How to Get PR in Australia

How to Apply for PR in Australia

How to apply for PR in Australia depends on the pathway you are pursuing. For points-tested skilled migration, applicants generally check their occupation, obtain a suitable skills assessment, meet the applicable English requirements, calculate their Australia PR points and submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect. If invited, the applicant can then submit the relevant visa application through ImmiAccount. The Department states that invited applicants have 60 days from the invitation date to submit their visa application.

For employer-sponsored permanent residence, the process can involve an eligible Australian employer and nomination under the relevant visa pathway. The Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186) is one of Australia's permanent work visas. Family migration provides another route for eligible partners, parents, children and certain other family members of Australian citizens, permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens.

If you are an international student, your study history can form part of a longer-term migration strategy, but there is no automatic pathway from an Australian qualification to permanent residency. Depending on your circumstances, you may later consider skilled migration, employer sponsorship or another eligible visa pathway. The Genuine Student requirement also recognises that genuine students may later seek permanent residence if they become eligible for an appropriate pathway.

Australia PR Points and Skilled Migration

Australia PR points are particularly important for points-tested skilled visas. Points can be awarded for factors including age, skilled employment, educational qualifications and English language proficiency. The current minimum threshold for subclasses 189, 190 and 491 is 65 points, but the Department makes clear that meeting the threshold does not guarantee an invitation.

Your occupation is also important because different skilled visas can have different occupation requirements. Before committing to a migration strategy, check the current skilled occupation information and the specific eligibility criteria for the visa you are considering. Australian skilled migration requirements can change, so older points calculators, occupation lists or online advice should not be relied upon without checking current government information.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I get PR in Australia?

You can obtain Australian permanent residency by applying for and being granted an eligible permanent visa. Common pathways include skilled work, employer-sponsored, family and certain business or investment visas. Your eligibility depends on the requirements of the specific visa.

2. How many Australia PR points do I need?

For points-tested subclasses 189, 190 and 491, the current minimum threshold is 65 points. However, reaching 65 points does not guarantee an invitation because invitations depend on the applicable program settings and competition for places.

3. Can international students get PR in Australia?

International students may later pursue permanent residency through skilled migration, employer sponsorship, regional or other eligible pathways if they meet the relevant requirements. Studying in Australia itself does not automatically grant permanent residency.

4. What are the main Australia PR requirements?

Australia PR requirements depend on the visa. Depending on the pathway, requirements can include an eligible occupation, skills assessment, English proficiency, age, work experience, qualifications, sponsorship or nomination, health and character requirements and other visa-specific criteria. The Department advises applicants to check the eligibility requirements for their particular permanent visa.

5. Is there a guaranteed way to get Australian permanent residency?

No. There is no guaranteed PR pathway for every applicant. Even meeting the minimum requirements for a points-tested skilled visa does not guarantee an invitation, and every permanent visa application must satisfy the applicable criteria before a visa can be granted.