Australian Immigration Visa Types, Requirements and Pathways to Permanent Residency (PR)
Australia ranks among the countries that attract the highest number of immigrants due to its high standard of living, wide range of job opportunities, and safe living environment. However, anyone wishing to immigrate to Australia must meet certain requirements and carefully follow the process. The Australian immigration visa process depends on various factors, including English language proficiency, work experience, and educational background. Below is detailed information about the immigration process to Australia, common visa types, requirements, and paths to obtaining permanent residency (PR).
1. Immigration Application Process General Requirements
There are some basic requirements that people applying for immigration to Australia must fulfill:
1.1. English Proficiency
Applicants for immigration to Australia must obtain a sufficient score on an internationally recognized test like IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL. The required English level varies depending on the type of visa. For example, an Independent Skilled Immigrant Visa (Subclass 189) typically requires a minimum IELTS 6.0 in each skill area or an equivalent score. Achieving higher scores provides an advantage in the points system.
1.2. Professional Qualification and Work Experience
Most immigration visas require applicants to possess experience and educational qualifications in a specific occupation. Immigrants must specialize in an occupation listed on the Occupational List. Additionally, authorized bodies in Australia (such as Engineers Australia for engineers or ACS for IT professionals) must assess and verify professional experience.
1.3. Education Requirements
Education is an important factor in immigration applications, but not a mandatory factor except for certain professions.
1.4. Health and Character Checks
Immigration applicants must pass a health and character check. The health check verifies that the applicant does not place an extra burden on the Australian health system. A character check is carried out to determine whether the applicant has a criminal record.

2. Australian Immigration Visa Types
There are various visa options available for immigration to Australia. These visas vary according to the applicant’s level of education, work experience, age and other factors.
2.1. Independent Skilled Migrant Visa (Subclass 189)
The Independent Skilled 189 Visa allows skilled workers to apply without a job offer in Australia. Applicants must hold experience in an occupation from the Occupation List and score at least 65 points. The point system considers age, education, work experience, and English proficiency.
2.2. State Sponsored Skilled Migrant Visa (Subclass 190)
The State Sponsored Skilled 190 Visa allows skilled immigrants to receive sponsorship from a state government in Australia. Applicants can qualify for sponsorship if they are eligible for an occupation listed on the relevant state’s occupation list. This visa grants the right to work and live anywhere in Australia, though most states require the visa holder to live in the sponsoring state for a certain period.
2.3. Company Sponsorship Visa (Subclass 482)
The Australian Company Sponsorship 482 Visa enables employers in Australia to hire skilled workers from overseas. It allows the visa holder to work in Australia for a specified duration, with the visa granted through employer sponsorship. The employer must offer a qualified job that requires filling. After gaining work experience in Australia, visa holders can apply for Permanent Residency (PR).
2.4. Regional Sponsorship Visa (Subclass 491)
The Regional Sponsorship 491 Visa is designed for qualified individuals who want to work in regional areas of Australia. Sponsored by either a regional state government or a relative in Australia, it allows applicants to seek Permanent Residency (PR) after a specific period. Visa holders must live and work in regional areas during their stay.
2.5. Regional Sponsored Permanent Visa (Subclass 494)
The Regional Sponsorship Permanent 494 Visa is a visa designed to promote skilled labor in rural areas, sponsored by a regional employer. This visa offers the applicant the opportunity to transition to PR by working in regional areas.
2.6. Business Innovation and Investment Visa (Subclass 188)
The Business Innovation and Investment 188 Visa targets business people looking to start or invest in a business in Australia. It allows applicants to invest or launch a business with a specified amount of capital. This visa type often leads to Permanent Residency (PR). However, the intake for this visa is currently closed.
2.7. Partner Visa (Subclass 820, Subclass 801)
The Australian 820/801 Spouse Visa applies to individuals married to or in a de facto relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident. Upon approval, applicants receive a temporary spouse visa (Subclass 820), allowing them to live and work in Australia. Afterward, they can apply for a permanent spouse visa (Subclass 801).
2.8. Student Visa (Subclass 500)
The Australian Student Visa allows individuals to live and work (up to 24 hours per week) while studying in Australia. This visa is widely used by those looking to attend a university, private college, vocational school (TAFE), or language school in Australia. It remains valid for the duration of the applicant’s studies.
Pathways to Permanent Residence (PR) from a Student Visa
Individuals arriving in Australia on a student visa can transition to PR upon completion of their studies. This process can take place in the following steps:
Education Completion
Once you have obtained an Australian-recognized diploma or certificate on a student visa, you will be qualified in a listed occupation.
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
Individuals who have completed their studies can work in Australia for a certain period with this temporary work visa. By gaining work experience, you can apply for permanent visas such as the Independent Skilled Migrant Visa (Subclass 189), the State Sponsored Skilled Migrant Visa (Subclass 190), or the Company Sponsorship Visa (Subclass 482).
Professional Assessment
A vocational assessment is carried out by relevant agencies in Australia based on education and work experience. This assessment is an important step in applying for PR, especially for skilled migration visas.
Apply for Permanent Residency
After work experience and professional assessment, you can apply for Talented Independent (189), Talented Nominated (190), or employer-sponsored PR.
Accepted Exams and Scores for English Level
IELTS, can be Academic or General. An average score of 6, with a minimum of 5 in each section.
Occupational English Test, score equivalent to a B level in each section.
Pearson Test, with an average score of 50, with a minimum score of 36 in each section.
Test of English as a Foreign Language iBT, to score an average of 64 points, with a minimum score of 4 for listening and reading and a minimum score of 14 for writing and speaking.
Cambridge English Advanced Test, get an average score of 169 with a minimum score of 154 in each section.
Permanent Residency (PR) and Citizenship
Permanent residence (PR) grants individuals the right to live and work in Australia indefinitely. PR holders can access Australian health services, enroll their children in Australian schools, and receive social benefits. Individuals who reside in Australia for a total of four years after obtaining PR may apply for citizenship. For detailed information about Australian Immigration Visas, you can request an appointment and contact us.
Apply for Ozlinx Migration
Succeeding at the end of the immigration process to Australia requires careful planning and an understanding of the various pathways available. Whether you are a skilled professional, a student, or looking for opportunities in regional areas, there are options tailored to your circumstances. By staying informed and seeking guidance from reputable sources, you can make your journey to Australia safe and smooth.