Why apply for an Australian PR?
- 8th Happiest country in the world
- Inviting half a million migrants by 2024
- 800,000 job vacancies for skilled professionals
- 100 times ROI with an Australia PR
- Access to Universal Healthcare System
- FREE Education for your children
- Retirement Benefits
- Easiest Path to Australian Citizenship
Australian permanent resident status is given to a candidate having a permanent residence visa. However candidates with Australia PR do not hold Australian citizenship. Permanent Residents in Australia can live, work, and study for 5 years permanently in the country. After living in Australia on PR status for 4 years, the candidate can apply for citizenship based on eligibility.
Australia PR process
Generally, the Australian PR process has the following three different stages.
- Australia Skill Assessment: This can be done through a designated skill assessment body. Get a faster response from them by submitting the requirements soon.
- Australia PR Visa Approval: Once you submit the required document, the DHA conducts thorough research of your profile. They will give you a visa grant if you meet their specific requirements.
- Preparation for Departure: Once the candidate gets Australia PR visa approval, the applicant needs to move to Australia as per the initial entry date mentioned on the visa grant letter.
The Australian government provides various pathways for foreign nationals to obtain Permanent Residency in Australia. In recent times, the Australian PR process has become easier for Indians if they apply through a Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) or a Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190). As per the recent news update, Australia and India signed an agreement for easy immigration paths for skilled professionals and students (Read more…).
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Visa options to become a Permanent Resident of Australia
Here are the popular visa options to become an Australian Permanent Resident:
Australia PR eligibility
- 45 years of age
- 65 points in the Australian points grid
- Valid skills assessment
- IELTS or PTE score
- Health insurance
- Police verification certificate
Australia PR requirements
65 points is the minimum score required to qualify for an Australia PR visa. The higher you score on the eligibility calculation, the brighter the chances of you being invited to apply for Australian PR. Scoring anywhere from 80 to 85 points can make you eligible for a quicker PR invitation to apply. There are various categories under which you can apply for an Australia PR visa with different eligibility requirements. But the general eligibility factors are as under:
| 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) – Doctorate degree | 20 points |
| Niche skills such as Doctorate or master’s degree by research in Australia | 10 points |
| Study in a regional area | 5 points |
| Accredited in community language | 5 points |
| Professional year in a skilled program in Australia | 5 points |
| State sponsorship (190 visa) | 5 points |
| Skilled spouse or de facto partner (Age, Skills & English language requirements to be met) | 10 points |
| Spouse or de facto partner with ‘competent English’ (No need to meet Skills requirement or age factor) | 5 points |
| Applicants without a spouse or de facto partner or where a spouse is an Australian citizen or PR holder | 10 points |
| Relative or regional sponsorship (491 visa) | 15 points |
Age: You will gain a maximum of 30 points if your age is between 25 to 32 years. Your age should be below 45 years to apply for a PR visa
English proficiency: A score of 8 bands in the IELTS exam can give you a maximum of 20 points. However, the Australian immigration authorities allow applicants to take any of the English proficiency tests such as IELTS, PTE, etc. You can try for the required score on any of these tests.
Work experience: Skilled employment outside Australia with more than 8 years of experience in the last 10 years will give you 15 points; fewer years of experience means fewer points. Skilled employment in Australia with 8 to 10 years of experience from the date of application will give you a maximum of 20 points.
| Skilled employment in Australia | Points |
| Less than 1 year | 0 |
| 1-2 years | 5 |
| 3-4 years | 10 |
| 5-7 years | 15 |
| 8-10 years | 20 |
Education: Points for the education criteria depend on the educational qualification. Maximum points are given to a doctorate degree from an Australian university or a doctorate from a university outside Australia, provided the Australian government recognizes it.
| Qualifications | Points |
| A Doctorate degree from an Australian university or institute outside Australia. | 20 |
| A Bachelor’s (or Masters) degree from an Australian university or institute outside Australia. | 15 |
| Diploma or trade qualification completed in Australia | 10 |
| Any qualification or award recognized by the relevant assessing authority for your nominated skilled occupation. | 10 |
| Master by research or a Doctorate degree from an Australian educational institution in the STEM fields | 10 |
Language Proficiency: You should have proof that you have a competent level of proficiency in the English language.
Skilled Occupation Lists (SOL): The applicant must choose an occupation available in the following skilled occupation lists. The list contains the occupations that are currently acceptable for migration to Australia. The occupations in the lists are updated regularly and reflect the changes in the Australian labor market. There are three categories of the SOL:
- Medium- and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
- Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)
- Regional Occupations List (ROL)
Spouse application: If your spouse is also an applicant for the PR visa, you will be eligible for additional points to your Skill Select Expression of Interest. To get these additional 10 points, your spouse must meet the following requirements:
- Should be less than 45 years of age
- Should have the basic competent level scores in English
- Job occupation code should appear in the same occupation list as the primary applicant list
Other qualifications: You can gain points if you meet any of the following criteria.
| Area | points |
| Accredited in community language | 5 points |
| Professional year in a skilled program in Australia | 5 points |
| State sponsorship (190 visas) | 5 points |
| Relative or regional sponsorship (491 visa) | 15 Points |
How to get an Australian PR?
To get an Australia PR visa, candidates must follow the below 7 steps. Check the below steps to get Australia PR in a hassle-free process:
Step 1: Check the eligibility for Australia
- Check if you meet the eligibility requirements.
- Verify if your occupation is present in the list of occupations in demand.
- Check if you have the required points based on the points table.
Step 2: Get your skill assessment done
Get your skills assessed by the Skills Assessment Authority, which will assess your skills, education, and work experience based on Australian standards.
Step 3: English Proficiency Test
Check if you have the required proficiency in the English language by taking the specified English language test. Fortunately, the Australian immigration authorities accept scores from various English ability tests like IELTS, PTE, etc. So, you can take any of these tests to obtain the specified score.
Step 4: Register your Expression of Interest
- The next step is to register an Expression of Interest (EOI) on Australia’s Skill Select website. You should fill out an online form in the SkillSelect portal where you should give responses to questions on your skill, which is again based on the visa subclass you are applying under. The SkillSelect program offers three visa categories under which you can apply for a PR visa.
- Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189
- Skilled Nominated Visa 190
- Skilled regional (provisional) Subclass 491
The first two are permanent visas, while the third one is a temporary visa with a validity of five years, which can later be converted to a PR visa. You should provide all the required information in the online application.
Step 5: Get your Invitation to Apply (ITA)
Once you submit your application and meet all the requirements, you will get an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Australia PR.
Step 6: Submit your Australia PR application
The next step is to submit your PR application. You must submit it within 60 days. The application must have all the supporting documents for processing your PR visa. These documents are your personal documents, immigration documents, and work experience documents.
Step 7: Get your PR visa and fly to Australia
The last step is getting your PR visa.
Benefits of Australia Permanent Residency
Australia has always been a popular choice for individuals who desire to migrate to another country. The country has favorable factors such as a thriving economy which means there are more jobs in Australia. Australia promises a better quality of life and a multicultural society with peace and harmony. Australia offers a permanent residency or PR visa to immigrants. The Australia PR visa has a validity of five years. You can move into Australia with your family with a PR visa. You can apply for citizenship after living in Australia for four years with an Australia PR visa.
- Live in Australia for an indefinite period of time
- Travel anywhere in Australia
- Pursue higher studies in Australia and get eligibility to apply for an educational loan
- Eligibility for Social Security benefits
- Sponsor your relatives if they meet certain pre-requisites
- Eligibility to work in Australia
- Travel to New Zealand and can even apply for a visa there
What is an Australian PR Visa?
Australia offers many options for applying for a PR visa. An Australian PR visa allows the eligible candidate to become a permanent resident in Australia. Applicants can choose the appropriate option based on their eligibility and requirements. Below are popular options to get an Australian PR Visa:
Australia 189 visa
This visa is for those invited foreign workers who possess the skills required by the Australian government. With a subclass 189 visa, you can live and work permanently anywhere in Australia.
- No nominator or sponsor is needed.
- You can only apply for this visa after being formally invited to do so.
- You must be below 45 years of age to be able to apply.
Australia 190 Visa
Allows nominated skilled workers to live, work/study anywhere in the nominated state/territory in Australia as permanent residents. Like subclass 189, to be able to apply for subclass 190, you must have received an invitation to apply.
With both subclass 189 and 190, you must –
- Score 65 on the points calculator
- Receive an invitation to apply
- Have an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List
- Be in possession of a suitable skills assessment for the occupation
- English test scores will also be required.
Jobs in Australia for Indians
To work in Australia, candidates need to have the ability to enhance the Australian economy. There are 800,000 jobs in Australia, for overseas skilled professionals. Here is the list of top-in-demand occupations in Australia:
| 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 |
Australian PR cost from India
The total Australian PR cost for Indians is $4640 Australian dollars or approximately INR 275,000. The sum total of all these costs will give you the total cost of the PR visa along with the visa application fees.
| Category | Fee Effective from 1st July 24 | Subclass 189 | Main Applicant -- AUD 4765 |
| Applicant above 18 yrs -- AUD 2385 | |
| Applicant below 18 yrs -- AUD 1195 | |
| Subclass 190 | Main Applicant -- AUD 4770 |
| Applicant above 18 yrs -- AUD 2385 | |
| Applicant below 18 yrs -- AUD 1190 | |
|
Subclass 491 |
Main Applicant -- AUD 4770 |
| Applicant above 18 yrs -- AUD 2385 | |
| Applicant below 18 yrs -- AUD 1190 |
The application process for the PR visa through the General Skilled Migration program follows a set process that contains a series of steps. These include Skills Assessments, Sponsorship applications, English language tests, visa applications, medical tests, police clearance, etc. Each step comes with its own separate cost.
Australia Skill Assessment:
It depends upon the Skills Assessment Authority with which you are applying. Basically, it ranges from AUD605 to AUD3000 or more as per the authority requirements.
Australia PR Processing Time
Generally, your Australia PR visa application takes 6.5 to 8 months to process. Each stage has a different time structure. Here is a breakdown of the time taken for each stage. The total processing time for your PR visa is determined by adding the time taken for each stage.
- Skill assessment: The processing time ranges from 45 to 90 days.
- Visa Approval: This process takes about 3 to 12 months.
- Preparation for Departure: 2-3 weeks
Getting your PR visa for Australia can be a complicated process, but with the help of an immigration consultant, it can be easy. Our expertise of over 15 years has helped many individuals to get their Australia PR visas.
Factors affecting the Australia PR Visa processing time
Many factors can affect processing time. The time can vary every month because of factors such as the number of applications coming in, seasons that see a higher number of applications, a higher number of complex cases, or incomplete applications. Other reasons that impact processing times include:
- Incorrect applications
- Lack of supporting documents
- Time is taken to answer any queries raised by immigration officers
- Demand for the applicant’s occupation in Australia
- Inadequate points scored by the applicant in the SkillSelect online system
- Delay in the background verification process
- Time is taken to receive information from external agencies about health or character
- Number of places available in the migration program
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- Job search services to find related jobs in Australia
Top tips to get your Australian PR visa processed on time
To ensure that your Australian PR visa application is processed on time, do not submit an incomplete application. For the smooth processing of your application, make sure you meet the requirements of the visa application process.
- Include the key requirements: Your application must have two key requirements which are:
- The Skills Assessment Report from the relevant Skill Assessing Authority
- The results of your IELTS test
- Select the right visa category to apply: Analyze each visa category and choose the category that you feel is suitable.
- Select the right occupation for the Skilled Occupation List (SOL): Choose an occupation from the SOL which is relevant to you.
- Make an application in the point-based system
- Ensure you meet the health and character requirements: For this, you need to be certified as medically fit and good in your character.
- Check the progress of your application: After you have submitted your application, you can check on its status on the ImmiAccount page on the official webpage of Immigration and Citizenship of the Australian Government.
Reasons for rejection of Australia PR visa application
Here are some reasons why your PR visa application could be rejected
- Application for the wrong visa type
- Violation of conditions of your previous visa
- Incomplete or inconsistent information in your visa application
- Failure to meet health requirements for the visa
- Failure to meet the character requirements
- Lack of enough funds
- Inability to score the required level in English language proficiency test
- Failure to clear the visa verification process
The Australian immigration authorities are careful in their verification process. The Australian immigration authorities are careful in their verification process. They focus on reviewing the documents you send thoroughly. You will be barred from entering the country for a certain number of years if it is found that you have submitted false information. Check carefully for any inconsistencies before sending your papers.
Mistakes to avoid when filing your PR application
- Providing inconsistent information
- Conflicting information on social media
- No criminal convictions
- Do not submit the application without a review
- Reapplying for PR visa after rejection
Latest Australia PR News
February 27, 2025
Australian government has discontinued the Accounting Professional Year Program in 2025
Australia declared it would discontinue the Accounting Professional Year Program because of its decline in enrollment. The enrolments decreased from 7,122 in 2018 to 340 in 2024 because of a lack of government account on proposed reforms. The new enrolments will discontinue on 5 March 2025, with the program concluding by 1 May 2026.
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February 19, 2025
Western Australia announced invitations issued for the State Nomination Migration Program 2025
Australia declared the State Nomination Migration Program 2025 invitations issued in 2025, which are:
| Intending visa subclas | General stream | Genreal Stream | Graduate Stream | Graduate Stream |
| WASMOL schedule 1 | WASMOL schedule 2 | Higher education | Vocational education and training | |
| Visa subclass 190 | 200 | 330 | 225 | 358 |
| Visa subclass 491 | - | 370 | - | - |
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February 15, 2025
Australia is welcoming foreign nurses and midwives under two streamlined pathways
The Nursing and Midwifery Board (AHPRA) in Australia will be introducing two streamlined pathways for internationally qualified registered nurses (IQRNs) applying for approved regulatory jurisdiction in the UK, US, Ireland, Singapore, Spain or in Canadian provinces of British Columbia and Ontario. The new streams will reduce the time and complexity of Australia work visa and will come into effect from April 2025.
Requirements for Pathway 1:
- Relevant education obtained via an NMBA-approved comparable jurisdiction
- Must have completed at least 1800 hours (nearly 1 year of practice) as a registered nurse since January 01, 2017
- Current/previous general registration as a nurse
- Certificate of Good Standing issued by relevant authorities
- No criminal history
- Professional indemnity insurance arrangements
- Recent relevant work experience showcasing professional development
- English language proficiency
Requirements for Pathway 2:
- Relevant education not obtained via an NMBA-approved comparable jurisdiction
- Must have completed regulatory exams as per requirements
- Current/previous general registration as a nurse
- Must have completed at least 1800 hours (nearly 1 year of practice) as a registered nurse since January 01, 2017
- No criminal history
- Professional indemnity insurance arrangements
- Recent relevant work experience showcasing professional development
- English language proficiency
Note: Candidates not meeting the mentioned requirements can migrate to Australia via other pathways based on outcome-based assessments.
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February 03, 2025
The recent ACT Canberra Matrix Invitation Round issues 544 Invitations
The ACT Canberra Matrix invitation round on January 30, 2025, issued 544 invitations to overseas applicants and Canberra residents combined. Invitations were issued under various categories. The next invitation round is expected to be conducted before March 27, 2025.
| Category | Visa Subclass | Invitations Issues | Minimum Matrix Score |
| Canberra Residents | |||
| Small Business Owners | 190 | 12 | 115 |
| 491 | 5 | 115 | |
| 457 / 482 Visa Holders | 190 | 22 | N/A |
| 491 | 4 | N/A | |
| Critical Skill Occupations | 190 | 170 | N/A |
| 491 | 207 | N/A | |
| Overseas Applicants | |||
| Critical Skill Occupations | 190 | 26 | N/A |
| 491 | 98 | N/A | |