

Australia 189 Visa - Skilled Independent 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 - Skilled Nominated 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.
   

Top High-Demand Jobs in Australia for Skilled Migrants

Australia continues to experience skill shortages across key sectors, creating strong opportunities for qualified migrants. If your background matches a high-demand occupation, your chances of getting a PR invitation increase significantly.

In 2025, the most in-demand sectors and their average salaries include:

 

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

If your job role is listed on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL), and you meet other eligibility requirements, your path to PR can be faster and more straightforward.

 

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.
   

What is a Skill Assessment for Australia PR?

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 Visa 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 with Australia PR?

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.

Getting Australia PR can feel overwhelming but you don’t have to do it alone. With over 15 years of experience, Y-Axis has supported lakhs of people in successfully moving to Australia. The team understands how the process works and what it takes to get your application right the first time.

At Y-Axis, you get:

• 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.

Take the first step toward your Australia PR – Book your free consultation now.