Australia PR Procedure: Process, Cost, Processing Time & Pathways

Kasturika Samanta

7 min read

Updated On Jan 29, 2025

Australia PR procedure is a points-based system that requires applicants to determine their eligibility based on the Visa subclass. Read on to know more about the process and other essential information like processing time and PR costs.

Step-by-Step Australia PR Process
Australia PR Process Costs
Processing Time for Australia PR Process
Australia PR Visa Options
Benefits and Limitations of Australian Permanent Residents

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It is a common understanding that the process of applying for permanent residency in any country is a complicated process. This stands true for the Australia PR procedure as there are multiple stages, several skill assessment bodies and more.

So, if you are a skilled worker looking to work for a top Australian firm or a student planning to take a next step in your education in an Australian university in 2025, knowing the Australia PR process, along with the cost and eligibility criteria is a must.

In this blog, we will explain the step-by-step Australia PR procedure and other essential details so that you don't waste your time, efforts and money.

Step-by-Step Australia PR Process

With an Australia PR status, one can become a permanent resident of the country and be allowed to remain there indefinitely. Check out the Australia PR procedure in detail below:

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

To start the Australia PR procedure, the first step is to determine your eligibility for Australia PR processing. To be eligible, you must:

be below 45 years of age when submitting their applications.
have a validated skills assessment in an appropriate occupation.
meet the minimum English language proficiency requirements.
Score at least 65 points on the points test, which includes factors like age, education, work experience, and language proficiency.
have a minimum of three years of pertinent professional experience.

Learn about the Australia PR Eligibility in detail and check how many points you score on the Australia PR points calculator.

Step 2: Take an English Language Proficiency

Providing English Language proficiency test results is an important criterion for the Australian PR process. So, you can take any of the tests, namely, IELTS exam, TOEFL, PTE exam, etc. to prove your proficiency.

Although this requirement may vary depending on the visa subclass and assessing authority, the following points are the minimum requirements.

Exam Name	Minimum Score
IELTS	Score 7 or above
TOEFL iBT	Score 79 or above
PTE	Score 65 or above

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Step 3: Skills Assessment

Obtaining a positive skills assessment is essential for your visa application. Each occupation has specific assessing authorities. For instance, Engineers Australia assesses engineers, while the Australian Computer Society assesses IT professionals.

This assessment typically includes:

Qualification Verification: Verification of the applicant’s educational qualifications to ensure they meet the standards required for the nominated occupation.
Work Experience Verification: Confirmation of the applicant’s relevant work experience to ensure they have the necessary skills and experience for the nominated occupation.
Occupation Assessment: Assessment of the applicant’s skills and experience against the requirements specified for their nominated occupation in the relevant skilled occupation list.
Professional Reference Checks: Contacting referees provided by the applicant to verify their work experience and skills in the nominated occupation.

Step 4: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)

Once you have a positive skills assessment, submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect. Your EOI includes information about your skills and qualifications. You can be invited to apply for a visa based on your EOI. Remember, the higher score will have a higher chance of getting ITA (Invitation to Apply).

Apply for State Nomination (If Required)

Apply for a state or regional nomination if you're applying for Subclass 190 or Subclass 491. Verify your chosen state's requirements as each one has its own set of requirements. An additional 5–15 points will be added to your EOI score if you are nominated.

Step 5: Receive an Invitation to Apply

If your Expression of Interest (EOI) is successful, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for a visa. The selection is based on your points score and occupation.

Step 6: Submit a Visa Application

Upon receiving an ITA, proceed to submit your visa application online. This includes providing documents such as your skills assessment, English test results, and other supporting evidence.

Step 7: Medical and Character Checks

All applicants must undergo medical examinations and provide police clearance certificates to ensure they meet the health and character requirements.

Step 8: Receive Your Visa

Once all checks are complete and your application is approved, you will receive your visa, granting you permanent residency in Australia.

Australia PR Process Costs

Getting Australian permanent residence from India might cost anywhere from AUD 7,000 to AUD 20,000 or more. This is dependent on the number of dependents, the selected visa subclass, and the necessity for expert advice.

The table below presents the costs for the Australia PR procedure include:

Fee Type	Cost (in AUD)	Cost (in INR)
Visa Application Fee (for the main applicant)	4,115	2,23,404
Skills Assessment Fee (Varies by assessing authority)	Typically 300-500	16,287-27,145
English Test Fee	Typically around 350	19,001
Medical Examination Fee	300	16,287
Police Clearance Certificate Fee (Varies by country)	Typically around 100	5,429

You may use your American Express debit and/or credit card, Mastercard, or International Visa to pay costs. It's important to remember that there are no refunds for Australian visa payments. Therefore, speaking with a certified immigration consultant like GetGIS, is advised.

Processing Time for Australia PR Process

The process time can vary due to several factors, like Number of applications received each month or in the seasonal, complexity of cases or incomplete applications, time taken to address queries from immigration officers, demand for the applicant's occupation in Australia, points scored by the applicant in the SkillSelect online system, delays in background verification, etc.

In the table below, have a look at the overall processing time for the Australia PR process.

Steps	Action	Time
Eligibility Check	Ensure basic criteria are met	30 minutes
English Language Proficiency Test	IELTS/PTE/TOEFL	1–2 weeks
Skill Assessment	Get skill assessed	6-8 weeks
EOI Submission	Register on SkillSelect	EOI is valid for 2 years
State Nomination	Apply if needed	14-45 days
Invitation to Apply (ITA)	Receive ITA	Depends on points score
PR Application	Submit PR application	60 days
Visa Decision	Wait for approval	3-4 months

It also depends on the visa type you have applied for. For example, the processing time for Australia's Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189 visa) can take 8 to 9 months, while the Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) can take six to eight months to process

Australia PR Visa Options

Australia offers several pathways to obtain a Permanent Residency (PR). Here are the main options:

Type of Visa	Details	Processing Time
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)	This visa is for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, state, or territory. It’s a points-based visa, and you need to score high on factors like age, work experience, education, and English proficiency.	Approximately 8-9 months
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)	This visa is for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian state or territory. It is also points-based but requires a nomination, which can provide additional points.	Approximately 6-8 months
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)	This visa is for skilled workers who want to live and work in regional Australia. It requires nomination by a state or territory government or sponsorship by an eligible family member living in regional Australia.	Approximately 8-10 months
Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)	This visa is for skilled workers who are nominated by their employer. It has three streams: the Temporary Residence Transition stream, the Direct Entry stream, and the Labour Agreement stream.	Approximately 9-12 months
Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme Visa (Subclass 187)	This visa is for skilled workers who want to work in regional Australia and are nominated by their employer. It is similar to the Subclass 186 visa but specifically for regional areas.	Approximately 9-12 months
Business Innovation and Investment Visa (Subclass 188)	This visa is for individuals with business skills who want to operate a new or existing business in Australia. It has several streams, including Business Innovation, Investor, and Significant Investor.	Approximately 12 to 18 months
Partner Visa (Subclass 820 and 801)	These visas are for partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. The Subclass 820 visa is temporary, leading to the permanent Subclass 801 visa.	820 - Approximately 12-26 months 801 - 9 -14 months
Distinguished Talent Visa (Subclass 124 and 858)	These visas are for individuals with an internationally recognized record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in a profession, sport, the arts, or academia and research.	Approximately 6-9 months

Benefits and Limitations of Australian Permanent Residents

Since you are planning to apply for the Australia PR procedure, you must be aware of the benefits and limitations of being permanent residents in the country. Check out the table below.

Benefits	Limitations
Live in Australia indefinitely Work and study in Australia Enroll in Australia’s national health scheme, Medicare Apply for bank loans to buy property Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence Apply for Australian citizenship, if eligible Travel to and from Australia for as long as your travel facility permits Attend free English language classes provided by the Adult Migrant English Program Work in New Zealand	Cannot hold an Australian passport Cannot vote in Australian Government elections. That is unless enrolled as a British subject before 26 January 1984 Cannot access student loans Cannot join the Australian Defence Force Cannot obtain ongoing work in the Australian Government Must have a valid travel facility to return to Australia from overseas (no automatic right of entry)

Benefits

Limitations

Live in Australia indefinitely
Work and study in Australia
Enroll in Australia’s national health scheme, Medicare
Apply for bank loans to buy property
Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence
Apply for Australian citizenship, if eligible
Travel to and from Australia for as long as your travel facility permits
Attend free English language classes provided by the Adult Migrant English Program
Work in New Zealand

Cannot hold an Australian passport
Cannot vote in Australian Government elections. That is unless enrolled as a British subject before 26 January 1984
Cannot access student loans
Cannot join the Australian Defence Force
Cannot obtain ongoing work in the Australian Government
Must have a valid travel facility to return to Australia from overseas (no automatic right of entry)

We hope this guide has helped provide you with a clear understanding of the Australia PR procedure. By following these steps and guidelines, you can navigate the Australia PR process with confidence and increase your chances of obtaining permanent residency in Australia. Remember to stay informed, seek assistance when needed, and stay patient throughout the journey.

Don’t forget to explore our additional resources to stay updated on the latest information!

Additional Resources:

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I get permanent residency in Australia?

To get permanent residency in Australia, you need to follow the steps outlined in the Australia PR procedure, which include determining eligibility, getting a positive skills assessment, submitting an EOI, receiving an ITA, and applying for a visa.

How much does it cost to get PR in Australia?

The total cost to get PR in Australia can range from AUD 4,685 to AUD 6,000 (approx. INR 2,53,000 to INR 3,24,000) or more, including visa application fees, skills assessment, English tests, medical exams, and police checks.

Can I apply for Australia PR if I have previously been refused a visa or had a visa canceled?

Yes, you can apply for Australia PR even if you were previously refused a visa or had one canceled. It's essential to address the reasons for the refusal or cancellation, ensure you meet all current requirements, and consider consulting with an immigration expert to improve your chances of success.

Can I apply for Australia PR if I don't meet the minimum points requirement ?

No, you can’t apply for Australia PR iIf you do not meet the minimum points requirement for skilled migration visas like the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189). However,, you may explore other options such as state nomination or improving your qualifications to increase your points score.

Do I need to have a job offer to apply for PR in Australia?

No, you don’t need to have a job offer to apply for PR in Australia. Skilled migration visas like the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) do not require a job offer. However, some visas, such as the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186), do require sponsorship by an Australian employer.

Can I include my family members in my Australia PR application?

Yes, you can include eligible family members such as your spouse/partner and dependent children in your Australia PR application. They will be assessed based on their individual eligibility criteria.

Are there any age restrictions for applying for PR in Australia?

While there is no age restrictions for applying for PR in Australia, applicants must be under 45 years of age to be eligible for certain visa subclasses, such as the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189).

How much does a permanent resident visa cost for Australia?

A permanent resident visa cost for Australia is AUD 4,115 (approx. INR 2,20,825), which is an essential consideration for international students planning to study abroad. This visa allows holders to live, work, and study in Australia permanently.

What is the Australian PR process for Indians?

To apply for PR in Australia from India, follow the same steps of determining eligibility, obtaining a skills assessment, submitting an EOI, receiving an ITA, and applying for the visa.

How long does it take to get permanent residency in Australia?

Permanent residency in Australia typically takes about 2 to 4 years from the start of your application process to gaining PR status, including time spent on temporary visas if applicable.