Australia PR — Complete Guide to Permanent Residency
Everything you need to know about getting Australian permanent residency. SkillSelect, visa subclasses 189/190/491/186, points breakdown, skills assessment requirements, and processing times.
Key Takeaways
- →Australia PR is available through multiple visa subclasses — the 189 (independent) is PR from day one with no sponsorship required.
- →A minimum of 65 points is required, but invitation rounds typically require 80–95+ points. Higher scores are invited first.
- →A positive skills assessment from an accredited Australian authority is required for all skilled PR pathways.
Australia PR Visa Subclasses
Skilled Independent Visa (189)
PRPoints-tested, state-nomination-independent visa for skilled workers. Allows permanent residency without employer or state sponsorship. Occupation must be on the MLTSSL.
65 min (invited at 80–95+)Skilled Nominated Visa (190)
PRState-nominated points-tested visa offering permanent residency. Requires nomination by an Australian state or territory government. Awards 5 additional points toward your points test score.
65 min (invited at 75–90+)Skilled Work Regional Visa (491)
Provisional → PRProvisional visa for skilled workers nominated by a state/territory or sponsored by an eligible family member in regional Australia. Pathway to permanent residency (subclass 191) after 3 years in regional Australia.
65 min (invited at 65–85+)Employer Nomination Scheme (186)
PRPermanent residence visa for skilled workers sponsored by an Australian employer. Two streams: Direct Entry (skills assessed) and Temporary Residence Transition (requires 3 years on a 457/482 visa).
Employer nomination required