Australia is a top destination for skilled migrants, students, and families seeking a better quality of life. If you’re aiming to settle permanently in the country, applying for a Permanent Residency (PR) visa for Australia is a structured process, but one that can be smooth if you follow the correct steps. This guide breaks down the step-by-step process to help you understand how to get an Australian PR visa.

How To Get a PR Visa for Australia: Step-by-Step Guide

Let’s dive into the detailed steps you need to follow to successfully apply for a PR visa for Australia.

Step 1: Understand the Types of PR Visas

Australia offers several PR pathways, and it’s important to choose the one that suits your situation:

Skilled Migration Visas

• Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent)
• Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated)
• Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional – Provisional)

Family and Partner Visas

• Partner Visa (Subclass 801/820)
• Parent Visas

Business or Investment Visas

• Business Innovation and Investment Visa (Subclass 888)

Each has different eligibility criteria, so pick the right one based on your occupation, family ties, or investment interest.

Step 2: Check Your Eligibility

Before beginning the application process, ensure you meet the key requirements:

• Age: Usually between 18 and 45 years old
• English Proficiency: IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, etc.
• Health & Character: Medical exam and police clearance
• Skills Assessment: Positive assessment from an Australian assessing body relevant to your profession
• Points Test: For skilled visas, you must score at least 65 points based on factors like age, education, work experience, and language proficiency.

Step 3: Choose an Occupation from the Skilled Occupation List

Your nominated occupation must be listed in one of the Skilled Occupation Lists:

• Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
• Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)
• Regional Occupation List (ROL)

Check if your profession appears and verify which PR visa subclass it’s eligible under.

Step 4: Complete a Skills Assessment

A positive skills assessment from the appropriate authority (e.g., Engineers Australia, ACS for IT professionals, VETASSESS for various trades) is mandatory.

• Prepare academic transcripts, job references, and experience letters
• Submit your documents to the relevant assessing authority
• Processing time varies from 8 to 12 weeks

Step 5: Take an English Language Test

Demonstrate English proficiency through one of the approved tests:

• IELTS – Score of 6 or above in each band
• PTE Academic
• TOEFL iBT
• Cambridge C1 Advanced

Higher scores can give you additional points in the Points Test.

Step 6: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect

Once you’ve gathered all documents and met the requirements:

• Create an account on SkillSelect
• Submit an EOI with details like your occupation, qualifications, skills, and points score
• You’re not applying for the visa yet—just expressing your interest
• You must wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from the Department of Home Affairs

Step 7: Get a State or Territory Nomination (If Required)

If you are applying under Subclass 190 or Subclass 491, you need a nomination from an Australian state or territory.

• Visit state/territory websites to see their nomination criteria
• Submit a separate application to that state
• If approved, you will receive a nomination that boosts your EOI score

Step 8: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

If your EOI is competitive (based on points and demand), you will receive an ITA.

• Invitations are issued monthly for Subclass 189 and 190 visas
• You typically have 60 days to lodge your complete visa application after receiving the ITA

Step 9: Lodge Your PR Visa Application

Now you can officially apply for your Australian PR visa via ImmiAccount:

• Upload all required documents: Passport, skill assessment, test scores, medicals, police certificates, etc.
• Pay the visa fee
• Biometrics may be requested

Step 10: Attend Medical Exam & Provide Police Clearance

You’ll need to undergo a health checkup at a clinic approved by the Australian government. You also need a police clearance certificate from every country you’ve lived in for more than 12 months in the last 10 years.

Step 11: Wait for Visa Decision

The waiting period varies depending on the visa type:

• Subclass 189: 4 to 8 months
• Subclass 190: 6 to 9 months
• Subclass 491: 6 to 10 months

During this time, you may be asked for additional documents.

Step 12: Get Your PR Visa Grant

Once approved, you’ll receive your PR visa grant letter, which includes:

• Visa conditions
• Date of grant and entry deadline
• Visa validity and travel facility

You can now live, work, and study in Australia permanently.

Benefits of an Australian PR Visa

• Permanent residency with no restrictions
• Access to Medicare (public healthcare)
• Ability to sponsor eligible family members
• Pathway to Australian citizenship
• Freedom to travel in and out of Australia
• Work and study rights across all states

Final Tips

Keep your documents organised and up to date
Improve your English scores to gain more points
Consult a registered migration agent if you’re unsure
Be honest in your application—false information can result in visa refusal

Conclusion

Securing an Australian PR visa is a rewarding yet complex process. From choosing the right visa subclass and getting your skills assessed to submitting an Expression of Interest and lodging the full application, each step requires planning, accuracy, and attention to detail. By following the steps above, you can increase your chances of successfully becoming a permanent resident in one of the world’s most sought-after countries.

Also, read >> How to Extend Permanent Residency in Australia