How Do I Qualify for Australia PR?
A complete guide to Australia permanent residency requirements — points breakdown, skills assessment, processing times, and the step-by-step path to PR.
Key Takeaways
- →Australia PR requires meeting specific criteria — typically points-based (age, education, experience, language) or employer-sponsorship.
- →A positive skills assessment from an accredited authority is mandatory for most Australia skilled PR pathways.
- →Your score determines your ranking in SkillSelect invitation rounds — a higher score means faster invitation.
Australia PR Pathways
Skilled Independent Visa (189)
6–9 monthsPoints-tested, state-nomination-independent visa for skilled workers. Allows permanent residency without employer or state sponsorship. Occupation must be on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
Skilled Nominated Visa (190)
8–12 monthsState-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.
Skilled Work Regional Visa (491)
10–14 monthsProvisional visa for skilled workers nominated by a state/territory or sponsored by an eligible family member in regional Australia. Pathway to permanent residency (191) after 3 years in regional Australia.
How to Apply — Step by Step
Check your eligibility
Use our free 10-question assessment to see your score across all Australia visa pathways.
Prepare your documents
Gather qualifications, work references, language test results, and passport.
Get a skills assessment
Obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant Australia assessing authority for your occupation.
Submit your profile or EOI
Lodge your Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect.
Receive invitation and apply
Once invited, submit your complete PR application with all supporting documents.
Await decision and land
Processing takes 6–18 months depending on the pathway. Once approved, you receive your PR.