Australia is a dream destination for many, renowned for its high standard of living, strong economy, and multicultural society.
If you are considering migrating to Australia or are currently here on a temporary visa and eyeing permanent residency, getting the required PR points is essential. The higher your points, the better your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for PR.
Wondering how you can increase your PR points in Australia and make your dream of permanent residency a reality? Well, treat this blog as your guide, covering the best tips and practices to boost your points and confirm your pathway to permanent residence.
Let’s dive in.
How Many PR Points Are Needed to Get Permanent Residency in Australia?
Australia PR eligibility criteria through Australia's points-tested skilled visas — such as the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190), or the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491) are different. However, the Australian Department of Home Affairs has set the minimum points for PR in Australia at 65.
However, meeting the minimum points for PR in Australia doesn't guarantee an invitation. In the November 2024 invitation round, most applicants needed at least 80 points to secure an invitation, with some high-demand occupations requiring even higher scores.
For example, in the same round, occupations like Accountants and ICT Business Analysts have a PR points requirement of 95 points.
Read More: What is Work and Holiday Visa 462 Australia
Australia PR Points Table
Visa Subclass | Visa Name | Minimum Points to Lodge EOI | Competitive Points (2024–25) | Key Highlights |
Subclass 189 | Skilled Independent Visa (PR) | 65 | 80–90+ | No sponsorship needed. Can live/work anywhere in Australia. Highly competitive. |
Subclass 190 | Skilled Nominated Visa (PR) | 65 | 70–80 | Requires nomination by an Australian state/territory. Priority processing. Commitment to live in the nominating state for 2 years. |
Subclass 491 | Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa | 65 | 65–75 | Sponsored by a regional area (state or family). 5-year visa leading to PR after 3 years if conditions are met. |
Subclass 191 | Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa | N/A (Transition visa) | N/A | For 491 and 494 visa holders who have lived and worked in regional Australia for 3 years and meet the income requirements. No points test needed for this visa. |
Subclass 186 | Employer Nomination Scheme (PR) | N/A (Employer Sponsored) | N/A | Employer-sponsored PR visa. No points system. Requires a job offer and usually 3 years' work experience. |
Subclass 494 | Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa | 65 (if applicable for GSM pathway) | 65–75 | Employer-sponsored visa for regional areas. Leads to PR via Subclass 191 after 3 years. |
Tips on How to Improve PR points in Australia & Secure Permanent Residency!
1. Understand How the Australian PR System Points Calculated:
First, know the factors that increase your PR points in Australia:
Factor | Maximum Points |
Age | 30 |
English Language Skills | 20 |
Skilled Employment (in Australia or Overseas) | 20 |
Educational Qualifications | 20 |
Study in Australia Requirements | 5 |
Specialist Education Qualification | 10 |
Credentialed Community Language (CCL) | 5 |
Study in Regional Australia | 5 |
Partner Skills | 10 |
Professional Year Program | 5 |
State Nomination or Regional Sponsorship | 5–15 |
2. Key Strategies to Increase Your PR Points in Australia
Here’s exactly how you can boost your points:
A. Maximise Your Age Points for PR in Australia
B. Points
Age Range | Points |
18–24 | 25 |
25–32 | 30 (highest points) |
33–39 | 25 |
40–44 | 15 |
Tip: If you are between 25 to 32 years old, you get a maximum of 30 points. If you're nearing the next age bracket, plan your Expression of Interest (EOI) early.
https://www.visafast.com.au/points
C. Achieve a Higher English Language Score
Test Level | Points |
Competent English (minimum requirement) | 0 |
Proficient English (IELTS 7.0 in each band or equivalent) | 10 |
Superior English (IELTS 8.0 in each band or equivalent) | 20 (maximum) |
Tip: Aim for Superior English (IELTS 8/8/8/8, or equivalent in PTE, TOEFL, OET) to secure 20 points.
Alternative Tests Accepted: PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, OET, Cambridge C1 Advanced.
D. Work Experience Points for Australia Immigration
Work Experience | Points (Overseas) | Points (Australia) |
0-1 | 0 | 0 |
1-3 | 0 | 5 |
3-5 | 5 | 10 |
5 -7 | 10 | 15 |
7+ | 15 (Max) | 20 (max) |
Tip: If you have both Australian and overseas work experience, you can combine them to get higher work experience points for Australian immigration.
Read More: Skilled Migration in Australia: Who is Eligible?
E. Higher Educational Points for PR
Qualification | Points |
Doctorate (PhD) | 20 |
Bachelor's or Master's Degree | 15 |
Trade Qualification / Diploma | 10 |
Tip: Pursuing higher education in Australia can also help you meet the Australian study requirements for extra points.
F. Complete an Australian Professional Year Program
- Points Awarded: 5 points
- Eligible Occupations: Accounting, Engineering, ICT.
Tip: This 12-month structured program is only available after graduation from an Australian university.
G. Credentialed Community Language Test (CCL) by NAATI
- Points Awarded: 5 points
- Languages Available: Hindi, Mandarin, Spanish, Arabic, and many others.
Tip: Passing the CCL Test can easily fetch you 5 points with minimum effort compared to other options.
H. Study in Regional Australia
- Points Awarded: 5 points
- Requirement: Extra PR points in Australia for international students who study & live in regional Australia for at least 2 academic years.
Tip: Studying in places like Adelaide, Hobart, or the Gold Coast (regional classified) can benefit you.
Read More: Skills in Demand Visa Australia 2025
I. Partner Skills Points
Situation | Points |
Partner is under 45, has a skills assessment, and is competent in English | 10 |
The partner has only competent English | 5 |
Single applicants | 10 |
Tip: If you are single or have a highly skilled partner, you can maximize your partner points.
J. State Nomination or Regional Sponsorship
Visa | Points for Nomination/Sponsorship |
Subclass 190 (State Nomination) | 5 |
Subclass 491 (Regional Sponsorship) | 15 |
Tip: Applying for state or regional nomination can dramatically boost your points and give you an advantage.
3. Bonus Tips to Improve Your PR Points in Australia Faster
- Take English tests multiple times to aim for superior scores.
- Consider occupations in demand (check the Skilled Occupation List Australia regularly).
- Study a course that aligns with the Australian labor market to improve your employability.
- Gain Australian work experience through internships or professional jobs.
- Keep all documents ready — Skills Assessment, English Test Results, Work Experience Letters, Education Transcripts.
- Stay updated with changes in immigration policies and occupation ceilings.
Read More: Living Costs in Australia for International Students
4. PR Invitation Trends to Remember (2025 Update)
- Higher points are needed for high-demand occupations like ICT, Accounting, Engineering, and Nursing.
- State nominations are offering more invitations, especially through regional migration programs (Subclass 491).
- Regional migration pathways are being encouraged through extra points and faster PR options.
Pro Tip: Even if you have 65 points and submit your Expression of Interest (EOI), try to keep upgrading your profile (language, skills, work experience) because invitations are issued based on the highest-ranking applicants first.
To Wrap Up!
Securing permanent residency in Australia is a dream worth pursuing, and understanding how the Australian PR system works is your first big step. As you’ve seen, every factor counts, from your age points for PR in Australia and English proficiency to your work experience, qualifications, and even where you choose to live or study in Australia.
The key is to be proactive and strategic and keep on improving the PR points in the basket to secure your PR pathway to Australia.
Remember, Australian immigration policies and cut-off points are dynamic and may change from year to year. So, stay updated, keep improving your profile, and don’t hesitate to seek expert advice if needed.
If you are looking for professionals who can help you with seamless migration and secure permanent residency in Australia, then you can connect with Visafast Migration Consultancy. We are the leading migration agent in Adelaide who can access your profile and criteria to ensure the best results.
Keep going, stay informed, and book a consultation with us & soon you could be calling Australia your forever home.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
How to get more PR points as an international student in Australia?
- Complete a 2-year course that meets the Australian Study Requirement (5 points).
- Study in a regional area to earn an additional 5 points.
- Complete a Professional Year Program (Accounting, IT, or Engineering) & get 5 points.
- Pass the NAATI CCL test – 5 points.
- Achieve ‘Superior English’ in IELTS, PTE, or equivalent – 20 points.
- Apply for state nomination (Subclass 190 or 491) for an extra 5–15 points
How to improve PR points without a job offer in Australia?
- Improve your English to a superior level (8 in IELTS or 79 in PTE) – up to 20 points.
- Get your qualifications assessed by a relevant skills authority.
- Pass the CCL test for community language – 5 points.
- Study in a regional area and gain 5 points.
- Apply for state/territory nomination (no job offer required for some regions) – 5 to 15 points.
- If single, you get 10 extra points under partner skills.
Which courses give more PR points in Australia?
PR Pathway Courses in Australia aligned with the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) offer better PR prospects. Some top PR-friendly courses include nursing, physiotherapy, engineering, carpentry, plumbing, accounting & finance, cybersecurity, data science, etc.
What are the fastest ways to increase PR points in Australia?
- Retake your English test to jump from 0 → 20 points.
- Pass the NAATI CCL Test – 5 points in just weeks.
- Apply for a state or regional nomination – 5 to 15 points.
- Update your EOI regularly as your work experience grows.
- Complete a Professional Year Program (for eligible graduates).
- Claim partner skill points or 10 points if you’re single.
