Permanent residency (PR) in Australia gives you the right to live and work in Australia indefinitely, access Medicare, sponsor family members, and eventually apply for citizenship. It's the goal for hundreds of thousands of temporary visa holders, and there are more pathways to get there than most people realise.
Skilled migration pathways
Subclass 189 — Skilled Independent
For skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, state, or family member. You need to score at least 65 points on the points test (age, English, experience, qualifications) and be invited to apply through SkillSelect. No geographic restrictions — you can live and work anywhere in Australia.
Processing time: 6-12 months | Cost: $4,640
Subclass 190 — State Nominated
Similar to the 189 but requires nomination by an Australian state or territory government. Each state has its own occupation lists and criteria. State nomination adds 5 points to your total, making it accessible for applicants who fall just short of the 189 threshold.
Processing time: 6-12 months | Cost: $4,640
Subclass 491 — Skilled Work Regional (Provisional)
A provisional visa requiring state nomination or family sponsorship, with the condition that you live and work in a designated regional area. After 3 years on the 491, you can apply for the Subclass 191 permanent visa. Adds 15 points to your total.
Processing time: 6-12 months | Cost: $4,640
Employer-sponsored pathways
Subclass 186 — Employer Nomination Scheme
The main employer-sponsored PR pathway. Three streams: Temporary Residence Transition (for 482 visa holders after 2 years), Direct Entry (for applicants with skills assessments and 3 years of experience), and Labour Agreement. Most common route is 482 → 186 TRT.
Processing time: 6-18 months | Cost: $4,640
Subclass 494 → 191 — Regional Employer Sponsored
Employer-sponsored provisional visa for regional areas. After 3 years of living and working regionally, you can apply for the Subclass 191 permanent visa.
Family pathways
Subclass 820/801 — Partner (onshore)
For spouses or de facto partners of Australian citizens or permanent residents who are in Australia. Two-stage process: temporary (820) then permanent (801) after approximately 2 years.
Processing time: 12-24 months for 820, then 12-24 months for 801 | Cost: $9,095
Subclass 143 — Contributory Parent
For parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents. The contributory pathway is faster but significantly more expensive than the non-contributory option.
Processing time: 12-24 months | Cost: $47,955 + Assurance of Support bond
Subclass 103 — Parent (non-contributory)
Much cheaper than the contributory parent visa but with significantly longer processing times — currently estimated at 15-30 years.
Processing time: 15-30+ years | Cost: $4,990
Business and investment pathways
Subclass 188 → 888 — Business Innovation and Investment
For business owners, investors, and entrepreneurs. The 188 is a provisional visa; after meeting business or investment requirements in Australia, you can apply for the 888 permanent visa. Multiple streams with different requirements:
- Business Innovation: establish or manage a business in Australia
- Investor: invest at least $2.5 million in complying investments
- Significant Investor: invest at least $5 million in complying investments
- Entrepreneur: undertake entrepreneurial activities in Australia
Special eligibility pathways
Subclass 858 — Global Talent
For highly skilled professionals in target sectors (technology, health, financial services, education, resources, agri-food, defence, space, infrastructure, arts). Must be able to command a salary at or above the Fair Work high income threshold ($167,500/year) or demonstrate exceptional talent.
New Zealand pathway
New Zealand citizens living in Australia may be eligible for the Subclass 189 (NZ stream) after meeting income thresholds and residency requirements.
Which pathway is right for you?
The right pathway depends on your circumstances:
- High points score (65+)? → 189 or 190
- Have an employer willing to sponsor? → 482 → 186
- Partner is an Australian citizen/PR? → 820/801
- Willing to live regionally? → 491 → 191 (lower points threshold)
- Significant capital to invest? → 188 → 888
- Exceptional skills in a target sector? → 858 Global Talent
A registered migration agent can assess your circumstances across all pathways and recommend the fastest, most viable route. Many applicants are eligible for multiple pathways and should pursue the strongest one — or lodge concurrent applications where possible.