How to Get Australia PR in 2025 - 2026: Eligibility, Cost & Easiest Pathways
A lot of people dream of moving to Australia. Some want better pay. Some want safety and a calm lifestyle. Others just want a place where their kids can grow up with more opportunities. Whatever your reason is, Permanent Residency (PR) in Australia is one of the most trusted ways to build that future.
If you’ve been searching online, watching YouTube videos, or talking to friends who already live there, you might feel overwhelmed. Which visa is right for you? How many points do you need? Who even gets selected?
Let’s break it down so it actually makes sense.
Why do people prefer Australia PR?
Becoming a permanent resident doesn’t just give you a visa. It gives you stability.
Here’s what life looks like after PR:
- You can live anywhere in Australia
- You get access to Medicare and don’t worry much about medical bills
- Your kids can get quality public education
- You can later sponsor your close family
- Once you complete the residency period, you can apply for citizenship
And it’s no secret. Australia pays well. If you work in tech, engineering, nursing, teaching or construction, the difference in income can feel like a life upgrade.
The good part? In 2025 and 2026, most permanent residency spots are set aside for skilled workers. If you plan smartly, you can fit right in.
Which visa is the easiest?
There is no shortcut. The easier visa is simply the one that fits your profile the best.
Here are the common routes:
This is good for people who have decent points but not too high.
- A state picks you
- You get 5 bonus points
- You become a PR from day one
States like South Australia and Tasmania are currently inviting many IT, healthcare, accounting and engineering profiles.
491 Skilled Regional Visa → PR 191
This works well if you are okay living in regional Australia for a few years.
- +15 points from regional sponsorship
- Fewer applicants than major cities
- Later converts to PR (Subclass 191)
Honestly, this visa gives many the best chance to move faster.
This is the most flexible, but also the toughest.
- No sponsorship
- Direct PR
- Usually requires high points (80–90+)
Perfect for strong English and highly in-demand occupations.
Partner Visa
If your partner is an Australian citizen or PR.
- No points system
- Temporary visa first → then PR
- You must prove the relationship is real
Who can apply?
(Eligibility for Skilled PR in 2025)
You need to clear some basic checkpoints:
- Age: Under 45 years at the time you get an invitation
- Occupation: Should be on the skilled occupation list
- Skills Assessment: Done by an approved authority
- English Test: Minimum IELTS 6 band (or equivalent score in accepted language exams)
- Points Score: Minimum 65, but higher points get noticed faster
If you’re in your late 20s or early 30s with strong English, your chances improve a lot.
How much does it cost in 2025?
Let’s be real: it’s not cheap. But it is a life investment.
A single applicant usually spends around AUD 7,000 to 12,000.
Here’s a basic breakdown:
| Step | About | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Skill Assessment Report | A skills assessment report is issued by relevant skills assessment authorities to determine whether the applicant's skills meet the standards set for work in a relevant occupation. | Note: Processing fees for skill assessment reports vary with the assessing authorities in Australia. |
| Language Proficiency Exam |
International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic or General Training) Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) Occupational English Test (OET) Cambridge C1 Advanced test |
INR 18,000/- INR 17,000/- AUD $587 (approx. INR 32,979) |
| Submission of expression of interest (EOI) profile | On the basis of your skill assessment report and the language exam, your profile will be submitted. You do not need to pay any fees to the government agencies in Australia for the submission of your expression of interest (EOI) profile. | No Fees |
|
Submission of the application under • Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) • Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) |
On the basis of your eligibility, an application under the Skilled
Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) will be submitted. State application
processing fees after invite: ACT: AUD $300 New South Wales: No Fees* Northern Territory: No Fees* Queensland: AUD $300 South Australia: AUD $359 Tasmania: AUD $300 Victoria: No Fees* Western Australia: AUD $200 *Fees are subject to change by state governments |
|
| Submitting an ITA application |
Following receipt of the ITA, we will assist you with PCC and medical
examinations, as well as finalising the application. Application Fees: AUD $4,770 |
|
Most skilled applicants get a decision in 6–12 months if everything is accurate.
A personal note
A lot of people wait because they feel nervous. Some keep thinking they need more points. Some worry they might get rejected.
The truth is:
the earlier you start, the more options you have.
Rules change. Points increase. Invitation rounds become stricter. But those who take action early stay ahead.
Your Australia dream doesn’t start when your visa is granted.
It starts when you decide to apply.
