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🇦🇺 Australia

Australia Permanent Residency: requirements and how to apply

Australia has 2 permanent residency routes: Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190).

Official Australia permanent residency page

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

Permanent residency visa allowing invited skilled workers to live and work anywhere in Australia unconditionally.

Typical duration
Permanent (5-year travel facility)
Path to permanent residency
Direct permanent residency upon grant

Main requirements

  • Occupation on Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
  • Minimum 65 points
  • Age < 45

Official page

Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

Permanent residency visa nominated by an Australian state or territory government (granting 5 extra points).

Typical duration
Permanent
Path to permanent residency
Direct permanent residency upon grant

Main requirements

  • State nomination approval
  • Commitment to live in nominating state for 2 years

Official page

Documents usually needed for Australia

  • Positive Skills Assessment from designated evaluating authority (e.g. ACS, Engineers Australia, VETASSESS)
  • Competent English score report (IELTS 6.0+, PTE Academic 50+, or Proficient English 65+ for points)
  • Expression of Interest (EOI) submitted through SkillSelect meeting minimum 65 points benchmark
  • National police clearance from all countries lived in for 12+ months and Bupa medical exam
  • Passport valid for at least 6 months and a compliant photo (make yours here)

Application steps

  1. 1

    Skills Assessment & English Exam

    Obtain positive assessment from ACS / Engineers Australia and achieve Superior/Proficient English on PTE/IELTS.

    6 - 12 weeks

  2. 2

    SkillSelect Expression of Interest (EOI)

    Lodge EOI online and wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from Home Affairs or state government.

    1 - 6 months

  3. 3

    Visa Lodgement via ImmiAccount

    Submit complete biometrics, police checks, and medical clearances within 60 days of invitation.

    3 - 9 months

More about moving to Australia

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Find a licensed adviser

For advice on your own case, use a licensed immigration lawyer or adviser. Always check they are registered before you pay anyone. Imiatlas does not refer or review cases.

General information to help you research, not legal advice. Rules change often: always confirm with Department of Home Affairs (ImmiAccount) on the official website before applying.