Australia PR Process from India: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide for 2025
Are you an Indian professional considering a migration to Australia? Then, understanding the Australia PR process from India is essential to turn your dream into reality. 2025 presents Indian applicants with a perfect opportunity to begin their journey.
This comprehensive guide explains every stage of the PR process, from eligibility and visa options to documentation, application steps, fees, Australia PR processing times, benefits, and common challenges.
Understanding the Australia PR Process from India
What is Australia PR?
Australian Permanent Residency (PR) is a visa that lets you live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely. While it is not the same as citizenship, it gives you many of the same rights and benefits that including:
- Work and live anywhere in Australia without restrictions.
- Access education from Australian institutions, often at reduced tuition fees.
- Benefit from Medicare, Australia’s national healthcare scheme.
- Invite relatives and sponsor their family members to visit Australia..
- Apply for Australian citizenship after fulfilling the residency requirements.
PR holders cannot vote or hold an Australian passport. Travel rights under the PR visa last for 5 years from the grant date. After this, you’ll require a Resident Return Visa (RRV) or citizenship to maintain unrestricted entry.
Learn about the real costs of living and plan your budget: Living Expenses in Australia
Types of Australia PR Visas for Indian Applicants
When applying under the Australia PR process in India, it is highly important to choose the proper subclass of the visa, which affects the eligibility, charges, and processing time of the Australia PR visa. Every visa has different application procedures, requirements, and timelines.
Here are the most common PR visa subclasses for Indian applicants:
| Visa Subclass | Description | Key Requirement |
| Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) | For skilled workers without employer or state sponsorship. | Must have an eligible occupation and meet minimum points. |
| Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) | For applicants nominated by an Australian state/territory government. | Requires state nomination and residency in the nominating state. |
| Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional – Provisional) | Temporary regional visa with pathway to permanent PR. | Live and work in specified regional areas; require state/family sponsorship. |
| Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) | Employer-sponsored visas for skilled workers. | Need employer nomination and meet skill requirements. |
| Family and Business/Investor Visas | For family sponsorship and business migration applicants. | Based on family ties or investment/business ownership. |
Australia PR Eligibility Criteria: Points-Based System Explained
Australia makes the main use of the points-based system in the 189, 190, and 491 categories of skilled migration visas. You have to get at least 65 points to be eligible. Nonetheless, with an increased demand, a score of 80 to 85 points or above gives you a much better chance of getting an invitation for PR shortly.
How Are Points Awarded?
Points are awarded based on your actions and achievements. The more you engage, the more points you earn!
| Factor | Details | Maximum Points |
| Age | Highest points between 25-32 years old | 30 |
| English Language Ability | Points vary based on IELTS, PTE, and TOEFL scores | Up to 20 |
| Work Experience | Skilled employment inside/outside Australia | Up to 15 |
| Education | Bachelor’s degree or higher | Up to 20 |
| Spouse/Partner Skills | Bonus points if the partner meets the criteria | 10 |
| State Nomination | Additional points for state nomination* | 5 |
*Applicable for visa subclasses 190 and 491.
Occupation and Skills Assessment
To be eligible, your nominated occupation will have to be included in one of the following:
- Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL): The Occupation listed under STSOL is a list of jobs that are required when a skilled worker is moving to Australia on a temporary visa, including the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa, and to reside temporarily, typically not longer than two years.
- Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL): This list caters to occupations that bear a long-term strategic significance to the Australian economy and provides a direct path to permanent residence through such a visa as the Skilled Independent (subclass 189) and the Skilled Nominated (subclass 190).
- Regional Occupation List (ROL): The ROL is a list of occupations that are in demand in Australia and that are used to help with the visa application process, including the Skilled Work Regional Visa (subclass 491), in which the applicant is required to commit to residing and working in a required regional area.
The various subclasses of visas make references to different lists, which is why it is of utmost importance to ensure that your occupation is included in the reference list of the visa subclass you wish to apply to.
Skills Assessment Process
You will need to receive a favourable skills evaluation from a competent Australian assessing authority according to the occupation. This will ensure that the qualifications and experience you have gained in work are acceptable to the Australian standards.
Documents typically required:
- Educational certificates and transcripts
- Employment reference letters, contracts, and payslips
- Updated detailed CV/resume
The skills assessment generally takes 8–10 weeks. Start as early as possible to avoid delays in your application.
English Language Proficiency Requirements
English proficiency is mandatory for PR applicants. Accepted tests include:
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
- PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English)
- TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
Minimum Scores and Points
Scores differ depending on the visa subclass and claimed proficiency level:
| Proficiency Level | IELTS Band Score | Points Awarded |
| Competent English | 6.0 in each band | None (minimum requirement) |
| Proficient English | 7.0 in each band | 10 points |
| Superior English | 8.0 or above | 20 points |
It is therefore very important to extensively prepare for these tests in order to ensure a high score that may highly boost your overall points and enhance your early invite.
Read more about: Australia PTE Score Requirement
Step-by-Step Australia PR Process from India in 2025
Let’s break down the Australia PR process from India into clear, actionable steps.
Step 1: Check Eligibility and Calculate Points
First, calculate how many points you have currently using the PR points calculator. If you have a score below 65, you should consider increasing it to work more on your English level and gain more experience (or more diplomas).
Step 2: Choose the Right Visa Subclass
After calculating your score, occupation, and finding personal preferences, you need to select the most desirable visa subclass, that is, 189, 190, or 491. To choose state nomination (190 and 491), you need to check the occupation lists by state and eligibility conditions.
Step 3: Get Skills Assessment
To have your skills assessed, apply to the relevant assessing authority. Provide all the necessary files and await the positive assessment report that should last between 8-10 weeks.
Step 4: Take the English Language Test
Enrol in IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL early enough. Doing it well and scoring will give you more points and a better application.
Step 5: Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)
Develop an Expression of Interest (EOI) online on the SkillSelect site. Your EOI will be prioritised based on your points, occupation demand, and a number of other reasons. Applicants with the highest ranks are issued Invitations to Apply (ITA).
Step 6: Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA)
By the time you are chosen, you will be given an ITA. You will only be allowed 60 days to submit a filled visa together with the necessary papers.
Step 7: Lodge Visa Application
Fill out the visa application form and submit all the documents that include skills assessment issued, English test outcomes, identification evidence, and working experience, and pay the visa fee.
Step 8: Undergo Health and Character Checks
You and your dependents are required to undergo medical checks and police checks to meet Australian health and character requirements.
Step 9: Visa Grant and Post-Arrival Preparation
After the approval, you will be issued a visa grant letter. Getting ready for your relocation includes registering a Tax File Number (TFN), joining the Medicare scheme, registering bank accounts, and organising accommodation in Australia.
Check out: How to Get PR in Australia from India: A Step-by-Step Guide
Australia PR Processing Time and Fees For Indians in 2025
Curious about how long it takes to get your Australia PR or what it might cost? Let’s break down the processing times and fees so you can plan your journey with confidence.
Processing Time for Indian Applicants
The average Australia PR processing time differs based on visa subclass and individual cases:
| Visa Subclass | Average Processing Time |
| Subclass 189 | 6–9 months |
| Subclass 190 | 6–8 months |
| Subclass 491 | 12–14 months |
Processing time is influenced by factors like the number and frequency of applications, occupation needs, completeness of documents, and speed of health and character verification.
Tips to Achieve Faster Processing
To speed up the processing of your application, following a few key tips can make a significant difference.
- Ensure that all the demanded documents are checked twice before submission.
- Provide nothing but precise and current information.
- Act on any follow-ups immediately.
- Use online submission tools when available for quicker processing..
- Submit a complete, accurate application.
- Act in time on Department of Home Affairs enquiries.
- All the supporting documents must be official.
Australia PR Visa Fees (Approximately)
Find out the approximate costs for your permanent residency application..
| Applicant Type | Fee (AUD) | Fee (INR approx.) |
| Main applicant | 4,910 AUD | ₹277,159 |
| Additional adult (18+) | 2,455 AUD | ₹138,579 |
| Child (under 18) | 1,230 AUD | ₹69,379 |
When applying, it is always good to visit the Department of Home Affairs site to find the most up-to-date fees.
Required Documents for Australia PR Application
Make sure that all records are signed and sorted according to application needs. Here are the necessary documents required for your application to PR in Australia:
Core Documents Checklist
Here’s a comprehensive checklist to help you organise the core documents needed for your Australia PR application..
- English Language Proficiency Test Results: IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL scores.
- Skills Assessment: Relevant assessment from an authorised assessing body.
- Expression of Interest (EOI): Submitted through SkillSelect.
- Educational Certificates: Degrees, diplomas, and transcripts.
- Work Experience Documents: Reference letters, payslips, and employment contracts.
- Health Examination: Medical clearance from a panel physician.
- Police Clearance Certificate: For character verification.
- Proof of Funds: Bank statements or financial documents (for specific visa types).
- Spouse/Dependent Documents: If applicable, include marriage certificate and dependent details.
Having a checklist ensures you gather all the necessary files upfront, avoiding delays and ensuring a smooth process.
Additional Documents for Specific Categories
- Business/investor visas: Financial statements and business plans
- Family sponsorship visas: Proof of relationship and sponsorship documentation
- State nomination visa: Nomination approval letters.
Benefits of Australia PR for Indian Citizens in 2025
Having an Australian PR offers many advantages:
- Work and live anywhere in Australia fully without restrictions.
- Access world-class education with the potential for domestic tuition rates.
- Benefit from Medicare, Australia’s national healthcare coverage.
- Apply for social security support after waiting periods.
- Sponsor family members to come live in Australia.
- Pathway to Australian citizenship after meeting residency conditions.
These advantages make Australia a highly popular destination for Indian professionals and their families.
Work, Study, and Social Benefits
This section outlines the benefits available to individuals, highlighting key advantages:
- Unlimited work and study rights: You can take up any job or profession and engage in education without constraint.
- Access to Medicare: You are eligible for Australia’s public healthcare system, which provides free or subsidised medical services.
- Social security: Depending on eligibility, you may access government-offered financial support and benefits, including unemployment assistance and family aid.
- Ability to sponsor relatives: You can assist your relatives in applying for visas that enable them to join you in Australia.
- Pathway to citizenship: It allows you to apply for Australian citizenship, thereby conferring additional rights such as voting and possession of an Australian passport.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them in 2025
Let’s explore some common challenges and practical ways to tackle them effectively.
Delays in Australia PR Processing Time
A large number of applicants are left wondering why their Australia PR applications are taking longer than anticipated. Deficiencies in the submitted forms, insufficient documentation, and thorough background security clearance investigations are the common causes.
How to avoid:
- Fill in a complete application and provide all the necessary paperwork.
- Respond fast to any department needs or inquiries.
- Keep your application consistent and error-free.
Difficulties in Skills Assessment and English Tests
If your skills assessment is unsuccessful, or if your English test score is below the minimum, your application may be rejected.
How to improve:
- Review the eligibility criteria carefully for your assessing authority.
- Prepare good evidence for your work experience and qualifications.
- Study tirelessly before your English language examination; if it requires counselling, you should do it.
- Score high marks at least beyond the minimum, as this will get you additional points and higher chances.
Want to work in Australia? Read: Australia Work Permit from India
Recent Updates and Immigration Policy Changes for 2025
The Australian government has updated its immigration policies for 2025 to better align with the country’s economic needs and streamline the migration process.
- Australia boosted PR places with a focus on high-demand skilled migrants.
- The points system now favours applicants with scores above 80 points for invitations.
- Skilled Occupation Lists up-to-date qualifications and occupations that are in demand.
- Indian IT professionals, doctors, and engineers face less difficulty in migrating to Australia through the new bilateral agreements between India and Australia.
Check official websites on immigration to find out the current changes, or get personalised help now with Visa Axis.
Conclusion
The Australia PR process for Indians is more accessible and transparent than ever, with many opportunities supported by faster Australia PR visa processing time and clear eligibility criteria. Understanding these basic steps can help you navigate the process in an easier way.
For personal assistance, contact Visa Axis on 7204955253 to get specialist support to guide you to success.
FAQs
Q1. What is my PR score for Australia, which I have to obtain, and I am an Indian applicant?
You must have at least 65 points in order to submit an application under the Australian PR. Nevertheless, with stiff competition, the majority of successful Indian applicants got an invitation of about 80-85 points or more in the recent past. A higher score will give you a better chance.
Q2. Is it possible to have an Australian PR jobless?
Yes, you can still be eligible for the Australian PR in the absence of a job offer. Provided you have the required points and your job is mentioned in the list of eligible skills, you may apply for subclass 189 or 190 visas. These types of visas are not bound to job offers.
Q3. Is it possible to involve my family in the PR application as well?
Yes, you may include your spouse and little children in your PR application. They will also be allowed to reside and work alongside you once your application is approved.
Q4. What are my chances in the event of my PR application being turned down?
In case of rejection of your PR application, you have an opportunity for an appeal after considering the reasons behind the rejection. Alternatives are to appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal or appeal against the particular reasons of rejection. It is strongly advised that you seek professional advice to increase your odds.
