| Updated On - Sep 12, 2025
Australia is one of the top destinations for international students and skilled professionals alike. Known for its high quality of life, world-class education, and strong economy, the country offers a clear route to Permanent Residency (PR). A PR status allows you to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely. If you are on a PR visa in Australia, you can enjoy the rights offered to Australian citizens, and even apply for Australian citizenship.
Every year, thousands of international students and skilled workers apply for a PR visa. Whether you are a student planning to stay after graduation or a professional looking to immigrate to Australia, understanding the PR process is the first step. To be eligible for PR in Australia, you must be at least 18 years of age.
Australia follows a points-based system for granting PR to non-citizens. The points are given for the factors that determine your eligibility. For example, an age of 25-33 years can get you 30 points, and having work experience can get you 5-15 points. To increase your chances of securing a PR, you must score at least 65 points. While applying for the PR visa, you also need to submit certain documents, including a passport, academic transcripts, work experience certificates, and medical and police records. The cost of applying for a PR for a non-dependent single applicant is AUD 4,910 (₹2.9 Lakhs).
- What is PR in Australia?
- Types of PR Visas in Australia in 2025
2.1 Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
2.2 Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
2.3 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)
2.4 Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
2.5 Partner Visa (Subclass 801/820)
2.6 Business Innovation and Investment Visa (Subclass 888)
2.7 Post-Study Work Visa (Subclass 485)
- PR in Australia Eligibility Criteria
- PR in Australia Points Calculator
- PR in Australia Application Process
- PR in Australia Cost in 2025
- How to Improve Your Chances of Getting PR in Australia?
- FAQs
What is PR in Australia?
Permanent Residency (PR) in Australia is a visa status that allows non-citizens to live, work, and study in the country as long as they want. PR visa holders enjoy most benefits and rights as Australian citizens have, including access to healthcare, social security, and the ability to sponsor eligible family members for PR as well.
Unlike temporary visas, such as an Australian Student Visa or work permits, a PR visa is a long-term visa for those who want to settle in Australia permanently. PR holders can also apply for Australian citizenship after a certain time, if they meet the residency and other eligibility requirements.
Key Benefits of an Australian PR:
- Live and work anywhere in Australia indefinitely.
- Access to public healthcare.
- Enroll in Australia’s public education system.
- Sponsor family members for permanent residence.
- Apply for Australian citizenship after meeting the eligibility criteria for the same.
- Travel in and out of Australia freely (within visa validity).
Securing permanent residency (PR) in Australia is a significant step for Indian students, skilled workers, and families aiming to build a stable and successful future in Australia.
Types of PR Visas in Australia in 2025
Australia offers several methods to get permanent residency (PR), depending on your profile: student, worker, or family member. For example, the Skilled Independent Visa is for those skilled workers who have skills in demand in Australia. These different kinds of visas have their own eligibility criteria and application processes. Therefore, choosing the right PR visa type is crucial. Here are the most common types of PR visas available in 2025 with details:
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
- For skilled workers not sponsored by an employer or the State.
- Applicants must score enough points based on age, education, work experience, and English language ability.
- Ideal for individuals with in-demand skills listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). The list includes Registered Nurse, Civil Engineer, Chemical Engineer, Computer Network and Systems Engineer, etc. You can view the entire list on the Australian Immigration Department’s official website.
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
- For skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory.
- Applicants must have an occupation on the State Occupation List, which includes Accountant, Advertising Manager, Aeronautical Engineer, etc. You can view the entire list on the Australian Immigration Department’s official website.
- Offers an additional 5 points for state nomination.
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)
- A temporary visa (valid for 5 years) that leads to PR after 3 years.
- For individuals willing to live and work in designated regional areas, which include Perth, the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, etc. You can view the entire list on the Australian Home Affairs official website.
- Requires nomination by a state/territory or sponsorship by an eligible family member.
Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
- For skilled workers sponsored by an Australian employer.
- Requires at least 3 years of relevant work experience and employer nomination.
- Includes streams like Direct Entry and Temporary Residence Transition.
Partner Visa (Subclass 801/820)
- For those in a genuine relationship with an Australian citizen or PR holder.
- Temporary partner visa (Subclass 820) leads to permanent partner visa (Subclass 801).
- One of the most common family-based PR pathways.
Business Innovation and Investment Visa (Subclass 888)
- For entrepreneurs and investors with a successful business or investment history in Australia.
- Requires holding a provisional (Subclass 188) visa and meeting business performance criteria.
Post-Study Work Visa (Subclass 485)
- A temporary visa (valid for 2 to 4 years) for international students who have recently graduated from an Australian institution.
- Allows full-time work rights, improving chances in points-based PR pathways like Subclass 189, 190, or 491.
Note: The Post-Study Work Visa does not ensure a PR, as your eligibility is defined by having an employer as a sponsor or having enough points for skilled migration.
Tip: For Indian students in Australia, the Skilled Migration route (Subclass 189, 190, or 491) is usually the most accessible pathway to PR after graduation.
PR in Australia Eligibility Criteria
To apply for Permanent Residency (PR) in Australia, you must meet certain eligibility requirements set by the Australian Department of Home Affairs. While the criteria vary slightly depending on the visa type, the following are the general requirements for skilled migration and other PR pathways:
- Must be under 45 years of age at the time of receiving an invitation to apply for PR in Australia.
- Must demonstrate English language proficiency:
- Your occupation must be listed on one of Australia’s Skilled Occupation Lists, like MLTSSL or STSOL.
- The lists include Nurse, Aeronautical, and Civil Engineers.
- You can view the full list on the Australian Immigration Department’s official website.
- A positive skills assessment is required from a relevant assessing authority for your occupation (e.g., ACS for IT, Engineers Australia, VETASSESS).
- At least 65 points are required on the Australian PR points test.
- Points are awarded to factors like age, education, work experience, English proficiency, etc.
- Must undergo a medical examination and provide a police clearance certificate.
- This is to show you meet the health and character requirements.
- Must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect.
- Based on your points and occupation demand, you may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
PR in Australia Points Calculator
Australia follows a points-based system for granting PR to non-citizens. The points are granted to factors like your age, education, work experience, English proficiency, etc. Achieving at least 65 points can increase your chances of securing a PR in Australia. The table below mentions the points given to the factors.
| Factor | Criteria | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 18-25 years | 25 |
| 25-33 years | 30 | |
| 33-40 years | 25 | |
| 40-45 years | 15 | |
| English Language skills | Competent | 0 |
| Proficient | 10 | |
| Superior | 20 | |
| Work Experience (Outside Australia) | Less than 3 years | 0 |
| 3-5 years | 5 | |
| 5-8 years | 10 | |
| More than 8 years | 15 | |
| Work Experience (in Australia) | Less than 1 year | 0 |
| 1-3 years | 5 | |
| 3-5 years | 10 | |
| 5-8 years | 15 | |
| More than 8 years | 20 | |
| Educational Qualification | Doctorate | 20 |
| Bachelor’s | 15 | |
| Diploma | 10 | |
| Australian Study Requirement | Completed 2+ years of study in Australia | 5 |
| Study in Regional Australia | Lived and studied in a regional area in Australia | 5 |
| Professional Year in Australia | Completed in accounting, IT, or engineering | 5 |
| State or Territory Nomination | For the Subclass 190 visa | 5 |
| Family Sponsorship (Regional) | For the Subclass 491 visa | 15 |
| Partner Skills | Partner meets age, skill, and English criteria | 10 |
| Single Applicant | If not married or in a de facto relationship | 10 |
PR in Australia Application Process
Applying for PR in Australia involves several stages, especially for skilled migration visas. Below is a simplified step-by-step guide to help you understand the process clearly.
Step 1: Check your eligibility
- Make sure you meet the basic eligibility criteria, like age, English proficiency, education, and work experience, and have achieved a minimum of 65 points.
- Choose the visa type or subclass that suits your profile, like 189, 190, or 491.
Step 2: Get a skills assessment
- Apply for a skills assessment through a relevant assessing authority for your occupation.
- ACS for IT, Engineers Australia, CPA for Accounting.
- This process verifies that your education and work experience match Australian standards.
Step 3: Take an English Language Proficiency (ELP) test
- The accepted tests for PR in Australia include PTE, TOEFL iBT, IELTS, and CAE.
- Aim for a higher score, which can boost your points and improve your chances.
- Competent (IELTS 6): 0 points
- Proficient (IELTS 7): 10 points
- Superior (IELTS 8): 20 points
Also Read
Step 4: Submit your Expression of Interest (EOI)
- Submit your EOI through SkillSelect, the Australian government’s online portal.
- Enter your personal details, occupation, points, and visa preference.
- No cost is incurred for submitting an EOI.
Step 5: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
- If your EOI is selected, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR via email.
- Selection depends on your points score, occupation demand, and visa type.
- Invitations are issued in monthly invitation rounds (for 189 and 491 visas).
Step 5: Submit your PR visa application
- After receiving the ITA, you have 60 days to submit your complete visa application online.
- Upload all required documents, including:
- Identity documents (valid passport)
- Academic transcripts
- Skill assessment reports
- Work experience certificates
- English test scores
- Health and character documents
Step 7: Health and character checks
- Undergo a medical examination through approved doctors.
- Submit police clearance certificates from all countries you have lived in for more than a year in the past 10 years.
Step 8: Wait for the Visa decision
- PR visa processing time can vary based on visa subclass, document quality, and case complexity.
- On average, it takes 6 to 12 months.
Step 9: Receive your PR grant
- Once approved, you will receive a PR visa grant notification.
- You can now live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely.
PR in Australia Cost in 2025
The cost of applying for Permanent Residency (PR) in Australia varies depending on the visa subclass, the number of applicants (primary, spouse, dependents), and additional services like health checks or document translation. Below is a breakdown of the costs involved for PR in Australia in 2025:
| PR visa subclass | Main Applicant Fee | Applicant above 18 years Fee | Applicant Below 18 years Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186) |
AUD 4,910 (₹2.9 Lakhs) |
AUD 2,455 (₹1.4 Lakhs) |
AUD 1,230 (₹71,700) |
|
Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189) |
AUD 4,910 (₹2.9 Lakhs) |
AUD 2,455 (₹1.4 Lakhs) |
AUD 1,230 (₹71,700) |
|
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) |
AUD 4,910 (₹2.9 Lakhs) |
AUD 2,455 (₹1.4 Lakhs) |
AUD 1,230 (₹71,700) |
|
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) |
AUD 4,910 (₹2.9 Lakhs) |
AUD 2,455 (₹1.4 Lakhs) |
AUD 1,230 (₹71,700) |
How to Improve Your Chances of Getting PR in Australia?
Securing Permanent Residency (PR) in Australia can be competitive, especially through the points-based skilled migration system. The higher your score and the stronger your profile, the faster your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Here are some ways to increase your PR chances in 2025:
- Score higher in English tests like IELTS or PTE to earn up to 20 extra points.
- Choose an occupation listed on the MLTSSL or State Occupation Lists.
- Apply through regional visas like Subclass 491 to gain 15 additional points.
- Gain work experience in Australia to increase your total skilled migration points.
- Complete a Professional Year Program in IT, Accounting, or Engineering for 5 bonus points.
- Study in a regional area of Australia to get an additional 5 points.
- Include a skilled partner in your application or apply as a single applicant to gain extra points.
- Keep all documents accurate, verified, and ready to avoid delays in processing.
- Track monthly invitation rounds and stay updated with state nomination programs.
Also Read
PR Courses in AustraliaWith around 40,000 Indian nationals granted PR in Australia in the past 2 years, Australia remains a top destination for skilled migrants from India. By understanding visa options, improving your points score, and leveraging pathways like the Post-Study Work Visa and regional sponsorship, you can enhance your chances of success. Careful planning and staying updated with policy changes will help you secure your Australian Permanent Residency in 2025.
Key Summary
- Australian PR allows you to live, work, and study in the country indefinitely.
- PR visa options include Subclass 189, 190, 491, 186, 801/820, 888, and 485 (post-study).
- A minimum of 65 points is required under the skilled migration points test.
- Key eligibility factors include age under 45, English proficiency, and skills assessment.
- Points are awarded for age, education, work experience, English score, and other criteria.
- Indian students commonly transition from Subclass 485 to PR via skilled migration routes.
- PR application steps include EOI submission, skills assessment, English test, and ITA.
- Costs range from AUD 4,910 (₹2.9 Lakhs) for the main applicant plus additional charges.
- Boost your PR chances with higher English scores, regional study, or a Professional Year.
- Around 40,000 Indians received PR in Australia over the last 2 years.
FAQs
Ques. What is the minimum points score required to apply for PR in Australia?
Ans. You need a minimum of 65 points on the points test to be eligible for most skilled migration PR visas like Subclass 189, 190, and 491.
Ques. How long does the PR application process take in Australia?
Ans. Processing times vary by visa subclass but typically range from 6 to 12 months after submitting a complete application.
Ques. Can Indian students apply for PR after graduation?
Ans. Yes, Indian students can apply for PR through pathways like the Post-Study Work Visa (Subclass 485) followed by skilled migration visas if they meet eligibility criteria.
Ques. Is it necessary to have work experience in Australia for PR?
Ans. While not mandatory, having Australian work experience can earn you additional points and improve your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Ques. Can family members be included in a PR application?
Ans. Yes, you can include your spouse and dependent children in your PR application, and your family members will receive the same residency rights.
Ques. What is the age limit for applying for PR in Australia?
Ans. Applicants must be under 45 years of age at the time of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for most skilled migration visas.
Ques. Can PR holders apply for Australian citizenship?
Ans. Yes, PR holders can apply for citizenship after fulfilling residency requirements, usually living in Australia for at least 4 years with 12 months as a PR.
Ques. Is state nomination necessary for all Australian PR visas?
Ans. No, state nomination is required only for visas like Subclass 190 and Subclass 491, not for the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189).
Comments