Last Updated 25-Apr-2026

Why apply for an Australian PR?

Australia PR (Permanent Residency) is a visa that allows Indian nationals to live and work permanently in Australia. PR holders can stay for 5 years, work in any sector, and apply for Australian citizenship after 4 years of residency, subject to eligibility.

The three main skilled pathways are the Subclass 189 (independent, no sponsor needed), Subclass 190 (state-nominated), and Subclass 491 (regional, provisional). Employer-sponsored PR is also available under Subclass 186 for those with a qualifying job offer.

To be eligible, applicants must be under 45, score 65 or more points on the points calculator, hold a positive skills assessment, meet English language requirements, and have an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List.

The visa application fee starts at AUD 4,910 (approximately INR 3,00,000) for the main applicant. Processing typically takes 6–12 months depending on the visa subclass, occupation demand, and completeness of the application.

• 8th Happiest country in the world
• Inviting 500,000+ migrants by 2026
• 800,000 job vacancies for skilled professionals
• 100× ROI with an Australian PR
• Access to Universal Healthcare (Medicare)
• FREE education for your children
• Retirement benefits
• Easiest path to Australian citizenship

The Australian Permanent Residency (PR) Visa allows individuals and families to live, work, and study permanently in Australia. PR holders aren’t citizens yet, but they can live/study/work in the country for 5 years and may apply for citizenship after 4 years (subject to eligibility).

Australia PR process

The Skilled Stream attracts highly skilled workers who contribute to the economy, allowing qualified professionals, tradespeople, and entrepreneurs to live and work permanently.

This stream prioritizes applicants with in-demand skills addressing labour shortages across sectors and regions.

• Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
• Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)
• Employer-Sponsored PR (Subclass 186)
• Partner & Family Visas (Subclass 820/801, 309/100)
• Global Talent (858) closed; being replaced in planning by the National Innovation Visa

Australia’s PR system uses a points-based model emphasising skills, experience, English, age, and education, aligned with national/regional occupation lists.

* Need guidance to migrate to Australia on a PR visa? Get expert advice with Y-Axis counsellors.

What is an Australian PR Visa?

An Australian PR visa allows eligible candidates to become permanent residents. Choose the option that best fits your eligibility and goals.

Australia 189 visa

For invited foreign workers with required skills. With a Subclass 189, you can live and work permanently anywhere in Australia.

• No nominator/sponsor needed.
• Apply only after invitation.
• Under 45 years at the time of application.

Australia 190 Visa

Lets nominated skilled workers live and study/work in the nominating state/territory as PRs. Like 189, to apply for Subclass 190 you must be invited.

For both 189 and 190, you must:

• Score 65+ on the points calculator
• Receive an invitation to apply
• Have an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List
• Hold a suitable skills assessment
• Provide valid English test scores

Australia 491 Visa

The Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) allows skilled workers to live/work in designated regional areas for up to 5 years. It’s a temporary PR pathway. For PR via Subclass 191, holders typically need 3 years residence plus other criteria.

• State/territory nomination or
• Family sponsorship in a designated regional area
• ITA after EOI submission
• Under 45 at invitation

Market Background & Trends with Statistical Data

• Planning level: 185,000 places (2024–26), ~70% Skill stream / 30% Family stream
• Priority sectors: healthcare, tech, construction, education, skilled trades
• Ageing workforce drives demand for skilled migrants
• Subclass 189: 16,900 places (2025–26)
• Subclass 190: 16,500 places
• Subclass 491: 9,760 places
• Employer-Sponsored: up to 44,000 places

Note: BIIP closed (31 July 2024). Global/Distinguished Talent closed. The National Innovation Visa is in the planning framework—check current criteria before advising clients.

Top in-demand jobs in Australia for Indians

To work in Australia, candidates must add value to the economy. There are 800,000 jobs in Australia for overseas professionals. Here are the top in-demand occupations:

Australia Skilled Stream Visa Benefits

• Quality of Life: Safe, multicultural, modern infrastructure
• Career Growth: Work in any sector, change employers, start a business
• Family Settlement: Spouse & dependents with full rights
• Financial Advantages: Earn in AUD, Medicare, and domestic school fees
• Legal Security: Employment rights & social benefits (after two years)
• Global Mobility: Travel freely; eventual 180+ visa-free countries as a citizen
• Citizenship Pathway: Typically, within 4 years after meeting residency/legal requirements

Australia PR eligibility

• Age: Under 45 (most Skilled visas)
• English: Approved test—IELTS, PTE, OET, or equivalent
• Occupation in Demand: On the Skilled Occupation List (SOL)
• Skills Assessment: Positive assessment required
• Points: Minimum 65
• Health & Character: Medical + Police clearance
• EOI: Submit via SkillSelect and get invited
• Nomination/Sponsorship: Required for some visas
• Proof of funds: Not required for 189/190 by DHA; some states may request settlement funds

Check your eligibility

Australia PR Requirements for Indians

• Age: Ideal 25–32 for max points
• Education: Bachelor’s/Master’s/PhD (assessed)
• Work Experience: 1–8+ years in nominated occupation
• English: IELTS/PTE/TOEFL iBT
• Occupation: On MLTSSL, STSOL, or ROL
• Health & Character checks
• Points Requirement: 65+
• Regional Preference: Extra points for regional
• Family Composition: Partner’s skills may add points
• Australian Experience: Study/work in AU adds points

Australia PR Points Calculator

65 points is the minimum to qualify; 80–85 can yield quicker invitations.

Work experience (Australia):

Education points:

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

Documents required to apply for an Australian PR Visa

• Identity Proof: Passport, birth certificate
• Skills Assessment: Degrees, experience letters, assessment results
• English Proficiency: IELTS/PTE/OET (TOEFL iBT after 26 Jul 2023 not accepted for visa purposes)
• EOI Confirmation: Proof of Expression of Interest
• Sponsorship (if applicable): State nomination/employer sponsorship
• Character: Police clearance
• Health: Medical examination
• Work Experience: Pay slips, tax records, contracts
• Relationship: Marriage & dependents’ birth certificates
• Other: Photos, financial proof (if required)

How to get an Australian PR?

Given below are the steps to apply for an Australia permanent residence (PR):

Step 1: Get Your Skills Assessed

Submit your qualifications and work experience to the relevant Skills Assessment Authority to confirm your occupation qualifies for a skilled visa.

Step 2: Take an Approved English Test

Clear language proficiency exams like IELTS, PTE, or OET to meet the minimum score required for your chosen visa subclass.

Step 3: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)

Lodge your EOI on SkillSelect, choose your visa subclass (189, 190, or 491), and enter the points-tested pool.

Step 4: Get State or Territory Nomination

Apply to a state or territory for nomination under Subclass 190 or 491 to earn extra points and improve your invitation chances.

Step 5: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

Once selected from the pool based on your points score, the Department of Home Affairs sends you a formal invitation to apply(ITA).

Step 6: Lodge Your PR Application

Submit your complete visa application within 60 days of your ITA, along with all identity, skills, health certificates, and character documents.

Step 7: Await the Decision and Move to Australia

The Department of Home Affairs reviews your application and provides visa approval within 6–12 months.

Total indicative cost: AUD 4,910 (≈ INR 3,00,000).

Australia PR Processing Time

Overall timeline typically 6.5–8 months (case-dependent). Stage-wise:

Factors affecting the Australia PR Visa processing time

• Incorrect/incomplete applications
• Missing documents
• Time to answer case-officer queries
• Occupation demand and points score
• Background verification delays
• External checks (health/character)
• Program caps & availability

Invest in Australia PR and get 100× returns

Invest in INR, earn in AUD. Better than FD/RD/Gold/Mutual Funds. Save ₹1–3 lakhs/month.

Y-Axis — The Best Australia Immigration Consultants

Y-Axis provides unbiased services tailored to your goals:

• Free eligibility check via the Points Calculator
• Expert guidance/counseling
• Coaching: PTE, IELTS
• Free career counseling
• Complete PR application guidance
• Resume Marketing services for jobs in Australia

Top tips to get your PR processed on time

• Include the two key requirements: Skills Assessment & IELTS/PTE results

1. Skills Assessment Report from the assessing authority
2. English test meeting the target score

• Pick the right visa category
• Select the right SOL occupation
• Apply under the points-based system
• Meet health & character requirements
• Track progress on ImmiAccount

Common reasons for PR rejection

• Wrong visa type or condition violations
• Inconsistent information/documentation
• Failure to meet health or character requirements
• Insufficient funds (where applicable)
• Low English score
• Verification issues

The authorities review documents rigorously. Avoid inconsistencies and ensure accurate information before submission.

Mistakes to avoid when filing your PR application

• Inconsistent information (including social media)
• Submitting without a thorough review
• Reapplying immediately after rejection