Best Ways to Get Australian Permanent Residency in 2026

For people with skills, Australia is still one of the most popular countries to migrate to. The country has an elite class in terms of the standard of living, as well as good healthcare, good-quality education, and a wide variety of career paths. The Australian Government has allocated 185,000 permanent residency spots for 2026, which shows that they continue to support and encourage skilled workers, overseas students and families globally to settle in Australia.

This is a step-by-step guide to help you gain Australian Permanent Residency, covering everything from beginner's information to advanced strategies for improving your likelihood of being successful.

What is Australian Permanent Residency?

Australian Permanent Residency grants you the right to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely. While not citizenship, PR provides substantial benefits including unlimited work rights anywhere in Australia, access to Medicare (public healthcare system), domestic education fees saving thousands of dollars annually, social security benefits after two years, ability to sponsor family members, five-year travel privileges, and a clear pathway to citizenship after four years of residence.

PR holders enjoy nearly all rights of citizens except voting in federal elections and accessing certain security-sensitive government positions. After five years, your travel facility expires but can be renewed through a Resident Return Visa.

Latest Changes for 2025-2026

Australian Government has instituted a number of important modifications that impact PR applications. the permanent migration program will consist of 185,000 visas. The number of skilled migration visas will total 132,200, with 44,000 allocated for employer sponsored visas and 33,000 allocated to the state and territory nominated visas.

Regarding key policy developments:

Increase of skilled visa income thresholds (4.6%) In response to changing market conditions.

Reduction in the maximum age of Temporary Graduate visas to a maximum of 35, with expedited processing (21 days).

Regional programs to allow concessions to the maximum age (up to 55) for individuals on regional visas who are applying as professionals.

Increase to the number of competitive points in Subclass 189 Comparatively, the Subclass 189 must now accrue 85-95+ competitive points. By contrast, the Subclass 190 must hold 70-85 points and the Subclass 491 must hold a minimum of 65-80 points.

The revised Skilled Occupation List gives particular emphasis to the following occupations: Healthcare Workers (e.g., Nurses, aged care professionals), Technology Specialists (e.g., Cybersecurity, Software Engineering), Construction Trades (Electricians, Plumbers), Educators (Teachers of all levels), and Engineering Professionals (including all fields of Engineering).

Main Pathways to Australian PR

1. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

The Visa (points-tested) is designed for people with Professional Skills who do not need sponsorship from an employer or State. To be eligible for the Visa, the applicant must be under 45 years of age, have a skill on the Medium and Long-term Strategic and Jobs List, have successfully completed a Skill Assessment to show their qualification level, should score at least 65 points to apply but realistically need to achieve between 85-95+. The applicant also needs to demonstrate English Language Skills at the level of Competent,

Visa applications take between 6-9 months from when you submit the application to being granted the visa, the fees for Visa include $4,910 AUD for the principal applicant plus Skills Assessment fees between $500 and $4,000 AUD, plus English Test fees approximately $400 and $600 AUD, for the principal applicant. This Visa provides the holder with the flexibility to live and work anywhere in Australia from Day One, therefore the holder has Immediate Permanent Resident status.

2. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

This pathway requires state or territory nomination, adding 5 bonus points to your score. Each state maintains its own occupation priority list and nomination criteria. You must meet the same requirements as Subclass 189 but need lower base points due to the nomination bonus.

Competitive scores range from 70-85 total points. You commit to initially living and working in your nominating state, though this isn't legally enforced. Processing takes 10-14 months including state nomination time. South Australia, Tasmania, and Northern Territory typically offer more accessible pathways, while New South Wales and Victoria have larger quotas but higher competition.

3. Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)

This five-year provisional visa is for people in sorely needed regional areas of Australia. Points are given for nomination by a regional council to encourage settlement in these required areas. Other examples of 'regional' Australia are the cities of Adelaide, Gold Coast, Perth and Newcastle and not just very remote areas.

You must live and work in the designated regional area for 3 years (in addition to meeting a minimum annual income threshold) to be eligible for permanent residency under sub-class 191. Competitive scores (for this visa) are usually between 65 and 80 points which includes the additional bonus points associated with this visa. Because there are a lot of additional points associated with these visas, it is often much easier to qualify for these types of visas, as there is also much less competition. Additionally, many regional areas have a lower cost of living and strong community support.

4. Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)

Permanent residency will be granted immediately through this Employer Sponsored Visa pathway (no points) via three (3) different visa streams: Direct Entry for new employees with three (3) years’ relevant experience; Temporary Residence Transition for holders of Subclass 482 Visas after two (2) years of working in Australia; Labour Agreement Stream for foreign workers with specific arrangements.

The employer sponsoring the visa must be an approved employer, have a genuine need for the position, and provide an annual salary at least equal to the market rate (generally AUD 70,000 or higher). For individuals who do not have enough points to qualify, this provides a quicker route to obtaining PR than Independent Pathways.

5. Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482) to PR

Subclass 482 is the next step in temporary working for up to 4 years. After your 2 years working with your sponsor you will transfer to Subclass 186 as a permanent resident, This is a pathway to assist international graduates in gaining Australian experience whilst working towards an Australian PR or Permanent Residency status.

6. Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801 or 309/100)

For applicants with real partnerships with either an Australian citizen and/or a permanent resident, the onshore path (subclasses 820/801) involves obtaining a temporary visa covering the first two years, then a permanent visa without needing to return to their home country, while the offshore path (subclass 309/100) requires the applicant to lodge their application offshore. The applicant will need to show true evidence of their relationship, including together finances, household, social and commitment. The processing of the application typically takes between 12 and 24 months and the current processing fee is approximately AUD 9,095 (may vary over time). Throughout the two-year period, the applicant's relationship is formally assessed frequently.

7. Regional DAMA Pathways

Designated Area Migration Agreements offer flexible arrangements for regional employers. Benefits include age concessions to 55 years, lower salary thresholds, occupations not on standard lists, and clearer PR pathways. Current DAMAs operate in Northern Territory, South Australia regional areas, Pilbara (Western Australia), and Far North Queensland.

Application Process Timeline

Stage 1 - Skills Assessment (6-12 weeks): Submit qualifications and experience to relevant assessing authority like Engineers Australia, Australian Computer Society, or VETASSESS. Costs range AUD 500-4,000 depending on occupation.

Stage 2 - English Testing: Take IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, or OET. Results must be less than three years old at invitation. Cost approximately AUD 390-600.

Stage 3 - Expression of Interest (Immediate): Submit free online EOI through SkillSelect detailing your points, occupation, and visa preferences. Valid for two years.

Stage 4 - Invitation to Apply (Variable): Wait for invitation based on points score and occupation demand. Timeline ranges from weeks to months.

Stage 5 - Visa Application (60 days): After invitation, lodge complete application within 60 days including all documents, health checks, and police clearances.

Stage 6 - Processing (6-18 months): Department assesses application, verifies documents, and conducts checks.

Stage 7 - Visa Grant: Receive permanent residency approval with five-year travel facility.

Conclusion

Obtaining Australian Permanent Residency in 2026 is challenging yet achievable with proper planning and strategic preparation. With 185,000 permanent migration places available, opportunities exist for qualified applicants across diverse occupations. Success requires a thorough understanding of the migration system, maximizing your points score, selecting the right visa pathway, and maintaining patience through the 12–18 month process. Start early, invest in English proficiency, explore regional options, and consult an experienced Immigration Agent Perth WA when needed. The journey requires commitment and an investment of AUD 7,000–10,000, but the reward of building a new life in one of the world’s most livable countries makes the effort worthwhile.