Australian Permanent Residency (PR) Process July 2025

Australia continues to attract skilled professionals, students, and investors seeking permanent residency. As of June 2025, several critical updates have been introduced to streamline the Australian Permanent Residency process, adjust eligibility, and ensure the migration program aligns with economic priorities. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the latest PR pathways, eligibility criteria, application steps, and recent policy changes, based on the most current and authoritative sources.

Key Changes to Australian Permanent Residency Process in 2025

Visa Fee Increases

From July 2025, all visa application fees will increase. For example, student visa fees are expected to rise from $1,600 to $2,000, with similar hikes likely for skilled and employer-sponsored visas. Applicants should budget for these higher costs when planning their migration.

Higher Salary Thresholds for Employer-Sponsored Visas

The minimum salary requirements for employer-sponsored visas are increasing:

Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) and Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT): $76,515 (up from $73,150)
Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT): $141,210 (up from $135,000)

Visa System Simplification

Australia is consolidating overlapping visa subclasses, especially in skilled and temporary work categories. This aims to make the system more transparent and easier to navigate for applicants4.

Points System Overhaul

The General Skilled Migration (GSM) points system has been revised to emphasize:

Australian work experience
Higher qualifications
Skills in demand

This may affect who receives invitations to apply for PR, as more weight is now given to local experience and priority occupations4.

Regional Migration Incentives

Migrants willing to live and work in regional Australia can benefit from:

Faster PR processing
Bonus eligibility points
Flexible skills recognition
Additional support for regional employers, particularly in agriculture, aged care, and health services4

Family and Graduate Visa Changes

Partner visas now have a simplified single-stage process, removing the previous two-step pathway.
Parent visas offer a more flexible temporary pathway with potential for PR.
Temporary graduate visa pathways are being reviewed, with some occupations offering faster PR options through the new Skills in Demand Visa4.

Major PR Visa Pathways in 2025

General Skilled Migration (GSM) Visas

Visa Subclass	Description	Points Requirement	Key Features
Subclass 189	Skilled Independent	65+	No sponsor/state nomination required
Subclass 190	Skilled Nominated	65+	Requires state/territory nomination
Subclass 491	Skilled Work Regional (Provisional)	65+	For regional work, leads to Subclass 191 PR

Employer-Sponsored Visas

Visa Subclass	Description	Salary Threshold	PR Pathway
Subclass 186	Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS)	$76,515+	Direct PR
Subclass 482	Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS)	$76,515+	Pathway to PR via Subclass 186

Business and Investment Visas

Visa Subclass	Description	Investment Requirement	PR Pathway
Subclass 188	Business Innovation & Investment (Provisional)	Varies	Leads to Subclass 888 PR
Subclass 132	Business Talent (Permanent)	High investment	Direct PR

Step-by-Step PR Application Process (2025)

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Use the PR points calculator to ensure you meet the minimum 65 points.

Step 2: Select the Right Visa

Choose the most suitable pathway: GSM, employer-sponsored, or business/investment.

Step 3: Skills Assessment

Submit documents to the relevant skills assessment authority (e.g., VETASSESS, Engineers Australia, ACS).

Step 4: English Proficiency

Provide IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL scores.

Step 5: Expression of Interest (EOI)

Step 6: Invitation to Apply (ITA)

If selected, you’ll receive an ITA for PR. Higher points and in-demand skills improve your chances.

Step 7: Submit PR Application

Lodge your application within 60 days of receiving the ITA.

Step 8: Health & Character Checks

Undergo medical exams and provide police clearance certificates.

Step 9: PR Visa Grant

Upon approval, receive your PR visa and enjoy the benefits of permanent residency.

Visa Type	Points/Criteria	Fee (from July 2025)	Processing Time	PR Pathway
Subclass 189	65+ points	~$4,640+	3-6 months	Direct PR
Subclass 190	65+ points + nomination	~$4,640+	4-8 months	Direct PR
Subclass 491	65+ points + regional nomination	~$4,640+	6-12 months	PR via 191
Subclass 186	Employer nomination + salary threshold	~$4,640+	6-12 months	Direct PR
Subclass 482	Employer sponsorship + salary threshold	~$2,770+	2-6 months	PR via 186
Subclass 188	Investment/business criteria	Varies	12-24 months	PR via 888
Subclass 132	High-value business	Varies	12-24 months	Direct PR

Fees are approximate and subject to official government updates. Processing times vary based on individual circumstances and demand.

Recent Policy Insights and Community Experience

Many applicants are strategizing to maximize their points through education, work experience, and professional year programs before submitting their EOI.
State nomination programs (190, 491) may close and reopen based on quotas, so timing is crucial.
Processing times for the 189 visa remain among the fastest, though state and regional programs may take longer, especially during high demand periods.
Regional migration remains a strong pathway, with additional incentives for those willing to live and work outside major cities.

FAQs

Q1: What is the minimum points requirement for skilled PR visas in 2025?
A: The minimum is 65 points, but higher scores improve your chances of receiving an invitation.

Q2: Are visa application fees increasing in 2025?
A: Yes, all visa application fees will rise from July 2025, including significant increases for student and skilled visas.

Q3: Can I apply for PR directly after studying in Australia?
A: Yes, with the right skills, English proficiency, and points, graduates can apply via GSM or regional pathways.

Australian Permanent Residency (PR) Process July 2025: Complete Guide to Eligibility, Documents & How to Apply Now