Australian permanent residency (PR) lets you live, work and study in Australia indefinitely, enrol in Medicare, sponsor eligible relatives and, after meeting the residence requirements, apply for citizenship. A PR visa usually includes a 5-year travel facility for leaving and re-entering Australia.
There is no single "PR visa". You get PR through one of several permanent visas, and the right one depends on whether you have an employer, a partner, enough points or an exceptional record.
The 2026–27 Migration Program
The Government sets how many permanent places are available each year. For 2026–27 (announced 12 May 2026):
| Stream | Places |
|---|---|
| Total permanent Migration Program | 185,000 places |
| Skill stream | 132,240 places |
| Family stream | 52,460 places |
Partner and Child places are demand-driven, so the Family figure is indicative.
The Main Pathways
| Pathway | Visa | You need | Typical route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employer sponsorship | 186 Employer Nomination Scheme | An employer nomination, under 45, Competent English | 2 years on a 482, then the 186 TRT stream |
| Points, no sponsor | 189 Skilled Independent | 65+ points (in practice often more), skills assessment, invitation | EOI in SkillSelect |
| Points + state | 190 Skilled Nominated | State nomination, 65+ points | EOI plus state application |
| Regional | 491 or 494, then the 191 | 3 years living and working regionally, minimum income | Provisional visa first |
| Partner | 820/801 or 309/100 | An Australian citizen, PR or eligible NZ citizen partner | Temporary visa, then permanent after about 2 years |
| Talent | 858 National Innovation | Exceptional, internationally recognised achievement | EOI and invitation |
| Parents | Parent (103) and Contributory Parent visas | A settled Australian child | Long queues, often many years |
Which Pathway Fits You?
You have an employer who wants to keep you
The 482 → 186 route is usually the most predictable. You need 2 years of full-time sponsored work in the 3 years before applying, and you must be under 45 when you apply for the 186 (with some exemptions).
You have strong points and an in-demand occupation
Lodge an EOI for the 189, and consider the 190 with states whose occupation lists include yours. If your points are lower, the 491's extra 15 points can make the difference, in exchange for living regionally (anywhere except Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane).
You studied in Australia
The Temporary Graduate visa (485) gives you time to gain Australian work experience, which earns points and can lead to employer sponsorship.
You have an Australian partner
A partner visa doesn't depend on your occupation or points, but it is expensive and needs strong evidence of a genuine relationship.
After PR: Citizenship
To apply for citizenship, you generally need to have lived in Australia for 4 years on a valid visa, including 1 year as a permanent resident, and pass the citizenship test. Time spent overseas is limited during that period.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to get PR in Australia?
It depends on your situation. For people already working for a sponsor, the 186 after 2 years on a 482 is often the most predictable. For highly ranked applicants, a 189 or 190 invitation can come quickly. Processing times change, so check the Home Affairs processing time guide.
Can I get PR without a job offer?
Yes, through the 189 or 190 if you score enough points and are invited, or through a partner visa.
How many PR places are there in 2026–27?
The permanent Migration Program has 185,000 places. Skill stream: 132,240 places. Family stream: 52,460 places.
Is there an age limit for PR?
The skilled and employer-sponsored visas generally require you to be under 45. Partner visas have no upper age limit.
Get Help Choosing a Pathway
Choosing the wrong pathway can cost years. A registered migration agent can look at your occupation, age, English, work history and family and tell you which route is realistic. Tell us your situation and we'll introduce you to registered migration agents near you. It's free to ask.
This page is general information, not immigration advice. Sources: Migration Program planning levels and the Home Affairs visa pages linked above.