Securing Australia Permanent Residency (PR) is more than just a visa, it’s your ticket to a stable, high-quality life for you and your family. With PR, you can live, work, and study anywhere in Australia, access Medicare healthcare, enjoy free education for your children, and benefit from a five-year travel facility that allows you to leave and return to Australia freely.
Australia is welcoming skilled professionals like never before, with over 160,000 PR visas granted recently. Opportunities are booming across IT, Engineering, Healthcare, Accounting, and many other in-demand sectors, making it the perfect time to plan your move.
Australia PR Process: Three Different Stages
The process of obtaining Australia PR can be broadly divided into three key stages:
1. Australia Skill Assessment
First, your qualifications and work experience need to be assessed by the official authority for your occupation. This shows you meet Australian standards without this, you can’t move forward.
2. Apply for PR
Once your skills are approved, submit your application along with an Expression of Interest. You’ll need to meet requirements like age, English, health, and character checks. After approval, you’ll get your PR visa giving you the freedom to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia.
3. Prepare to Move
Now comes the exciting part: planning your move! Organize your documents, book your travel, and get familiar with your rights as a permanent resident. The visa comes with a five-year travel facility, and after four years in Australia, you can apply for citizenship.
* Need guidance to apply for Australia PR? Get expert advice with Migrate to Australia!
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 Migration Visas
Family & Special Category Visas
Business & Innovation Visas
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:
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:
To qualify for an Australian Skilled Migration visa (Subclass 189, 190, or 491), applicants must score at least 65 points on the points test. The system rewards age, education, work experience, English proficiency, and other factors. Higher points improve your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
| Category | Maximum Points |
|---|---|
| Age (25–32 years) | 30 points |
| English proficiency (8 bands) | 20 points |
| Work Experience outside Australia (8–10 years) | 15 points |
| Work Experience in Australia (8–10 years) | 20 points |
| Education (outside Australia) | 20 points |
| Doctorate degree | 10 points |
| Niche skills such as Doctorate or master’s degree in Australia | 10 points |
| Study in regional Australia | 5 points |
| Accredited in community language | 5 points |
| Professional year in a skilled program in Australia | 5 points |
| State sponsorship (subclass 190 visa) | 5 points |
*Want to check your eligibility for Australia? Avail FREE Y-Axis Australia PR Points Calculator and get an instant score!
Below are the application process for Australian permanent residency:
Step 1: Choose the Right Visa Subclass
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: Get a Skills Assessment
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: Complete an English proficiency test
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)
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: Submit all important documents & complete Australia PR application
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: Complete Health and Character Checks
These checks ensure you meet the health and character requirements set by the Australian government for all visa applicants.
Step 8: Get Your PR Visa and move to Australia
Once approved, you can live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely. Your visa includes a five-year travel facility for leaving and returning freely.
* Need guidance to apply for Australia PR? Get expert advice with Migrate to Australia from our trusted migration consultants.
Australian Permanent Residency (PR) visas do not typically require renewal. However, if you're looking to maintain your visa status or plan to re-enter Australia after a certain period, you may need to apply for a Resident Return Visa (RRV) to keep your permanent resident status intact. Here's how you can apply:
Steps to Apply for RRV:
Check Eligibility: Confirm you meet the requirements, such as residency in Australia or strong ties to the country.
Prepare Documents: Gather your passport, proof of residence, and evidence of ties (family, employment, or business).
Complete the Application: Apply online via the Department of Home Affairs or submit a paper application. Upload all necessary documents.
Pay the Fee: RRV fees range from AUD $165 to $365, depending on the type.
Submit the Application: Send it online or via the relevant Australian consulate if applying from abroad.
Wait for Processing: Usually 1–2 weeks for online applications; may take longer if additional documents are requested.
Receive Your Visa: Once approved, you get the RRV, maintaining your PR status and travel rights.
Securing an Australia Permanent Residency (PR) visa opens the door to a wide range of benefits for skilled professionals and their families. Beyond the right to live in Australia indefinitely, PR holders enjoy access to healthcare, education, and social services, while also building a pathway toward citizenship. Below are the key advantages of becoming an Australian permanent resident:
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 (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 – $169,279 |
| Accounting & Finance | $77,842 – $92,347 |
| Human Resources | $80,000 – $99,519 |
| Construction | $72,604 – $99,552 |
| Professional & 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.
Securing an Australian Permanent Residency (PR) Visa involves paying government visa application charges (VAC) along with associated costs for skills assessment, English proficiency tests, medical examinations, and police clearance. The table below provides the latest fee structure for key skilled migration visas.
| Visa Subclass | Primary Applicant | Adult Dependent Fee | Child Dependent Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) | AUD 4,910 | AUD 2,455 | AUD 1,230 |
| Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) | AUD 4,910 | AUD 2,455 | AUD 1,230 |
| Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) | AUD 4,910 | AUD 2,455 | AUD 1,230 |
Fees are applicable for applications lodged on or after 1 July 2025.
Other costs include:
Processing times for Australia PR applications depend on the visa subclass and the individual case. On average:
| Visa Subclass | Estimated Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) | 8 to 12 months |
| Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) | 6 to 12 months |
| Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) | 9 to 12 months |
Delays in Australian PR visa processing often happen due to incomplete applications or missing documentation. To speed up your PR process and increase your chances of approval, follow these expert tips:
Complete Your Application: Ensure all forms and documents are ready to avoid delays.
Get Skills Assessed Early: Have your qualifications and work experience reviewed by the official assessing authority.
Prepare English Test Scores: Keep IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL results ready; higher scores boost points.
Choose the Right Visa: Select the appropriate subclass (189, 190, 491) based on your profile.
Align Your Occupation: Pick the correct occupation from the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) matching your experience.
Finish Health & Character Checks: Complete medical exams and police certificates early.
Monitor Your Application: Track your progress on ImmiAccount and respond promptly to requests.
Here are common issues that can hold up your PR application:
Australian authorities take documentation seriously. Submitting false information or conflicting records can lead to long-term bans from reapplying.
To improve your approval chances, avoid the following errors:
Engaging a trusted migration consultant can help ensure your application is accurate, complete, and strategically prepared to meet Australian immigration standards.
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:
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.
Explore what Global Citizens have to say about Y-Axis in shaping their future
Australia PR Visa
Shashank shares his personal experience,
Read More...
Australia PR Visa
Sami Deshmukh, one of our successful cli
Read More...
Australia PR Visa
Krishna Chaitanya shares his incredible
Read More...
Student Dependent Subclass 500
Discover how Vignesh successfully naviga
Read More...
Australian PR 190 Skill Visa
Sylvia shares her successful experience
Read More...
Australia PR Visa
Mithilesh shares his inspiring journey o
Read More...
An Australia PR visa is a permanent residence visa granted to eligible non-citizens, allowing them to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely. It provides many rights similar to Australian citizens, except voting and holding an Australian passport. PR visas come with a travel facility valid for five years, enabling holders to travel internationally and re-enter Australia. After meeting residency requirements, permanent residents can apply for Australian citizenship, making the PR visa a critical step toward full integration into Australian society.
It is possible to get PR after 2 years in Australia if you meet the visa subclass requirements. Some employer-sponsored and regional provisional visas provide pathways to permanent residency after working or living in Australia for a minimum period, often around two years. However, eligibility depends on visa conditions, occupation, and meeting other criteria. Temporary visa holders should carefully check their visa subclass rules and consider applying for permanent residency once they fulfill the residency and other requirements.
Australia PR holders become eligible to apply for citizenship after residing in Australia for at least four years, including 12 months as a permanent resident. Applicants must meet residence requirements, pass a citizenship test demonstrating knowledge of Australian values and laws, and satisfy character criteria. Citizenship grants full rights, including voting and an Australian passport. The PR visa is thus a pathway, allowing migrants to integrate fully and enjoy all privileges of Australian citizenship.
To apply for Australia PR, applicants must generally be under 45 years old, have a positive skills assessment for an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List, achieve at least 65 points on the points test, demonstrate English proficiency, and meet health and character standards. Additional requirements include lodging an Expression of Interest and receiving an invitation to apply. Applicants must also provide identity documents, work experience proof, and pay visa application fees. Meeting these key requirements is essential for a successful application.
The Australia PR visa points calculator is an online tool that helps applicants estimate their points score based on factors like age, English proficiency, work experience, education, and other criteria. A minimum of 65 points is required to be eligible for most skilled visas. The calculator assists in assessing eligibility and identifying areas to improve points, such as gaining additional work experience or enhancing English skills. Using the point’s calculator is a crucial step before submitting an Expression of Interest.
Australia offers various PR visa types tailored to different applicants. The Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) is points-tested and does not require sponsorship. The Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) requires state or territory nomination. Employer-sponsored visas, such as subclass 186, cater to workers sponsored by Australian employers. Regional visas like subclass 491 lead to permanent residency through subclass 191. Family Stream Permanent Visas allow partners and parents of citizens or PR holders to apply. Each visa has specific eligibility criteria and benefits.
IELTS, or the International English Language Testing System, is a test that many people take when they want to move to Australia permanently. The Australian government uses IELTS score to measure someone’s ability to speak and understand English. IELTS is accepted by most universities in Australia as well. If you want to get a high score on the IELTS test, there are some things you can do to prepare yourself and make sure you understand the material.
IELTS is an academic and general training test has all four skills: listening, reading, writing and speaking. Academic IELTS is for those who want to study at university or join a professional organization in an English-speaking country.
Most universities in Australia accept IELTS as a method of testing someone’s English language capabilities. If an applicant has completed their secondary schooling or tertiary education in an English-speaking country, they may not need to provide an IELTS score. Work experience can also be used as evidence of English proficiency.
IELTS has few critical components in the system. The minimum score of 6 in each area (Speaking, Listening, Reading, and Writing) is required. If you get higher score will gain you more points!
Points Table for IELTS Score
| IELTS Score | Points |
| Score 6.0 or more | 0 |
| Score 7.0 or more | 10 |
| Score 8.0 or more | 20 |
An Australia PR is valid for 5 years from the date of issuance of your permanent visa.
To get a PR in Australia, you can follow these steps:
Step 1: Check your eligibility for a visa
Step 2: Obtain Skill assessment report
Step 3: Register your Expression of Interest
Step 4: Get your Invitation to Apply
Step 5: Submit your Australia PR application
Step 6: Get your PR visa and migrate to Australia
Below are the steps to get PR from subclass 482 visas:
Step 1: Check your eligibility for the visa
Step 2: Must be nominated by an employer
Step 3: Apply for the ENS 186 visa
Step 4: Wait for the visa approval
Step 5: Once approved, migrate to Australia
A candidate granted the first residency permit usually receives a 5-year travel facility. This allows unlimited travel in and out of Australia for 5 years from the date your permanent visa was granted. After 5 years, there are two possible ways once the travel facility expires, the applicant must:
There are other specific ways as well if a candidate is unable to enter Australia with a Resident Return visa or citizenship; they can apply again for a PR visa through:
These are the countries that are easiest to immigrate to:
You can obtain permanent residency in Australia quickly if you apply for the Australia Skilled Migration Program. For the Australia Skilled Migration Program, particularly the Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189) or Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186), if an Australian employer is willing to sponsor you.
You must fulfill the Department of Home Affairs requirements to be eligible for a skilled migration visa that leads to permanent residency. This includes proving that you are at least proficient in English (e.g., IELTS 6 in each band), having a valid skills assessment in an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List, being under 45 at the time of invitation, and earning the required minimum score on the Skilled Migration Points Test. Depending on the selected visa subclass, additional requirements like regional sponsorship or state/territory nomination may be applicable.
Applicants must receive at least 65 points on the points test to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect. However, fulfilling the requirements does not ensure an invitation. A higher score (typically 80+ points) may be necessary for occupations with greater demand to remain competitive. Points are awarded based on age, English ability, partner skills, qualifications, skilled employment, and nomination by state/territory or regional sponsorship.
The following are the primary subclasses of skilled migration visas for permanent residency:
Note: Every subclass offers a variety of conditions and is customized to the unique circumstances of each applicant.
Here are the steps to apply for an Australian PR:
Step 1: Obtain positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation from the relevant authority.
Step 2: Demonstrate English proficiency by taking an approved language test.
Step 3: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect.
Step 4: Wait for and receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Step 5: Lodge your PR application online via ImmiAccount with all required documents, including identity, qualifications, health, and character records.
Step 6: If approved, your visa will be granted, allowing you to live, work, and study in Australia permanently.
The processing times for visas differ based on the subclass and individual circumstances. Factors include the volume of applications submitted, the demand for particular professions, and the completeness of all supporting documentation. Subclass 189 and 190 skilled visas typically take a few months to more than a year to process. To help applicants anticipate how long their application might take, the Department of Home Affairs offers an updated Visa Processing Time Guide.
The cost of applying for a visa depends on the subclass and the total number of applicants. Here's a brief overview of the key costs of applying for an Australian PR.
| Category | Cost (AUD) | Notes |
| Primary Applicant (Subclass 189 – Points Tested) | From AUD 4,640 | Base application charge. Exact cost may vary by subclass. |
| Secondary Applicant (over 18 years) | From AUD 2,320 | Additional fee for spouse or adult dependents. |
| Secondary Applicant (under 18 years) | From AUD 1,160 | Fee for dependent children included in application. |
| Additional Costs | Varies | Includes English language tests, skills assessments, medical examinations, and police certificates. |
Yes, you can include eligible family members in your application for permanent residence. This usually comprises dependent children and your spouse or de facto partner. Every member of the family must meet the character and health requirements. The total cost of applying for a visa increases when dependents are included. Sometimes, partner skills can add to the primary applicant's point score. To prevent delays, it is essential to ensure that every family member has accurate and complete documentation.
Yes, you can apply for skilled permanent residency while living outside Australia. Many applicants begin the process from overseas by obtaining a skills assessment, submitting an Expression of Interest via SkillSelect, and securing a state or territory nomination if required. If invited, the visa application is lodged through ImmiAccount. Offshore applicants must also complete health and character checks before a visa is granted.
Here’s an overview of differences between Subclass 189, 190, and 491 visas:
| Visa Subclass | Key Points |
| Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) | Permanent visa, no sponsorship/nomination required, suitable for high point’s applicants. |
| Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) | Permanent visa, requires state/territory nomination, gives extra points. |
| Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) | Provisional 5-year visa requires state/territory nomination or family sponsorship, must live/work in regional areas, pathway to PR via Subclass 191. |
Australian PR applications may be refused for several reasons, including:
Note: To minimise risks, applicants should ensure accuracy, provide all required documents, and strictly comply with Department of Home Affairs requirements.
To qualify for an Australia PR visa under the points-tested system, you need a minimum of 65 points. However, meeting this threshold doesn’t guarantee an invitation, as higher points significantly improve your chances in competitive rounds. Invitations are issued based on demand, occupation ceilings, and program year priorities. Typically, successful applicants have 70–90+ points, depending on their skills, age, English proficiency, and whether they receive state nomination or regional sponsorship. Regular invitation rounds assess candidates, and scoring above the minimum ensures stronger chances of securing an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Yes, regional and state nominations provide valuable extra points that significantly improve your chances of receiving an ITA. A state nomination under Subclass 190 adds 5 points, while a regional nomination or family sponsorship under Subclass 491 adds 15 points. These boosts are especially critical in competitive occupations where cut-offs are higher. In many cases, securing state nomination allows applicants with lower base points to reach the required thresholds more quickly. Additionally, regional visas often have faster processing and offer a clear pathway to permanent residency via the Subclass 191 visa.
The benefits of an Australia PR visa are given below:
.webp)
.webp)
