Australia PR for Indians in 2025 is primarily through SkillSelect: Subclass 189 (independent, 65+ points required) or Subclass 190 (state nominated, 65+ points with +5 state nomination). Process: Skills assessment → English test (IELTS/PTE) → Submit EOI → Receive invitation → Apply for visa. Processing takes 6-18 months. Main costs: AUD $4,640 (visa) + assessment fees.
Key Facts: Australia PR
| Parameter | Subclass 189 | Subclass 190 |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Fee | AUD $4,640 | AUD $4,640 |
| Points Required | 65 minimum | 65 minimum (incl. 5 from state) |
| State Nomination | Not required | Required (+5 points) |
| Location Obligation | None | 2 years in nominating state |
| Processing Time | 6-18 months | 6-12 months |
Australia PR Pathways
- Subclass 189: Skilled Independent - No sponsorship needed, live anywhere
- Subclass 190: Skilled Nominated - State/territory nomination required
- Subclass 491: Skilled Work Regional (pathway to PR after 3 years)
Points Test Calculator
| Factor | Points |
|---|---|
| Age | |
| 18-24 years | 25 |
| 25-32 years | 30 |
| 33-39 years | 25 |
| 40-44 years | 15 |
| English (IELTS/PTE) | |
| Competent (6.0 each) | 0 |
| Proficient (7.0 each) | 10 |
| Superior (8.0 each) | 20 |
| Skilled Employment (Outside Australia) | |
| 3-4 years | 5 |
| 5-7 years | 10 |
| 8+ years | 15 |
| Education | |
| PhD | 20 |
| Bachelor's/Master's | 15 |
| Diploma/Trade | 10 |
| Other Factors | |
| Australian study (2+ years) | 5 |
| Specialist education (STEM PhD) | 10 |
| Credentialled community language | 5 |
| Partner skills | 5-10 |
| State nomination (190) | 5 |
Occupation Lists
Your occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list:
- MLTSSL: Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (for 189)
- STSOL: Short-term Skilled Occupation List (for 190, some states)
- ROL: Regional Occupation List (for 491)
Popular occupations for Indians: Software Engineer, Accountant, Mechanical Engineer, Registered Nurse, Civil Engineer, ICT Business Analyst.
Step-by-Step PR Process
- Check Occupation on List
Verify your occupation is on MLTSSL/STSOL. Find assessing authority for your occupation.
- Take English Test
IELTS Academic/General, PTE Academic, or TOEFL. Aim for 7.0+ each for 10 points, 8.0+ for 20 points.
- Get Skills Assessment
Apply to relevant assessing body (ACS for IT, Engineers Australia for engineers, CPA/CAANZ for accountants). Takes 6-12 weeks.
- Calculate Points
Use points calculator to verify 65+ points. Consider state nomination if short.
- Submit EOI (Expression of Interest)
Create SkillSelect account and submit EOI. Free to submit. Valid for 2 years.
- Apply for State Nomination (If 190)
Apply to state/territory for nomination. Each has different requirements and occupation lists.
- Wait for Invitation
If points meet cut-off in monthly draws, receive ITA (Invitation to Apply).
- Lodge Visa Application (60 Days)
After ITA, apply within 60 days. Pay visa fee and upload documents.
- Medical & Police Clearances
Complete health examination and provide police certificates from all countries lived 12+ months.
- Wait for Decision
Processing: 6-18 months. You may be asked for additional documents.
- Visa Grant & Initial Entry
Once granted, make initial entry before specified date to activate PR.
Australia PR Fees (2025)
| Fee Type | AUD | Approx INR |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Application (primary) | $4,640 | ₹2,55,000 |
| Partner (if applicable) | $2,320 | ₹1,28,000 |
| Child (each) | $1,160 | ₹64,000 |
| Skills Assessment | $500-1,000 | ₹28,000-55,000 |
| English Test | $300-400 | ₹16,500-22,000 |
| Medical Exam | - | ₹8,000-12,000 |
| Police Certificate | - | ₹500-2,000 |
State Nomination Tips
Popular states for Indian applicants:
- NSW: Strong in IT, accounting, engineering
- Victoria: Diverse occupation list, Melbourne opportunities
- Queensland: Regional focus, healthcare demand
- South Australia: Lower requirements, regional benefits
- Western Australia: Mining, engineering focus
Frequently Asked Questions
What points do I need for Australia PR?
Minimum 65 points to submit EOI. However, actual invitation cut-offs are higher (80-95 for most occupations in 2024).
How long does Australia PR take?
Skills assessment: 2-3 months. EOI to ITA: Variable (months to years depending on points). Visa processing after ITA: 6-18 months.
Can I apply with 65 points?
You can submit EOI with 65 points, but realistically need 85-95+ for invitation in most occupations. State nomination can help.
Is Australia PR difficult for Indians?
Competitive due to high demand. Key challenges: high points requirements, skills assessment, processing times. State nomination helps.
What's the difference between 189 and 190?
189 is independent (no state tie), 190 requires state nomination (+5 points) with 2-year commitment to nominating state.