Permanent Residency Visa
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Permanent Residency (PR) Visa
Permanent Residency (PR) visas in Australia allow eligible individuals to live, work, and study in the country on a permanent basis. PR visas are available through multiple pathways, including skilled migration, employer sponsorship, business and investment, family relationships, and humanitarian grounds. Holders of a PR visa enjoy benefits such as access to Medicare and social services, the ability to sponsor eligible family members, and a pathway to Australian citizenship. Some PR visas are direct, while others require applicants to first hold a provisional visa and meet specific conditions before transitioning to permanent residency.
Eligibility Criteria for Permanent Residency Visa
✔ Meet the requirements of the specific PR visa subclass (e.g., skilled, family, employer-sponsored, humanitarian)
✔ Relevant skills, qualifications, or work experience (for skilled or employer-sponsored visas)
✔ Nomination or sponsorship by an Australian employer, state/territory, or eligible family member (if applicable)
✔ Genuine and ongoing relationship with an Australian partner (for partner visas)
✔ Health requirements – meet Australia’s health standards
✔ Character requirements – no serious criminal record
✔ English language proficiency (if applicable for the visa subclass)
Australia Permanent Residency Visa Subclasses
Overview
This visa allows skilled workers not sponsored by an employer, state, or family member to live and work in Australia permanently.
Key Eligibility
• Must have skills listed on the relevant skilled occupation list
• Pass points-based assessment (minimum 65 points)
• Meet English language requirement
• Meet health & character requirements
Key Benefits
• Permanent residence in Australia
• Work and study anywhere in Australia
• Access to Medicare and social services
• Pathway to Australian citizenship
Application Steps
• Submit Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect
• Receive invitation to apply
• Lodge visa application online
• Wait for decision
Processing Time & Cost
• Processing: 8–12 months (approx.)
• Cost: AUD 4,450 (main applicant)
Documents Checklist
• Passport/identity documents
• Skills assessment
• English language test results
• Employment and education documents
• Health and police clearance
Decision
• Granted: PR in Australia
• Refused: Reasons provided + review options
Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated
Visa Name & Subclass
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
This visa is for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory to live and work permanently in Australia.
Key Eligibility
• Must have skills on the state/territory occupation list
• Meet points requirement (minimum 65 points)
• Nomination from a state/territory government
• Meet health & character requirements
Key Benefits
• Permanent residence in Australia
• Work and study anywhere in Australia
• Access to Medicare and social services
• Pathway to Australian citizenship
Application Steps
• Submit EOI via SkillSelect
• Receive nomination and invitation to apply
• Lodge visa application online
• Wait for decision
Processing Time & Cost
• Processing: 8–12 months (approx.)
• Cost: AUD 4,450 (main applicant)
Documents Checklist
• Passport/identity documents
• Skills assessment
• English test results
• Nomination approval from state/territory
• Health and police clearance
Decision
• Granted: PR in Australia
• Refused: Reasons provided + review options
Overview
Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
This permanent visa is for skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer to live and work permanently.
Key Eligibility
• Nomination by a registered Australian employer
• Relevant skills and qualifications
• Work experience in nominated occupation
• Meet English, health & character requirements
Key Benefits
• Permanent residence in Australia
• Work and study anywhere in Australia
• Access to Medicare and social services
• Pathway to Australian citizenship
Application Steps
• Employer lodges nomination
• Applicant receives invitation to apply
• Submit visa application
• Wait for decision
Processing Time & Cost
• Processing: 5–12 months (approx.)
• Cost: AUD 4,450 (main applicant)
Documents Checklist
• Passport/identity documents
• Employer nomination approval
• Skills and employment evidence
• English test results
• Health and police clearance
Decision
• Granted: PR in Australia
• Refused: Reasons provided + review options
Subclass 187 – RSMS (Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme, closed)
Visa Name & Subclass
Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS, Subclass 187)
This permanent visa was for skilled workers nominated by employers in regional Australia. It is now closed for new applicants but remains valid for existing eligible applications.
Key Eligibility
• Nomination by a regional employer (existing applications)
• Relevant skills and qualifications
• Work experience in nominated occupation
• Meet English, health & character requirements
Key Benefits
• Permanent residence in Australia
• Work and study in Australia permanently
• Access to Medicare and social services
• Pathway to Australian citizenship
Application Steps
• Employer lodges nomination
• Submit visa application (for eligible existing applicants)
• Wait for decision
Processing Time & Cost
• Processing: 6–12 months
• Cost: AUD 4,450 (main applicant)
Documents Checklist
• Passport/identity documents
• Employer nomination approval
• Skills and employment evidence
• English test results
• Health and police clearance
Decision
• Granted: PR in Australia
• Refused: Reasons provided
Overview
Partner Permanent Residency Visas (Subclass 801 & 100)
These visas are for partners or spouses of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens.
Key Eligibility
• Genuine and ongoing relationship with Australian partner
• Meet health & character requirements
• Subclass 100 requires two years on provisional partner visa (Subclass 309)
Key Benefits
• Permanent residence in Australia
• Work and study rights
• Access to Medicare and social services
• Pathway to Australian citizenship
Application Steps
• Apply for provisional partner visa (Subclass 309)
• Fulfill relationship and residency requirements
• Apply for permanent partner visa (Subclass 100/801)
Processing Time & Cost
• Processing: 12–24 months (approx.)
• Cost: AUD 7,850 (main applicant)
Documents Checklist
• Passport/identity documents
• Relationship evidence
• Health and police clearance
Decision
• Granted: PR in Australia
• Refused: Reasons provided + review options
Subclass 103 & 143 – Parent PR visas
Visa Name & Subclass
Parent Permanent Residency Visas (Subclass 103 & 143)
These visas are for parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens.
Key Eligibility
• Must have children in Australia who are citizens or PR holders
• Meet balance-of-family test
• Meet health & character requirements
Key Benefits
• Permanent residence in Australia
• Work and study rights
• Access to Medicare and social services
• Pathway to citizenship
Application Steps
• Submit visa application
• Wait for assessment and invitation (Parent visas may have long wait times)
Processing Time & Cost
• Processing: Several years (can be 5–30+ years for Subclass 103)
• Cost: AUD 4,755–8,855 (varies by subclass)
Documents Checklist
• Passport/identity documents
• Children’s citizenship/PR evidence
• Health and police clearance
Decision
• Granted: PR in Australia
• Refused: Reasons provided
Overview
Business Innovation & Investment Permanent Visa (Subclass 888)
This visa is for business owners and investors in Australia who previously held a provisional Business Innovation & Investment visa (Subclass 188).
Key Eligibility
• Hold a provisional 188 visa
• Meet business or investment requirements in Australia
• Meet health & character requirements
Key Benefits
• Permanent residence in Australia
• Work, live, and operate business freely
• Access to Medicare and social services
• Pathway to Australian citizenship
Application Steps
• Hold 188 visa and meet conditions
• Submit Subclass 888 visa application
• Wait for decision
Processing Time & Cost
• Processing: 6–12 months
• Cost: AUD 4,290 (main applicant)
Documents Checklist
• Passport/identity documents
• Evidence of business/investment compliance
• Health and police clearance
Decision
• Granted: PR in Australia
• Refused: Reasons provided
Overview
These visas provide permanent residence to refugees and people in humanitarian need who are outside Australia.
Key Eligibility
• Must meet humanitarian criteria
• Referral by UNHCR or Australian Government
• Meet health & character requirements
Key Benefits
• Permanent residence in Australia
• Work and study rights
• Access to Medicare and social services
• Family sponsorship rights
• Pathway to citizenship
Application Steps
• Receive referral
• Submit visa application
• Assessment by Home Affairs
• Wait for decision
Processing Time & Cost
• Processing: Several months to years
• Cost: AUD 0
Documents Checklist
• Passport/identity documents
• Referral confirmation
• Statement of claims
• Family details
• Health and police clearance
Decision
• Granted: PR in Australia
• Refused: Reasons provided
Overview
These visas provide permanent residence to refugees and people in humanitarian need who are outside Australia.
Key Eligibility
• Must meet humanitarian criteria
• Referral by UNHCR or Australian Government
• Meet health & character requirements
Key Benefits
• Permanent residence in Australia
• Work and study rights
• Access to Medicare and social services
• Family sponsorship rights
• Pathway to citizenship
Application Steps
• Receive referral
• Submit visa application
• Assessment by Home Affairs
• Wait for decision
Processing Time & Cost
• Processing: Several months to years
• Cost: AUD 0
Documents Checklist
• Passport/identity documents
• Referral confirmation
• Statement of claims
• Family details
• Health and police clearance
Decision
• Granted: PR in Australia
• Refused: Reasons provided
Overview
This visa is for people already in Australia who meet protection criteria as refugees or humanitarian entrants.
Key Eligibility
• Must be in Australia
• Meet refugee/protection requirements
• Not barred by prior visa refusal or exclusion
• Meet health & character requirements
Key Benefits
• Permanent residence in Australia
• Work and study rights
• Access to Medicare and social services
• Family sponsorship rights
• Pathway to Australian citizenship
Application Steps
• Submit protection visa application
• Assessment by Home Affairs
• Wait for decision
Processing Time & Cost
• Processing: Several months
• Cost: AUD 0
Documents Checklist
• Passport/identity documents
• Statement of claims
• Evidence of refugee/protection status
• Family details
• Health and police clearance
Decision
• Granted: PR in Australia
• Refused: Reasons provided + review options
Pathway (Provisional) Visas Leading to PR
Overview
Allows skilled workers not sponsored by an employer, state, or family member to live and work permanently.
Key Eligibility
• Skills listed on the relevant skilled occupation list
• Pass points-based assessment (minimum 65 points)
• Meet English language requirement
• Meet health & character requirements
Key Benefits
• Permanent residence in Australia
• Work and study anywhere
• Access to Medicare and social services
• Pathway to citizenship
Application Steps
• Submit Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect
• Receive invitation to apply
• Lodge visa application online
• Wait for decision
Processing Time & Cost
• 8–12 months (approx.)
• AUD 4,450 (main applicant)
Documents Checklist
• Passport/identity documents
• Skills assessment
• English test results
• Employment and education documents
• Health and police clearance
Decision
• Granted: PR in Australia
• Refused: Reasons provided + review options
Overview
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
For skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory.
Key Eligibility
• Skills on the state/territory occupation list
• Points requirement (minimum 65)
• Nomination from a state/territory government
• Health & character requirements
Key Benefits
• Permanent residence
• Work and study anywhere
• Access to Medicare and social services
• Pathway to citizenship
Application Steps
• Submit EOI via SkillSelect
• Receive nomination and invitation
• Lodge visa application online
• Wait for decision
Processing Time & Cost
• 8–12 months
• AUD 4,450
Documents Checklist
• Passport/ID
• Skills assessment
• English test results
• Nomination approval from state/territory
• Health and police clearance
Decision
• Granted: PR
• Refused: Reasons provided + review options
Overview
Business Innovation & Investment (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 188) provides a temporary pathway for business owners and investors to live in Australia.
Pathway to PR
Holders of Subclass 188 can transition to Subclass 888 – Business Innovation & Investment (Permanent) once they meet the business or investment requirements in Australia.
Key Eligibility
• Hold a valid Subclass 188 visa
• Meet business/investment conditions
• Health & character requirements
Key Benefits
• Transition to permanent residence (PR)
• Work, live, and operate business freely in Australia
• Access to Medicare and social services
• Pathway to Australian citizenship
Application Steps
• Fulfill Subclass 188 conditions
• Submit Subclass 888 visa application
• Wait for decision
Processing Time & Cost
• 6–12 months
• AUD 4,290
Documents Checklist
• Passport/ID
• Evidence of business/investment compliance
• Health and police clearance
Decision
• Granted: PR in Australia
• Refused: Reasons provided
Overview
Temporary Partner visas (Subclass 820 for onshore, Subclass 309 for offshore) allow the partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live temporarily in Australia.
Pathway to PR
Holders of Subclass 820/309 can transition to Subclass 801/100 – Permanent Partner Visa once relationship and residency requirements are fulfilled.
Key Eligibility
• Genuine and ongoing relationship with an eligible Australian partner
• Health & character requirements
• Meet two-year provisional visa conditions (for Subclass 100/801)
Key Benefits
• Pathway to permanent residence (PR)
• Work and study rights
• Access to Medicare and social services
• Eligibility for Australian citizenship
Application Steps
• Apply for Subclass 820 (onshore) or Subclass 309 (offshore)
• Maintain relationship and meet residency requirements
• Apply for permanent partner visa (Subclass 801/100)
• Wait for decision
Processing Time & Cost
• 12–24 months (approx.)
• AUD 7,850 (main applicant)
Documents Checklist
• Passport/ID
• Relationship evidence
• Health and police clearance
Decision
• Granted: PR in Australia
• Refused: Reasons provided + review options
Overview
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows international students who recently graduated from an Australian educational institution to live, study, and work temporarily in Australia.
Pathway to PR
Holders of Subclass 485 can transition to Skilled Permanent Residency visas such as Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent), Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated), or Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) after gaining work experience and meeting other eligibility requirements.
Key Eligibility
• Recently graduated from an eligible Australian course
• Meet English language requirements
• Health & character requirements
Key Benefits
• Temporary work and study rights in Australia
• Gain relevant work experience for PR eligibility
• Access to Medicare for the duration of the visa
• Pathway to skilled permanent residency
Application Steps
• Submit Subclass 485 visa application after graduation
• Gain relevant work experience in Australia
• Apply for a skilled PR visa (189, 190, 186)
• Wait for decision
Processing Time & Cost
• 6–12 months (approx.)
• AUD 1,680–2,640 depending on stream
Documents Checklist
• Passport/ID
• Evidence of qualification
• English language test results
• Health and police clearance
Decision
• Granted: Temporary Graduate Visa with PR pathway
• Refused: Reasons provided
Overview
These visas provide permanent residence to refugees and people in humanitarian need who are outside Australia.
Key Eligibility
• Must meet humanitarian criteria
• Referral by UNHCR or Australian Government
• Meet health & character requirements
Key Benefits
• Permanent residence in Australia
• Work and study rights
• Access to Medicare and social services
• Family sponsorship rights
• Pathway to citizenship
Application Steps
• Receive referral
• Submit visa application
• Assessment by Home Affairs
• Wait for decision
Processing Time & Cost
• Processing: Several months to years
• Cost: AUD 0
Documents Checklist
• Passport/identity documents
• Referral confirmation
• Statement of claims
• Family details
• Health and police clearance
Decision
• Granted: PR in Australia
• Refused: Reasons provided
Overview
This visa is for people already in Australia who meet protection criteria as refugees or humanitarian entrants.
Key Eligibility
• Must be in Australia
• Meet refugee/protection requirements
• Not barred by prior visa refusal or exclusion
• Meet health & character requirements
Key Benefits
• Permanent residence in Australia
• Work and study rights
• Access to Medicare and social services
• Family sponsorship rights
• Pathway to Australian citizenship
Application Steps
• Submit protection visa application
• Assessment by Home Affairs
• Wait for decision
Processing Time & Cost
• Processing: Several months
• Cost: AUD 0
Documents Checklist
• Passport/identity documents
• Statement of claims
• Evidence of refugee/protection status
• Family details
• Health and police clearance
Decision
• Granted: PR in Australia
• Refused: Reasons provided + review options
Documentary Proof Required for Australia Permanent Residency Visa
✔ Valid passport
✔ Completed visa application form (online via ImmiAccount or paper)
✔ Recent passport-size photographs
✔ Birth certificate or identity documents
✔ Educational certificates and transcripts
✔ Skills assessment from relevant authority (if skilled visa)
✔ Work experience letters or employment evidence
✔ English language test results (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL)