How to Get Permanent Residency (PR) in Australia?

With easy processes, and better immigration policies, the Australia PR visa is attracting many foreigners around the world. If you are also applying for an Australia permanent resident visa, first thing you need to do is check your eligibility. You should be below 45 years with a score of 65 points to qualify for the process.

Once your qualification for the PR visa is confirmed, you have to apply for a skill assessment which is based on work experience and educational background. This should be followed by the submission of your application under an online pool system called \”Expression of Interest.\” Within 60 days of acceptance of your application, you need to submit the required documents to DIBP- Department of Immigration and Border Protection. Once documents are verified, you will be granted a visa.

Let us talk about the whole process of getting permanent residency in Australia.

Before you file your application to get PR in Australia, it is better to know which program suits your needs. So, let us talk about the different ways to get PR in Australia.

1. Australian PR Visa Categories

There are many ways to get PR in Australia. Choose a program that suits you and meets eligibility.

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): This PR visa of Australia is for 5 years and can be converted into citizenship. However, you cannot receive sponsorship under this visa.

Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): This is a visa category for skilled professionals. You get nominated by the government of an Australian state/Territory. You are also required to prove if your occupation is listed in the Skilled Occupation List. If you are applying for Australia PR under this category, you can choose any sector within the nominated state or territory.

Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491): If you meet the skill requirement and receive sponsorship or get nominated by either state or territory. You get this visa granted for 4 years.

Steps Involved in the Application for Australia PR 

Step 1: Check your eligibility for Australian PR

If you meet the eligibility criteria for Australian PR, make sure you have the following:

  • Educational certificates
  • English language proficiency
  • Work experience certificates (only if applicable)
  • Travel documents including passport, permission to migrate from relevant authorities
  • Medical and police verification certificates
  • Proof of settlement funds in form of bonds, bank accounts, cash, shares, etc.

Step 2: Get the skill assessment done through the designated authority.

Your educational background and work experience are assessed. This is usually done by a designated body of skill assessment. By providing the documents, you can secure results. It takes 45-60 days for this process.

SkillSelect is a system through which migrants submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) which is proof that you want to be considered for a skilled visa to migrate to Australia. Through SkillSelect, you will either be invited by the Australian government to submit an application for a visa, or Australian employers and state governments can nominate you for a skilled visa. This means, SkillSelect makes the visa application process easy and improves skilled migrants\’ employment prospects.

Step 3: Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)

You prove your interest through SkillSelect. EOI stage decides your eligibility score. Higher the scores, higher will be the chances for ITA (Invitation to Apply). The time to process depends on the individual’s score.

Step 4: Apply for your visa online.

On receiving ITA, you can apply for visa online along with the required documents within 60 days of acceptance of your EOI. After that the final visa application is sent to the Department of Immigration and Border Protection or DIBP. This is generally done 60 days post you receive ITA. If your dependents join you, you should add their details.

What Next?

After submitting all the documents, DIBP does the research. Once the details are confirmed, it will grant you the visa within 3 to 5 months. You get 6 months to migrate to the country. This is after you receive confirmation of visa approval.

Once you acquire a PR visa, you can stay in Australia for an indefinite period. You also get a five-year travel facility. A permanent resident is eligible for a citizenship after a given waiting period.

2. How Many Years to Get PR in Australia?

Many individuals often wonder how many years it will take them to get PR in Australia. Getting permanent residency in Australia is not a piece of cake but can be possible for skilled and experienced workers. To get pr in Australia an individual need to have at least 65 points.

Getting PR in Australia is a long-term process. It depends on different factors such as type of visa, qualification, skills of the applicant and the current immigration policies of Australia.

After studying for 2 or 3 years in Australia, students can apply for post study work visa that is valid for 2- 4 years. They can then apply for PR visa. This process may take few months to 2 years depending on the type of visa you are applying for. Students who have chosen the following courses can get PR easily-

  • Engineering
  • Accounting
  • Nursing
  • Social work
  • Compter and Information Technology


All these courses have high demand in Australia. If you work in any of these sectors, you can get permanent residency in Australia within 4 to 5 years after going to Australia.

Documents required to get permanent residency in Australia. 

  • Language proficiency test score.
  • Educational certificates.
  • Birth certificate.
  • Police clearance certificate (PCC).
  • Medical examination certificate.

Takeaway

Now that we have talked about the entire Australian PR visa process, we hope it is easier for you to get started. Still have any doubts? Reach out to us. Our experts at ImmiVoyage  will provide you with complete guidance and will be there for you throughout your immigration journey.