Australia remains one of the most attractive destinations for skilled professionals, students, and families seeking a better quality of life. With a strong economy, world-class healthcare, excellent education, and a high standard of living, thousands of applicants apply for Australian Permanent Residency (PR) every year.
If you’re wondering how to get PR in Australia or how many points are required for Australia PR, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know.
Australian Permanent Residency (PR) allows eligible foreign nationals to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely. PR holders also receive access to Medicare, social security benefits (subject to eligibility), and may eventually become eligible for Australian citizenship.
Australia offers several immigration pathways.
| PR Pathway | Best For | PR Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) | Skilled professionals | Direct PR |
| Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) | State-sponsored applicants | Direct PR |
| Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) | Regional workers | PR after eligibility period |
| Employer Sponsored Visa | Skilled employees | Direct PR in eligible cases |
| Partner Visa | Spouse of Australian citizen/PR | PR pathway |
| Business & Investment Visa | Entrepreneurs | PR pathway |
| Global Talent Visa | Highly skilled professionals | Fast-track PR |
Most applicants obtain PR through Australia’s General Skilled Migration (GSM) Program.
The process includes:
The main skilled visas are Subclass 189, 190, and 491. These are managed through the SkillSelect system. Applicants must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), and invitations are generally issued to the highest-ranked eligible candidates.
This is one of the most searched questions.
65 Points
A minimum of 65 points is required to become eligible to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for Australia’s points-tested skilled migration visas. However, meeting the minimum threshold does not guarantee an invitation. Invitations depend on occupation demand, competition, and ranking in invitation rounds.
| Occupation | Competitive Points |
|---|---|
| IT Professionals | 85–95 |
| Engineers | 80–90 |
| Nurses | 70–85 |
| Teachers | 75–85 |
| Accountants | 90+ |
| Trades | 70–80 |
Higher-demand occupations often require significantly more than the 65-point minimum to receive an invitation.
Australia awards points based on several factors.
| Factor | Maximum Points |
|---|---|
| Age | 30 |
| English Language | 20 |
| Overseas Work Experience | 15 |
| Australian Work Experience | 20 |
| Education | 20 |
| Partner Skills | 10 |
| State Nomination | 5 (190 Visa) |
| Regional Nomination | 15 (491 Visa) |
| NAATI Credential | 5 |
| Professional Year | 5 |
| Age | Points |
|---|---|
| 18–24 | 25 |
| 25–32 | 30 |
| 33–39 | 25 |
| 40–44 | 15 |
| Test Score | Points |
|---|---|
| Competent English | 0 |
| Proficient English | 10 |
| Superior English | 20 |
Accepted Tests:
| Qualification | Points |
|---|---|
| Doctorate | 20 |
| Bachelor’s/Master’s | 15 |
| Diploma | 10 |
Ideal for applicants without employer or state sponsorship.
Advantages
Requires nomination from an Australian state or territory.
Advantages include:
Ideal for applicants willing to live in regional Australia.
Benefits:
Applicants generally need to:
Prepare:
Choose the correct visa.
Complete your Skills Assessment.
Take IELTS or PTE.
Calculate your PR points.
Submit your Expression of Interest (EOI).
Receive an invitation.
Submit your visa application.
Receive Permanent Residency.
| Visa Type | Average Processing Time |
|---|---|
| 189 Visa | 8–14 months |
| 190 Visa | 8–16 months |
| 491 Visa | 10–18 months |
Processing times vary depending on application completeness, demand, and government priorities.
Approximate expenses include:
| Item | Estimated Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| English Test | 300–450 |
| Skills Assessment | 500–1,500 |
| Visa Application | Varies by visa and applicant |
| Medical Examination | 300–500 |
| Police Clearance | Varies |
65 points is the minimum eligibility score to submit an Expression of Interest, but many occupations require substantially higher scores to receive an invitation because selection is competitive.
Most skilled professionals consider:
The best option depends on your occupation, points score, and eligibility.
Yes. The Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) visa does not require a job offer, provided you meet the eligibility criteria and receive an invitation.
Most skilled PR applications are processed within approximately 8–18 months, although timelines vary.
Australia continues to offer excellent permanent residency opportunities for qualified skilled migrants. While the official eligibility threshold is 65 points, applicants with 75–90+ points are often more competitive in invitation rounds, particularly in high-demand occupations. Improving your English score, gaining additional work experience, securing state nomination, or applying through a regional pathway can significantly strengthen your application. Always refer to the latest Department of Home Affairs guidance before applying, as migration policies and invitation trends can change.