How To Get PR in Australia?

The Permanent Resident program is designed exclusively for non-citizens of Australia. After you get indirect or direct PR in Australia from India, you can stay in the country for an infinite period without any hassle of visa renewal. Moreover, the PR status also grants you a five-year travel facility, allowing you to enter and leave Australia freely till its expiration date.

Besides, permanent resident status holders enjoy several benefits, including subsidised or free healthcare and legal services. However, they do not have the right to vote in state or federal elections unless they were registered before 1984.

Moreover, the process of getting PR in Australia is highly systematic and organised. An advanced system evaluates each application based on an individual’s credentials.

Also Read: Difference Between Immigrant and Non-Immigrant Visa

Business or Investment PR Visa

It is the best way to get PR in Australia for individuals who want to start a business. To get this visa, you need to have a Subclass 188 visa with a validity of 1 year. Additionally, you need to fulfill the financial requirements mentioned by immigration officials. Entrepreneurs, executives, investors, etc., looking for opportunities to invest in a business in Australia can apply for this visa.

Work Stream Permanent Residency Visa

The workstream is a good choice if you are considering getting Australian PR from India. Individuals can apply for Australian PR in various categories.

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

This work visa, valid for 5 years, allows you to work in the country and later apply for permanent citizenship. Individuals not invited or sponsored by the family, employed, or territory government fall into this category.

Skilled Nominated Visa ( Subclass 190 )

It is a visa for individuals sponsored by Australia's state or territory government under their immigration program. The individuals can live and work permanently in this category. However, they need to show the necessary documents to support their case.

Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 491 )

This visa is for professionals with the skill sets required for a particular region of Australia. Before applying for this visa, you must have skills and nominations from the territory or state government.

Also Read: Australia Work Visa For India: Process, Documents and Eligibility

Family Stream Permanent Residency Visa

Another good way to get PR in Australia is to get a family stream visa. Under this visa category, you will get visa preference as a spouse or dependent child of a permanent resident of Australia.

Partner Provisional Visa (Subclass 309 Visa)

Applying for a Subclass 309 visa is the best way to get PR in Australia as a partner of an Australian citizen. Under this category, individuals married to New Zealand or Australian citizens are qualified. They are allowed to stay in the country for a defined timeframe.

Australia Visa for Dependent Children

This is the visa category for dependent children. The parent must be a permanent resident of Australia to qualify for this category. This visa has various subclasses, such as Child Visa 802, Child Visa 102, Child Visa 445, and Child Visa 101.

Check the Eligibility

Check your eligibility criteria for PR in Australia. The criteria include factors like age, education, occupation, work experience, health and English proficiency.

Select the Correct Visa

You should opt for the right visa subclass according to your circumstances and eligibility criteria. Some of the most common PRs in Australia are the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) and the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190).

Collect Documents

Gather all the documents required to process your application. It includes educational certificates, work experience documents, police clearance and language test clearance certificates.

Take the Skill Assessment

Skill assessment is crucial in direct PR from India to Australia. In this step, a Skill-Assessing Authority tests your skills, qualifications, and work experience to evaluate whether you are suitable for the chosen profession or occupation. The assessment ensures that every applicant has the skills and abilities to perform the job and its responsibilities.

Submit Express of Interest (EOI)

Next, you need to submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) on the SkillSelect Portal of the Australian Immigration Department.

Express of Interest (EOI) is a digital application through which foreign skilled professionals who want to shift to Australia can express their interest in working in the country by applying for a skilled visa.

Once the application is submitted, candidates' profiles are ranked based on factors such as age, work experience, qualifications and English language proficiency.

Receive PR (ITA) Application Invite

If your EOI is selected from the pool of applications, then you will receive an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residency. You can apply online at the official website of the Australian Department of Home Affairs.

You must submit your application within 60 days of receiving the ITA, along with all the supporting documents. Moreover, you also need to pay the application fee and submit a health and character certificate.

Wait for Processing

After submitting your application, you need to wait for it. The processing time can vary depending on the visa subclass you applied for.

Get Final Verdict

Once your visa application has been processed, you will receive the final verdict from the Department of Home Affairs, Australia. If the application is approved, then your Australia PR visa will be sent.

Also Read: Australia Visa Requirements For Indians

Points-Based System

Australia follows a point-based system, where points are given for every eligibility criteria that are met. This is based on age, education, work experience, language proficiency and other related criteria. To get PR in Australia, you need to score at least 65/130 points.

Occupation in Demand

Australia's Department of Home Affairs (DHA) maintains a list of skilled occupations in demand in the labour market. The list is updated periodically based on the country's labour requirements.

Immigration applicants can refer to these lists, and if they meet the requirements of the occupation list, they can become eligible for PR in Australia.

Skill Assessment

** English Language Proficiency**

A high level of English proficiency is crucial to meet the eligibility requirements of PR in Australia. The proficiency level of each applicant is judged on the basis of English Language tests such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). You must score 7 bands in each of the IELTS academic or general training, or PTE 65 in each will be required.

Health and Characteristics Requirement

Another crucial eligibility criteria for PR in Australia is health and characteristic qualifications. The authorities can conduct background checks and health check-ups.

Visa Subclass

The three most common visa subclasses for permanent residency in Australia are a skilled independent visa (Subclass 189), a skilled work regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 491) or a skilled nominated visa (Subclass 190).

*Note: These are general PR requirements in Australia. However, specific eligibility criteria might differ based on individual circumstances and the visa subclass you apply for. Check the Department of Home Affairs Australia website.

Also Read: Australia Citizenship For Indians: Eligibility and Process

Here are some of the crucial documents required for PR in Australia:

• Educational certificates

• English language proficiency result certificate

• Employer referral letter

• Bank statements (from past three months)

• Hike or offer letter

• Salary slip

• Income tax statement (for the previous three months)

• Indian passport with six months' validity

• Statement fund proof (cash, bonds, share, etc)

• Medical and police certificates in case the DIBP asks for them.

Note: Visit the Department of Home Affairs Australia website for the complete list of documents required for each type of visa applied for.

Also Read: Documents Required for Australian Visa for Indians

Step 1: Visit the official VEVO page.

Step 2: Keep any of these details with you: visa grant number, passport details, or transaction reference number (TRN).

Step 3: Enter the required information and verify your identity.

Step 4: Your visa details will be displayed, including your status, expiration date and conditions.

How much time to get PR in Australia varies depending on factors such as the type of visa applied and the number of applications being processed by the Department of Home Affairs. Some of the most common types of visas applied by people are these, with their estimated time of processing.

Also Read: Things To Do In Australia

The cost of applying for PR in Australia depends on the type of visa you apply for and the additional services you choose. Usually, the overall cost ranges from a few hundred to a thousand Australian dollars. As of 2025, the cost of an Australia PR visa subclass 189 is as follows.

*Note: The cost of Australia PR can differ depending on the changing currency exchange rates. Thus, it is advisable to verify them before proceeding.

Also Read: Australia Visa Fees

Australia is not just a beautiful country to live in but also offers numerous benefits to PR holders. Some of them are listed below:

• The Australia PR holder can work, live and study in the country indefinitely.

• A PR holder can take advantage of Australia's Medicare and national health facilities.

• PR card individuals can sponsor their relatives, family, or friends for PR.

• A PR citizen can benefit from some social security payment benefits the government offers.

• Getting a PR in Australia opens the road to Australian citizenship if the applicant fulfils the necessary criteria.

• With the PR visa, individuals can travel to New Zealand by doing any visa formalities.

• A PR holder can also buy property in the country or take out bank loans without collateral.

• PR holders can get free education in Australia up to 12 standards.

Also Read: Australia Embassy in India

With all the details mentioned here, you now know how to get PR in Australia from India. Getting a permanent residency in a country like Australia opens the gates to infinite possibilities for education and career opportunities. However, before you travel to Australia or anywhere else, make sure to get travel insurance online.

An internationaltravel insurance plan comes with beneficial features that protect you from any financial or legal troubles in a foreign country. These include travel assistance, lost or delayed baggage cover, hijack cover, accident and sickness medical expense and fraudulent loss cover.

TATA AIG international travel insurance is the right choice if you are looking for comprehensive protection. Our travel insurance provides coverage in dollars for better protection. The best part is that you can buy travel insurance at an affordable price of ₹24.8 per day. So, make sure to visit our Travel Insurance page before you travel internationally!

Also Read: Travel Insurance For Australia

Why is getting PR in Australia difficult?

Getting PR in Australia can be difficult due to the points-based system, limited visa numbers, and extensive documentation and verification requirements.

What jobs get PR in Australia?

Some of the jobs that can earn you PR in Australia are in IT, healthcare, engineering, building and construction, and education and teaching.

When can we apply for PR in Australia?

You can apply for PR in Australia after meeting specific criteria. These included holding a temporary visa, meeting skills requirements, being under 45 and passing a score of 65 with a minimum score of 65

How to renew PR in Australia?

You can renew your PR in Australia by applying for a Resident Return Visa (RRV) (Subclass 155 or 157) before your current travel facility expires.