Australia is a highly sought-after destination, renowned for its exceptional quality of life, excellent healthcare and rich cultural diversity. It is no surprise that many people aspire to make Australia their permanent home.
Obtaining permanent residency in Australia provide a variety of benefits including the ability to work, travel freely, access healthcare services and apply for Australian citizenship.
Pathways to Permanent Residency in Australia
Skilled Migration Program
This program is ideal for individuals with qualifications or work experience in high-demand professions. It aims to fill skill shortages in the Australian labour market.
| Subclass | Visa Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 189 Visa | Skilled Independent Visa | A points-tested visa for skilled workers not sponsored by an employer, state/territory or family member. Applicants must meet criteria based on factors like age, education, work experience and English proficiency. |
| 190 Visa | Skilled Nominated Visa | Similar to Subclass 189 but requires nomination by an Australian state/territory government. Applicants must meet eligibility requirements and score sufficient points. |
| 491 Visa | Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa | Allows skilled workers and their families to live and work in designated regional areas for up to 5 years, with eligibility for permanent residency (via Subclass 191) after 3 years. Applicants can be nominated by a state/territory government or sponsored by a family member in a regional area. |
| 485 Visa | Temporary Graduate Visa | Allows international students to stay, work and gain skills in Australia after completing their studies. Depending on the qualification, occupation and stream (e.g. Post-Higher Education Work stream), this visa may serve as a stepping stone toward permanent residency via 189, 190, 491 or an employer-sponsored pathway. |
Employer-Sponsored Migration
If you have a job offer from an Australian employer, employer-sponsored visas may offer a pathway to permanent residency.
| Subclass | Visa Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 186 Visa | Employer Nomination Scheme Visa | For skilled workers nominated by an approved Australian employer, offering a direct pathway to permanent residency. Includes three streams: Temporary Residence Transition, Direct Entry, and Labour Agreement. |
| 482 Visa | Skills in Demand Visa (formerly Temporary Skill Shortage Visa) | Since 7 December 2024, the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa has been replaced by the Skills in Demand (SID) visa, retaining the 482 subclass number but restructured into three streams: Core Skills, Specialist Skills, and Labour Agreement. Allows Australian employers to sponsor overseas workers temporarily, with eligibility for permanent residency via the 186 visa once conditions are met. Nominated occupations must appear on the current Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). |
| 494 Visa | Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa | Helps regional employers (areas outside metropolitan Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane) fill genuine skill shortages where a suitable local worker cannot be found. Requires a positive skills assessment and a nominated occupation on the relevant regional occupation list. Provides a pathway to permanent residency via the Subclass 191 visa after meeting regional work and residence requirements. |
Business and Investment Visas
For entrepreneurs and investors, this visa provides a route to establishing and managing a business in Australia.
188 Visa was replaced by 858 Visa. It’s closed to all new applications since 31 July 2024 across every stream (Business Innovation, Investor, Significant Investor, Entrepreneur), following a government review that found the program wasn’t delivering the intended economic outcomes. Existing 188 holders may still apply for the Subclass 888 (permanent) visa or extensions where eligible. New business and investor migrants should be directed to the Subclass 858 National Innovation Visa instead.
National Innovation Visas
National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858) was introduced in late 2024 to replace both the 188 (Business Innovation and Investment) and Global Talent visa programs. Targets internationally recognised talent in fields such as science, technology, engineering, business and academia. Unlike the former 188 program, eligibility is based on demonstrated exceptional achievement and economic contribution rather than a set investment amount — nomination is by invitation from a state/territory or federal agency, leading directly to permanent residency.
Family and Partner Visa Program
For those with Australian family members or partners, these visas can provide a pathway to permanent residency.
| Subclass | Visa Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 820/801 & 309/100 Visas | Partner Visa (Onshore & Offshore) | For individuals in genuine relationships with Australian citizens or permanent residents. Applicants usually first receive a temporary visa, followed by a permanent visa once the relationship is proven to be genuine and ongoing. |
| 101/802 Visa | Child Visa | Allow children of Australian citizens or permanent residents to join their family in Australia, whether they apply onshore or offshore. |
| 103/804 Visa | Parent Visa (Non-Contributory) | Parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents can reunite with their children in Australia. Processing times are lengthy and there is a limited number of visas issued annually. |
| 143/864 Visa | Contributory Parent Visa | This is similar to the Parent visa category except where processing times are significantly reduced due to the payment of a second instalment visa application charge. |
New Zealand Citizens
New Zealand citizens have a unique pathway to PR in Australia.
Humanitarian Visa
Humanitarian Visas provide a pathway to permanent residency in Australia for individuals fleeing persecution, violence, or conflict in their home countries. Australia is committed to offering protection to those in need, and these visas are designed for individuals facing significant discrimination or human rights violations.
There are a few temporary and permanent visa options available to individuals, depending on their location and method of arrival in Australia.
Seek an Immigration Lawyer’s Help
Every applicant’s situation is unique, and we are here to provide tailored advice to help you navigate the best pathway to permanent residency.
If any of these options resonate with you, feel free to contact us for guidance.
This article was prepared and written by our immigration lawyer team at Brightstone Migration and reviewed by Mei Guo, Partner Solicitor and Head of Immigration, to provide professional insights and commentary. The content is for reference only and does not constitute specific legal advice.
Last updated: 27/07/2026
