Australia has long been a preferred destination for skilled professionals, students, and families who wish to settle in a country that offers a high quality of life, career opportunities, and social benefits. Every year, thousands of people apply for Australia PR (Permanent Residency) to secure their future in this developed nation.
With a strong economy, a globally recognized education system, world-class healthcare, and cultural diversity, Australia is among the top choices for migration. If you are considering applying for an Australian PR Visa, understanding the process, eligibility, and benefits is essential.
In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about the Australia PR, including the role of the 189 visa Australia, eligibility criteria, step-by-step application process, and why expert guidance can make a huge difference.
What is an Australian PR?
Australia PR (Permanent Residency) is a visa status that allows non-citizens to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely. Permanent residents enjoy almost all the rights of Australian citizens, except the right to vote in federal elections and apply for government jobs that require citizenship.
With PR, you can also sponsor your family members, travel freely to and from Australia, and eventually apply for Australian citizenship after meeting the residency requirements.
Popular PR Pathways
There are several pathways to obtain an Australian PR, depending on your profile, skills, and eligibility. The most common visa categories include:
- Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
- Popularly known as the 189 visa Australia, it is a points-tested visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, state, or family member.
- Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
- This requires nomination from an Australian state or territory government.
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)
- Designed for skilled workers willing to live and work in regional areas of Australia.
- Employer-Sponsored Visas
- For applicants who secure sponsorship from an Australian employer.
Among these, the 189 visa for Australia is the most sought-after option due to its independence and flexibility.
189 Visa Australia – The Most Popular PR Route
The 189 visa for Australia is one of the most competitive and widely chosen options for skilled professionals. It does not require sponsorship or nomination, making it highly flexible.
Key Features of the 189 Visa:
- Permanent residency from day one.
- Freedom to live and work anywhere in Australia.
- Access to public healthcare (Medicare).
- Eligibility for Australian citizenship after meeting residency criteria.
- Ability to sponsor eligible relatives.
Basic Requirements for 189 Visa Australia:
- You must have an occupation listed on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL).
- Minimum 65 points on the points-based system.
- Age under 45 at the time of invitation.
- Competent English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE accepted).
- Positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority.
Benefits of an Australian PR
Applying for and securing an Australian PR comes with numerous advantages:
- Work and Study Freedom – No restrictions on the type of work or level of education.
- Healthcare Access – PR holders enjoy free or subsidized healthcare through Medicare.
- Social Security Benefits – Eligible to receive benefits like unemployment allowance and pensions.
- Family Sponsorship – PR holders can sponsor relatives for visas to Australia.
- Pathway to Citizenship – After living in Australia for a few years, PR holders can apply for citizenship.
- Global Mobility – Australian PR enhances global travel opportunities due to Australia’s strong international reputation.
The Points System for PR
The Australian immigration system for skilled migration, including the 189 visa, is based on a points test. Applicants must score at least 65 points to qualify, but higher scores improve their chances of receiving an invitation.
Points Are Awarded For:
- Age (maximum points for 25–32 years).
- Educational Qualification (higher degrees score more).
- Work Experience (both overseas and Australian work experience).
- English Proficiency (IELTS/PTE/TOEFL scores).
- Partner Skills (if your partner also meets skill criteria).
- State Nomination or Regional Sponsorship (for visas like 190 and 491).
Step-by-Step Process to Apply for Australia PR
Applying for an Australian PR, especially through the 189 visa Australia, involves multiple steps:
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Review the Skilled Occupation List and ensure your profession is eligible.
Step 2: Skills Assessment
Apply to the relevant assessing authority to validate your qualifications and work experience.
Step 3: English Language Test
Take an English test (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL) and achieve the required score.
Step 4: Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)
Register your profile on SkillSelect with complete details, including your points score.
Step 5: Invitation to Apply (ITA)
If your points are high enough, you may receive an ITA for PR.
Step 6: Submit PR Application
Lodge your application within 60 days of receiving the ITA.
Step 7: Health & Character Check
You and your family members must undergo health examinations and provide police clearance certificates.
Step 8: Visa Grant
Upon successful processing, you will receive the PR visa grant.
Processing Time for Australia PR
The processing time for 189 visa Australia and other PR visas generally depends on your profile, document accuracy, and application completeness.
- 189 Visa: Around 6–12 months.
- 190 Visa: Around 7–13 months.
- 491 Visa: Around 9–14 months.
Submitting accurate and complete documents significantly reduces delays.
Cost of Australia PR
The cost of applying for Australia PR also varies depending on the visa subclass:
- Primary Applicant: AUD 4,640 (approx.)
- Adult Dependent: AUD 2,320 (approx.)
- Child Dependent: AUD 1,160 (approx.)
Additional costs include medical exams, police certificates, skills assessment, and English language test fees.
Why Choose Professional Assistance?
The PR process involves multiple steps, strict documentation, and detailed eligibility requirements. Even a small mistake can delay your application or reduce your chances of success.
This is where expert guidance comes in. Immigration consultants, such as Meritide Visas, have years of experience assisting applicants with visa filing, documentation, and personalized strategies to maximize points.
For a smooth and successful PR journey, you can explore more details at Meritide Visas – Australia PR Visa.
Life After Getting Australia PR
Once you secure your 189 visa Australia or any other PR visa, you can:
- Relocate with your family to any Australian city.
- Access education and work opportunities without restrictions.
- Travel freely in and out of Australia for five years.
- Eventually, apply for citizenship after fulfilling residency obligations.
Conclusion
Migrating to Australia and securing PR is one of the best decisions for skilled professionals and families seeking a brighter future. Among all the pathways, the 189 visa Australia remains the most popular due to its independence and flexibility.
However, the process requires careful planning, accurate documentation, and a strong profile to meet the points-test criteria. With the right approach and professional assistance from trusted consultants like Meritide Visas, you can make your dream of living in Australia a reality.
