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How to Get Permanent Residency in Australia: A Step-by-Step Guide

Wondering how to get Permanent Residency in Australia? If this question has been on your mind, you’re in the right place, mate!

Without any introduction or any doubt, we can consider Australia is one of the best options to build your dreams, it never treats you as someone who comes from another country or continent. As well as for many people, the dream of living in Australia goes more than just a vacation or a temporary work visa. If you’re looking to spend the rest of your life in Australia, then permanent residency (PR) would be a brilliant choice. Permanent residency gives you the right to live and work in Australia indefinitely, and also it opens up a world of opportunities for you and your family.

What is Permanent Residency in Australia

Australian Permanent Residency (PR) allows non-citizens to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely. Understanding how to get Permanent Residency in Australia is essential. PR holders enjoy many benefits similar to citizens, including access to healthcare (Medicare), education, and the ability to sponsor relatives for Australia PR.

Pathways to Permanent Residency in Australia

Knowing how to get Permanent Residency in Australia involves exploring various pathways:

1. Skilled Migration Visas

  • Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa): For skilled workers not sponsored by an employer or state. It offers direct PR based on points.
  • Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa): For skilled workers nominated by an Australian state/territory. PR is granted upon meeting state requirements.
  • Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Visa): A provisional visa for skilled workers who want to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia. Provides a pathway to PR after meeting residency and work requirements.

2. Employer-Sponsored Visas

  • Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme): For skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer for permanent residency.
  • Subclass 187 (Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme): For workers sponsored by an employer in regional Australia, offering australia PR.

3. Business and Investment Visas

  • For individuals willing to invest, own, or manage businesses in Australia. It provides a pathway to PR for entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners.

4. Family and Partner Visas

  • For spouses, partners, children, or dependent relatives of Australian citizens or PR holders. It allows family reunification and leads to PR.

5. Global Talent Visa

  • Designed for highly skilled professionals in priority sectors like tech, science, and healthcare. It offers fast-tracked PR for globally recognized talent.

6. Regional Migration Visas

  • Subclass 191 (Permanent Residence – Regional): For holders of certain regional provisional visas who have lived and worked in regional Australia for at least 3 years.

Australia Permanent Residency Requirements

Eligibility for Australia PR

To understand how to get Permanent Residency in Australia, you must meet these eligibility criteria:

  • Be under 45 years of age
  • Score at least 65 points on the PR points test
  • Demonstrate competent English proficiency
  • Obtain a positive skills assessment
  • Fulfill health and character requirements

Documents Required for PR in Australia

Gathering the right documents is the next important step for :

  • Valid passport
  • Skills assessment report
  • English proficiency test results
  • Educational and work experience certificates
  • Health and police clearance certificates
  • Expression of Interest (EOI) acknowledgment

How to Get Permanent Residency in Australia

How to Get Permanent Residency in Australia

Here’s how to get Permanent Residency in Australia through a structured process:

1. Check Eligibility

Before starting the process, ensure you meet the basic eligibility criteria. Factors like age (usually under 45), educational qualifications, relevant work experience, and proficiency in English play a crucial role.

2. Skills Assessment

A positive skills assessment is vital. Apply to the relevant assessing authority that evaluates whether your skills match Australian standards for your nominated occupation.

3. English Proficiency Test

Demonstrate your English language ability by taking recognized tests like IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL. Achieving the required score boosts your chances of receiving an invitation.

4. Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)

Create and submit your EOI via the SkillSelect portal. Your EOI should include details about your skills, work experience, and qualifications. Higher scores increase the likelihood of an invitation.

5. Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA)

If your EOI matches Australia’s skilled migration needs, you’ll receive an ITA. Invitations are based on the points you score.

6. File PR Application

Submit a complete PR application along with the necessary documents within 60 days of receiving the ITA.

7. Medical and Character Checks

Undergo health examinations and provide police clearance certificates to make sure you meet Australia’s health and character requirements.

8. Get PR Visa Grant

Once your application is reviewed and approved, you’ll receive your PR visa, allowing you to live, work, and settle in Australia permanently.

PR Point System in Australia

Understanding the PR point system is essential for those exploring how to get Permanent Residency in Australia. Points are awarded based on:

  • Age (Maximum 30 points)
  • English Proficiency (Up to 20 points)
  • Work Experience (Up to 20 points)
  • Education Qualifications (Up to 20 points)
  • Australian Study Requirement (5 points)
  • Partner Skills (Up to 10 points)
  • State Nomination/Regional Sponsorship (Up to 15 points)

Australia PR vs Citizenship

For those wondering how to get Permanent Residency in Australia, it’s important to understand how PR differs from citizenship:

Feature Permanent Residency (PR) Citizenship
Voting Rights Not eligible Eligible to vote in elections
Passport No Australian passport Eligible for Australian passport
Government Jobs Limited access Full access
Travel Rights Travel with PR visa restrictions Full freedom of travel
Deportation Risk Possible under certain conditions No deportation risk
Sponsor Relatives Can sponsor under some conditions Can sponsor more easily
Time Outside Australia Restricted for PR validity No restrictions
Dual Citizenship Not applicable Allowed under Australian law

Frequently Asked Questions

How to renew permanent residency in Australia?
Apply for a Resident Return Visa (RRV) (Subclass 155/157) if the travel facility has expired.
Who is eligible for Australian permanent residency?
  • Under 45 years
  • 65+ points in the points test
  • Proficient English
  • Positive skills assessment
  • Meet health and character requirements
How long can a permanent resident stay outside Australia?
Indefinitely, but must renew the travel facility every 5 years with an RRV to re-enter.
What is the age limit for PR in Australia?
Generally 45 years at the time of invitation.
How many years to get PR in Australia?
Typically 6 months to 3 years, depending on the visa pathway.

Australian Skill Assessment Explained: Your Ultimate Guide for 2025

Every candidate’s PR journey starts with the skills assessment, which is the most important stage in deciding whether you are eligible for a particular visa category. However, in today’s globalised world, Australia is a highly desired destination for skilled professionals from all over the world. Whatever your profession as an engineer, healthcare worker, IT expert, tradesperson, there are vast quantities of people in Australia who rely on you. Yet a successful Australian skill assessment is far from an easy thing ranging from meticulous planning to eventful attention to detail and in depth understanding of the process.

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about the Australian skill assessment with confidence!

What is Skill Assessment in Australia

A Skills Assessment verifies that your qualifications and work experience meet Australian standards for a specific occupation. This step is essential for various visa pathways, including:

  • General Skilled Migration (GSM) visas (e.g., Subclass 189, 190, 491)
  • Employer-sponsored visas
  • Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visas

Skill Assessment Australia List

In Australia, a skills assessment is a crucial step for individuals seeking to migrate under skilled visa categories. It involves evaluating your qualifications and work experience to make sure they align with Australian standards for your nominated occupation.

Skilled Occupation List (SOL)

Australia maintains a Skilled Occupation List (SOL), which identifies professions eligible for various skilled visa programs. This list is regularly updated to reflect the country’s labor market needs. Occupations are categorized into:

    • Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL): Occupations in high demand for the long term.
    • Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL): Occupations needed to fill short-term skill gaps.
    • Regional Occupation List (ROL): Occupations in demand in regional areas.

Each occupation on the SOL is assigned to a specific assessment authority responsible for evaluating qualifications and experience. You can find the current SOL and the skill assessment authority list on the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs website.

Popular Skill Assessment Authorities in Australia

Popular Skill Assessment Authorities in Australia

Each occupation on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) is assigned to a specific assessment authority responsible for evaluating qualifications and experience as part of the Australian skill assessment process. These authorities are responsible for assessing the qualifications and work experience of applicants to make sure they meet Australian standards. Below is a list of some key assessing authorities:

Assessing Authority Occupation Category
VETASSESS General professional occupations
Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) Trade occupations
Australian Computer Society (ACS) ICT-related professions
Engineers Australia (EA) Engineering professionals
Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) Nurses and midwives
Australian Institute of Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) Teachers
Medical Board of Australia (MBA) Doctors and medical professionals
Australian Dental Council (ADC) Dentists
Occupational Therapy Council (OTC) Occupational therapists
Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ) Accountants

Documents Required for Skill Assessment Australia

The documents required for an Australian skill assessment in Australia can vary depending on the assessing authority and your nominated occupation. However, the following are commonly required:

Passport: Copy of the bio-data page for identity verification.

Qualification Certificates: Certified copies of degrees, diplomas, or relevant academic qualifications.

Academic Transcripts: Detailed records of subjects studied and grades achieved.

Employment References: Letters from employers specifying job roles, duties, employment dates, and working hours.

Curriculum Vitae (CV): A comprehensive resume highlighting work experience, skills, and qualifications.

Payslips or Tax Records: Evidence of employment such as payslips, tax returns, or contracts.

Skills Training Certificates: Additional certifications or training relevant to your occupation.

Professional Registration: Proof of licensing or registration for regulated professions (e.g., nursing, engineering).

English Language Test Results: Results from IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL if required.

Photographs: Passport-sized photographs as per the assessing authority’s guidelines.

Other Supporting Documents: Any additional evidence required by the assessing authority, such as portfolios for creative fields.

How to Apply for Skill Assessment in Australia

1. Identify Your Occupation and Assessing Authority

  • Occupation: Find your job on the SOL.
  • Assessing Authority: Each occupation has a designated authority (e.g., Engineers Australia, VETASSESS, ACS).

2. Understand the Requirements

  • Each authority has unique criteria, including:
    • Educational qualifications
    • Relevant work experience
    • English language proficiency
  • Check specific guidelines on the assessing authority’s website.

3. Prepare Documentation

Common documents include:

  • Academic transcripts and certificates
  • Employment references
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE)
  • Identification (passport)

4. Submit Your Application

  • Create an account on the relevant authority’s portal.
  • Upload required documents.
  • Pay the assessment fee.

5. Await Results

  • Processing times vary but generally take 8-12 weeks.
  • Some authorities offer priority processing for an additional fee.

Skill Assessment Australia Processing Time

The processing time for Australian skill assessment can vary depending on the assessing authority and the complexity of your application. Here are the general processing times for some of the main assessing authorities:

Assessing Authority Processing Time
VETASSESS Typically 8 to 12 weeks
Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) 6 to 12 weeks
Australian Computer Society (ACS) 4 to 12 weeks
Engineers Australia (EA) 6 to 12 weeks
Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) 8 to 16 weeks
Australian Institute of Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) 8 to 12 weeks
Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ) 8 to 12 weeks
CPA Australia 6 to 10 weeks
Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) 6 to 10 weeks
Australian Physiotherapy Council (APC) 4 to 8 weeks
Australian Dental Council (ADC) 4 to 8 weeks

Factors that May Affect Processing Time:

1. Application Completeness: Delays can occur if documents are missing or incomplete.

2. Volume of Applications: Processing time may vary depending on the time of year and the number of applications being processed.

3. Occupation-Specific Requirements: Certain occupations may require additional assessments or evaluations, which can extend processing times.

4. English Language Proficiency: If you need to provide English test results (e.g., IELTS), this may affect the timeline.

Skill Assessment Australia Fee

The fees for Australian skill assessment vary depending on the assessing authority and the occupation you are applying for.

Factors that May Affect Skill Assessment Fee:

  • Fees can differ based on the occupation and the complexity of the assessment.
  • Some authorities may charge extra for services such as document verification, appeal processes, or expedited processing.
  • The fee is generally paid online via the assessing authority’s website when submitting your application.
  • Make sure to check if the fee is refundable in case of unsuccessful assessments.
  • Some assessing authorities offer a Priority Processing Fee, which can speed up the process but comes at an additional cost.

Conclusion

Australian skill assessment is an important step toward your dream of living and working in Australia. With careful planning, attention to detail, and perseverance, you can navigate the process successfully in 2025. Whether you’re an engineer, healthcare worker, IT expert, or tradesperson, Australia needs skilled workers like you! By taking the right steps and choosing the right assessment authority, you can be one step closer to getting your Australian visa.

Don’t try to figure it all out on your own mate! Reach out to CanApprove’s Australia immigration experts today to make sure your Australian skill assessment goes smoothly. We’ll guide you through every step to help you reach your goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an Australian skills assessment cost?
The cost of an Australian skills assessment varies depending on the assessing authority and occupation. Generally, fees range from AUD 300 to AUD 1,000. Some authorities may charge additional fees for expedited processing or other services. It’s best to check the specific assessing authority’s website for the most accurate and up-to-date fee details.
How long is skill assessment valid?
The validity of a skill assessment varies by occupation and assessing authority. Typically, skill assessments are valid for 3 years. However, this can change depending on the visa you are applying for, so always confirm with the specific authority.
Can I get PR in Australia without skill assessment?
In most cases, you cannot apply for permanent residency (PR) in Australia without a skills assessment if you are applying under a skilled visa program (e.g., General Skilled Migration visa). However, some employer-sponsored visas may not require a skills assessment, but the employer must demonstrate that your qualifications and work experience meet the role’s requirements.
What is the next step after skill assessment?
After receiving a positive skills assessment, the next step is to submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect system, indicating your interest in applying for a skilled visa. If your EOI is selected, you can then apply for the relevant skilled visa (e.g., Subclass 189, 190, 491). You may also be invited to apply for a visa if you meet the points requirements.
What is the age limit for an Australian visa?
For most skilled migration visas, the age limit is 45 years old. However, applicants can earn additional points for being younger than 45, and some visa subclasses may have different age limits or exceptions based on specific circumstances (e.g., employer sponsorship or state/territory nominations).