How to get PR in Australia: job and non-job pathways explained

There is more than one way to get PR in Australia. For example, some routes depend on a job or employer. Others, however, rely on your skills score, a state nomination, an exceptional record or a relationship with an Australian. This guide explains how to get PR in Australia through each main pathway, using only the Department of Home Affairs website.

Last verified: 12 October 2026. Permanent residence (PR) lets you live, work and study in Australia indefinitely, enrol in Medicare and later apply for citizenship if eligible.

Australia PR pathways at a glance

Note that these are base visa costs. In addition, family members, health checks, police certificates and skills assessments cost extra. Also, from 1 July 2026, lower costs apply to eligible citizens of Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste.

Job-based pathways to Australian PR

1. Employer sponsored: 482 to 186

An approved sponsor nominates you for a Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482). Then, after usually 2 years of full-time sponsored work, the same employer can nominate you for the permanent Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186). Read our full guide to 186 visa requirements.

2. Regional employer sponsored: 494 to 191

The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa (subclass 494) lets a regional employer sponsor you. To qualify, you must be nominated by an approved work sponsor, be under 45, have a skills assessment and meet English standards. After 3 years, you may then move to the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) if you meet its income and visa rules.

How to get PR in Australia without a job offer

3. Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)

You need an occupation on the eligible list, a skills assessment, at least 65 points and an invitation through SkillSelect. However, no sponsor is needed. See our step-by-step guide to the Skilled Independent visa 189.

4. Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)

This visa works like the 189, but a state or territory government nominates you. Even so, you still need an eligible occupation, a skills assessment, an invitation and a pass on the points test.

5. Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491), then 191

First, a state or territory government agency nominates you, or an eligible relative sponsors you. The 491 is a 5-year provisional visa for living and working in a designated regional area. After 3 years, you can then apply for permanent residence through the subclass 191.

6. National Innovation visa (subclass 858)

This permanent visa is for people with an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in an eligible area. Also, you must be invited and must apply within 60 days of the invitation.

7. Partner visa (subclass 820 and 801)

If you are married to, or in a de facto relationship with, an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen, you can apply in Australia for the temporary 820 and permanent 801 visas together. In other words, the 820 is the first step and leads directly to the permanent 801.

How to get PR in Australia: which pathway fits you?

• You have a job offer from an Australian employer: look at the 482 to 186 route, or 494 if the job is regional.
• You have strong points but no job offer: start with the 189, and consider 190 or 491 state nomination too.
• You are open to living outside the big cities: regional visas give a route to PR after 3 years.
• You have an Australian partner: the partner visa is the direct route.
• You are a leader in research, business or the arts: check the National Innovation visa.

How long do these visas take?

Home Affairs currently prioritises skilled visas under Ministerial Direction No. 122. In October 2026, it reported working on 190 applications from outside Australia lodged in or before February 2025, and 189 applications from outside Australia lodged in or before November 2025. By contrast, applicants already in Australia, and those in priority sectors such as construction, healthcare and teaching, are processed sooner.

So plan for months, not weeks. Also, anyone promising PR in a few days is not describing an official pathway.

How to get PR in Australia step by step

1. Check your occupation on the Home Affairs skilled occupation list.
2. Book an English test and aim above Competent English, because higher scores add points.
3. Get a skills assessment from the authority listed for your occupation.
4. Use the official points calculator.
5. Submit an expression of interest in SkillSelect, or apply for state nomination, or secure an approved sponsor.
6. Apply within the deadline on your invitation, with documents for every claim.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get PR in Australia without a job?

Yes. For example, the 189, 190, 491, National Innovation and partner visas do not need a job offer.

What is the cheapest way to get PR in Australia?

The 191 costs from AUD630, but you must first hold an eligible regional visa for 3 years. Among direct PR visas, by comparison, the 189 starts from AUD6,135.

Is there a new PR pathway in 2026?

On 17 September 2026, the government announced a redesigned points test. However, as of 12 October 2026, Home Affairs had not published a start date, so the current rules still apply.

Official sources

• Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)
• Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)
• Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)
• Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491)
• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa (subclass 494)
• Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191)
• National Innovation visa (subclass 858)
• Partner visa (subclass 820 and 801)

This guide is general information, not migration advice. Check each official page before you apply.