Why apply for an Australian PR?

• 8th Happiest country in the world

• Inviting 500,000+ migrants by 2026

• 800,000 job vacancies for skilled professionals

• 100× ROI with an Australian PR

• Access to Universal Healthcare (Medicare)

• FREE education for your children

• Retirement benefits

• Easiest path to Australian citizenship

The Australian Permanent Residency (PR) Visa allows individuals and families to live, work, and study permanently in Australia. PR holders aren’t citizens yet, but they can live/study/work in the country for 5 years and may apply for citizenship after 4 years (subject to eligibility).

Australia PR Process

The Skilled Stream attracts highly skilled workers who contribute to the economy, allowing qualified professionals, tradespeople, and entrepreneurs to live and work permanently.

This stream prioritizes applicants with in-demand skills addressing labour shortages across sectors and regions.

• Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

• Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)

• Employer-Sponsored PR (Subclass 186)

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

• Global Talent (858) closed; being replaced in planning by the National Innovation Visa

Australia’s PR system uses a points-based model emphasising skills, experience, English, age, and education, aligned with national/regional occupation lists.

* Need guidance to migrate to Australia on a PR visa? Get expert advice with TruVia Consultants counsellors.

What is an Australian PR Visa?

An Australian PR visa allows eligible candidates to become permanent residents. Choose the option that best fits your eligibility and goals.

Australia 189 visa

For invited foreign workers with required skills. With a Subclass 189, you can live and work permanently anywhere in Australia.

• No nominator/sponsor needed.

• Apply only after invitation.

• Under 45 years at the time of application.

Australia 190 Visa

Lets nominated skilled workers live and study/work in the nominating state/territory as PRs. Like 189, to apply for Subclass 190 you must be invited.

For both 189 and 190, you must:

• Score 65+ on the points calculator

• Receive an invitation to apply

• Have an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List

• Hold a suitable skills assessment

• Provide valid English test scores

Australia 491 Visa

The Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) allows skilled workers to live/work in designated regional areas for up to 5 years. It’s a temporary PR pathway. For PR via Subclass 191, holders typically need 3 years residence plus other criteria.

• State/territory nomination or

• Family sponsorship in a designated regional area

• ITA after EOI submission

• Under 45 at invitation

Market Background & Trends with Statistical Data

• Planning level: 185,000 places (2024–26), ~70% Skill stream / 30% Family stream

• Priority sectors: healthcare, tech, construction, education, skilled trades

• Ageing workforce drives demand for skilled migrants

• Subclass 189: 16,900 places (2025–26)

• Subclass 190: 16,500 places

• Subclass 491: 9,760 places

• Employer-Sponsored: up to 44,000 places

Note: BIIP closed (31 July 2024). Global/Distinguished Talent closed. The National Innovation Visa is in the planning framework—check current criteria before advising clients.

Australia Skilled Stream Visa Benefits

• Quality of Life: Safe, multicultural, modern infrastructure

• Career Growth: Work in any sector, change employers, start a business

• Family Settlement: Spouse & dependents with full rights

• Financial Advantages: Earn in AUD, Medicare, and domestic school fees

• Legal Security: Employment rights & social benefits (after two years)

• Global Mobility: Travel freely; eventual 180+ visa-free countries as a citizen

• Citizenship Pathway: Typically, within 4 years after meeting residency/legal requirements

Australia PR eligibility

• Age: Under 45 (most Skilled visas)

• English: Approved test—IELTS, PTE, OET, or equivalent

• Occupation in Demand: On the Skilled Occupation List (SOL)

• Skills Assessment: Positive assessment required

• Points: Minimum 65 (including states points)

• Health & Character: Medical + Police clearance

• EOI: Submit via SkillSelect and get invited

• Nomination/Sponsorship: Required for some visas

• Proof of funds: Not required for 189/190 by DHA; some states may request settlement funds

Australia PR Requirements

• Age: Ideal 25–32 for max points

• Education: Bachelor’s/Master’s/PhD (assessed)

• Work Experience: 1–8+ years in nominated occupation

• English: IELTS/PTE/TOEFL iBT/CELPIP

• Occupation: On MLTSSL, STSOL, or ROL

• Health & Character checks

• Points Requirement: 65+

• Regional Preference: Extra points for regional

• Family Composition: Partner’s skills may add points

• Australian Experience: Study/work in AU adds points

Australia PR Points Calculator

Points Calculation & Eligibility Check

1. Age Group

18-24 Years 25 Points
25-32 Years 30 Points

33-39 Years 25 Points

40-44 Years 15 Points

45-49 Years 0 Points

2. English Language Competency

Competent English - IELTS 6 / PTE 50 in each or above 0 Points

Proficient English - IELTS 7 / PTE 65 in each or above 10 Points

Superior English - IELTS 8 / PTE 79 in each or above 20 Points

3. Overseas Skilled Employment - Under Nominated Occupation

Less than 3 years 0 Points

At least 3 but less than 5 years 5 Points

At least 5 but less than 8 years 10 Points
At least 8 years or more 15 Points

4. Educational Qualifications

PHD 20Points

Master’s or Bachelor’s Degree 15 Points
Diploma / ITI or Trade Qualifications 10 Points

5. Credentialled Community Language (NAATI-CCL)

Accredited in a community language 5 Points

6. Additional Points – Partner’s Skills or Single Applicant

Spouse Skills Assessment 5 Points

Spouse English Language Exam 5 Points

Spouse Skills Assessment & English Language Exam 10 Points

Single (Never Married) 10 Points

7. States or Regional Nomination Points

189 (Independent) 0 Points

190 (State Nominated) 5 Points
491 (Regional Sponsorship) 15 Points