How To Apply For A Permanent Resident Visa In Australia? 7 Steps

Introduction (Statistic hook)

With Australia’s migration program offering 185,000 places for 2025 – 2026, there’s never been a better time to prepare for your permanent resident visa!

Don’t miss your chance to live and work in Australia permanently!

How to apply for a permanent resident visa in Australia?

In this post, PTE Magic will guide you in 7 detailed steps. Let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways

• Australian PR allows you to live, work, study, access Medicare, sponsor family, and gain many other benefits.
• You can apply for PR through family, skilled work, or business/ investment visa.
• The applicant involves checking eligibility, preparing documents, and applying for the visa.

Benefits Of Having An Australian PR

You’ll gain several benefits when getting an Australian PR, such as:

• Live in Australia permanently: You can stay in Australia indefinitely without worrying about visa renewals.
• Work and study freely: As a PR holder, you can work for any employer or study any course you want.
• Access to Medicare: You can enrol in Australia’s public health care system (Medicare), which helps cover many medical services and hospital care costs.
• Buy property more easily: Having PR allows you to apply for bank loans and invest in your own home.
• Sponsor your family: You can sponsor eligible family members to live in Australia permanently.
• Apply for Australian citizenship: After living in Australia for a certain period, you can apply to become an Australian citizen and gain full citizenship rights.
• Travel flexibility: You can travel in and out of Australia freely while your travel facility is valid.
• Work in New Zealand: PR holders can also work in New Zealand.

Visa Options To Get An Australian PR

You can obtain Australian permanent residency through three main streams: family, work, and business/investment streams.

Family Stream

If you have close family in Australia, they can sponsor you for a PR visa.

This applies if you’re a partner, parent, child, or dependent of an Australian permanent resident or citizen.

You may also qualify if you need to move to Australia to care for a family member long-term.

Common visas under this stream include:

• Partner visa: subclass 820/801, and 309/100
• Parent visa: subclass 103, 804, 864, 143
• Child visa: subclass 101, 802
• Other family visas: Aged Dependent Relative visa (subclass 838/114), Remaining Relative visa (subclass 835/115), or Carer visa (subclass 836/116)

Work Stream

Skilled professionals and workers are highly valued in Australia.

If you have skills listed on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List, you might qualify for PR through a work visa.

You can be sponsored by an Australian employer, nominated by a state or territory government, or apply through a skilled migration program.

Below are some common visas for this stream:

• Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186)
• Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)
• Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)
• Skilled Regional visa (subclass 191)

Business/Investment Stream

If you manage or invest in an Australian business, you may be eligible for PR.

This option is ideal for entrepreneurs, investors, or company owners who contribute to the Australian economy.

Common visas under this stream include:

• Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) visa (subclass 888)
• Business Talent (Permanent) visa (subclass 132)

How To Apply For A Permanent Resident Visa In Australia?

Applying for an Australian PR may seem like a big goal, but once you understand each stage, the process becomes much easier.

Step 1: Check The Eligibility

You should start by checking whether you meet the requirements of a PR visa.

Different visa streams have different requirements, such as:

• Family stream: You must have a sponsor who is an Australian citizen or permanent resident (your partner, parent, or relative).
• Work stream: You should have relevant skills, qualifications, and work experience in an occupation that Australia needs.
• Business/ Investment stream: You need to have business ownership, management experience, or investment capacity.

Besides, you have to meet English, health, and character requirements when applying for Australian PR.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

Next, you need to gather documents that prove your identity, education, work experience, and family relationships. These may include:

• Valid passport
• Identification documents
• Academic transcripts
• Employment records
• Financial or business documents (for investors/ business owners)
• Proof of relationship (for family visa)
• English test results, if required

Step 3: Get Assessments If Needed

Depending on your visa type, you may need to provide assessments, such as:

• Skills assessment: If you apply for work-stream visas, your qualifications and work experience must be assessed by an authorised Skills Assessment Authority.
• Health and character checks: Most visa types require medical examinations and police clearance standards.
• Financial checks: For business and investment visas, you must provide evidence of business success and financial stability.

Step 4: Lodge An EOI Or Submit Sponsorship

The next step also depends on your visa type:

• Skilled visas: You need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect system, sharing details about your background and experience.
• Family visas: Your Australian family member must lodge a sponsorship application.

Step 5: Get An Invitation To Apply (ITA)

If your EOI or sponsorship meets all the requirements, you’ll receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) or a confirmation to proceed with your PR application.

Step 6:  Submit Your Application

After having all the required documents, you need to create an ImmAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website and fill in the application form.

Then, you can upload all these documents accurately and pay the visa fees.

You should review the documents and application carefully, as it can speed up the visa process.

Step 7: Get Your PR

Once your application is approved, you’ll be granted Australian Permanent Residency (PR) and live there permanently.

FAQs

How Long Does It Take To Apply For PR In Australia?

Generally, PR processing takes around 9 to 18 months from the date of your visa submission.

• Skilled Independent visa: Usually processed within 8 to 9 months.
• Skilled Nominated visa: Takes around 12 to 16 months.
• Family Sponsorship visas: Take between 12 and 24 months to process.

How Much Does It Cost To Apply For PR In Australia?

On average, applying for an Australian PR visa costs between AUD 1,190 and AUD 4,770, depending on the visa type and the number of applicants included in your application.

You should also budget for extra costs such as health checks, police certificates, English tests, and skills assessment.

What Is The Age Limit For An Australian PR?

For most Australian PR Work streams, the maximum age limit is 45 at the time you apply. 

However, the exact requirements depend on the type of visa you choose. 

For family visas, there’s no specific age limit, as eligibility depends on your relationship with your sponsor rather than your age.

Conclusion

Now, you know how to apply for a permanent resident visa in Australia.

You can start by choosing the right type of visa, checking your eligibility, and preparing your documents carefully. 

With the right preparation, you can have more chances for a stable, rewarding life in Australia.

Last updated on 21/10/2025