How to Become an Australian Permanent Resident

Australia is one of the most sought-after countries in the world for migrants seeking stability, opportunity, and an exceptional quality of life. One of the most common questions asked by prospective migrants is: “How do I become a permanent resident of Australia?”

In this in-depth guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about gaining Australian Permanent Residency (PR) in 2025, including visa pathways, eligibility requirements, the application process, tips for success, and what to do after you obtain PR.

What is Australian Permanent Residency?

Permanent Residency (PR) in Australia is a visa status that allows a person to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely. Unlike temporary visas, permanent residents enjoy many of the same rights as Australian citizens (with a few exceptions like voting and holding an Australian passport).

PR is a pathway to citizenship, and once granted, the visa holder receives a 5-year travel facility that can be renewed indefinitely if residency requirements are met.

Main PR Pathways in Australia (2025)

There are several visa categories that can lead to permanent residency. The most popular ones include:

1. Skilled Migration Visas

Skilled visa are points-tested visas for skilled workers. If your occupation is on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) and you meet the points threshold, this could be your pathway.

• Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa 
• Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa (State Sponsored) 
• Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa* → leads to PR (Subclass 191) 

2. Employer-Sponsored Visas

If an Australian business offers you a job in a high-demand occupation, you may be eligible.

• Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) 
• Subclass 482 – Temporary Skill Shortage Visa → PR via 186 
• Subclass 494 – Regional Employer Sponsored → PR via 191 

3. Partner and Family Visas

Australia prioritises family unity. These partner visas allow family members to join their Australian relatives.

• Subclass 820/801 – Onshore Partner Visa 
• Subclass 309/100 – Offshore Partner Visa 
• Parent Visas – Subclass 143 (Contributory), 103, 870 
• Child Visa – Subclass 101/802 

4. Business and Investment Visas

For high-net-worth individuals and entrepreneurs looking to invest in Australia.

• Subclass 188 – Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) 
• Subclass 888 – Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) 

5. Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858)

For highly skilled professionals in target sectors (e.g. AI, cybersecurity, quantum tech, medtech, clean energy).

6. Refugee and Humanitarian Visas

For individuals who are fleeing persecution or serious harm and need protection.

Points-Based PR System – How It Works

If you’re applying for skilled migration (Subclass 189, 190, 491), you must meet the points requirement. As of 2025, the minimum is 65 points, but invitations often require 80+.

Factors that earn you points:

💡 Tip: Use the official points calculator on the Department of Home Affairs website to estimate your score.

Step-by-Step Process to Become a PR of Australia

Let’s break it down into 10 key steps:

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility

Ask yourself:

• Do I have a skill that’s in demand in Australia? 
• Do I meet age, English, and health requirements? 
• Do I have a sponsor (partner, employer, or state)? 
• Am I willing to live in regional areas if required?

Step 2: Check the Skilled Occupation List

The occupation list changes often. Check if your job is:

• On the Medium- and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) 
• On the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) 
• Eligible for state nomination or employer sponsorship 

Some in-demand jobs in 2025 include:

• Nurses and doctors 
• Engineers (civil, electrical, mechanical) 
• IT professionals (cybersecurity, software) 
• Teachers (math, science, early childhood) 
• Trades (plumbers, electricians, chefs)

Step 3: Get a Skills Assessment

Before applying, you must prove your qualifications match Australian standards.

• Use the relevant assessing authority (e.g., Engineers Australia, AITSL, TRA, ACS) 
• This involves submitting documents, work references, and sometimes sitting a test 

Step 4: Take an English Language Test

Accepted tests:

• IELTS 
• PTE Academic 
• TOEFL iBT 
• OET (for healthcare) 

For maximum points, aim for IELTS 8.0+ or PTE 79+

Step 5: Lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI)

Use the SkillSelect system to submit an EOI.

• No fee to lodge 
• You choose which visas (189, 190, 491) you want to be considered for 
• States can view your profile and invite you

Step 6: Wait for an Invitation to Apply

You’ll need to be invited before you can apply for a PR visa. Invitations are issued based on:

• Points score 
• Occupation demand 
• Monthly invitation rounds

Step 7: Get Nominated (if applicable)

For Subclass 190 and 491, you need state nomination. Each state/territory has its own:

• Occupation list 
• Criteria (e.g., residing in the state, job offer, ties to the area) 
• Application portal

Step 8: Submit Your Visa Application

Once invited, you have 60 days to apply online through ImmiAccount.

You’ll need:

• Identity documents (passport, birth cert) 
• Health and police checks 
• Skills assessment and English results 
• Work and education evidence 
• Relationship or sponsor documents (if applicable)

Step 9: Wait for Visa Grant

PR visa processing times (2025 estimates):

• Subclass 189: 3–9 months 
• Subclass 190: 4–12 months 
• Subclass 186: 6–12 months 
• Partner Visa (801): 8–24 months 
• Parent Visa: 2–10 years 

During this time, you may be on a Bridging Visa, allowing you to stay in Australia lawfully.

Step 10: Receive Your PR Visa Grant!

Once granted, you’ll receive:

• Confirmation letter and visa grant number 
• Five-year travel facility 
• Right to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely

Benefits of Australian Permanent Residency

• Live and work anywhere in Australia 
• Enrol in Medicare (Australia’s public healthcare system) 
• Access education and student loans (after residency period) 
• Apply for bank loans and buy property 
• Sponsor eligible family members for PR 
• Pathway to Australian Citizenship after 4 years 
• Travel in and out of Australia freely (within travel facility period)

Transitioning from PR to Citizenship

To become an Australian citizen, you must:

• Have lived in Australia for at least 4 years 
• Have held PR for at least 12 months 
• Be of good character 
• Pass the citizenship test 
• Intend to reside in or maintain a connection to Australia

Common Reasons PR Applications Get Rejected

• Incomplete or incorrect documents 
• Low English language scores 
• Unverifiable employment history 
• Incorrect occupation or skills assessment mismatch 
• Not meeting health or character requirements 
• Submitting EOI with false information 

⚠️ Mistakes can cost you time and thousands of dollars. Always double-check documents or work with a registered migration agent.

Should You Use a Migration Agent?

While applying on your own is possible, many applicants choose to hire Australia migration agent to:

• Assess eligibility accurately 
• Advise on the best visa pathway 
• Help with documents, timelines, and form completion 
• Reduce the risk of errors and delays 
• Represent you in case of complications or appeals

Final Thoughts – Is PR in Australia Worth It?

Absolutely. Australian PR opens the door to incredible career opportunities, a safe lifestyle, world-class education and healthcare, and eventual citizenship.

Whether you’re a skilled worker, entrepreneur, student, or partner of an Aussie citizen there’s a pathway to make your dream a reality.

But preparation is key. Every application is unique, and Australian immigration laws change frequently. Invest in understanding your options and consider seeking professional help to get it right the first time.

Ready to Start Your PR Journey?

Here’s your to-do list:

1. Check if your occupation is in demand 
2. Calculate your points 
3. Get your skills assessed 
4. Improve your English score 
5. Lodge your EOI and apply when invited 
6. Consult with a migration agent if unsure

Want help preparing your PR application? Contact a registered migration agent today and get expert guidance from start to finish.