When considering migration pathways, one of the most frequently discussed topics is Australia's PR requirements. The Permanent Residency (PR) program operates on a points-tested system designed to attract skilled professionals who can contribute to the country’s workforce and economy. The Department of Home Affairs has established a set of non-negotiable conditions that every applicant must meet.


A minimum of 65 points is required to qualify for Australian PR under the General Skilled Migration framework, although in practice, higher scores often increase the likelihood of receiving an invitation.

What are the Official Requirements for an Australian PR (Department of Home Affairs)

  • The system is points-tested and examines candidates across multiple criteria, including age, English proficiency, education, work experience, and nominated occupation.

  •  Each factor is weighted differently to ensure that individuals with skills most relevant to Australia’s labour market are given priority. Understanding these requirements in detail is crucial before submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI), as they form the foundation of every successful PR application. 

Requirement

What it Means

Age Limit

Must be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation.

English Language Minimum

Must prove at least competent English via an approved test (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, etc.).

Occupation & Skills Assessment

Nominated occupation must be on the Skilled Occupation List, with a positive assessment from the assessing authority.

Health Clearance

Medical examinations are required to confirm that applicants meet Australia’s health standards.

Character Clearance

Police clearance certificates are required to prove good character.


These are fixed, non-negotiable rules set by the government.

How Long Does Australia PR Visa Processing Take?

According to official guidelines,  the average processing time for an Australian PR visa is often up to 12 months or more, depending on the subclass/document completeness/health & character checks, but this varies depending on the visa subclass, occupation demand, and the completeness of your application.

Factors that influence the timeline include:

  • How quickly can you provide all supporting documents

  • Health and character checks

  • Priority processing for certain sectors (e.g., healthcare, teaching)

  • State or regional nomination, which may fast-track applications

Australia PR Eligibility

Australia PR eligibility refers to whether an applicant qualifies under the points-tested framework. Eligibility is judged individually based on factors such as age, skills, and experience. To qualify, you must be under 45 at the time of invitation, prove English language ability through an approved test, and secure a positive skills assessment in your nominated occupation.

These factors determine if an individual applicant is competitive enough for an invitation.

Eligibility Factor

Key Details

Points Test

Must score a minimum of 65 points (higher scores improve chances).

Age Bracket

Age range influences points — 25–32 years scores the maximum.

English Proficiency

Higher test scores (proficient or superior) add extra points.

Work Experience

Skilled employment inside or outside Australia adds points depending on the years.

Educational Qualifications

Diploma, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees can earn points.

Partner Skills

If your spouse/partner meets the skill and English requirements, you gain additional points.

Regional/State Nomination

Sponsorship from a state/territory or regional nomination boosts points.


Australia PR Required Documents

The australia pr required documents matter because documentation often makes or breaks an application, and the most important ones are a valid passport, identity proof, and police clearance. These must be accurate, certified, and uploaded on time.

Key documents include:

  • Valid passport and identity proof

  • Positive skills assessment report

  • English language test results (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, etc.)

  • Educational certificates and transcripts

  • Employment references, payslips, or tax records

  • Police clearance certificates from every country lived in for 12+ months

  • Health examination results

  • Partner’s qualifications/English test (if claiming partner points)

  • Marriage or birth certificates for family members

  • Proof of state or regional nomination, if applicable

A minimum of 65 points is required for an Australian PR. Learn official requirements, eligibility criteria, visa processing time, and key documents.