Thinking about starting a new life in Australia? You’re not alone. Every year, thousands of people from around the world choose to make Australia their permanent home. Whether it’s for better career opportunities, a safer environment, or simply a fresh start, Australia has a lot to offer.
If you’re currently living overseas and wondering how to move to Australia directly on a permanent residency (PR) visa, this guide will walk you through the process — step by step — in a way that’s easy to follow.
Step 1: Choose the Right PR Visa Pathway
The first thing you need to do is figure out which visa suits your situation best. Here are the main options:
- Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189): No sponsorship needed – just points-based selection.
- Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190): You’ll need a nomination from an Australian state or territory.
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491): For those willing to live and work in regional Australia; leads to PR later.
- Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186): Direct PR via employer sponsorship.
- Business & Investor Visas (subclass 188/888): For business owners or investors planning to operate in Australia.
Everyone’s situation is different, so choosing the right pathway is crucial.
Step 2: Make Sure You Meet the Requirements
For most skilled migration pathways (189, 190, and 491), you’ll need to meet some general criteria:
✔️ Be under 45 years of age
✔️ Have an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL)
✔️ Have a positive skills assessment in your field
✔️ Meet the English language requirement (usually IELTS 6.0 or equivalent)
✔️ Score at least 65 points on the immigration points test
✔️ Pass health and character checks
The higher your points score, the better your chances.
Step 3: Get a Skills Assessment
This is a formal process to prove that your qualifications and work experience meet Australian standards. It’s done through an official body depending on your occupation:
- IT professionals: Australian Computer Society (ACS)
- Engineers: Engineers Australia
- Accountants: CPA, CAANZ, or IPA
- Tradespeople: TRA or VETASSESS
Don’t skip this — it’s one of the most important documents in your PR journey.
Step 4: Take an English Test
Unless you’re from a native English-speaking country, you’ll need to prove your English ability. The most common test options are IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL. A higher score can also help boost your overall points.
Step 5: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Once you’ve got your documents in order, it’s time to submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect — the official government platform. You’ll need to include your:
- Skills assessment result
- English test score
- Education & work history
- Preferred visa options
- Points claim
From there, the Department of Home Affairs or a state/territory can invite you to apply for a visa.
Step 6: Apply for State Nomination (if going for 190 or 491)
If you’re aiming for a state-nominated visa, you’ll also need to apply directly to the state or territory you’re interested in. Each one has different requirements and occupations they prioritize — so be sure to check their criteria carefully.
Step 7: Wait for an Invitation
Once your EOI is submitted, all you can do is wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA). These are issued based on your occupation, points score, and demand in Australia. Some applicants receive their invitation within weeks — for others, it may take a few months.
Step 8: Lodge Your Visa Application
After receiving an ITA, you’ll have 60 days to lodge your full visa application online. Make sure you have all your documents ready:
- Identity and passport copies
- Skills assessment and English test
- Police clearances
- Medical check results
- Proof of relationship (if you’re including family)
Submit everything through your ImmiAccount and pay the visa fee.
Step 9: Wait for a Decision
Once you submit your application, the Department will start processing your case. Processing times vary, but they’ll contact you if they need more information. Be patient — good things take time!
Step 10: Get Your PR Visa Grant
If everything goes well, you’ll receive your visa grant letter, and congratulations — you’re officially a Permanent Resident of Australia! You can now live, work, and study in Australia and enjoy the benefits like Medicare and a clear pathway to citizenship.
✨ Final Thoughts
Migrating to Australia as a permanent resident is absolutely possible — even if you’re currently overseas. It just takes planning, the right documents, and a bit of patience.
If you’re unsure where to begin, it’s always a good idea to get expert help. As a Registered Migration Agent, I’ve helped many clients make the move successfully — and I’d be happy to guide you too.
Ready to Start Your Australian PR Journey?
Contact our team today for a personalized consultation. Let’s take the first step together.
