Pathways to Permanent Residency in Australia: What Are Your Options?

If you're living in Australia or planning your move, you've likely heard the term "PR"—Permanent Residency. It's one of the most common goals among temporary visa holders, offering greater stability, work rights, and in many cases, a path to Australian citizenship.

But how do you get there?

This guide outlines only a few of the common pathways to permanent residency in Australia and the key things to consider along the way.

🛤 What Is Permanent Residency in Australia?

Permanent Residency (PR) allows you to:

• Stay in Australia indefinitely

• Work and study without restriction

• Enrol in Medicare (Australia’s public healthcare system)

• Sponsor eligible relatives to come to Australia

• Apply for citizenship (after meeting eligibility requirements)

PR is different from a temporary visa—it gives you more rights and long-term security in Australia.

🧩 Pathway 1: Skilled Migration

The Skilled Migration stream is one of the most popular ways to gain PR. It includes visas such as:

• Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa
  Points-tested, no employer or state sponsorship required.

• Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa
  Requires state or territory nomination. You must commit to living in the sponsoring state.

• Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional)
  A temporary 5-year visa that can lead to PR via the Subclass 191 after 3 years of living and working in a regional area.

👩🏽‍💻 Ideal for: Skilled workers who have qualifications and occupations on the relevant skilled occupation lists.

👷🏽 Pathway 2: Employer-Sponsored Visas

Another route to PR is through employer sponsorship. This includes:

• Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS)
  A direct entry or transition from a 482 visa (after 2 years with the same employer).

• Subclass 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional)
  Leads to PR via the Subclass 191, similar to the 491, but employer-sponsored.

📌 Some occupations not eligible under standard pathways may be eligible under a Labour Agreement.

👔 Ideal for: Employees in Australia with a supportive employer willing to sponsor for PR.

❤️ Pathway 3: Family and Partner Visas

If you have family in Australia, there may be a path to PR through:

• Partner Visas (Subclass 820/801, 309/100)
  For married or de facto partners of Australian citizens or permanent residents.

• Parent Visas
  A range of options with different processing times and costs (e.g., contributory vs non-contributory).

• Child and Other Family Visas
  For dependent children or carers in specific circumstances.

💬 These pathways often require strong supporting evidence and patience, but they’re deeply rewarding.

🔍 How Do I Know Which Pathway Is Right for Me?

It depends on:

• Your visa history

• Your occupation and work experience

• Family ties

• Age, English level, and education

• Whether you live in a regional area

A registered migration agent can help you assess your eligibility and recommend the clearest and most achievable pathway for your goals.

🤝 How I Can Help

As a boutique migration agent, I offer clear and honest advice to help you plan for PR—whether you're just starting out or already living in Australia.

📞 Book a confidential consultation at https://auxiliummigration.com
We’ll create a strategy that works for your life, not just your paperwork.