An overview
Among the most popular destinations for immigration is Australia. The country welcomes skilled workers, families, and students because of its stable economy, high living standards, and world-class education.
Permanent Residency (PR) is the ultimate goal for those who wish to make Australia their permanent home. With PR status, immigrants are able to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely. They have most of the same rights as Australian citizens (with the exception of voting and holding some government jobs).
The Australia PR visa process (2025) is outlined in this comprehensive guide, detailing eligibility requirements, application stages, documents required, costs, and citizenship options.
What is Australian Permanent Residency?
In Australia, immigrants with a Permanent Residency (PR) visa are able to:
- Live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely.
- Healthcare coverage is provided by Medicare.
- Sponsor eligible family members.
- Be an Australian citizen by meeting the residency requirements.
- Australian citizens can travel freely inside and outside their country for five years (renewable).
Pathways to Australia through PR
There are several categories of visas that can be used to apply for Permanent Residency. There are several common types:
- Migration visas for skilled workers (General Skilled Migration – GSM)
- Visa for independent skilled workers (subclass 189).
- Visa for Nominated Skilled Workers (Subclass 190)
- As a result of the Regional (Provisional) Skilled Worker Visa (Subclass 191), the Regional (Provisional) Skilled Worker Visa (Subclass 491) is granted.
- Sponsorship of visas by employers
- Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Subclass 186
- Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) subclass 187
- Streaming Visas for Families
- Parental, child, and partner visas.
- Investment and business visas
- Aimed at entrepreneurs and investors.
There is a common pathway for skilled migrants (points-tested), which is referred to as Skilled Migration.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
In order to qualify for PR under Australia’s points-based system, you must first check your eligibility.
Eligibility Guidelines
- At the time of application, candidates must be under 45 years old.
- Skilled Occupation List (SOL) occupation required.
- IELTS, PTE, or an equivalent English proficiency test is required.
- Work experience: Relevant skilled employment in or outside of Australia.
- It is necessary to pass medical and police checks.
Step 2: Decide on the right type of PR visa
Visa for Skilled Independent Workers (Subclass 189)
- There is no need for sponsorship.
- A worker whose occupation is on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
- Tests based on points.
Visa for Nominated Skilled Workers (Subclass 190)
- States and territories are required to nominate candidates.
- It must be listed on the state’s list of occupations.
- Nominations earn extra points in a points-tested system.
For skilled workers, the Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) is a subclass of the PR Subclass 191.
- Provisional visa for five years.
- The program requires sponsorship by a regional organization or a family.
- A PR can be obtained after living and working in a regional area for three years.
Step 3: Skills Evaluation
Assessment Authorities (e.g., Engineers Australia, ACS for IT, ANMAC for nursing) must assess applicants’ qualifications and experience.
- As a result of the assessment, Australian standards have been confirmed.
- Occupational fees and processing times vary.
Step 4: Assess your English proficiency
The following tests must be taken to prove your English proficiency:
- The IELTS requires a minimum score of 6 in each band in order to gain a point.
- PTE for academics.
- Candidates must take the TOEFL iBT, the Cambridge (CAE), or the OET (for healthcare workers).
Step 5: Determine your PR score
The points system evaluates applicants based on:
- Maximum 30 points (age group 25-32 is best).
- Points up to 20 in English.
- Depending on your work experience, you can earn up to 20 points.
- A maximum of 20 points can be awarded for education.
- Bonus points for studying or working in Australia.
- Nominations from states/regions: An extra 5-15 points.
Minimum score: 65 points (higher scores increase invitation chances).
Step 6: Submit a request for Expression of Interest (EOI)
Once the requirements have been met:
- Create a profile in the SkillSelect system.
- Give an overview of your education, experience, and skills.
- Choose a type of visa (189, 190, or 491).
- EOIs are ranked and candidates who rank highest are invited to apply (ITAs).
Step 7: Apply for an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
Upon successful submission of your EOI:
- Your invitation to apply for a PR visa (ITA) will be sent to you.
- Depending on the points and occupation demand, invitations are issued monthly.
- There is a greater chance of winning if you have a higher point total.
Step 8: Visa application Submission
After receiving your ITA, follow these steps:
- Online applications can be submitted through ImmiAccount.
- Uploading documents is required.
- Visa applications must be paid.
Documents typical of this type include:
- A valid passport is required.
- Skills assessment results.
- Test results in English.
- Education transcripts.
- Employment referrals.
- A medical examination’s results.
- Police clearance certifications.
Step 9: Assessing your health and character
Dependents and applicants must take the following tests:
- Doctors approved by the panel conduct examinations.
- Nigerian police clearance certificates (and any other country you have lived in for more than 12 months in the past 10 years).
Step 10: Wait for processing
Depending on the category, visa processing times vary:
- 189 Subclass: 6-12 months.
- Subclass 190: 6–12 months.
- Subclass 491 → 191: Initial 491 issued for 5 years, PR granted later.
Step 11: Visa granting
If successful, the following will be sent to you:
- The Visa Grant Notice contains the conditions, entry dates, and visa number.
- The right to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely.
Step 12: Acquire citizenship (later)
Applicants who have held PR for four years and lived in Australia for at least one year may apply for Australian citizenship, provided they meet the requirements for residency and character.
Costs of PR in Australia (2025)
- Fee for primary applicants: approx. AUD 4,500 – 4,800.
- Adult secondary applicant: approximately. AUD 2,300.
- Child applicant: approx. AUD 1,100.
- Extra costs: Skills assessment, English test, medical exam, police certificate, and translation.
Advantages of PR in Australia
- Permanent residence, employment, and education rights.
- (Medicare) Health insurance coverage.
- Sponsorship rights for family members.
- The citizenship pathway.
- Education and career opportunities.
- Travel flexibility for 5 years (renewable).
Challenges associated with PR applications
- Points-based competition.
- Paperwork is complex.
- The process is time-consuming.
- Accuracy and updating of documents are essential.
Tips for Success for Nigerian Applicants
- Using the Skilled Occupation List, you can find the right occupation for you.
- In order to maximize your score, you should take IELTS/PTE early.
- References with real work experience are preferred.
- Ensure the settlement is financially feasible.
- The demand for skilled migration is high, so you should apply as soon as possible.
- Keep up-to-date – immigration rules may change in 2025.
Nigerian IT professional: A typical case
- Age: 30 (25 points)
- English: IELTS score of 8 (20 points)
- Work Experience: 5 years (10 points)
- Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree (15 points)
- State Nomination (190 visa): 5 points
Total Points = 75 → Very competitive → High chance of ITA.
A PR’s most common reasons for rejection
- Incorrect or inconsistent documents.
- Standards of health or character are not met.
- Misrepresentation of work experience occurs.
- Comparatively, it has low points.
- Choosing the wrong occupation when applying.
In conclusion
A PR visa for Australia in 2025 will require careful planning, solid documentation, and a competitive points score. The benefits of living in this country include access to citizenship, countless opportunities, and pathways to citizenship.
The application process for Nigerians and other international applicants involves skills assessment, an English test, an expression of interest, an invitation to apply, and a visa application.
The skills you possess will enable you to secure a permanent future in Australia as a skilled migrant.