Overview of Main Australian PR Categories

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

This visa is for invited workers with skills needed in Australia who don't require sponsorship by an employer or family member or a nomination by a state or territory government. It's points tested, with applicants needing to score sufficiently in the Department of Home Affairs points grid.

Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

For individuals with skills in demand in a specific state or territory in Australia. Applicants must be nominated by an Australian state or territory and score adequately in the points test.

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)

This is a provisional visa for skilled workers nominated by a state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member living in a designated regional area.

Partner Visa (Subclasses 820 and 801/100)

For individuals seeking to live in Australia with their Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen partner. This category includes both provisional/temporary visas and permanent visas.

Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 188)

Targeted at individuals who can contribute to the nation's economy through business innovation, investment, or entrepreneurship. This visa is provisional and can lead to a permanent Business Innovation and Investment (Residence) Visa (Subclass 888).

Eligibility Requirements

Although eligibility criteria can vary significantly across different PR categories, there are common factors that all applicants must typically meet:

• Age: Most PR categories have an age limit, usually under 45 years at the time of invitation.
• English Language Proficiency: Applicants are required to prove their English language skills, often through tests such as IELTS, OET, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, or Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE).
• Skills Assessment: For skilled migration visas, applicants must have their skills assessed as suitable for their nominated occupation by the relevant assessing authority.
• Health and Character Requirements: All applicants must meet the Australian health and character requirements, including undergoing a medical examination and providing police clearance certificates.

Specific Eligibility Criteria

• Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): Requires an invitation to apply, achieved by submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and scoring sufficiently in the points test based on factors like age, English proficiency, skilled work experience, and education.
• Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): Similar to the Subclass 189, but requires nomination by an Australian state or territory government. The points test still applies, but being nominated provides additional points.
• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491): Applicants must be nominated by a state or territory government or be sponsored by an eligible relative living in a designated regional area. The points test also applies, with additional points for regional nomination or sponsorship.
• Partner Visa (Subclasses 820 and 801/100): Requires being in a genuine and continuing relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. Applicants must provide evidence of their relationship, including financial aspects, nature of the household, social matters, and the commitment between partners.
• Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 188): Applicants must be nominated by a state or territory government or Austrade and meet additional requirements specific to the stream they are applying under, such as a successful business or investment history and sufficient personal and business assets.

Document Checklist

Common documents required for Australian PR applications include:

• Identity Documents: Passport biographical pages, birth certificates, and national identity cards.
• English Language Test Results: Evidence of meeting the English language requirements.
• Skills Assessment Report: From the relevant assessing authority for the nominated occupation.
• Employment References: Detailed work experience documentation, including job positions, duties, and periods of employment.
• Educational Qualifications: Certificates and transcripts for all completed educational qualifications.
• Health Examinations: Completed by approved panel physicians.
• Police Clearance Certificates: From every country lived in for 12 months or more during the past ten years.

Specific visa categories may require additional documents

• Skilled Visas (189, 190, 491): Expressions of Interest (EOI), state or territory nomination documents, and documents supporting the points test claims, such as partner skills documents.
• Partner Visas: Evidence of the relationship, such as marriage or de facto partnership certificates, joint financial documents, joint tenancy agreements, and statements from friends and family.
• Business Innovation and Investment Visa: Business and investment documentation, evidence of assets and their ownership, and a detailed business proposal or investment intention.