Australian immigration policies have made it convenient for people from India to seek better job opportunities, a good standard of living, and permanent residency. Australia is a popular destination for skilled workers from other countries due to its high demand for skilled workers in various industries such as healthcare, engineering, information technology, construction, and more. There are several ways to immigrate to Australia if you are a skilled worker with a qualification that is in demand in Australia.
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Obtaining Australia PR (Permanent Residency) enables foreign nationals who are eligible to live, work, and study in Australia for an unlimited duration, depending on the visa conditions. Certain public services, such as Medicare, are also available to permanent residents who are eligible.
It is not just a case of filling in an application to apply for permanent residency. Applicants need to find the right visa pathway, have the right occupation, gain a competitive score (where relevant), demonstrate English language proficiency, and for points-tested visas, meet the occupation and skills assessment requirements.
If you are wondering how to get PR in Australia from India, what the minimum points requirement is, how much the application costs, or how long the process takes, this guide explains the major requirements and application stages.
In this extensive guide, we will discuss everything about Australia PR eligibility, visa subclasses, points system, the application process, visa cost estimates, and important factors for Indian visa applicants.
What is Australia PR?
Australia PR is the Australian permanent residency that is granted to foreign nationals who are eligible for a permanent visa and approved by the government of Australia.
The following are typical rights that can be enjoyed by an Australian permanent resident:
- Live in Australia indefinitely.
- Work for eligible Australian employers.
- Study in Australian educational institutions.
- Access Medicare, subject to eligibility.
- Sponsor eligible family members under applicable sponsorship rules.
- Travel outside Australia and return while holding a valid travel facility.
- Apply for Australian citizenship if all citizenship requirements are satisfied.
It is crucial to bear in mind that permanent residency is not citizenship. PR holders have a different status from Australian citizens and do not automatically have an Australian passport or the right to vote in federal elections.
Most significantly, the travel facility linked to lots of permanent visas is generally for five years. Once it has expired, you may need to return to Australia as a permanent resident with a Resident Return Visa or other suitable visa.
What are the Primary Australia PR Visa Pathways?
There are a number of ways to get PR in Australia based on your qualifications, occupation, work experience, employer sponsorship and personal details.
The following are all the pathways that are generally regarded as skilled migration.
A. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
The Subclass 189 visa is a points-tested visa for skilled people who are eligible but not sponsored by a state or employer.
It is suitable for applicants who:
- Have an occupation eligible for the relevant visa stream.
- Obtain a suitable skills assessment.
- Meet the English language requirements.
- Score at least 65 points under the points test.
- Receive an invitation to apply.
- Meet the age and other visa criteria.
One of its benefits is that most successful visa recipients are not restricted to a particular state or employer in Australia, but are able to work and live in any state.
But, even if a player hits the minimum points, they are not guaranteed an invitation. Invitations are based on ranking, number of occupations, number of places, and number of invitation rounds.
B. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
The Subclass 190 visa is a permanent skilled visa for visa subclass 190 visas applicants who are nominated by an Australian state or territory.
It may be appropriate for skilled occupations which are required in a specific Australian state.
Key features include:
- Permanent residency upon visa grant.
- State or territory nomination requirement.
- A minimum of 65 points under the points test, including nomination points.
- An additional 5 points for state or territory nomination.
- A suitable skills assessment and English language evidence.
- Compliance with the nominating state’s specific requirements.
Occupations lists and work experience expectations and priorities for selection can vary from state to state, so applicants will need to read the state-by-state nomination requirements carefully.
C. Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)
The subclass 491 visa is a provisional skilled visa for people who are nominated by an Australian state or territory or sponsored by an eligible family member who lives in a designated regional area.
It is not a permanent visa, but a possible route to becoming a permanent resident.
Important features include:
- Validity of up to five years.
- An additional 15 points for eligible nomination or family sponsorship.
- A requirement to live, work and study in designated regional areas, subject to visa conditions.
- A potential pathway to permanent residency through Subclass 191.
Qualifying 491 visa holders can apply for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa once they satisfy the requirements and conditions, including the regional residence and compliance conditions.
D. Employer-Sponsored Permanent Residency (Subclass 186)
The Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) provides another pathway to permanent residency for eligible skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer.
It is a pathway that may apply to individuals who have achieved appropriate employment (based on the Australian Qualifications Framework) and meet the entry criteria for an appropriate pathway stream.
Depending on the circumstances, applicants may qualify through:
- Temporary Residence Transition stream.
- Direct Entry stream.
- Labour Agreement stream.
Applicants will need to satisfy the appropriate occupation, employment, skills and work experience requirements as well as the English language and employer nomination requirements.
E. Can You Get Australia PR Through a Subclass 482 Visa?
Yes, certain holders of the Subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa can apply for a permanent visa through the Subclass 186 Temporary Residence Transition stream.
However, this is not automatic.
The criteria are to be met by the applicant, including the relevant employment with the relevant sponsoring employer, the length of time that the applicant has been working with the relevant sponsoring employer, age requirements, English language ability, and any other criteria.
A Subclass 482 visa is a temporary work visa, while the Subclass 186 visa is a permanent residency visa.
Australia PR Eligibility Requirements
Before starting the Australia PR process, applicants should check whether they meet the requirements of their selected visa subclass.
For skilled migration pathways, the main eligibility factors generally include:
| Eligibility Criteria | General Requirement |
| Age | Generally under 45 when invited for points-tested skilled visas |
| Occupation | Must meet the relevant visa occupation requirements |
| Skills Assessment | Positive assessment from the relevant assessing authority |
| English Language | Competent English or the applicable visa-specific requirement |
| Points | At least 65 points for points-tested skilled visas |
| Work Experience | Must satisfy the applicable occupation and visa criteria |
| Education | Qualifications must meet relevant requirements |
| Health | Must meet Australian health requirements |
| Character | Must satisfy character requirements |
| Invitation | Required for invitation-based skilled visa subclasses |
These are general requirements, not a universal checklist for every Australian permanent visa. Employer-sponsored, family and other pathways have different criteria.
Australia PR Age Limit
Age is an important factor in the Australia PR eligibility assessment.
For the points-tested Subclass 189, 190 and 491 pathways, applicants generally need to be under 45 years old when invited to apply.
The points awarded for age are:
| Age Group | Australia PR Points |
| 18–24 years | 25 |
| 25–32 years | 30 |
| 33–39 years | 25 |
| 40–44 years | 15 |
| 45 years and above | 0 |
For points-tested skilled visas, being 45 or older generally prevents an applicant from meeting the age requirement. Other visa pathways may have different age rules or exemptions.
Educational Qualifications
Your educational background can contribute to your Australia PR points.
Points may be awarded for:
- Doctoral qualifications.
- Bachelor’s or master’s qualifications.
- Australian qualifications.
- Certain recognised professional trade qualifications.
The qualification must meet the relevant recognition requirements. A qualification obtained in India is not automatically accepted for every occupation or skills assessment.
Work Experience Requirements
Skills assessment can be bolstered with relevant work experience that adds to points.
The points test includes skilled employment opportunities both within and outside Australia.
Applicants must have relevant experience that applies to the nominated occupation and conforms with the relevant assessment rules.
Work experience letters, salary slips, bank statements, tax records, and other supporting documents may be helpful for Indian candidates to prove their genuine job experience.
English Language Requirements
The main requirement for Australian PR is competency in the English language.
Applicants can provide evidence of English skills by taking the following tests:
- IELTS.
- PTE Academic.
- TOEFL iBT.
- Cambridge C1 Advanced.
- OET, where accepted for the relevant purpose.
The score is determined by visa pathway and category of English claimed. Candidates who wish to gain extra points will need to attain the higher level English standard to gain the additional points.
Skills Assessment
Many skilled visa migrants will undergo a skills assessment.
Your nominated occupation is assessed by an authorised Australian assessing authority to determine if your qualifications and work experience are appropriate.
For instance, various occupations can be evaluated by Engineers Australia, ACS, VETASSESS, AHPRA-related authorities or other designated organisations.
It is dependent on your nominated occupation and visa pathway which is the right assessing authority.
While a positive skills assessment does not mean a visa invitation, it is a must-have for many skills-assessed visas.
Australia PR Points System and Points Table
The Australian General Skilled Migration program uses a point-based system to rank applicants who are eligible to apply.
Australia PR points are calculated based on age, English language proficiency, skilled employment, skills, and other eligibility.
Many skilled visas are point-tested, and the minimum requirement is generally 65 points to gain an invitation to apply. But likely higher scores will be needed to be competitive.
Australia PR Points Table
The following table summarises the main points categories under the skilled migration points test.
| Factor | Criteria | Points |
| Age | 18–24 years | 25 |
| Age | 25–32 years | 30 |
| Age | 33–39 years | 25 |
| Age | 40–44 years | 15 |
| English | Competent English | 0 |
| English | Proficient English | 10 |
| English | Superior English | 20 |
| Overseas employment | 3–4 years | 5 |
| Overseas employment | 5–7 years | 10 |
| Overseas employment | 8–10 years | 15 |
| Australian employment | 1–2 years | 5 |
| Australian employment | 3–4 years | 10 |
| Australian employment | 5–7 years | 15 |
| Australian employment | 8–10 years | 20 |
| Qualification | Doctorate | 20 |
| Qualification | Bachelor’s or master’s | 15 |
| Qualification | Recognised diploma or trade qualification | 10 |
| Australian study | Eligible Australian study requirement | 5 |
| Specialist education | Eligible specialist educational qualification | 10 |
| Professional year | Eligible Australian professional year | 5 |
| Credentialled community language | Recognised credential | 5 |
| Regional study | Eligible Australian regional study | 5 |
| Partner | Eligible skilled partner | 10 |
| Partner | Single or partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident | 10 |
| Partner | Partner has competent English | 5 |
| Nomination | Subclass 190 nomination | 5 |
| Nomination or sponsorship | Subclass 491 | 15 |
Important: This is a summary list of the points-test categories, and is not a guarantee that an applicant is eligible for any category. Specific evidence, definitions, Qualification Recognition and eligibility conditions apply. There are also caps on the number of employment points, and some categories can’t be added together. It’s important to check the latest official points test before submitting an Expression of Interes (EOI).
Australia PR Points Calculator: How to Calculate Your Score
An Australian PR points calculator is an instrument that will assist a candidate to approximate their points prior to submitting their Expression of Interest (EOI).
It takes into account factors such as age, education, English language ability, employment, and partner qualifications.
For example, consider a hypothetical Indian applicant with the following profile:
| Assessment Factor | Applicant Profile | Points |
| Age | 29 years | 30 |
| English | Proficient English | 10 |
| Overseas work experience | 5–7 years | 10 |
| Education | Bachelor’s degree | 15 |
| Partner | Single | 10 |
| Total | 75 |
For instance, in this example, the applicant is assumed to score 75 points.
This is just an illustration! The actual score will be dependent on whether the applicant meets the specific requirements for each category and whether they can present evidence to support these requirements.
How to Improve Your Australia PR Points
If you’ve got a low score, try these tips:
- Improve your English score: Achieving Superior English can add up to 20 points.
- Obtain relevant work experience: Work experience may be used to award points and could be relevant.
- Take into account state nomination: 5 points for subclass 190 nomination.
- Look at regional migration: Eligible Subclass 491 nomination 15 points and family sponsorship 15 points.
- Confirm eligibility of partner: If a partner is a skilled partner, they can add extra points.
- Review your qualifications: Make sure all eligible educational qualifications are correctly assessed.
An applicant must not earn points for an element if they do not fulfil the evidence criteria.
IELTS Score for Australia PR and PTE Score Requirements
English language skills may have a major impact on your Australia PR points.
The following is a general guideline that applies to the majority of skilled migration English categories, namely:
| English Category | IELTS | PTE Academic |
| Competent English | 6 in each component | 50 in each component |
| Proficient English | 7 in each component | 65 in each component |
| Superior English | 8 in each component | 79 in each component |
English skill thresholds for the skilled migration points test in the categories: Test format, accepted versions and scoring rules may be subject to change; please check the requirements of the Department of Home Affairs before booking your test.
How Many Points Can You Get Through IELTS or PTE?
| English Proficiency | Points |
| Competent English | 0 |
| Proficient English | 10 |
| Superior English | 20 |
Achieving a higher English score can make a meaningful difference to your overall points calculation.
For applicants from India, preparing for IELTS or PTE before starting the application process can help improve their eligibility and migration strategy.
How to Get Australia PR from India: Step-by-Step Process
There are several steps in the Australia PR process and each visa subclass requires a different procedure.
The following are general guidelines for Indian applicants looking into the skilled visa type.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
You should first look at your age, occupation, qualifications, work experience, and English skills.
Get an understanding about the skilled visa migration pathways that might be appropriate, such as Subclass 189, 190 or 491.
Step 2: Select Your Occupation
Find an occupation that matches your education, qualifications and employment requirements that you are eligible for.
Ensure all occupation requirements and assessing authorities are checked.
Never choose a job for that just because it is on a list. The selection should be backed up by your duties and qualifications.
Step 3: Complete Your Skills Assessment
Complete an application to the relevant Australian assessing body.
The following might be required:
- Educational certificates.
- Academic transcripts.
- Employment reference letters.
- Detailed job descriptions.
- Salary evidence.
- Identity documents.
- Other occupation-specific records.
The assessing authority will assess if your skills and experience are suitable to their needs.
Step 4: Take an English Language Test
Take a recognised test in English (e.g. IELTS or PTE Academic).
Your results could be used to help make up your points total and provide evidence of your English language competence for the visa.
Step 5: Calculate Your Australia PR Points
Use an Australia PR points calculator from India to get an idea of your score.
Be sure to read each category thoroughly, and provide supporting evidence for your stated claims.
Step 6: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
The Expression of Interest is typically the first step that is submitted by eligible applicants in the process of applying for points-tested skilled visas through SkillSelect.
EOI is not a visa application. It indicates your desire to come to Australia and details your skill, job, English language ability, and points.
Step 7: Apply for State Nomination if Required
For those who are interested in Subclass 190 or 491, check the state or territory’s nomination criteria.
There may be some states that will need more evidence of employment, evidence of occupation, or a separate registration of interest.
Step 8: Receive an Invitation to Apply
If successful, you will be invited to apply for a visa.
The invitation instructions are to be followed, and the applications should be received within the prescribed time.
Step 9: Submit Your Visa Application
Complete the online visa application and upload the required supporting documents.
These may include:
- Passport and identity documents.
- Educational certificates.
- Skills assessment outcome.
- English test results.
- Employment records.
- Police clearance certificates.
- Health examination information.
- Family and relationship documents, where applicable.
Step 10: Complete Health and Character Checks
Applicants and relevant family members might undergo medical tests and receive police clearance certificates.
As per the needs of the application, Indian applicants might be required to obtain a Police Clearance Certificate from the suitable Indian authority.
Step 11: Wait for the Visa Decision
Your application is assessed by the Department of Home Affairs.
If the application is successful, you will be informed of the visa decision in a visa grant notification which will include information about visa conditions and other relevant details.
Australia PR Cost from India
There are various Australia PR costs, which vary based on the subclass of a visa, number of visa applicants, visa skills assessment fees, English examination fees, and other related expenses.
There is no single fixed price for every applicant.
The major expenses may include:
| Expense | What It Covers |
| Visa application charge | Government fee for the selected visa |
| Skills assessment | Assessment by the relevant authority |
| English test | IELTS, PTE, or another accepted examination |
| Medical examination | Required health checks |
| Police clearance | Police certificates and related expenses |
| Document preparation | Translation, certification and supporting records |
| Migration assistance | Professional consultation or representation, if used |
Australia PR Visa Fees
One of the primary costs is Government visa application fees.
The amount is dependent upon the subclass of application and the number of applicants (and their ages) being made a part of the application.
Therefore, candidates are advised to refer to the latest official visa price calculator rather than using the figures for visa fees from third-party websites, as it is not always accurate.
It is also important to keep in mind that there are additional government fees, skills assessment fees and English examination fees.
Australia PR Cost from India: What Should You Budget For?
Indian applicants need to make a financial estimate of the entire procedure and not just the visa application fee.
The following factors should be taken into consideration when creating a practical budget:
- Main applicant expenses.
- Extra Adult/Child Applicants.
- Skills assessment.
- English language examinations.
- Medical/Police checks.
- Professional assistance, if required.
- Exchange and international payments fees.
When hiring an immigration consultant, always ask for a breakdown of professional service charges in writing.
Australia PR Processing Time
The processing time for an Australian visa depends on subclass, applicant’s completeness, occupation, nomination arrangements, and personal factors.
Each applicant’s processing time is uncertain.
This overall migration may take place with two different timelines:
1. Pre-application stage: Skills assessment, English testing, EOI submission, and waiting for an invitation or state nomination.
2. Visa application stage: The processing period during which the Department of Home Affairs is considering a visa application from the time it is submitted.
These are distinct phases and cannot be interchanged.
Applicants may visit the Department of Home Affairs’ visa processing time guide for the most up-to-date visa processing time information.
Factors That Can Affect Australia PR Time
- Incorrect or incomplete documents.
- Lack of skills assessment.
- Other work experience documentation.
- Medical examination requirements.
- Police clearance processing.
- State nomination procedures.
- Invitations and demand for occupation.
- Further inquiries by immigration officials.
Providing full and accurate data will help minimize delays, but will not guarantee speed of processing.
Can You Get Direct PR in Australia from India?
Yes, Indian applicants can apply for direct PR in Australia from India as long as they are eligible.
The most obvious and widespread points-tested pathways are:
- Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa.
- Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa.
Applicants are required to meet the occupation, skills assessment, English language, age, and points requirements.
Unlike Subclass 190, there is no state nomination required for subclass 189.
But not everyone can apply for direct permanent residency. You will be eligible based on your professional experience, job, and the visa requirements.
Common Reasons Why Australia PR Applications Face Problems
Applicants who have good qualifications can face challenges in the immigration process as well.
Some common issues include:
- Choosing an occupation that is not reflective of work tasks.
- Failure to provide adequate evidence of employment.
- Claiming points without supporting documents.
- Not achieving the required English language ability.
- Inappropriate use of a skills assessment.
- Missing application deadlines.
- Giving inaccurate individual or job information.
- Not meeting state nomination requirements.
Candidates should ensure the information they provide in their EOI or visa application is accurate.
If you have complicated employment, qualification or visa requirements, it may well be beneficial to seek the advice of a suitably qualified Australian migration professional.
Frequently Asked Questions About Australia PR
1. How many points are required for Australia PR?
The minimum points requirement for skilled visas (the points-tested visas) is typically 65 for skilled visas including subclass 189, 190 and 491. But it is not a certainty that meeting the minimum will lead to an invitation. Competitive scores are required, depending on visa and occupation requirements and invitation arrangements.
2. What is the Australia PR age limit?
On the main points-tested skilled visa pathways, applicants will typically be under 45 when they are invited to apply. Other permanent visa categories may have different age limits.
3. Can I get Australia PR from India without a job offer?
Yes. There are a number of visa subclasses that do not require the visa applicant to have a job offer as a general requirement, such as subclass 189 and some subclass 190 or subclass 491 visas. But state rules on whom to nominate and specific rules for individual occupations may vary.
4. Is IELTS compulsory for Australia PR?
It is usually required for the applicant to provide evidence of the required level of English via a recognised test or other acceptable means. English requirements are dependent on subclass and circumstances.
5. Is PTE accepted for Australia PR?
Yes. PTE Academic is an accepted English language test for relevant visa pathways in Australia, following the current requirements for the test and score.
6. How many years does it take to get PR in Australia?
No specified number of years. There are two pathways to a permanent visa: one is a permanent visa (skilled permanent visa), and the other is a provisional visa or temporary visa pathway. There are two visa pathways to permanent visa: a pathway involving a permanent visa (a skilled permanent visa) and a pathway involving a provisional visa or temporary visa. Invitation waiting times and visa processing times are also variable.
7. Can I convert an Australia 482 visa to PR?
Some Subclass 482 visa holders can apply for permanent residency via the Subclass 186 visa – Temporary Residence Transition stream. They must meet the employment and sponsorship requirements, age, English and other requirements.
8. How many points does Australia require for PR?
Generally speaking, at least 65 points would be required for skilled visa eligibility. It does not guarantee selection or an invitation, however. The higher the score, the more competitive you will be.
9. Can my family accompany me to Australia?
Eligible members of the family are able to be included in the visa application as long as the visa subclass says they can. Rules for applicants for partners and dependent children to be admitted.
10. Can Australian PR holders apply for citizenship?
Yes. Australian citizenship can be granted to a permanent resident who meets the residence, character, and other requirements for citizenship by conferral. Citizenship is not automatic after receiving PR.
Conclusion: Start Your Australia PR Journey with the Right Preparation
Getting Australia PR is an essential component in creating a long-term future in Australia. Before applying for a visa, however, it is important to determine the eligibility requirements and visa pathway.
Before proceeding, Indian applicants should carefully evaluate their age, background, occupation, work experience, English language proficiency, and points score.
If you are thinking about applying for Subclass 491, Subclass 189, Subclass 190 or an employer-sponsored visa via Subclass 186, good planning can help you understand your visa options and prevent common visa application mistakes.
Any immigration decisions must be made after checking the latest requirements on the official Australian Government website.
Embarking on the path to Australia PR from India? Have your profile evaluated by a professional with immigration experience to gauge your likelihood of success, appropriate visa options, and the following steps.
Need expert consultancy and guidance for Australia PR? Connect with Grades Global Immigration Services Limited in Delhi for professional immigration consultation, profile assessment, eligibility guidance, and help understanding suitable Australian permanent residency pathways. We provide consultancy services to help you make informed immigration decisions.
