How Can I Get Permanent Residency in Australia?

Australia has several immigration options for people who want to live and work in Australia permanently. The right option depends on your age, education, work experience, occupation, English-language skills, points score, family situation and other requirements. For skilled workers, Skilled Independent (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) and employer-sponsored pathways are important options. Australia also has regional migration, family sponsorship and other pathways for eligible applicants. The application process is different for each visa. It is important to understand the requirements before submitting an Expression of Interest or applying for permanent residence.

 

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What Are the Main Ways to Get Australia PR?

Australia has different immigration programs for skilled workers, professionals, employer-sponsored applicants, families and people who want to settle in regional areas. Some of the main ways to apply for Australian permanent residence include:

PR Pathway	Who It May Suit
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)	Skilled workers who meet the occupation, skills, English, points and other requirements
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)	Skilled workers who receive nomination from an Australian state or territory
Employer-Sponsored PR (Subclass 186)	Eligible skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer
Regional Pathways	Skilled workers who meet the requirements for regional migration pathways, including eligible applicants progressing from a regional provisional visa
Family Sponsorship	Eligible partners, parents, children and other family members of Australian citizens, permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens
Other Eligible PR Pathways	Applicants who qualify for other Australian permanent visa categories based on their occupation, skills, family circumstances or other eligibility criteria

 

*Also, read...

Australia opens 185,000 PR spots for 2026-27 with a stronger focus on skilled professionals

 

Steps to Apply for Australia PR

Step 1: First, find out which Australian immigration pathway suits you. You may consider Skilled Independent, State or Territory Nomination, employer sponsorship, family sponsorship or another eligible pathway.

Step 2: Check the requirements of the visa you want to use. Your age, occupation, qualifications, work experience, English-language ability and other factors may affect your eligibility.

Step 3: Complete a skills assessment for your nominated occupation if your visa pathway requires one. The relevant assessing authority depends on your occupation and qualifications.

Step 4: Take an approved English-language test if required and achieve the required level for your chosen visa pathway.

Step 5: If you are applying through a points-tested skilled pathway, submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and provide your relevant education, work experience, English and other details.

Step 6: If required, seek state or territory nomination. Each state or territory can have its own eligibility criteria and nomination requirements.

Step 7: If you receive an invitation to apply for a skilled visa, submit your visa application within the required timeframe and provide the requested supporting documents.

Step 8: Prepare important documents such as your passport, skills assessment, education certificates, employment records, English-language test results and other documents required for your application.

Step 9: Depending on your visa application, you may need to complete health examinations, police checks and biometrics.

Step 10: The Australian immigration authorities will assess your application and make a decision based on the requirements of the visa you applied for. If your application is approved, you can receive Australian permanent residence under the relevant visa pathway.

 

 

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Australia PR Requirements

• Applicants for skilled visas such as subclass 189 must be under 45 years old when invited to apply.
• You must have an eligible skilled occupation for the visa you choose.
• You usually need a skills assessment for your occupation.
• You generally need at least 65 points for skilled visas such as 189, 190 and 491. However, getting 65 points does not guarantee an invitation.
• You need the required level of English language skills.
• Your education and work experience can help you earn points.
• You must meet Australia's health and character requirements.
• You usually need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect before receiving an invitation.
• A job offer is not required for the Skilled Independent subclass 189 pathway.
• You must meet all other visa and immigration requirements.

 

*Check your score with the Y-Axis Australia PR Points calculator.

 

Australia PR Cost and Processing Time

The cost of Australian PR depends on the visa type and the number of people applying. For example, the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) has a government application charge for the main applicant. Extra fees may apply for family members. You may also need to pay for skills assessment, English tests, medical exams and police certificates.

Processing time depends on the visa type and your application. The Australian Department of Home Affairs reported a median processing time of 8 months for the Skilled (Permanent) visa category in July 2026. Actual processing times can be different.

 

Note: PR requirements, fees and processing times can vary for subclass 189, 190, 491, 186 and other Australian visa pathways.

 

*Looking for help with overseas immigration? Contact Y-Axis, worlds’s number one immigration consultancy for guidance and visa assistance.

 

 

FAQs

How can I get permanent residency in Australia?

You can apply for Australian permanent residency through different pathways, depending on your skills, occupation, work experience, family situation and other factors. Skilled workers can explore visas such as subclass 189 and 190. Employer-sponsored and family pathways are also available. You must meet the requirements of your chosen visa, provide the required documents and complete all necessary checks before your application can be approved.

What are the main pathways to Australia PR?

Australia offers several pathways to permanent residency. Skilled workers can consider the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) or Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190). Employer-sponsored and regional pathways are also available for eligible applicants. Family sponsorship may be another option for people who meet the requirements. The best pathway depends on your occupation, skills, age, English ability, work experience and personal circumstances.

How many points do I need for Australia PR?

For points-tested skilled visas such as subclasses 189, 190 and 491, you generally need at least 65 points to be considered. Points can come from factors such as age, education, skilled work experience and English-language ability. However, reaching 65 points does not guarantee an invitation. Invitations depend on the visa pathway, occupation and other selection requirements.

Is an English test required for Australia PR?

English-language requirements apply to many Australian skilled migration pathways. You may need to take an approved English test and achieve the required level for your visa. Your English ability can also help you earn points under the points system. The exact English requirement depends on the visa you choose. You should check the current requirements before taking a test or submitting your application.

Do I need a skills assessment for Australia PR?

A skills assessment is generally required for points-tested skilled migration pathways. The assessment checks whether your education, skills and work experience match your nominated occupation. The organisation that assesses your skills depends on your occupation. You should complete the correct assessment before submitting your Expression of Interest. Different occupations may have different assessment requirements, documents and procedures.

Do I need a job offer to get Australia PR?

A job offer is not required for the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) pathway. However, some other Australian migration pathways may require state nomination or employer sponsorship. Your occupation, visa type and personal situation determine whether a job offer is needed. Before applying, check the requirements of the specific visa pathway you are considering.

What documents are needed for Australia PR?

Common documents can include your passport, education certificates, skills assessment, employment records and English-language test results. Depending on your application, you may also need police certificates, health examination results and other supporting documents. The exact documents depend on your visa type and circumstances. Providing complete and accurate documents can help the Department of Home Affairs assess your application.

How much does Australia PR cost?

Australia PR costs depend on the visa you apply for and the number of people included in your application. Besides the government visa fee, you may need to pay for skills assessment, English-language testing, medical examinations and police certificates. Additional charges may apply for family members. Visa fees can change, so applicants should check the current government charges before submitting their application.

How long does Australia PR processing take?

Australia PR processing time depends on the visa type, application details, required checks and the number of applications being processed. The processing time can therefore vary from one applicant to another. A complete application with the required documents can help avoid unnecessary delays. Applicants should check the latest processing information from Australia's Department of Home Affairs before applying.

Can Indians apply for Australia PR?

Yes, eligible Indian applicants can apply for Australian permanent residency through suitable migration pathways. Skilled workers may explore points-tested visas, state nomination, regional options or employer-sponsored pathways. Your eligibility depends on factors such as age, occupation, qualifications, work experience, English-language ability and other visa requirements. You should first identify an eligible pathway and then check its specific requirements before applying.