Australia has emerged as one of the most sought-after destinations for Indian professionals seeking permanent residency. With its high standard of living, abundant career opportunities, and multicultural society, it’s no surprise that thousands apply every year. However, understanding Australia PR eligibility for Indian citizens is essential before beginning your journey.
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): No sponsorship needed
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): Requires state nomination
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491): Requires regional area nomination
Each visa type has unique eligibility criteria, including skill assessment and point thresholds.
To apply for an Australian PR, Indian citizens must meet these general criteria:
Age: Below 45 years
English Proficiency: IELTS score of 6 or equivalent in all bands
Occupation: Must be on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL)
Skill Assessment: Must be positively assessed by an authorized body
Points Score: Minimum 65 points in the Australia PR points test
Health & Character: Must meet standard Australian requirements
You need at least 65 points to be eligible. Here’s how they’re calculated:
| Factor | Maximum Points |
|---|---|
| Age | 30 |
| English Proficiency | 20 |
| Skilled Employment (Overseas) | 15 |
| Australian Work Experience | 20 |
| Educational Qualifications | 20 |
| Australian Education | 5 |
| Regional Study | 5 |
| Partner Skills | 10 |
| State Nomination (190/491) | 5-15 |
The SOL lists jobs that are in demand in Australia. Indian applicants must have experience in one of these listed professions to be eligible.
Common occupations for Indians include:
IT professionals (Developer, Analyst Programmer)
Engineers (Mechanical, Civil, Electrical)
Accountants and Auditors
Registered Nurses and Healthcare Professionals
IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
TOEFL iBT
PTE Academic
OET (For healthcare professionals)
Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)
Minimum requirement: Equivalent to Competent English (IELTS 6 in each band)
Valid Passport
Skill Assessment Report
English Language Test Results
Educational Qualification Certificates
Work Experience Proof
Medical Certificate
Police Clearance Certificate
Partner’s Skills and Documents (if applicable)
Skill assessment is done by relevant assessing authorities like:
ACS (Australian Computer Society) for IT jobs
Engineers Australia for engineering professions
CPA/IPA/CAANZ for accountants
A positive assessment is mandatory before lodging your Expression of Interest (EOI).
Once you have all documents ready, submit your EOI on the SkillSelect platform. This is not an application but a formal expression that you want to migrate.
If applying for Subclass 190 or 491, you must:
Meet the criteria of the specific state/territory
Submit an application for nomination
Receive invitation to apply for PR
| Visa Type | Average Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Subclass 189 | 8–10 months |
| Subclass 190 | 6–9 months |
| Subclass 491 | 7–11 months |
Timelines can vary based on profile and demand for your occupation.
Primary applicant: AUD 4,640
Spouse: AUD 2,320
Dependent children: AUD 1,160 each
Other costs: Skill Assessment, IELTS/PTE, Police and Medical checks
Improve your IELTS/PTE scores
Gain more skilled work experience
Secure a nomination from a regional area
Use partner skills to gain extra points
Consider studying in Australia
Understanding Australia PR eligibility for Indian citizens is critical if you want to move there permanently. Focus on points accumulation, skill assessment, and keeping documentation accurate and up to date.
What is the minimum age for Australia PR eligibility for Indian citizens?
You must be under 45 years of age to apply for a skilled PR visa.
How many points do I need to apply for Australia PR from India?
A minimum of 65 points is required, but higher scores improve your chances.
Can I include my spouse and children in my PR application?
Yes, your spouse and dependent children can be included in your PR application.
Is IELTS mandatory for Australia PR eligibility for Indian citizens?
Yes, or an equivalent English proficiency test such as PTE, TOEFL, or OET.
Do I need a job offer to apply for PR in Australia?
Not for Subclass 189, but you may need nomination for Subclass 190/491.
How long does it take to get Australia PR from India?
Processing usually takes 6 to 12 months, depending on your profile and visa type.
Migrating to Australia is a life-changing decision, and for Indian citizens, it offers a blend of opportunity, security, and lifestyle. By understanding the comprehensive criteria, preparing necessary documents, and staying proactive, you can streamline the PR application process. Whether you’re a skilled professional, a graduate, or someone seeking better prospects, Australia PR eligibility for Indian citizens in 2025 is more accessible than ever—if you plan wisely.
