Gaining Permanent Residency (PR) in Australia is a dream for many people around the world. Australia is known for its high standard of living, quality education, world-class healthcare, and strong economy. However, obtaining PR is not easy. The list of Australia PR requirements for foreigners is strict and detailed. This guide breaks down everything you need to know in simple language so anyone—including beginners and non-native English speakers—can understand.
What is Australia Permanent Residency (PR)?
Permanent Residency is a visa status that allows a non-citizen to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely. PR holders have access to many rights similar to citizens, including:
- Working in any job
- Access to healthcare (Medicare)
- Schooling for children
- Pathway to Australian citizenship
- Sponsor relatives for visas
Types of Australia PR Visas for Foreigners
Before diving into the list of requirements, it’s important to understand the main PR visa streams:
| Visa Type | Purpose | Key Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa | Points-tested skilled migrants | Professionals with in-demand skills |
| Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa | State-nominated skilled workers | Skilled workers sponsored by an Australian state or territory |
| Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional Visa (Provisional) | Regional work and residence | People willing to live/work in regional areas |
| Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme | Employer-sponsored PR | Skilled workers nominated by Australian employers |
| Subclass 888 – Business Innovation & Investment | Business owners/investors | Businesspeople with significant assets/investments |
Each of these PR visa types has different requirements, but there are some common standards across all of them. Let’s now look at the list of Australia PR requirements for foreigners.
General List of Australia PR Requirements for Foreigners
1. Age Limit
- Applicants must generally be under 45 years at the time of application.
- Some employer-sponsored visas may allow older applicants in special cases.
2. English Language Proficiency
- You must prove your English ability with test results from:
- IELTS (minimum score: 6 in each band)
- PTE Academic (minimum score: 50)
- TOEFL iBT, OET, or Cambridge C1 Advanced are also accepted.
- Higher scores give more points and better chances.
3. Skilled Occupation List (SOL)
- Your job must be listed on the relevant Skilled Occupation List for your visa category.
- Each occupation has its own ANZSCO code and specific requirements.
- Example occupations:
- Software Engineer
- Registered Nurse
- Electrician
- Civil Engineer
4. Skills Assessment
- You must undergo a formal skills assessment from an authorized body.
- This proves that your qualifications and experience match Australian standards.
- Examples of assessing bodies:
- ACS for IT professionals
- Engineers Australia for engineers
- VETASSESS for various general occupations
5. Points Test (for Skilled Visas like 189/190/491)
| Factor | Maximum Points |
|---|---|
| Age | 30 |
| English Language Ability | 20 |
| Skilled Employment | 20 |
| Educational Qualifications | 20 |
| Australian Study | 5 |
| Regional Study | 5 |
| Partner Skills | 10 |
| Professional Year | 5 |
| State Nomination (190 Visa) | 5 |
| Relative or State Sponsorship (491 Visa) | 15 |
Minimum points required: 65
Note: Higher scores improve selection chances during the invitation rounds.
6. Health and Character Requirements
- Medical Examination: You must be in good health. A medical test is required.
- Police Clearance: You must not have any serious criminal record. Police certificates from every country you’ve lived in for 12+ months in the last 10 years are required.
7. Proof of Funds (for some visas)
- Especially for regional or provisional visas like the 491, you may need to show:
- Bank statements
- Evidence of funds to support your initial stay
- The amount varies depending on family size and state requirements.
8. Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect
- Submit an EOI through Australia’s SkillSelect portal.
- This is not a visa application but a way to express interest.
- If selected, you’ll receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for a visa.
9. State or Employer Nomination (if applicable)
- For Subclass 190 or 491 visas, a state government must nominate you.
- For Subclass 186, an employer must sponsor you.
- Requirements vary by state or employer and may include:
- Specific job offers
- Living in the state for a period
- Minimum salary thresholds
Step-by-Step Process to Apply for PR in Australia
Here’s a simplified checklist to help you understand the PR journey:
Step 1: Check Eligibility
- Review age, skills, English level, and occupation list.
Step 2: Take an English Language Test
- Book and pass a test (IELTS, PTE, etc.).
Step 3: Get Your Skills Assessed
- Contact the relevant assessing body.
Step 4: Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)
- Use SkillSelect and enter your points information.
Step 5: Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA)
- If selected based on your EOI score.
Step 6: Submit PR Visa Application
- Complete the application and pay the fee.
Step 7: Health and Character Checks
- Undergo a medical test and submit police certificates.
Step 8: Wait for Decision
- Processing times vary (6–12 months on average).
Step 9: Get PR Grant and Move to Australia
- Once approved, you can live and work in Australia permanently.
Additional Notes for Families and Dependents
- You can include spouse and children in your PR application.
- They must also meet health and character checks.
- Spouse’s skills may add points if they meet age, English, and occupation criteria.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I apply for PR without a job offer?
Yes, if you apply under the Subclass 189 visa, a job offer is not required.
Q2: How long is the PR valid?
PR is valid indefinitely, but your travel facility is valid for 5 years. You need to renew it or apply for citizenship to re-enter after five years.
Q3: How much does it cost to apply for PR?
The main visa application fee is around AUD 4,640 for the primary applicant, plus additional fees for dependents and assessments.
Q4: What are the fastest ways to get PR?
- Applying through state nomination
- Having high-demand skills
- Being sponsored by an Australian employer
Conclusion
Securing PR in Australia is a competitive but achievable goal for qualified individuals. Understanding the list of Australia PR requirements for foreigners is the first step. From age and language to skills and sponsorship, every detail matters. Preparing thoroughly, getting your documents right, and choosing the correct visa stream will increase your chances of success.
This guide is designed to give you a clear, complete, and reliable overview of the requirements and the process. Always check the official Australian immigration website or consult a licensed migration agent for personalized help.