How to Apply for Australia Permanent Residency (PR) Visa

Australia offers multiple pathways for migrants to obtain Permanent Residency (PR). PR allows you to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely, with many benefits similar to Australian citizens (except voting rights).

✅ Step 1: Choose the Right PR Visa Category

The most common PR visa streams are:

1. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

   • For skilled workers not sponsored by an employer, state, or family.

   • Requires points-based eligibility.

2. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

   • For skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory.

   • Also points-tested.

3. Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491 → PR 191)

   • For those sponsored by a regional state/territory or eligible family member.

   • Pathway to PR after 3 years of living/working in a regional area.

4. Employer-Sponsored PR (Subclass 186, 187)

   • For applicants nominated by an approved Australian employer.

5. Family & Partner Visas (Subclass 820/801, 309/100)

   • For those sponsored by an Australian citizen or permanent resident spouse/partner.

✅ Step 2: Check Your Eligibility

For Skilled Migration visas (189/190/491), eligibility is points-based. Points are awarded for:

• Age (18–44 years)

• English proficiency (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, OET, or CAE)

• Work experience (inside/outside Australia)

• Educational qualifications

• Australian study/work experience

• Partner skills

• State/territory nomination

📌 Minimum 65 points are required, but higher points (85–95+) give you better chances.

✅ Step 3: Get Your Skills Assessed

• You must submit your skills assessment to prove your qualifications and experience.

• Each profession has a designated assessing authority (e.g., Engineers Australia, ACS for IT, VETASSESS for general occupations).

✅ Step 4: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)

• Create an account in SkillSelect (online portal).

• Submit your EOI with your details (skills, experience, points score).

• You’ll be placed in a pool, and based on your points and demand for your occupation, you may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

✅ Step 5: Receive an Invitation & Apply for Visa

• Once invited, you have 60 days to submit a complete visa application.

• Required documents:

  • Passport

  • English test results

  • Skills assessment report

  • Work experience letters

  • Health and character certificates

  • Education documents

✅ Step 6: Health & Character Requirements

• Undergo a medical examination approved by Australian immigration.

• Provide police clearance certificates from all countries where you lived for 12+ months.

✅ Step 7: Visa Grant

• Once approved, you’ll receive your Permanent Residency grant.

• With PR, you can:

  • Live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely

  • Access Medicare (healthcare)

  • Sponsor eligible relatives

  • Apply for citizenship after 4 years (with 1 year as PR holder)

🕒 Processing Time for PR

• Subclass 189 Visa: ~7–12 months

• Subclass 190 Visa: ~7–14 months

• Subclass 491 Visa → PR (191): 3 years of regional stay + processing

• Times may vary depending on demand, completeness of documents, and occupation.

⚠️ Pro Tips

✔ Aim for higher English test scores (IELTS 8/PTE 79) to boost points.
✔ Check the skilled occupation list (SOL/MLTSSL/STSOL) regularly.
✔ Keep documents ready before submitting EOI.
✔ Consider professional help from MARA-registered agents for better chances.

✨ Conclusion

Applying for an Australia Permanent Residency visa involves multiple steps: choosing the right visa pathway, scoring enough points, getting your skills assessed, lodging an EOI, and submitting a complete application after an invitation. With the right preparation and expert guidance, your dream of becoming an Australian permanent resident can come true.