How to Apply for an Australia PR Visa from India
How do you get an Australia PR visa? This 2025 guide covers all pathways, benefits, eligibility, and the step-by-step process to secure
Australia has long been a preferred destination for Indian professionals, offering a high standard of living, strong economic stability, and a transparent immigration system. As of June 2025, applying for an Australian Permanent Residency (PR) visa from India continues to be a structured, points-based process under subclasses like 189 (Skilled Independent), 190 (Skilled Nominated), and 491 (Skilled Work Regional – Provisional). Whether you live in New Delhi, Pune, or Bangalore, this guide will walk you through the current process to secure your Australia PR.
The first step is to ensure your occupation is listed on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL) or Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). If it is, you must get your skills assessed by the relevant authority (like ACS for IT, or Engineers Australia for engineering roles). This step is mandatory before lodging an Expression of Interest (EOI) on SkillSelect.
Applicants must also meet the points threshold—the current minimum is 65, but candidates with 80-85 points are more likely to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) sooner. Points are awarded based on factors such as age, English language proficiency (IELTS or PTE), educational qualifications, and work experience. Those aged between 25–32 with strong English scores generally rank higher.
If you're applying from New Delhi, you can visit the Australian High Commission or a VFS Global centre for biometrics and documentation support. In Pune and Bangalore, VFS offices and MARA-registered migration agents are readily available to assist you through the process, from skills assessment to visa filing.
After a positive skills assessment and English test results, submit your EOI via SkillSelect and wait for an ITA. This can take anywhere between a few weeks to several months, depending on your occupation and points. Once you receive an ITA, you’ll need to submit a full visa application, upload necessary documents (like education certificates, employment references, etc.), and complete health and character checks.
Medical tests must be done at panel clinics approved by the Department of Home Affairs, and police clearance certificates (PCCs) are required for all countries where you've lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Processing times for the 189 and 190 subclasses are currently between 6 to 12 months, while 491 (regional) visas may take slightly longer but often receive priority in niche occupations.
Cost-wise, the primary applicant needs to pay AUD 4,115 (approx. ₹2.3 lakh), while spouses and children are charged additional fees. Additional costs include medical exams (₹7,000–15,000) and PCC charges (₹1,000–3,000). Many applicants from Bangalore also opt for private consultants to ensure accuracy in documentation and maximize success rates.
Upon receiving your PR visa, you must travel to Australia within a specified time to activate it. Once in Australia, you’ll be eligible for benefits like Medicare, access to public education for children, and the ability to apply for citizenship after four years of residency.
In summary, whether you're applying from New Delhi, Pune, or Bangalore, the process remains largely consistent but can vary slightly in terms of local support and logistics. With strong demand for skilled professionals in healthcare, IT, engineering, and education, now is a good time for Indian applicants to pursue Australian PR.
