If you’re a skilled professional looking to build your future in Australia, gaining Permanent Residency (PR) is one of the best pathways. Australia PR not only allows you to live and work in the country indefinitely but also opens doors to citizenship, healthcare benefits, and a secure future for your family.
In this blog, we’ll cover Australia PR requirements for professionals, eligibility factors, skilled visa options, points calculation, and everything you need to know to make your migration journey smoother.
Australia is among the top destinations for skilled workers due to its high living standards, stable economy, and demand for international talent. Professionals often migrate to Australia for:
Better job opportunities in IT, healthcare, engineering, finance, and education.
High-paying salaries compared to other countries.
A multicultural environment with global exposure.
Access to Medicare (public healthcare) and social security benefits.
A clear pathway to Australian citizenship.
To apply for an Australian PR visa as a professional, you must meet certain requirements. Here’s an overview:
Must be under 45 years at the time of invitation.
Younger applicants (25–33 years) score the highest points.
Need to prove English skills through tests like IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL.
Minimum required score:
Competent English (IELTS 6 in each band or PTE 50) is the baseline.
Higher scores (Proficient or Superior English) earn more PR points.
Must undergo an assessment by an authorized assessing body related to your profession (e.g., ACS for IT professionals, Engineers Australia for engineers, AHPRA for healthcare professionals).
This ensures your qualifications and experience match Australian standards.
Your job must be listed in the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) or Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
Popular in-demand professions:
IT Specialists
Engineers
Nurses & Healthcare Workers
Accountants & Finance Experts
Teachers
Relevant professional experience (inside or outside Australia) is essential.
More years of experience = higher PR points.
Must undergo a medical examination.
Police clearance certificates are required from all countries where you lived for more than 12 months.
Australia uses a points-based immigration system. You need at least 65 points to be eligible for PR.
| Factor | Points |
|---|---|
| Age | Up to 30 |
| English Proficiency | Up to 20 |
| Work Experience | Up to 20 |
| Education Qualification | Up to 20 |
| Partner Skills | Up to 10 |
| Australian Study / Regional Study | 5–15 |
| Nomination by State/Territory | 5–15 |
👉 The higher your score, the better your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for PR.
There are multiple pathways for skilled professionals to get PR:
Points-tested visa.
No need for sponsorship from employer, state, or family.
Best option for professionals with high PR points.
Requires nomination from an Australian state/territory.
Provides additional 5 PR points.
Suitable for those whose occupations are in demand in specific states.
Requires regional sponsorship.
Temporary visa for 5 years but leads to PR after meeting conditions.
Extra 15 points for regional sponsorship.
Check if your profession is on the Skilled Occupation List.
Take an English test (IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL).
Get your skills assessed by the relevant assessing authority.
Calculate your points for PR eligibility.
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect.
Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR.
Submit PR application with required documents.
Wait for PR decision (processing time usually 6–12 months).
What is the minimum score required for Australia PR?
You need at least 65 points, but higher scores (85–95+) increase your chances.
Is job offer mandatory for Australia PR?
No, you can apply without a job offer through Subclass 189 or 190 visas.
Which English test is accepted for Australia PR?
IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, OET (for healthcare professionals), and Cambridge C1 are accepted.
How much work experience is required for PR?
At least 3 years of skilled work experience can boost your PR points.
Can professionals above 40 apply for PR?
Yes, but PR points reduce with age. Maximum age is 44 years at application time.
Do professionals need sponsorship for PR?
Not always. Subclass 189 doesn’t need sponsorship, but Subclass 190 and 491 require state or regional nomination.
Australia PR requirements for professionals may seem complex, but with the right planning, eligibility checks, and documentation, you can secure your PR successfully. Professionals with in-demand skills, strong English scores, and sufficient work experience stand the best chance of approval.
If you’re a skilled professional aiming for a long-term future in Australia, start early with skill assessment and English preparation. The sooner you meet the PR requirements, the faster you can begin your journey toward permanent residency and citizenship.
