Complete Guide on the Australia PR Visa (Permanent Visa)

With accessible rules, easy processes, and better immigration policies, the Australia PR Visa is attracting many foreigners around the world. But talking about India in specific, the applications have flown in the recent years. For proper understanding, the complete information on the Australian Permanent Resident Visa is written below.  

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What is the Australia PR Visa?

It is a "Permanent Resident" visa, which is exclusively designed for people who are not the citizens of Australia. The process is not only highly systematic and organized but also advanced enough to evaluate the applications based on an individual's credentials.

Once acquired, a PR visa holder can stay in Australia for an indefinite period. Along with it, a five-year travel facility is also granted. Until this travel facility reaches its expiry, the holder can leave and return Australia freely.

A permanent resident can enjoy various privileges and rights as citizens do, including access to subsidized or free health and legal services. However, a PR visa holder does not have the freedom or right to vote in state/territory or federal elections, unless he or she is registered before 1984.

A permanent resident is eligible for after a particular waiting period. When this duration is complete, the applicant must undergo a citizenship test with a few other formalities. This can take about 3 - 12 months.

Note: A PR visa can be cancelled at the judgment of a responsible minister if the holder is found guilty of a criminal offence.

Australia PR Visa Requirements

As said above, an Australia PR visa is a highly point-based system. Therefore, the process to acquire it is a mixture of both offline and online activities. The key requirements for it are as follows:

1. Keep the Documents Handy

Besides the educational and routine travel documents, an individual requires two primary documents, which are:

  1. IELTS (International English Language Testing System) result to check how proficient an applicant is in English.
  2. Skill assessment result by an assessing authority to check how skilled an applicant is in a particular field.

2. Select an Appropriate Visa

Understand that there are different types of PR visas in Australia. Hence, it is vital that an applicant chooses the one that suits his or her requirements. The most common categories are:

  1. Subclass 190 - State Nominated PR Visa
  2. Subclass 189 - Non-sponsored visa
  3. Subclass 186 - Employer nominated visa

3. Choose A Profession From SOL

After a particular PR visa is selected, an applicant has to choose an occupation from SOL (Skilled Occupation List).

4. Apply Through Point-Based System

After the above formalities are done, the applicant must apply directly at the Australia's point-based system. For this, he or she must submit an EOI (Expression of Interest) in the Australian Skill Select System online. Skill Select is an online system that stores and maintains an applicant's profile details like name, age, gender, work experience, language ability, qualification, etc.

Based on the profile factors, the system generates points. An applicant's collective score should be a minimum of 60 points to apply for the respective PR visa via the system. The higher the points, the better are the chances of acquiring an invitation to apply for the PR visa.

5. Character and Health Requirements

Apart from all the above, an applicant should meet his or her character and health requirements as well. An applicant's character must be morally good, and he or she should be mentally fit to work and live in Australia.

Australia PR Visa

Benefits of an Australia PR Visa

  1. A PR visa holder can enjoy complete freedom to follow the study course he or she prefers.
  2. As a PR visa holder, one can live and work in Australia for an indefinite period with the facility to travel unlimited within and outside Australia.
  3. A PR visa holder can enjoy the privileges of Australian Government's health insurance.
  4. A PR visa holder is eligible to apply for the Australian citizenship once the necessary criteria are met.
  5. A PR visa holder has freedom to sponsor his or her family member's visa, which can be either temporary or permanent.
  6. A PR visa holder can avail themselves of some social security payment benefits as well.
  7. A PR visa holder has all the rights to work for any employment under any employer.
  8. A PR visa holder also has the freedom to travel to New Zealand or apply for their visa.

Key Requirements for an Australia PR Visa for Indians

  1. Educational certificates
  2. English language proficiency
  3. Work experience certificates
  4. Travel documents (permission from authorities, passport, etc)

An Indian citizen is eligible to apply for a permanent resident visa if he or she is a business professional, skilled worker, and meets all the eligibility requirements with a collective score of 60 points, then he or she qualifies to apply for any PR visa category.

PR Visa Categories for Indian Citizens

As of September 2025, Australia offers a diverse range of visa categories tailored for Indian nationals seeking permanent residency (PR). These categories are designed to address various professional backgrounds, family connections, and investment capabilities. Below is an updated overview of the primary PR visa pathways:

Visa Subclass

Category

Eligibility Highlights

189

Skilled Independent

Points-tested; no employer or state sponsorship required.

190

Skilled Nominated (State Sponsored)

Requires state nomination; points-tested.

491

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional)

Points-tested; requires regional sponsorship; pathway to PR after 3 years.

186

Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS)

Requires employer sponsorship; direct pathway to PR.

187

Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme

Requires employer sponsorship in regional areas; direct pathway to PR.

189 (New Zealand)

Skilled Independent (New Zealand stream)

For New Zealand citizens residing in Australia; pathway to PR.

887

Skilled Regional (Permanent)

For holders of Subclass 489 or 491 visas; pathway to PR after meeting residency requirements.

132

Business Talent (Permanent)

For high-caliber business owners or entrepreneurs; requires state nomination.

188

Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional)

For business owners and investors; pathway to PR through Subclass 888.

888

Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent)

Transition from Subclass 188; requires meeting investment or business activity criteria.

143

Contributory Parent

For parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents; requires significant financial contribution.

173

Contributory Parent (Temporary)

Temporary visa leading to Subclass 143; allows parents to live in Australia while awaiting PR.

101

Child

For dependent children of Australian citizens or permanent residents.

102

Adoption

For children adopted by Australian citizens or permanent residents.

804

Aged Parent

For older parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents; must meet age and health requirements.

864

Aged Parent (Temporary)

Temporary visa leading to Subclass 804; allows aged parents to live in Australia while awaiting PR.

100

Partner (Permanent)

For spouses or de facto partners of Australian citizens or permanent residents; requires proof of relationship.

820

Partner (Temporary)

Temporary visa leading to Subclass 100; allows partners to live in Australia while awaiting PR.

300

Prospective Marriage

For fiancés of Australian citizens or permanent residents; allows entry to marry and apply for PR.

101

Dependent Child

For children of Australian citizens or permanent residents; must be dependent and meet health and character requirements.

Fees for Australia PR Visa

  1. Visa Processing Fees is Rs.2,75,000 for primary applicant, Rs.1,38,000 for secondary applicant (if applicable), and Rs.69,300 for each child applicant (if applicable).
  2. Skill Assessment (may vary according to authority and occupational fees) ranges from Rs.28,950 to Rs.86,850.
  3. English Language Assessment will cost Rs.20,300 – Rs.25,800.
  4. State Sponsorship (if applicable) will cost Rs.17,400.
  5. Medical Test Fees will cost anywhere from Rs.5,800 to Rs.14,500.
  6. Visa Label Fees will cost Rs.4,000.

 The primary, secondary, and child applicants' government visa processing costs are shown in the table along with the various visa subclasses.

Visa Subclass

Charges for Primary Applicant (INR)

Charges for Secondary Applicant (INR)

Charges for Child Applicants (INR)

491 Visa

Rs.2,70,050

Rs.1,35,025

Rs.67,650

189 Visa

Rs.2,70,050

Rs.1,35,025

Rs.67,650

190 Visa

Rs.2,70,050

Rs.1,35,025

Rs.67,650

Processing Time for Permanent Residency in Australia

Skill Assessment

Can take 45 to 60 days (about 2 months).You must have your educational background and professional experience evaluated for skill assessment. This must be carried out with the aid of a designated skill assessment organisation.

Skill selection

There is no set period of time for passing this stage. Your score has a complete impact on processing time. You must submit the application online at this time.

Visa Application Submission

60 days after receiving an invitation to apply is when visa applications must be submitted. You must send your final visa application to the DIBP after receiving the ITA.

Visa Approval

The DIBP conducts extensive research after receiving the necessary paperwork. Once they are satisfied with your information, they will grant you a visa. This typically takes three to five months.

FAQs on the Australia PR Visa (Permanent Visa)

  • How to Get an Australian PR Visa Without an IELTS?

    Even though IELTS is highly important to prove one's proficiency in English language, there might be times when one might not want to undergo this exam. In such cases, one can opt for other English language tests like TOEFL, PTE, etc. If one does not wants to prove his or her proficiency in English, then a state nomination is mandatory.

  • How Much IELTS Score Is Required To Qualify?

    The score for IELTS may be minimum but an important thing to remember is that it decreases the total score, as the Australian Government considers it highly important. If the score is below 7, then the overall result will be less and one cannot qualify for an Australian PR visa.

  • Why is obtaining a PR visa through the Skilled Migration program easier?

    This is so because skilled immigrants have higher educational credentials and more employment opportunities. This has the potential to improve our economic contribution. Employee sponsors of migrants have a greater chance of achieving the desired outcomes. You should choose the Skilled Migration stream when applying for a PR visa because it has the most openings. If you meet the requirements and achieve the necessary points under this stream, your chances are better. Additionally, the most popular immigration program for obtaining a PR visa is the skilled migration stream, which uses a points-based system.

  • Is PR in Australia available to Indians?

    If you are a skilled worker or a business professional who holds Indian citizenship, you are eligible to apply for an Australia Permanent Resident Visa. To be eligible for the PR Visa category of your choice, you must meet all other eligibility requirements, have a minimum score of 60, and more.

  • What is the minimum age requirement to apply for Australia PR?

    There is no set age requirement to move to Australia, but there are some prerequisites that must be met. Australia uses a points-based calculator to determine an applicant's eligibility. You must also achieve points test score of at least 60 to be eligible for Australian PR.

  • How much cash do I need to apply for an Australia PR visa?

    This depends on the kind of visa you are applying for, the application fee, the cost of the medical exam, the cost of the English language test, the cost of health insurance, the number of dependents, the cost of the flight to Australia, and other incidentals.

  • What is the quickest way to obtain permanent residency in Australia?

    With a master's degree, strong English proficiency, and work experience listed on Australia's skills list, you can obtain permanent residency there in less than a year. If you meet the criteria, you will be chosen and receive a PR even before you depart for Australia. The invitation to apply is sent out to applicants with 65 or more points fairly quickly. After applying, you should anticipate receiving the PR in 5-8 months. The immigration program you choose to apply under will also determine the simplest way to obtain permanent residency in Australia. Every immigration program has its own distinct eligibility standards, conditions, and selection criteria.

  • What does Australia's point system entail?

    Each applicant who has submitted an application for an Australian PR visa is assessed based on several factors, including age, English language ability, educational background, work experience, etc. On these, you will receive points. To qualify, you must have at least 65 points.

  • What is the processing time for Australian PR?

    Australia's permanent residency typically takes 10 to 12 months to process. However, your overall point total also affects how quickly your visa will be processed.

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