Australia continues to be one of the top destinations for skilled workers seeking permanent residency. However, securing a Permanent Resident (PR) Visa requires meeting specific criteria, including achieving a minimum number of points on the Australia Points Test. This article will walk you through the minimum required points, how to calculate your points, eligibility criteria, benefits, step-by-step process, required documents, fees, and how Visas Abroad Services LLP, India’s leading immigration consultancy located in Gaur City Mall, Noida, can help you with the entire process.
What is the Australia Permanent Resident Visa Points Test?
The Australia Permanent Resident Visa points test is a key part of the skilled migration program, which assesses the eligibility of applicants based on various factors such as age, education, work experience, and English language proficiency. Each applicant is awarded points for these factors, and only those who meet the required points threshold are invited to apply for a visa.
The primary visa subclasses that require the points test are:
- Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa)
- Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa)
- Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa)
How Many Points Do You Need for Australia PR?
To apply for an Australia Permanent Resident Visa, applicants must score a minimum of 65 points on the points test. However, keep in mind that while 65 points is the minimum requirement, having more points increases your chances of receiving an invitation to apply, as invitation rounds are highly competitive. Generally, applicants with higher points (around 80-90) are more likely to get invited quickly.
How to Calculate Your Points for the Australia PR Visa
The points test assigns points based on several factors. Let’s break down each category to help you understand how to calculate your points.
Points Breakdown for the Australia Permanent Resident Visa
| Factor | Maximum Points | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 30 Points | 18–24 years = 25 points25–32 years = 30 points33–39 years = 25 points40–44 years = 15 points |
| English Language Proficiency | 20 Points | IELTS or PTE test scores are used. Competent English = 0, Proficient English = 10, Superior English = 20 |
| Skilled Employment Experience | 20 Points | 3–5 years of experience = 5 points, 5–8 years of experience = 10 points, 8+ years of experience = 15 points |
| Educational Qualifications | 20 Points | Australian Bachelor’s degree = 15 points, Doctorate = 20 points, Australian skilled trade qualification = 10 points |
| Partner Skills | 10 Points | If your partner also meets the requirements, you can gain additional points. |
| Nomination (Subclass 190) | 5 Points | If nominated by a state or territory government (for subclass 190 visa). |
| Australian Study Requirement | 5 Points | Completing an eligible Australian qualification. |
Example of How to Calculate Your Points:
| Category | Points Awarded |
|---|---|
| Age (25–32 years) | 30 Points |
| English Language (Proficient) | 10 Points |
| Skilled Employment (5-8 years) | 10 Points |
| Educational Qualifications (Bachelor Degree) | 15 Points |
| Australian Study Requirement | 5 Points |
| Nomination (Subclass 190) | 5 Points |
| Total Points | 75 Points |
In this example, the applicant would have 75 points, which meets the minimum requirement of 65 points for the Australia PR Visa.
Eligibility Criteria for the Australia Permanent Resident Visa
In addition to scoring a minimum of 65 points, there are several other eligibility criteria for applicants:
- Age: Applicants must be between 18 and 44 years old at the time of application.
- English Proficiency: Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. This can be proven through IELTS, PTE, or other recognized tests.
- Skills Assessment: A positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority is mandatory. Your occupation must be on the Skilled Occupation List.
- Health and Character: Applicants must pass health checks and provide a police clearance certificate from any country where they’ve lived for over 12 months in the past 10 years.
- Invitation to Apply: Applicants must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and receive an invitation to apply through SkillSelect.
Benefits of Australia Permanent Residency
Securing an Australia Permanent Resident Visa offers many advantages:
- Live, Work, and Study: You can live, work, and study anywhere in Australia without restrictions.
- Healthcare: Access to Australia’s Medicare system, which provides free or subsidized healthcare services.
- Education: Benefit from Australia’s world-class education system, including access to domestic tuition fees.
- Social Security: Access to social welfare benefits and pension plans.
- Path to Citizenship: After living in Australia for 4 years, you can apply for Australian citizenship.
Step-by-Step Process to Apply for Australia PR
The application process for the Australia Permanent Resident Visa can be broken down into the following steps:
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Ensure that your occupation is on the Skilled Occupation List and that you meet the other eligibility criteria, including age, work experience, and language proficiency.
Step 2: Skills Assessment
Complete a skills assessment with the relevant authority for your occupation. This is a mandatory requirement for skilled visa applicants.
Step 3: Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)
Submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect system. Based on your points, you will be ranked against other applicants. The higher your points, the better your chances of receiving an invitation.
Step 4: Receive an Invitation to Apply
If you meet the minimum points threshold, you will receive an invitation to apply for a PR visa. You will then have 60 days to submit your visa application.
Step 5: Submit Visa Application
Submit your complete visa application through the Department of Home Affairs website. Make sure to include all required documents, including your skills assessment, English language test results, and police clearance certificates.
Step 6: Wait for Decision
The processing time for PR visas can vary, but on average it takes about 6–12 months for the Department of Home Affairs to process your application.
Step 7: Receive Your PR Visa
If your application is approved, you will receive your Australia Permanent Resident Visa and be able to live and work in Australia permanently.
Documents Checklist for Australia PR Application
Here is a checklist of documents you will need to submit:
| Required Documents | Details |
|---|---|
| Skills Assessment | Evidence of a positive skills assessment for your occupation. |
| English Proficiency Test | IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL test results. |
| Passport | Valid passport for identification purposes. |
| Work Experience | Employment letters, pay slips, and job references. |
| Educational Qualifications | Academic certificates and transcripts. |
| Police Clearance | Police clearance from all countries you have lived in. |
| Health Examination | Results of a health examination by an approved doctor. |
| Proof of Funds | Bank statements or financial documents. |
Fees for Australia PR Visa
The application fees for Australia’s Permanent Residency Visa can vary depending on the visa subclass. Here’s an approximate breakdown:
| Fee Type | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Visa Application Fee (Subclass 189, 190, 491) | AUD 4,240 |
| Skills Assessment Fee | AUD 300–600 (depending on the assessing body) |
| English Language Test Fee | AUD 300–400 |
| Health Examination Fee | AUD 300–500 |
| Police Clearance Fee | Varies by country |
Proof of Funds for Australia PR Visa
Applicants may be required to demonstrate that they have enough funds to support themselves and their family in Australia. This can be shown through:
- Bank Statements: Recent bank statements showing available funds.
- Salary Slips: Documents showing your current income.
- Affidavits of Support: If you have a sponsor in Australia, their financial documents will be required.
How Visas Abroad Services LLP Can Help
Visas Abroad Services LLP, located in Gaur City Mall, Noida, is one of India’s leading immigration consultancy firms. We specialize in guiding individuals through the Australia PR visa process, helping you:
- Evaluate Your Eligibility: We assess your eligibility based on the latest requirements.
- Skills Assessment Guidance: We help you complete your skills assessment with the appropriate authorities.
- Maximize Your Points: We provide advice on how to maximize your points based on your age, experience, and qualifications.
- Document Preparation: Our experts will ensure that your documents are in order and meet Australian immigration standards.
- End-to-End Visa Application Support: From submission to approval, we assist you throughout the process.
