AUS: The Permanent Residence Process & Documents Required General Skilled Migration (GSM) Points-Tested Visas
A step-by-step guide to the PR process, including the documents required for a decision-ready General Skilled Migration application.
Guidance for 2026 applications (subject to change, guide only).
Documents required for Australia PR in 2026
A decision-ready Australian General Skilled Migration (GSM) points-tested visa application should include the following documents:
- Personal documents: valid passport, birth certificate, evidence of change of name (if applicable), marriage/divorce certificate and Australian visa photo
- English test result: IELTS, PTE Academic, or TOEFL iBT score report, valid for 3 years
- Education documents: degree or diploma certificates, transcripts, and course completion letters
- Work experience proof: employer reference letters, payslips, appointment and relieving letters, and tax records
- Skills assessment: from your relevant skills assessing authority (VETASSESS, Engineers Australia, ACS, TRA, or similar)
- State nomination: apply for and obtain state nomination approval (depending on visa type)
- Invitation to apply: you must lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and obtain an invitation to apply for the visa before you can proceed with lodgement of the application
- Health and character requirements: you must include police certificates with your application and completed required health examinations
Australia PR processing time and fees in 2026
Government visa charges are indexed every 1 July, so costs below reflect the FY2026–27 schedule.
Always confirm the current fee on the Department of Home Affairs website before lodging.
| Visa subclass | Primary applicant VAC (approx.) | Typical processing time |
|---|---|---|
| Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) | A$6,135+ | 61 days – 8 months from visa lodgement, occupation-dependent |
| Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) | A$6,135+ | 4 – 16 months from visa lodgement, occupation-dependent |
| Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) | A$6,140+ | 5 – 18 months from visa lodgement, occupation-dependent |
Additional costs typically apply on top of the government fee: skills assessment (A$500–A$5,500 depending on your occupation, assessing authority and your location), English test (A$300–A$490), health examinations (A$283–A$500+), and police clearance certificates. Fees for accompanying partners and dependent children are extra and are set separately by the Department of Home Affairs.
Step-by-step Australia PR application process
- Check eligibility against your age, English level, occupation list and minimum score of 65 points or more.
- Get a skills assessment from the assessing authority for your occupation.
- Sit an English test (IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL) and secure your best possible score.
- Calculate your points using the Australia PR points test and identify gaps.
- Submit your EOI through SkillSelect for Subclass 189, 190, or 491.
- Apply for and obtain State Nomination approval (depending on visa type).
- Wait to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) during an invitation round.
- Lodge your visa application within 60 days, with all supporting documents.
- Complete health and character checks and respond promptly to any case officer requests.
- Receive your PR visa grant and begin your life in Australia.
Benefits of Australian permanent residency
- Live and work anywhere in Australia without restriction
- Access to Medicare, Australia's public healthcare system
- Free public education for your children
- Pathway to Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements
- Ability to sponsor eligible family members
- Freedom to travel in and out of Australia as a permanent resident
If you would like advice on your eligibility or application, please get in touch with our team.