Australia PR Process 2026: How to Get Permanent Residency

A permanent resident (PR) visa holder can:

• - Live and work in Australia with no restrictions
• - Access Medicare (public healthcare)
• - Study at domestic tuition rates
• - Sponsor eligible relatives for their own visas
• - Apply for Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements
• - Travel freely in and out of Australia (for 5 years from grant)

PR is not the same as citizenship. You cannot vote or hold an Australian passport until you become a citizen, which requires at least 4 years of residence including 1 year as a PR holder.

The main pathways to Australian PR in 2026 are:

1. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) Points-tested, no employer or state sponsorship needed. Requires 65+ points (realistically 85-95+ for most occupations). Your occupation must be on the MLTSSL. Learn more

2. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) State-nominated, gives 5 extra points. Each state has its own occupation lists and requirements. Learn more

3. Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) to Subclass 191 Regional pathway: live and work in regional Australia for 3 years on a 491, then apply for the permanent Subclass 191. Gives 15 extra points. Learn more

4. Employer Sponsored (Subclass 186) Direct employer sponsorship for PR. Requires 3 years of relevant work experience or 2 years on a Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) visa. Learn more

5. Partner Visa (Subclass 801) Permanent stage of the partner visa, granted after a relationship assessment period. Learn more

6. Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858) For internationally recognised individuals in target sectors including technology, health, financial services, and energy.

For points-tested visas (189, 190, 491), the minimum is 65 points, but invitation scores in 2026 are typically:

• - Accountants: 90-100 points
• - IT professionals: 85-95 points
• - Engineers: 80-90 points
• - Nurses: 75-85 points
• - Teachers: 75-85 points

Use our points calculator to check your score. Key ways to boost points include improving your English score, gaining Australian work experience, studying in regional Australia, and having your partner meet skills and English requirements.

Government visa fees: - Subclass 189: $4,640 (primary applicant) - Subclass 190: $4,640 - Subclass 186: $4,640 - Subclass 801 (partner, permanent stage): Included in initial $8,850

Processing times (approximate): - Subclass 189: 6-12 months - Subclass 190: 6-9 months - Subclass 186: 6-12 months - Subclass 801: 18-30 months from initial application

Check the latest processing times on our tools page. Add migration agent fees of $3,000-$7,000 for professional assistance. Use our cost estimator for a personalised breakdown.

1. Start early — Skills assessments, English tests, and police clearances take time. Begin 6-12 months before you plan to apply
2. Maximise your points — Every point counts. Consider retaking English tests for a higher score
3. Consider state nomination — The 190 visa is often faster and requires fewer independent points
4. Keep documents current — Police clearances and health exams expire after 12 months
5. Use a registered agent — For complex cases, a MARA-registered agent can be the difference between approval and refusal
6. Consider regional pathways — The 491-to-191 pathway offers 15 extra points and growing regional opportunities
7. Stay informed — Migration rules change frequently. Follow our blog for the latest updates