Your guide to becoming an Australian permanent resident.
Independent, weekly-updated analysis of six PR streams — skilled, employer, partner, parent, business, and talent. Each pathway page links you to primary legislation, current fees, and processing timelines. Built by people who have been through the process — not by anyone selling you a service.
Skilled migration
Points-tested visas for independent and state-nominated applicants. No employer or family sponsor needed.
Partner visas
For spouses, de facto partners, and prospective marriage. Onshore, offshore, and AAT review pathways.
Parent visas
Contributory and non-contributory options. Balance-of-family test, AoS bonds, Medicare obligations.
Business & Investment
BIIP streams, 188-to-888 transition, and post-2024 reform landscape.
Global Talent & Distinguished Talent
Subclass 858 for 10 priority sectors, nomination strategies, and legacy 124 pathway.
At a glance
Which skilled pathway fits your situation?
A compressed view of the five subclasses against the dimensions that matter most when choosing. Full analysis on each pathway page.
Sponsor required
Geographic constraint
Points-tested
Permanent on grant
Typical processing
Occupation list
Processing times are 75th-percentile current published figures from Home Affairs. CSOL = Core Skills Occupation List (replaced MLTSSL/STSOL Dec 2024).
Editorial principles
Why we built this — and what we won't do.
Every claim links to a primary source.
Points thresholds, occupation entries, invitation cut-offs — every figure on this site cites Home Affairs, the Federal Register of Legislation, or a state nomination announcement.
We do not sell migration services.
No agent referrals. No paid placements. No "book a free consultation" funnels.
Updates reflect what actually changed.
Pathway pages carry a Last reviewed date. When legislation, instruments, or state lists shift, we update the explainer.
Recently updated
- 2026–27 Migration Program: 185,000 places, 70% skilled, onshore-priority entrenched
- Government confirms Points Test reform on roadmap — younger, higher-skilled bias signalled
- Subclass 186 ENS: direct entry vs Temporary Residence Transition stream
- Subclass 190: state nomination, occupation match, and post-arrival obligations
- Trades Recognition Australia launches onshore assessment program — +4,000 trades workers/year targeted
- Subclass 189: complete pathway breakdown for skilled independent migration
Common questions
Eight questions every PR applicant asks.
+How many points do I really need to get an invitation?
For subclass 189 in 2026, invitation cut-offs sit between 70–90 points depending on occupation and round size. High-volume occupations (accountants, software engineers, civil engineers) clear around 85–95. Less-competitive occupations may be invited at 70.
+Can I apply for PR without using a registered migration agent?
Yes. The Department of Home Affairs allows applicants to lodge and manage their own visa applications via ImmiAccount. A registered migration agent (MARN) is recommended where evidence is complex or the case has a refusal history.
+What English level is required?
Competent English (IELTS 6 each band) is the minimum for points-tested visas. Proficient (IELTS 7) earns +10; Superior (IELTS 8) earns +20. Some employer-sponsored pathways have exemptions for UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, NZ passport holders.
+Does Australian study automatically give me PR?
No. The Australian Study Requirement earns 5 points, and the 485 graduate visa gives post-study work rights — but neither is a guarantee of PR. You still need to meet occupation, English, and points thresholds.
+Is 491 actually a path to PR?
Yes. After holding 491 for 3 years and earning A$53,900+ per year while living in a designated regional area, you can apply for subclass 191. About 85% of 491 holders who meet the income condition transition successfully.
+Can my partner be added to the same application?
Yes for all five pathways. Spouse/de facto partners are added as secondary applicants. They must meet health, character, and English requirements (or pay the second VAC).
+What happens if my occupation is removed from the list mid-EOI?
If you already hold a valid skills assessment and were invited before the list change, you remain eligible. If not yet invited, the EOI is suspended until your occupation returns or you switch to a different subclass.
+How long do points-tested invitations stay valid?
60 days from receipt in ImmiAccount. Late lodgement requires a new EOI and fresh invitation.
Methodology
How this site is researched.
Every pathway explainer is built from four sources: (1) the visa subclass page on immi.homeaffairs.gov.au, (2) the relevant section of the Migration Act 1958 and Migration Regulations 1994, (3) the most recent SkillSelect invitation round results, and (4) state and territory nomination program announcements.