Understanding Australian permanent residency
PR can be granted directly (for example via Skilled 189/190, Employer 186, Global Talent 858 or Partner 801/100) or after time on a provisional visa (for example 491 or 494 leading to 191). Choosing the right pathway involves comparing eligibility, competitiveness, cost, processing time and where you prefer to live.
Policy and occupation lists change. The Business Innovation & Investment program is closed to new applications, and the New Zealand stream of the 189 visa has closed; NZ citizens now have a direct pathway to citizenship after residence without needing the former PR stream. Because settings shift, up‑to‑date advice is important before you commit to a pathway.
Important: This page is general information, not legal advice. Always check current Department of Home Affairs requirements and consider tailored advice for your situation.
Eligibility and PR pathways
Main PR options to compare
- Skilled Independent (189) — points‑tested, no state or employer sponsorship.
- Skilled Nominated (190) — points‑tested with state/territory nomination.
- Employer Nomination Scheme (186) — Direct Entry or Temporary Residence Transition.
- Global Talent (858) — for exceptional and internationally recognised talent.
- Partner PR (801/100) — for spouses/de facto partners of Australian citizens/PRs.
- Parent visas (e.g., 143/103) — contributory and non‑contributory streams.
- Humanitarian/Refugee (e.g., 866) — if protection obligations apply.
- Regional pathways — 491/494 provisional leading to 191 PR after residence and income criteria.
Key factors that affect eligibility
- Age — points decline after 30; most skilled PR caps at 45 at invitation.
- English — higher English often increases points and waives second‑instalment fees.
- Skills assessment — required for most skilled occupations (e.g., ACS, Engineers Australia, VETASSESS).
- Points and occupation lists — points must be competitive; occupation must be on the relevant list.
- Work history and qualifications — recency and relevance matter for skills assessment and points.
- State nomination rules — criteria vary by state and change during the year.
- Genuine relationship evidence — central to partner PR.
- Character and health — police checks and medicals required for all applicants.
Costs, processing times and how PR applications move forward
Typical government charges (primary applicant) — subject to indexation and change:
- Skilled 189/190: from around $4,640 + additional applicants
- Employer 186: from around $4,640 + additional applicants (employer may also pay SAF levy)
- Partner 801/100: from around $8,850 + additional applicants; possible second‑instalment for functional English shortfall
- Global Talent 858: from around $4,640 + additional applicants
Other common costs: skills assessment ($450–$1,200+), English test ($410–$495), health checks ($350–$500 per person), police checks ($50–$100 each), translations ($25–$60+ per page), professional fees (vary by case). Always verify current fees.
Processing times (guide only): 189/190 ~ 6–15 months; 186 ~ 4–9 months; Partner ~ 8–20 months; Global Talent ~ 1–6 months. Times vary with caseloads and evidence quality.
| Stage | What usually happens |
|---|---|
| Pathway selection | Confirm visa strategy (skilled, employer, partner, global talent or humanitarian) and identify any deadlines or risks. |
| Evidence preparation | Obtain skills assessment and English (if skilled), gather work references, relationship evidence, police checks and other records. |
| Pre-application | For skilled, lodge EOI in SkillSelect and, if relevant, state nomination; for 186, secure employer nomination. |
| Application lodgement | Submit your online application with full documentation and pay the applicable charges. |
| Health/character & requests | Complete medicals, provide biometrics or respond to any Department requests for information. |
| Decision & next steps | PR grant, further evidence request, or refusal (with potential review rights at AAT if eligible). |
Documents checklist for PR
The exact documents depend on your pathway, but preparing these early can reduce delays.
- Identity: passports, birth certificates, national IDs, change‑of‑name records
- English: IELTS/PTE/TOEFL scores if required; evidence of exemptions if applicable
- Skills assessment: assessment outcome from the relevant authority (e.g., ACS, Engineers Australia, VETASSESS, TRA, AHPRA)
- Qualifications: degrees, transcripts, licensing/registration
- Employment: contracts, pay slips, tax records, detailed reference letters on letterhead
- Partner/Family: relationship timeline, joint bills/lease, photos, statements, marriage certificate; children’s birth certificates and custody consents
- Employer sponsorship (186): nomination approval, training/SAF levy evidence, genuine position documents
- Health & character: police checks for each country lived in (12+ months), health examinations
- Translations: NAATI‑certified or as specified by Home Affairs
State and territory nomination (190 and regional)
For the 190 visa, states and territories nominate applicants based on their current priorities. Regional pathways (e.g., 491 leading to 191) can be attractive if you are open to living and working in designated areas.
What states look for
- Occupation on the state’s list and meeting minimum points
- Evidence of employability in that state (job offers, experience)
- Graduates or residents of the state may receive priority in some programs
- Compliance with any work, study or residency requirements
Tips for nomination
- Monitor state websites; quotas and criteria change during the program year
- Tailor your submission to state needs and provide verifiable evidence
- Keep your EOI and documents updated so you can act quickly if invited
- Consider regional opportunities if metropolitan demand is saturated
Permanent residency FAQ
Which PR option is fastest?
It depends on your profile. Global Talent (858) can be fast for eligible high achievers. Strong 186 employer cases and partner visas with complete evidence can also progress efficiently. Skilled 189/190 timing varies with invitations and caseloads.
What points are competitive for 189/190?
Eligibility starts at 65, but competitive scores are often higher and vary by occupation and invitation rounds. State nomination for 190 adds points and can improve prospects.
Do I need a skills assessment?
For most skilled occupations, yes. The assessing authority depends on your occupation (e.g., ACS, Engineers Australia, VETASSESS, TRA, AHPRA). Requirements differ by assessor.
Can I lodge PR onshore and keep work rights?
Many onshore lodgements grant a bridging visa with specific work conditions, but rules vary. Check your bridging visa grant letter and get advice before changing jobs or travelling.
What are common reasons for refusal?
Insufficient or inconsistent evidence, ineligible occupation or points, failing health/character, and missing deadlines. A strong document strategy early helps reduce risk.
Do I need a lawyer or registered migration agent?
Not required, but complex cases, employer sponsorship, refusals or tight deadlines benefit from professional help. We can connect you with vetted agents and lawyers near you.
Need help with Australian permanent residency?
Get a free initial assessment of your PR options, expected costs and timelines. If you want, we’ll connect you with a local registered migration agent or immigration lawyer.