How to Apply for an Australia PR Visa from India – Complete Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

Australia is one of the most preferred destinations for Indians seeking permanent residency (PR). With a strong economy, high standard of living, excellent healthcare, world-class education, and clear immigration pathways, Australia continues to attract skilled professionals, students, and families from India.

If you are planning to apply for an Australia PR visa from India, this complete guide will help you understand visa options, eligibility, points system, documents, cost, processing time, and the step-by-step application process.

Why Choose Australia for Permanent Residency?

Australia consistently ranks among the best countries to live and work. Here’s why Indian applicants prefer Australia PR:

·         High demand for skilled professionals

·         Transparent and points-based immigration system

·         Access to Medicare (public healthcare)

·         Free education for children in public schools

·         Pathway to Australian citizenship

·         Strong Indian community across major cities

·         Work-life balance and employee rights

Once you obtain PR, you can live, work, and study anywhere in Australia indefinitely.

Australia PR Visa Options for Indians

Australia offers several PR pathways, but the most popular ones for applicants from India are:

1. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

·         Points-tested PR visa

·         No state or employer sponsorship required

·         Invitation-only visa

·         High competition

2. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

·         Requires nomination from an Australian state or territory

·         Points-tested

·         Offers additional 5 points for nomination

3. Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)

·         State or family-sponsored regional visa

·         15 additional points for nomination

·         PR pathway after 3 years

4. Employer Sponsored PR Visas

·         Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)

·         Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Subclass 187 – limited cases)

5. Family Stream PR Visas

·         Partner visa

·         Parent visa

·         Child visa

For most skilled professionals in India, Subclass 189, 190, and 491 are the best options.

Australia PR Points System (Skilled Migration)

Australia PR is based on a points test, and you need a minimum of 65 points to be eligible. However, higher points significantly increase your chances of receiving an invitation.

Key Factors That Affect Your Points

·         Age

·         English language ability

·         Education qualification

·         Skilled work experience (India & overseas)

·         Australian work/study experience

·         State nomination

·         Partner skills

Age Points

·         18–24 years: 25 points

·         25–32 years: 30 points (maximum)

·         33–39 years: 25 points

·         40–44 years: 15 points

English Language Points

·         Competent English (IELTS 6): 0 points

·         Proficient English (IELTS 7): 10 points

·         Superior English (IELTS 8): 20 points

Step-by-Step Process to Apply for Australia PR from India

Step 1: Check Your Occupation List

Your occupation must be listed on:

·         Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)

·         Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)

·         Regional Occupation List (ROL)

Each visa subclass has different occupation requirements.

Step 2: Skill Assessment

Skill assessment is mandatory and must be done through the relevant assessing authority such as:

·         ACS (IT professionals)

·         Engineers Australia

·         VETASSESS

·         CPA / CA / ANZSCO authorities

Your qualifications and work experience in India are assessed against Australian standards.

Step 3: English Language Test

You must appear for an approved English test:

·         IELTS

·         PTE Academic

·         TOEFL iBT

·         OET

Higher English scores = higher PR points.

Step 4: Calculate Your PR Points

Calculate your total PR points accurately. If your score is low, consider:

·         Improving English scores

·         Gaining more work experience

·         Applying for state nomination

·         Including partner skills

Step 5: Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)

Create and submit an EOI in SkillSelect.
This is not a visa application, but a profile that allows Australian states and the federal government to select you.

Step 6: Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA)

If your profile is competitive, you may receive:

·         Direct invitation (Subclass 189)

·         State nomination invitation (Subclass 190 or 491)

Invitations are issued during SkillSelect rounds.

Step 7: Lodge Australia PR Visa Application

After receiving the invitation, you must apply within 60 days and submit:

·         Personal documents

·         Skill assessment

·         English test results

·         Work experience proofs

·         Police clearance certificates

·         Medical examination

Step 8: Medical & Police Verification

·         Medical tests from approved panel doctors in India

·         Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) from India and any other country you lived in

Step 9: Visa Decision

Processing time depends on:

·         Visa subclass

·         Accuracy of documents

·         Number of applications

Once approved, you receive a PR visa grant letter.

Australia PR Processing Time from India (Approx.)

·         Subclass 189: 8–12 months

·         Subclass 190: 7–10 months

·         Subclass 491: 6–9 months

Processing times may vary.

Cost of Australia PR Visa from India (Approx.)

·         Main applicant: AUD 4,640

·         Spouse: AUD 2,320

·         Child: AUD 1,160

Additional costs:

·         Skill assessment

·         English test

·         Medical examination

·         PCC

·         Agent fees (if applicable)

Benefits After Getting Australia PR

·         Live and work permanently in Australia

·         Free or subsidized healthcare (Medicare)

·         Social security benefits (after waiting period)

·         Sponsor eligible family members

·         Apply for Australian citizenship after residency requirement

Common Reasons for Australia PR Rejection

·         Incorrect skill assessment

·         Low PR points

·         Incomplete documentation

·         Wrong occupation selection

·         False or misleading information

Professional guidance can help avoid costly mistakes.

Tips to Improve Your Australia PR Chances

·         Aim for IELTS 8 or PTE 79+

·         Choose the right ANZSCO occupation

·         Apply for state nomination

·         Keep documents updated

·         Submit accurate work experience evidence

Final Thoughts

Applying for an Australia PR visa from India is a structured but competitive process. With the right planning, correct occupation selection, strong English scores, and accurate documentation, your dream of settling in Australia can become a reality.

Starting early and understanding the system clearly is the key to success.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the minimum points required for Australia PR from India?

The minimum requirement is 65 points, but higher points improve your chances of receiving an invitation.

2. Can I apply for Australia PR without a job offer?

Yes. Subclass 189 and 190 do not require a job offer.

3. Which English test is best for Australia PR?

IELTS and PTE Academic are the most popular. PTE is often preferred due to faster results.

4. How long does Australia PR take from India?

On average, 6 to 12 months, depending on visa type and profile strength.

5. Can I include my spouse and children in my PR application?

Yes, you can include eligible dependents in the same application.

6. Is work experience from India valid for Australia PR?

Yes, Indian work experience is valid if it matches Australian standards.

7. What is the age limit for Australia PR?

You must be under 45 years at the time of invitation.

8. Is state nomination easier than independent PR?

Yes, state nomination often improves chances due to lower points cut-offs.

9. Can I apply for Australia PR while living in India?

Yes, the entire process can be completed from India.

10. Does Australia PR lead to citizenship?

Yes, after meeting residency and other requirements, you can apply for Australian citizenship.