How to Become a Permanent Resident in Australia
Updated: 2 hours ago
Last Updated: 22 October 2026
Quick answer: You become an Australian permanent resident (PR) by being granted a permanent visa. Most people get one through one of five pathways: a skilled points-tested visa (189, 190 or 191), an employer-sponsored visa (186), a partner visa (801 or 100), a family visa (such as a parent visa), or the National Innovation visa (858).
Each pathway has its own eligibility rules. Many people reach PR in two steps, starting on a temporary visa such as the 482, 491 or 485.
Last checked against Department of Home Affairs information: October 2026. Visa rules, fees and processing priorities change often. Check your own situation with a registered migration agent before you apply.
What does Australian permanent residency give you?
Permanent residents can live, work and study in Australia indefinitely. They can enrol in Medicare and sponsor eligible family members (see all the benefits of PR).
A permanent visa usually includes a 5-year travel facility. After it ends, you need a Resident Return visa (subclass 155) to re-enter as a PR from overseas. PR is also the main step towards citizenship. You generally need 4 years of lawful residence in Australia, including the last 12 months as a permanent resident.
Can you lose Australian PR?
A permanent visa itself does not expire, but its travel facility does. If you are outside Australia after the travel facility ends, you generally need a Resident Return visa to come back as a permanent resident.
A 5-year RRV usually requires 2 years in Australia in the last 5 years as a PR or citizen. If you don't meet that, but can show substantial ties that benefit Australia, the maximum is 12 months. A permanent visa can also be cancelled, for example on character grounds.
The 5 main pathways to PR in Australia
Pathway | Main visas | Who it suits | Need a sponsor? |
Skilled (points-tested) | Skilled workers with an occupation on the relevant list | No employer. 190 and 491 need a state or territory nomination (491 can also be family-sponsored) | |
Employer-sponsored | Workers whose employer will nominate them | Yes, an approved employer | |
Partner | Partners or spouses of Australian citizens, PRs or eligible NZ citizens | Yes, your partner | |
Family | Parents, children and some other relatives of Australians | Yes, an eligible family member | |
Talent and innovation | National Innovation visa (858) | People with an internationally recognised record of exceptional achievement | By invitation, after an Expression of Interest |
Pathway 1: Skilled migration (189, 190 and 491)
Skilled visas suit you if your occupation is in demand and you score enough points. You don't need an employer. Under current rules, the main requirements are:
Your occupation is on the relevant skilled occupation list (see the 189 occupation list).
You have a positive skills assessment from the assessing authority for your occupation.
You meet the English requirement, usually at least Competent English.
You score at least 65 on the points test. Points come from age, English, work experience, qualifications, partner skills and other factors.
You are under 45 when you are invited to apply.
The 65 points are only the minimum. Invitations go to the highest-ranked candidates, so the scores invited are often much higher. Track recent results on our SkillSelect invitation rounds page. Not sure which skilled visa fits? Read 189 vs 190 vs 491: which pathway leads to PR.
The 491 is a 5-year provisional visa for living and working in regional Australia. After holding a 491 (or 494) for at least 3 years, and providing ATO notices of assessment for 3 income years, holders can apply for the permanent 191 visa.
Pathway 2: Employer-sponsored PR (186)
An Australian employer can nominate you for permanent residence. The Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) has three streams:
Temporary Residence Transition: for workers already employed by the nominating employer. Usually, you must have worked in eligible sponsored employment for at least 2 years full time on a 457 or 482 visa. See 482 to 186 TRT and 482 visa to PR.
Direct Entry: for workers who have not worked for the employer on a 482, or who qualify another way.
Labour Agreement: for workers nominated under a labour agreement or DAMA. See our labour agreement company list.
For regional jobs, the 494 visa can lead to the permanent 191. Some industries have dedicated pathways, such as the PR pathway for aged care workers. To find employers who already sponsor, start with our accredited sponsor list.
Pathway 3: Partner visa
If your partner is an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen, a partner visa can lead to PR. Onshore, you apply for the temporary 820 and the permanent 801 together.
Offshore applicants apply for the 309 and 100. Marriage does not give you PR automatically. You must prove a genuine and continuing relationship. Read the partner visa requirements and our guide to a strong relationship statement.
Pathway 4: Family visas
Parents, dependent children and some other relatives of Australian citizens or permanent residents can apply for permanent family visas. Parent visas include contributory and non-contributory options with very different costs and waiting times. Start with parent visa options or our family visa overview.
Pathway 5: National Innovation visa (858)
The National Innovation visa is a permanent visa for exceptionally talented people, such as top researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, athletes and creatives. You can only apply after an invitation, which starts with an Expression of Interest.
Other pathways to PR
Pacific Engagement visa: a permanent visa allocated by ballot to eligible nationals of participating Pacific countries and Timor-Leste. See the Pacific Engagement visa ballot.
Humanitarian and protection visas: for people who engage Australia's protection obligations. See protection visa Australia.
New Zealand citizens: eligible NZ citizens living in Australia can apply through a dedicated 189 stream.
Hong Kong and BN(O) passport holders: dedicated pathways are available. See the PR pathway for Hong Kong residents.
Business and investment: the Business Innovation and Investment program closed on 31 July 2024. The permanent 888 is now only for people who already hold a relevant 188. Most investors and entrepreneurs now look at the National Innovation visa instead.
Step by step: how to apply for PR
Choose your pathway. Compare your occupation, age, English, work history, family ties and job offers against the five pathways above.
Check your occupation and points. Confirm your occupation is on the right list and estimate your score with the points table.
Get a skills assessment and English test. Most skilled and employer pathways need both. See our EOI checklist.
Lodge an Expression of Interest or nomination. Skilled applicants lodge an EOI in SkillSelect. Employer and state pathways need a nomination.
Receive an invitation (skilled visas). You can only apply after you are invited.
Lodge your visa application. Upload documents, then complete health and character checks. Check current visa fees and processing times.
Keep a valid visa while you wait. A bridging visa may keep you lawful in Australia while an onshore application is processed.
Already in Australia on a temporary visa?
A temporary visa does not lead to PR by itself. You still need to qualify for one of the permanent pathways above. Common routes from each starting visa:
Student visa (500): usually moves to the 485, then to a skilled or employer-sponsored visa. Studying in a regional area can add points (regional study points).
Working holiday (417/462): some holders find an employer willing to sponsor them. See WHV to 482.
Graduates (485): see 485 pathways to permanent residency.
482 workers: see 482 visa to PR.
Over 35 and not eligible for the 485: see visa options if you're over 35.
Age and PR: see how age affects your PR eligibility.
Occupation guides: for example, PR for a registered nurse, accountant, cook or hairdresser.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get PR in Australia?
It depends on the visa, your occupation, processing priorities and how complete your application is. For a two-step pathway, also add the time spent on your temporary visa. See current visa processing times.
What is the minimum points score for Australian PR?
The pass mark for points-tested skilled visas is 65. Invitations usually go to higher scores, depending on the occupation and the round.
Can I get PR without a job offer?
Yes. The 189 needs no sponsor. The 190 and 491 need a state or territory nomination (491 can also be family-sponsored) rather than an employer.
Is there an age limit for Australian PR?
For skilled points-tested visas, you must be under 45 when invited. Most 186 applicants must also be under 45, with some exemptions. Partner and family visas have no general age limit. More detail: how age affects your PR eligibility.
How much does Australian PR cost?
On the Home Affairs website (October 2026), the main skilled and employer-sponsored PR visas start at around AUD 6,100 for the main applicant. Skills assessments, English tests, medicals, police checks and any family members cost extra. See visa fee changes.
Does marrying an Australian give me PR?
No. Marriage does not give you PR. You need a partner visa, which requires a genuine and continuing relationship.
What is the difference between PR and citizenship?
PRs can live in Australia indefinitely but need a valid travel facility to re-enter, and generally cannot vote. Citizens hold an Australian passport and can vote. Most PRs can apply for citizenship after meeting the residence requirement. Read the benefits of becoming an Australian citizen.
What is the easiest way to get PR in Australia?
There is no single easiest way. It depends on your occupation, age, English, points and whether you have an employer or family sponsor. Employer sponsorship or state nomination often suits people who don't score highly enough for a 189 invitation.
How long do I need to live in Australia before applying for PR?
Most PR visas have no minimum stay in Australia. Two-step pathways do have time requirements, such as working for your sponsor before a 186 TRT application, or holding a 491 or 494 for at least 3 years before applying for the 191.
Can I lose my Australian PR?
Your permanent visa does not expire, but its travel facility does. To re-enter after it ends, you usually need a Resident Return visa. A permanent visa can also be cancelled, for example on character grounds.
Get advice on your PR pathway
The right pathway depends on your occupation, age, points, location and family situation. RACC's registered migration agents can assess your options and the risks before you spend money on applications. Book a consultation
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