Applying for Permanent Resident Visa in Australia

Am I eligible for a permanent residency Visa?
Depending on your unique circumstances, you can apply for a permanent residency visa under various categories. However, something to bear in mind when you apply for your permanent residency is that each of these categories has its own set of rules. We will look at these different sets of rules later but, for now, let’s look at the general eligibility requirements, which apply to everyone.
Australia’s permanent residency points system
In general, when you are applying for your permanent residency in Australia, a points system determines your eligibility. You must score at least 65 points, although 80 or more is ideal. When you apply for your permanent residency visa the points are calculated as follows:
Age (maximum 30 points)
You must be under 45 years old when applying for your permanent residency visa in Australia. Here’s an overview of the points breakdown for different ages:
- at least 18 but less than 25 years – 25 points
- at least 25 but less than 33 years – 30 points
- at least 33 but less than 40 years – 25 points
- at least 40 but less than 45 years – 15 points
English proficiency (maximum 20 points)
To secure a maximum of 20 points for the English proficiency section of applying for your permanent residency visa, you are required to achieve a score of 8 bands in the IELTS exam. Australian immigration authorities also accept other English proficiency examinations, including PTE, TOEFL, and IELTS.
Here’s an overview of the points you can earn for the English proficiency section of applying for your permanent residency:
- Competent English – 0 points
- Proficient English – 10 points
- Superior English – 20 points
Work experience outside of Australia (maximum 15 points)
If you have eight to ten years of work experience in a country outside Australia, you will score a total of 15 points. Fewer years’ experience award you fewer points:
- Less than three years – 0 points
- Three to four years – 5 points
- Five to seven years – 10 points
- At least eight years – 15 points
Work Experience within Australia (MAXIMUM 20 POINTS)
- Less than one year – 0 points
- One to two years – 5 points
- Three to four years – 10 points
- Five to seven years – 15 points
- Eight years or more – 20 points
Your education (maximum 20 points)
Your education level can earn you a maximum of 20 points toward your Australian permanent residency visa. Here’s how it works:
- Doctorate degree from an institution in or outside of Australia that is of recognised standard – 20 points
- Bachelor or Master’s degree from an institution in or outside of Australia that is of recognised standard – 15 points
- Trade qualification or diploma from an Australian institution – 10 points
- Qualification or award recognised by the relevant assessing authority for your nominated skilled occupation - 10 points
Your spouse or de facto partner (maximum 10 points)
If your spouse or de facto partner is also applying for a permanent residency visa in Australia, their qualifications can bolster your own application. Keep in mind that both you and your partner must meet the age and language requirements for permanent residency visa applications set out above.
Here’s how your spouse impacts your permanent residency visa application:
- They have a PR visa or are an Australian citizen – 10 points
- They are competent in English and have a Positive Skill Assessment – 10 points
- They are competent in English – 5 points
Other skills and qualifications
You can earn extra points for your permanent residency visa application if you meet any of the following criteria:
- You studied in a regional area of Australia – 5 points
- You are accredited in community language – 5 points
- You underwent a professional year in Australia in a skilled program – 5 points
- You have secured state sponsorship (Subclass 190 visa) – 5 points
- You have at least 1 degree, diploma or trade qualification from an Australian educational institution that meets the Australian study requirement - 5 points
- You have nominated to be invited to apply for 190/491 visa - 5 points
- You have a specialist educational qualification – 10 points
Which permanent residency category should I apply to?
Australia offers several categories for PR visa applicants. By selecting the category that you are most eligible for, you improve your chances of being invited to live and work in Australia. Here’s a quick look at some of the most popular categories:
Family-stream permanent residency visa
Is your family member, spouse, or de facto partner an Australian citizen or permanent resident? This stream is for you.
If your family member, spouse, or de facto partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident, this option is for you. The family-stream is designed to bring you closer to your loved ones, whether your parents, partner, or children.
Work-stream permanent residency visa
Has your employer sponsored your permanent residency application? Are you an international student that would like to relocate to Australia permanently? This stream is for you.
- Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa
- Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482)
- Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494 visa)
General Skilled Migration permanent residency visa
For migrants who make a significant contribution to the Australian economy, and fill positions where no Australian workers are available.
You can apply for one of several visas under this stream, including:
- Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
- Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
- Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)
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