Guide to Permanent Residency
20+ ways to make Australia home — including regional nomination
Whether you're skilled, sponsored, joining family, studying or investing, there is a route to Australian permanent residency. Regional visas like the 491, 494 and 191 offer extra points, faster processing and a very real path to PR. Explore every option below, then get a free eligibility assessment to see which one is fastest for you.
Regional & State Nomination
Live, work and settle in regional Australia or get nominated by a state — faster processing and extra points on the skilled test.
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional)
Points-tested provisional visa for regional Australia — state/territory nominated or sponsored by an eligible family member living in a regional area. Live and work in a regional area for 3 years, then convert to permanent residency via the 191.
Skilled Nominated (State/Territory)
Points-tested permanent visa with nomination by a state or territory whose occupation list matches your skills. A strong route for occupations in high demand in that state.
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional
Employer-sponsored regional visa (5 years) — requires an approved regional employer, Regional Certifying Body (RCB) advice and a positive skills assessment. Permanent residency via the 191 after 3 years with minimum taxable income.
Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional)
The permanent visa that follows 3 years on a 491 or 494 in a regional area, meeting income and visa-condition requirements. Your finish line for regional migration.
Skilled Regional (Permanent)
Permanent regional visa for existing 489 (and certain 475/487) holders who have lived and worked in a regional area for 2 years.
Designated Area Migration Agreements
Custom regional agreements (South Australia, Northern Territory, Orana, and more) that open up 482, 494 and 186 pathways for occupations and skills not on the standard lists — many with a clear route to permanent residency.
Skilled Migration — Points Tested
Competitive skilled visas awarded on your age, skills, English and experience. Your occupation must be on the skilled occupation list.
Skilled Independent
The classic points-tested permanent visa — no sponsorship or nomination required. You self-submit a SkillSelect EOI, get invited, and lodge. The only PR visa that needs no employer or state backing.
Employer Sponsored
A skilled Australian employer sponsors you to work — often the fastest guaranteed route to permanent residency for in-demand professionals.
Employer Nomination Scheme
Permanent residency via an Australian employer nomination — Direct Entry for offshore candidates, or Temporary Residence Transition after holding a qualifying 482 for 2 years with the same sponsor.
Skills in Demand (SID)
The work visa for occupations on the Core Skills, Specialist Skills and Essential Skills lists. Start on the 482, then step to the 186 TRT permanent visa after 2 years with your employer.
Family & Partner
Reunite with your partner, parents or children in Australia. Family visas are among the most common ways people settle permanently.
Partner (onshore / offshore)
Two-stage partner visa for spouses or de facto partners of Australian citizens and permanent residents. Onshore 820/801, offshore 309/100 — the temporary stage leads to permanent residency while you build evidence of your relationship.
Prospective Marriage
A 9-month visa to enter Australia and marry your fiancé — you then apply for the onshore partner visa (820/801) and follow the path to permanent residency.
Contributory Parent
Permanent parent visas (143) with a higher contributory fee and much faster processing; 173 is the temporary stage that converts to the 143. Includes 864/884 for aged parents onshore.
Child / Dependent
For dependent children of Australian citizens, permanent residents or eligible NZ citizens — offshore (101) or onshore (802).
Study & Graduate
Australian study is the launchpad for many PR journeys — graduate, gain post-study work rights, then convert to a skilled or regional visa.
Student to Graduate to PR
Study on a 500 student visa, graduate onto the 485 Graduate visa (up to 4 years), and use that time to secure a 189, 190 or 491 — or employer sponsorship — on the way to permanent residency.
Temporary Graduate
Post-study work rights after Australian study. Regional study adds extra visa time and points — a strategic stepping stone we plan for you from enrolment.
Business & Investment
For entrepreneurs, investors and successful business owners building or growing a business in Australia.
Business Innovation & Investment
Provisional business visa (188) for business owners and investors who then meet the business/asset requirements in Australia to lodge the 888 permanent visa.
Talent & Innovation
A direct permanent residency route for exceptional talent in technology, research, entrepreneurship and the arts.
Global Talent / National Innovation
The National Innovation Visa (858) — invitation-based permanent residency for internationally recognised talent, including researchers, entrepreneurs, investors and exceptional artists or sportspeople.
New Zealand Citizens
Fast-tracking for New Zealand citizens with established ties to Australia.
NZ Stream
Permanent residency for NZ citizens who have lived in Australia for 5+ years earning above the income threshold — a streamlined, non-points-tested route.
Visitor & Working Holiday
Temporary stays that can become the first step of a longer Australian plan.
Visitor / Tourist
Visitor, ETA and eVisitor visas for tourism, business or family visits. We use valid, timely onshore movement to position you for longer-term pathways where eligible.
Working Holiday
Work and holiday visas (417/462) — time on the ground and regional work can build toward employer sponsorship, study, or involvement in certain skilled pathways.
Not sure which pathway suits you?
Our registered migration agents map your occupation, age, English, family and goals against every pathway on this page — and recommend the fastest, most reliable one. There are no fees for the assessment, and no obligation to proceed.
Start your free assessment