You’re about to discover everything you need to know to secure permanent residency (PR) in Australia. By the end of this guide, you’ll understand which visa stream fits your situation, how to meet health and character checks, financial requirements, cost variations and special pathways—especially if you’re starting on a temporary visa or targeting a regional location.

Exploring Visa Categories

Australia offers visas based on why you want to come here. The government’s Visa Finder helps you zero in on the right category.

• Purpose of Stay
• Migrating, Visiting, Working, Studying, Research, Family or Partner migration
• Visa Types
• Each purpose maps to specific subclasses
• Eligibility & Application
• Overview here directs you to detailed pages for criteria and process (Home Affairs Visa Finder “opens in a new tab”)

Permanent Residency Streams

Australia’s PR programs fall into four main streams. You’ll choose based on your skills, family ties or business background.

1. Skilled Migration
2. Skilled Independent (subclass 189)
3. Skilled Nominated (subclass 190)
4. Skilled Regional (Provisional) (subclass 491)
5. Family & Partner
6. Partner visas (subclass 820/801, 309/100)
7. Parent visas (subclass 103, 114)
8. Business & Investment
9. Business Innovation & Investment (Provisional) (subclass 188)
10. Business Innovation & Investment (subclass 888)
11. Global Talent
12. Distinguished Talent stream (subclass 858)

Points-Based System for Skilled Visas

You earn points for age, English proficiency, skilled employment, education and more. These factors form the Australian government’s points-based system for skilled migration “opens in a new tab”, under which you must score at least 65 points to lodge an Expression of Interest.

State and Territory Nomination

States and territories can nominate you in exchange for settling in their region. They maintain their own occupation lists and criteria.

From Temporary to Permanent Residency

Many start with a temporary visa before securing PR. For example:

• Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) → Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)
• Skilled Regional (Provisional) (subclass 491) → Skilled Regional (subclass 191)

This pathway lets you gain Australian work experience and meet points requirements.

“Gaining local work experience on a bridging visa can significantly strengthen your permanent residency application.” – Migration Law Specialist Dr. Emily Carter

Meeting Health and Character Checks

You must satisfy health and good character requirements to qualify for PR.

• Health Requirements
• Medical examination with a panel physician
• Chest X-ray, blood tests, medical history review
• Certain conditions may require further assessment per the Department of Health’s Immigration Medical Examination guidelines “opens in a new tab”
• Character Requirements
• National police checks in every country lived for 12+ months since turning 16
• Declaration of any criminal convictions
• Decision based on overall risk to the community; refer to the Australian Federal Police’s National Police Checks “opens in a new tab”

Proving Financial Stability and Other Obligations

You must show you can financially support yourself (and any dependents) in Australia.

• Evidence could include bank statements, payslips or employment contracts.
• Partner visas may require an Assurance of Support “opens in a new tab” from an Australian sponsor.
• You must sign the Australian Values Statement and review the Life in Australia booklet as part of the process for certain visas.

Navigating Residence Requirements and Absences

To maintain PR or apply for citizenship later, you must meet minimum residence terms:

• Four years’ lawful residence, including at least one year as a permanent resident
• No more than 12 months’ total absence in four years
• No more than 90 days’ absence in the 12 months before an application
• Special cases: former New Zealand citizens, or those with waivers
• Check your status with the online Residence Calculator (Residency Requirements) “opens in a new tab”

Understanding Costs and Fee Variations

Visa application charges differ by stream, family members and processing options.

1. Skilled Independent (189): AUD 4,240 for the primary applicant
2. Partner Visa (820/801): AUD 8,085
3. Business Innovation & Investment (188): starting at AUD 6,180
4. Global Talent (858): AUD 4,720
5. Additional applicant charges (dependent children): AUD 2,130 each

Fees may rise with priority processing or late applications (Visa Application Charges “opens in a new tab”)

Regional Migration Incentives

The government offers incentives to attract skilled migrants to regional Australia:

• Additional 15 points on the points test for the subclass 491
• Priority processing in some states
• Access to provisional to permanent pathways (subclass 191)

According to the Department of Immigration’s report on incentives for regional migration “opens in a new tab”, regional life can mean lower living expenses and targeted employment support.

Your Next Move

With this guide, you have a clear map of Australia’s permanent residency landscape. Decide on the stream that matches your profile, gather your documents, meet health and character checks, and track your residence history. Then lodge your application with confidence—Australia could be your new home in just a few steps.