A Comprehensive Guide to Australia PR Eligibility

Australia remains a top destination for migrants seeking new opportunities and a better quality of life. The country’s Permanent Residency (PR) program is highly sought after, offering numerous benefits such as the right to live and work in Australia indefinitely, access to Medicare, and makes it necessary to know the Australia PR Eligibility criteria.

In this blog, we will delve into the eligibility criteria for Australian PR, covering various aspects including points-based assessments, pathways, and other Australia PR requirements.

What is Australian PR?

Australian Permanent Residency (PR) allows individuals to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely, with access to benefits such as Medicare and social security. As of 2024, Australia granted approximately 160,000 PR visas annually, with the majority being skilled migration visas, reflecting the country’s emphasis on attracting skilled workers to address labour market needs and support economic growth.

Australia allows its Permanent Residents to stay, work, and study for a period of five years. The individual/s may apply for citizenship if qualified after residing in Australia in PR status for four years.

General Eligibility Criteria for Australia PR

There are a variety of Australian visa categories and each of them has their specific criteria. However, there are some general Australia PR eligibility factors that you must fulfill first. They are as follows:

• Minimum Points – You must score at least 65 points according to the Point Grid.
• Age – You should be less than 45 years old to be eligible for Australian citizenship.
• Language Proficiency – You must have good communication skills in English.
• Skills Assessment – You need to have required educational qualifications and work experience.
• Nominated Occupation – Check if your occupation is listed under Australia’s Occupation in Demand list.
• Health and Character – You must have health insurance and a good character supported by police verification documents.

Australia PR Points Calculator

The purpose of the Australia PR points is to draw in highly competent immigrants who can meet Australia’s social and economic demands. As a result, you have to score at least 65 points out of the total 130 points based on the Australia PR eligibility criteria.

You have a better chance of being invited to apply with a higher score. Scoring between 80 and 85 points significantly increases your likelihood of a quicker PR invitation.

The table below shows the breakdown of the Australia PR Points Allocation.

If you want to know how much you score based on these permanent resident Australia requirements, take the help of the free Australia PR calculator.

Australia Eligibility PR Points in Details

Knowing about the Australia permanent residency requirements and the maximum points might not be enough for you to calculate the accurate PR point. You also need to know the details of these criteria as given below to do the needful.

Age

The ideal age group or the age group that receives the maximum score of 30 under this criterion is 25 to 32. Even though there is no specific age limit to apply for Australian PR, if you are more than 45 years, you will not receive any points.

English Language Skills

Language skills are one of the most important criteria to obtain Australian permanent residency. In order to prove your level of language proficiency in English, you have to take language aptitude tests like IELTS, TOEFL iBT, OET, PTE Academic, etc.

The IELTS bands are used to determine English language competency. Anyone scoring less than the proficient band receives a zero point.

Educational Qualification

You earn points based on the level of your education. So, the higher your educational level, the higher your score is.

Work Experience

Years of work experience are another important consideration when determining the scores needed to be granted a permanent resident visa for Australia. An applicant may receive up to 20 points if he or she has ‘Overseas Work Experience’ or ‘Australian Work Experience’.

When weighed against other international work experiences, the native Australian work experience is more significant. Professionals with more than ten years of experience benefit the most from the job experience number of work years, which nevertheless generates significant Australian PR points.

Work Experience outside Australia

Partner Skills

The spouse criteria under eligibility for Australia PR also adds certain points under certain circumstances. Let’s check them in the table below.

Other Criteria

You have the opportunity to earn additional points if you meet any of these criteria.

What are the Ways to Get PR in Australia?

There are numerous pathways to obtaining Permanent Residency in Australia, each catering to different types of migrants. Understanding the specific AUS permanent residency requirements and preparing thoroughly can significantly enhance your chances of success.

There are three types of visas under Australian PR. They are Skilled Work Regional 491 Visa (Provisional), Skilled Nominated 190 Visa (Permanent), and Skilled Independent 189 Visa (Permanent). A detailed explanation of them is given below.

Skilled Work Regional 491 Visa (Provisional)

The 491 Visa, also known as the Skilled Work Regional 491 Visa, grants eligible skilled workers and their families the opportunity to live, work, and study in selected regional areas of Australia for a period of up to five years.

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be nominated by a state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member living in a designated regional area.
• Must have a relevant occupation on the relevant regional occupation list.
• Must obtain a suitable skills assessment.
• Must be invited to apply and score at least 65 points on the points test.

Skilled Nominated 190 Visa (Permanent)

The 190 Visa for Skilled Nominees enables highly skilled workers nominated by an Australian Territory or State to permanently reside and work in Australia.

Eligibility Criteria

• Must have a relevant occupation on the state’s occupation list.
• Must obtain a suitable skills assessment.
• Must be invited to apply and be nominated by a state or territory government.
• Must score at least 65 points on the points test.

Skilled Independent 189 Visa (Permanent)

The 189 Visa is designed for highly skilled workers who wish to live and work in Australia permanently, without relying on sponsorship from an employer, family member, or Australian State or Territory.

Eligibility Criteria

• Must have a relevant occupation on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL).
• Must obtain a suitable skills assessment for that occupation.
• Must be invited to apply through the SkillSelect system.
• Must score at least 65 points on the points test.

How Much Money is Required to Get PR in Australia?

Depending on the visa type you apply for and the services you utilise, there are different fees associated with applying for permanent residency (PR) in Australia from India.

Let’s look at the application fee for subclass 189, 190, and 491 visa, which are the common pathways to permanent residence in Australia, is:

It’s crucial to remember that since the visa application fee must be paid in Australian dollars, exchange rates may also have an impact on the cost of gaining permanent residence in Australia.

Therefore, checking the most recent details about Australian PR costs and requirements for your particular visa category is a good idea.

How to Get Australia PR from India?

Source – Statista

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, approximately 93 thousand Indians migrated to Australia in 2023. So, there is a high chance that you can be the next to receive your Australian PR visa once you fulfil your Australian PR eligibility.

Check out the several steps, including choosing the right visa category, meeting Australia PR eligibility for Indians, and completing the application process to obtain Permanent Residency (PR) in Australia from India.

1. Check Australia PR Eligibility Requirements According to the Chosen Visa Category 

Doing an Australia PR eligibility check is the initial step towards applying for the procedure.

• Begin with a check of the appropriate visa option by visiting the Department of Home Affairs website.
• Find out about the permanent residency Australia points requirements, costs, processing time, and other information.
• Keep in mind to select the pathways that best suit your educational level, skills, and experience.

2. Take a Skill Assessment Test

During the Skill Assessment Test, the appropriate Skill Assessing Authority evaluates your credentials, experience, and work history to see if you are qualified for a given job or profession.

3. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)

• Lodge an EOI through the SkillSelect system, providing information about your skills and qualifications.
• Choose the visa categories you wish to be considered for and the states or territories you are willing to live and work in.
• You will only meet the requirements for the process if your score exceeds 65 points.

4. Await Visa Decision

• Once you’ve finished all the steps mentioned above, all that’s left is to wait for DHA Australia to issue you an ITA.
• Be sure to apply and submit your documents within sixty days of receiving an invitation.

5. Receive Your Visa

• If your application is successful, you will receive your visa grant notice.
• Plan your move to Australia, including travel arrangements and initial settlement plans.

Is it Easy To Get PR in Australia?

Obtaining Permanent Residency in Australia can be a challenging yet achievable goal, depending on various individual factors and circumstances. The process involves meeting stringent eligibility criteria mentioned above.

However, the application process is multifaceted and requires meticulous preparation, including accurate documentation, health and character checks, and potentially substantial financial costs for application fees, assessments, and tests.

Despite these challenges, thorough preparation, staying updated on immigration policies, and seeking professional guidance from top immigration consultants like GetGIS can significantly improve the likelihood of securing PR in Australia.

The rewards of PR, such as the right to live and work indefinitely, access to healthcare and social benefits, and a pathway to citizenship, make the effort worthwhile for many aspiring migrants.