Australia Permanent Residency Application Process

Australia Permanent Residency Application Process: Complete Guide

The Australia PR application process for skilled migrants has multiple stages and can take 6–36 months depending on the visa subclass and your occupation. Understanding each step helps avoid delays and reduces the chance of rejection.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI), confirm you meet the basic Australia PR eligibility requirements: age under 45, positive skills assessment, IELTS score of at least 6.0 (or equivalent), and 65+ points on the points test. Use the Australia PR points calculator to estimate your score before lodging your EOI.

Step 2: Get Your Skills Assessed

Skills assessment is mandatory for almost all skilled migration visas. The assessing authority depends on your occupation — for example, Engineers Australia for engineers, ACS for IT professionals, VETASSESS for trade occupations. Processing takes 4–16 weeks. Start this step as early as possible since it is on the critical path.

Step 3: Meet English Language Requirements

You need a valid IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, or OET score. For Subclass 189 and 190, the minimum is IELTS 6.0 per band (Competent English). Scoring 7.0+ per band (Proficient) gives you 10 extra points; 8.0+ (Superior) gives 20 extra points, which can significantly improve your EOI invitation chances.

Step 4: Lodge Your Expression of Interest (EOI) on SkillSelect

Create a myGov account linked to ImmiAccount, then submit your EOI through the SkillSelect portal. Your EOI is valid for 2 years and is scored using the points-based system. You do not pay any fee to lodge an EOI.

Step 5: Receive an Invitation to Apply

Department of Home Affairs runs invitation rounds periodically (usually monthly for Subclass 189; state-controlled for Subclass 190 (State Nomination)). Only candidates above the invitation cut-off are invited. Check the latest invitation rounds on the DHA website for the current Subclass 189 points cut-off.

Step 6: Lodge the Visa Application

Once invited, you have 60 days to lodge the full visa application through ImmiAccount. This includes uploading all required documents: identity documents, skills assessment result, English test certificate, employment references, health examination results, and police clearances from every country you've lived in for 12+ months since age 16.

Step 7: Health and Character Checks

After lodging your application, you will be directed to complete a health examination via eMedical at a DIBP-approved panel physician. You will also need police clearance certificates. Both must be completed within the requested timeframe or your application may be delayed.

Step 8: Visa Grant

Once all checks clear, the Department of Home Affairs grants the visa. The Australia PR processing time ranges from 6 months (189 with high points) to 18–36 months for state nomination streams. After grant, you must activate the visa by entering Australia before the travel expiry date.

Tips to Strengthen Your Application

Ensure your employment references are on company letterhead and include weekly hours, salary, and specific duties matching your ANZSCO occupation description. Any discrepancy between your skills assessment, EOI, and employment evidence is a common cause of delays or rejection.

Need Help with Your Australia PR Application?

Our registered migration agents guide you from EOI strategy through to visa grant. Check the Australia PR FAQs for answers to common questions, or contact us directly.