What Are the Requirements for a Permanent Visa to Australia from India?

Australia has long been a preferred destination for skilled professionals, families, students, and entrepreneurs from India seeking better opportunities, a high quality of life, and a multicultural environment. If you're considering making Australia your permanent home, understanding the visa requirements is crucial.

In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about applying for a permanent residency visa to Australia from India — including the different visa streams, eligibility criteria, documentation, and the overall process.

What Is a Permanent Residency Visa in Australia?

A Permanent Residency (PR) visa allows you to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely. As a PR holder, you’ll have access to many of the same benefits as Australian citizens, including:

• Free or subsidized healthcare through Medicare

• Access to education and social security benefits

• Pathway to Australian citizenship

• The ability to sponsor family members

There are several pathways to Australian PR, and the most common ones for Indian applicants include:

• Skilled Migration Visas (Subclass 189, 190, 491)

• Employer-Sponsored Visas (Subclass 186, 187)

• Family Visas (Partner, Parent, Child)

• Business and Investment Visas

• Global Talent Visa

1. Skilled Migration Visa Requirements

The General Skilled Migration (GSM) program is the most popular route for Indian nationals seeking permanent residency in Australia.

a) Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa

• No sponsorship required (not state or employer-sponsored)

• Must be invited through the SkillSelect system

• Points-based system (minimum 65 points to qualify)

Requirements:

• Age under 45 years

• Nominated occupation must be on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)

• Positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority

• Competent English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE)

• Meet health and character requirements

• Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect

• Receive an invitation to apply for the visa

b) Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa

• Requires nomination from an Australian state or territory

• Similar to Subclass 189 but includes state-specific requirements

Additional Requirements:

• Submit an Expression of Interest

• Apply for state nomination separately

• Some states require you to live and work in that state for a minimum period

c) Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa

• A pathway to PR for those willing to live and work in regional areas

• Family or state sponsorship required

• Valid for 5 years, with a pathway to PR after 3 years

2. Employer-Sponsored Visas

If you have a job offer from an Australian employer, you may be eligible for an employer-sponsored visa.

a) Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS)

Streams:

• Direct Entry

• Temporary Residence Transition

• Labour Agreement

Eligibility:

• Must be nominated by an Australian employer

• Occupation must be on the relevant skilled list

• Must have at least 3 years of relevant work experience

• Meet English, health, and character requirements

3. Family-Sponsored Visas

Australian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their family members for a PR visa.

a) Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801 and 309/100)

• For spouses or de facto partners of Australian citizens or PR holders

• Temporary and permanent stages

b) Parent Visa (Subclass 143, 103, 804, etc.)

• For parents of settled Australian citizens or PR holders

• Significant wait times for some streams (especially non-contributory visas)

4. Business and Investment Visas

Entrepreneurs and investors from India can apply under the Business Innovation and Investment Program (Subclass 188/888).

Requirements:

• High net worth

• Business/investment experience

• Meet the points test (minimum 65 points)

• Willing to invest in an Australian state or territory

5. Global Talent Visa

Australia offers a fast-tracked PR pathway for individuals with exceptional talent in sectors like:

• FinTech

• AgriTech

• MedTech

• Cybersecurity

• Quantum computing

• Artificial Intelligence

Requirements:

• Proven record of achievement

• Must be internationally recognized

• Salary of AUD 167,500 or more or equivalent high-income threshold

• Endorsement by an eligible nominator (industry expert or organization)

General Requirements for All PR Visas from India

Regardless of the visa stream, all PR applicants from India must meet these general criteria:

1. English Language Proficiency

· IELTS (minimum score of 6 in each band)

· TOEFL or PTE Academic are also accepted

2. Health Examination

· Medical check-ups must be done through panel physicians approved by the Australian Government.

3. Character Requirement

· You must provide a police clearance certificate from India and any other country where you’ve lived for 12 months or more.

4. Valid Passport

· Your Indian passport should be valid during the application process.

5. No Outstanding Debts to the Australian Government

· You must not have any unpaid debts or visa violations.

How to Apply for a PR Visa from India

Here’s a step-by-step overview:

1. Determine the Right Visa Stream

2. Get a Skills Assessment

3. Take an English Language Test

4. Calculate Your Points (for GSM)

5. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)

6. Apply for State Nomination (if required)

7. Receive Invitation to Apply

8. Submit the Visa Application with Fees

9. Complete Health and Character Checks

10. Wait for the Visa Grant Notification

Processing Time & Cost

• Processing Time: 3 months to 12+ months depending on the visa type and your profile.

• Cost: PR application charges start around AUD 4,640 for the main applicant (approx. ₹2.5–3 lakh INR), with additional charges for family members.

Final Thoughts:

Australia offers immense opportunities for skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and families from India. With the right guidance, preparation, and documentation, the path to Australian permanent residency can be smooth and successful.

It's always a good idea to consult a registered migration agent or an immigration consultant to increase your chances of success, especially if your profile is complex or you are unsure about eligibility.

Need Help with Your Australian PR Process?If you're looking for expert assistance in navigating your PR journey from India to Australia, feel free to get in touch with certified Apical Immigration Experts who can simplify the process and guide you every step of the way.