Australia Permanent Residency (PR) Requirements 2026: Complete Guide

Skilled Migration (most common) - Subclass 189 — Skilled Independent (points-tested, no sponsorship) - Subclass 190 — Skilled Nominated (state-sponsored, +5 points) - Subclass 491 → 191 — Skilled Work Regional (provisional → permanent)

Employer Sponsored - Subclass 186 — Employer Nomination Scheme (direct entry or temporary residence transition) - Subclass 494 → 191 — Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional

Family - Subclass 801/820 — Partner Visa - Subclass 143/864 — Parent Visa

Business - Subclass 888 — Business Innovation and Investment (permanent)

The most popular PR pathway:

1. Occupation on the skilled occupation list — Check if your job is listed
2. Skills assessment — Positive assessment from the relevant authority
3. Points test — Minimum 65 points (competitive invitations at 75-90+)
4. English language — Minimum competent English (IELTS 6.0 each band)
5. Age — Under 45 at time of invitation
6. Health and character — Medical exam and police clearances

You submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect and wait for an invitation based on your points score.

• - Subclass 189: 6-9 months
• - Subclass 190: 6-11 months
• - Subclass 186: 6-12 months
• - Partner visa (820→801): 15-24 months
• - Parent visa (143): 12+ years (contributory parent is faster at 5-7 years)

Processing times change frequently. Check our Processing Times page for current estimates.

• - Subclass 189/190 visa fee: AUD ,640 (primary applicant)
• - Subclass 186 visa fee: AUD ,640
• - Partner visa fee: AUD ,850
• - Migration agent: AUD ,000-10,000 depending on complexity
• - Skills assessment: AUD -1,500
• - English test: AUD -400
• - Health exam: AUD -500

Use our Cost Estimator for your specific situation.

Permanent residents can: - Live and work in Australia indefinitely - Access Medicare - Study at domestic rates - Sponsor family members - Travel freely (with a valid travel facility)

After 4 years as a PR (including 1 year as a PR), you can apply for Australian citizenship, which adds voting rights, an Australian passport, and the right to work in government roles.

• - Wrong occupation nomination — Choosing an occupation that does not match your actual work experience
• - Insufficient English evidence — Not meeting the minimum score requirement
• - Incomplete documentation — Missing payslips, tax records, or reference letters
• - Expired skills assessment — Most assessments are valid for 3 years
• - Not claiming all available points — Forgetting partner skills, regional study, or community language points

A migration agent can help you avoid these common pitfalls.