A Step-by-Step Guide to the Australia PR Procedure

Australia is a dream destination for many aspiring immigrants. Known for its high quality of life, excellent healthcare, world-class education system, and abundant job opportunities, it’s no surprise that thousands of people apply for Permanent Residency (PR) in Australia each year. However, the path to Australian PR can be complex and confusing if you don't have the right information.

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through every step of the Australian PR Procedure, making it easier for you to understand and navigate your journey toward becoming a permanent resident of the Land Down Under.

Essential Steps for Successfully Applying for Australia PR

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility

Before you start your application, it’s crucial to determine whether you're eligible for an Australian PR visa. The most common pathways for skilled workers include:

• Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
• Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)

Eligibility is usually assessed based on:

• Age (must be under 45)
• English language proficiency
• Skilled occupation listed on Australia's Skilled Occupation List (SOL)
• Relevant work experience
• Education qualifications
• Health and character requirements

You’ll need to score at least 65 points on the Points Test to qualify for most skilled migration visas.

Step 2: Skill Assessment

Once you determine your eligibility, the next step is getting your skills assessed by the relevant assessing authority for your occupation. Each occupation on the SOL is associated with a specific authority (e.g., ACS for IT professionals, Engineers Australia for engineers, etc.).

The skill assessment checks whether your educational qualifications and work experience meet Australian standards for your occupation. This step is mandatory and must be completed before submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI).

? Tip: Make sure your documentation—degree certificates, employment references, payslips—is complete and accurate to avoid delays.

Step 3: Take an English Language Test

To prove your proficiency in English, you must take an approved English language test such as:

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
• PTE (Pearson Test of English)
• TOEFL iBT
• OET (for healthcare professionals)

The minimum required score depends on the visa subclass you're applying for, but higher scores can boost your Points Test results.

Step 4: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)

With your skill assessment and English test results in hand, you can now submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect, the Australian government's online system.

In your EOI, you provide details about your background, qualifications, skills, and the visa subclass you’re applying under. This is not a visa application but a way to express your intent to apply.

If you meet the points requirement and your occupation is in demand, you may receive an invitation to apply (ITA) from the Department of Home Affairs or a nomination from a state or territory government (for Subclass 190 or 491).

Step 5: Apply for State Nomination (if applicable)

If you’re applying for a Subclass 190 or Subclass 491, you’ll need a state or regional nomination.

Each state or territory has its own list of in-demand occupations and eligibility criteria. You must apply separately to the state/territory, and if approved, you will receive a nomination which adds 5 to 15 points to your EOI score.

Popular states include:

• Victoria
• New South Wales
• Queensland
• South Australia
• Western Australia

Step 6: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

Once your EOI is selected and (if applicable) you’re nominated, you’ll receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for the PR visa.

You have 60 days from the date of receiving the ITA to submit your full visa application through the ImmiAccount portal.

This is the point where your journey gets real—so make sure to have all your documents ready, including:

• Passport
• Birth certificate
• Skill assessment report
• English test results
• Educational transcripts
• Employment references
• Medical examination reports
• Police clearance certificates

Step 7: Submit Your Visa Application

Log in to ImmiAccount, fill in the online visa application form, and upload all required documents. You’ll also need to pay the visa application fee, which can vary depending on the visa subclass and number of dependents.

As of now, the approximate fees are:

• Subclass 189: AUD 4,640 (primary applicant)
• Subclass 190: AUD 4,640 (primary applicant)
• Subclass 491: AUD 4,640 (primary applicant)

Processing times can range from 6 to 12 months, depending on the complexity of your case.

Step 8: Health & Character Checks

As part of the PR process, you and your dependents must undergo:

• A medical examination by a panel physician approved by the Australian Government
• A police clearance from every country you’ve lived in for 12+ months over the past 10 years

These checks ensure you meet the health and character requirements to reside in Australia.

Step 9: Visa Decision

If all goes well, you’ll receive a grant notification via email informing you of your successful visa outcome. Congratulations! You’re now a Permanent Resident of Australia.

Your visa grant letter will include:

• Your visa number
• Conditions (if any)
• Validity date
• Initial entry date

Be sure to make your first entry before the specified date, usually within 12 months of your medical or police check.

Step 10: Move to Australia & Start Your New Life

Once you’ve activated your PR visa by entering Australia, you’re free to:

• Live and work anywhere in Australia
• Enroll in Medicare (Australia’s public healthcare system)
• Sponsor eligible relatives for PR
• Travel in and out of Australia for five years
• Apply for Australian citizenship after fulfilling residency requirements

Final Thoughts:

Applying for Australian PR is a rewarding but often challenging journey. With the right planning, documentation, and perseverance, you can maximize your chances of success. If you feel overwhelmed, consider consulting a registered migration agent (MARA-certified) who can guide you through the process.

Whether you’re moving for career growth, a better quality of life, or a secure future for your family, Australia has much to offer. Follow this step-by-step guide, stay patient, and soon enough, you could be calling Australia your new home.