I’ve always been curious about life in Australia. The sunshine, the beaches, the laid-back lifestyle—it’s easy to see why so many people dream of moving there. But when I first looked into how to get an Australian PR, I realized something fast: the process is a maze. Points, EOIs, visa subclasses—it felt like a test where everyone else already had the answers.
Maybe you’re feeling the same. You’ve heard that Australia welcomes skilled workers, but you’re wondering: Do I qualify? How many points do I need? Am I wasting time on the wrong visa?
The truth? Getting Australian PR isn’t hard if you know the system. This guide breaks down every step—from eligibility to the final approval—so you can skip the confusion and start your new life Down Under.
Step 1: Are You Eligible for Australian PR?
To qualify for PR, you must meet Australia’s points-based requirements and fit into an approved visa stream. But here’s the catch: eligibility alone isn’t enough. The competition is tough, and higher scores win.
Basic Eligibility Criteria:
✔️ Age: Under 45 years old
✔️ Language: IELTS score of at least 6 in each band (Competent English)
✔️ Work Experience: Skilled experience (1+ years)
✔️ Education: Diploma, degree, or higher qualification
✔️ Health & Character: Medical check and police clearance
✅ Pro Tip: Even if you meet the basic criteria, aim for 75+ points for the best shot at an invitation.
Step 2: Pick the Right Visa Pathway
The best visa for how to get an Australian PR depends on your skills, experience, and whether you can secure state sponsorship.
1. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) – No Sponsor Needed
✔️ Points-tested visa based purely on your qualifications
✔️ Doesn’t require employer or state sponsorship
✔️ Ideal for in-demand occupations
🕒 Processing time: 6–12 months
✅ Best for: High scorers (80+ points) with jobs on the MLTSSL (Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List)
2. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) – State-Sponsored
✔️ Requires nomination from an Australian state or territory
✔️ Adds 5 points to your overall score
✔️ You must live and work in the sponsoring state for 2 years
🕒 Processing time: 6–9 months
✅ Best for: Applicants with skills in state-specific demand
3. Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) – Regional Pathway
✔️ Requires nomination from a state or sponsorship from family in regional Australia
✔️ Adds 15 points to your score (huge advantage!)
✔️ Pathway to PR after 3 years of living in a regional area
🕒 Processing time: 6–12 months
✅ Best for: Applicants with lower points or in-demand regional skills
Step 3: Calculate Your Points Score (CRS System)
In Australia, points equal power. The higher your score, the faster you’ll get an invitation.
Points Breakdown:
- Age (Max 30 points):
✔️ 25–32 years: 30 points (Best)
✔️ 33–39 years: 25 points
✔️ 40–44 years: 15 points - English Language (Max 20 points):
✔️ IELTS 7 (Proficient): 10 points
✔️ IELTS 8 (Superior): 20 points - Work Experience (Max 20 points):
✔️ 3 years (Overseas): 10 points
✔️ 5+ years (Australian): 15 points - Education (Max 20 points):
✔️ Bachelor’s: 15 points
✔️ Master’s/PhD: 20 points - Extras:
✔️ State nomination (190 visa): 5 points
✔️ Regional nomination (491 visa): 15 points
✔️ Partner’s skills: Up to 10 points
Step 4: Get Your Skills Assessed
Before you can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), you must prove that your skills meet Australian standards. This step catches many people off guard—even qualified professionals get rejected for poor documentation.
Who Assesses Your Skills?
- Engineers: Engineers Australia
- IT Professionals: Australian Computer Society (ACS)
- Accountants: CPA Australia, CA ANZ
✅ Tip: Start your skills assessment early. Without it, you can’t submit your EOI.
Step 5: Submit Your Expression of Interest (EOI)
With your points calculated and skills assessed, it’s time to enter the PR pool by submitting your EOI through SkillSelect, Australia’s immigration platform.
What Happens Next:
- You compete with others based on your points.
- Australia conducts regular invitations rounds—highest scores first.
- If selected, you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR.
✅ Pro Tip: High-demand occupations like engineers, nurses, and IT professionals often get invited with lower scores if they secure state nominations.
Step 6: Get Your Invitation and Apply for PR
Once you get your Invitation to Apply (ITA), you have 60 days to submit your PR application.
Documents You’ll Need:
✔️ Identity proof: Passport, birth certificate
✔️ English test results (IELTS/PTE)
✔️ Skills assessment report
✔️ Work experience documents: Reference letters, pay slips
✔️ Medical and police clearance
Step 7: Wait for Your Australian PR Grant
When your application is approved, you’ll receive your Permanent Residency Visa, granting you:
✔️ Full work and study rights
✔️ Access to Australia’s Medicare healthcare system
✔️ Pathway to citizenship after four years
How Long Does It Take to Get an Australian PR?
Amit, who we mentioned earlier, applied for his PR twice—once through the 189 visa (which stalled) and once through a state-nominated 190 pathway (which succeeded). His advice? Pick the right stream from day one.
Here’s a general timeline:
- Skills Assessment: 1–3 months
- EOI and Invitation: 1–12 months (varies by score)
- Visa Processing: 6–12 months
Total: 9 months to 2 years (faster with high points or state nomination)
Avoid These Costly Mistakes
🚫 Applying with Low Points: Subclass 189 is competitive. If your score is under 80, try Subclass 190 or 491.
🚫 Ignoring the Skills Assessment: No assessment means no points—and no EOI submission.
🚫 Missing EOI Updates: If your situation changes (e.g., better IELTS scores), update your EOI immediately.
Final Thoughts: Start Your PR Journey Now
The how to get an Australian PR process is competitive but achievable. Australia needs skilled workers—especially in healthcare, engineering, and IT. But they only invite the best-prepared applicants.
I know how overwhelming it feels at the start. But here’s the truth: the longer you wait, the harder it gets. Points requirements rise, competition increases, and quotas shrink.
So, don’t sit back. Start now. Get your skills assessed. Build your points. Submit your EOI.
Because your new life in Australia? It’s closer than you think.