Permanent Residency Pathways Through Jobs in Australia: A Super-Simple, Step-by-Step Guide (2025)

Imagine Australia as a giant playground. Everyone wants to come in and play because it’s safe, fun, and full of opportunities. But the playground has a big gate, and only people with the right passes (visas) can enter.

What Is Permanent Residency (PR)?

Think of PR like becoming a long-term member of the playground:

You can play anytime you want (live in Australia).
You can use the playground’s toys and slides (work, study, healthcare).
You can bring your family to play with you.
You can stay forever if you want, and later, even become a citizen.

But unlike visitors, permanent residents have to prove they’re responsible and will follow the playground’s rules.

The “Doors” (Pathways) to PR Through Jobs

There are different doors to get PR in Australia. Each door is a visa program. To go through the door, you need certain keys like skills, qualifications, English ability, and sometimes a job offer.

The main PR job pathways are:

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) – No job offer needed, points-based.
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) – Points-based + state sponsorship.
Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) – Points-based + regional job/sponsorship.
Employer Sponsored Visas (Subclass 186, 482, 494) – A company hires you and sponsors you.
Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858) – For very talented people in certain industries.
Graduate Visa leading to PR – For students who study in Australia, then get jobs.

The Points System – Australia’s Game of Numbers

For most skilled visas, Australia uses a points game. You must score enough points (at least 65, but usually higher like 85–90) to be invited.

You get points for:

Age: Younger = more points (best is 25–32 years).
English: Better test scores = more points.
Work experience: More skilled years = more points.
Education: Degrees, diplomas, or trade certificates = points.
Study in Australia: Bonus points if you study there.
Partner skills: If your spouse has skills too, extra points.
State sponsorship: Adds more points if a state/region needs your job.

Think of it like collecting coins in a video game—you need enough coins to unlock the next level.

The Main PR Pathways Explained Like a Story

1. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

This is like being a star player who doesn’t need a team.

You don’t need a job offer.
You apply based on your skills, age, English, and work experience.
You must be in a job that’s on the Skilled Occupation List.

Steps:

Do a skills assessment in your profession.
Take an English test (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL).
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect.
Wait for an invitation to apply.
If accepted, apply for the visa and become a permanent resident.

This visa is great if you’re skilled, young, and speak good English—but it’s competitive.

Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

This is like being a star player, but a team (a state or territory) wants you to join them.

You need nomination by a state or territory.
The state chooses you because your job is needed there.
You must live in that state for at least 2 years after PR is granted.

Steps: Same as 189, but you also apply for state nomination.

Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)

This is like playing in a smaller playground in the countryside, not the big city.

You get extra points (15 points) for choosing regional areas.
A state or regional sponsor must invite you.
It’s a 5-year temporary visa, but you can convert it into PR (Subclass 191) after 3 years if you live and work in the region.

This is a great option if you don’t have enough points for 189/190 but are willing to live outside Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane.

Employer Sponsored Visas

Sometimes a company becomes your coach and says, “Come play for us, and we’ll get you PR.”

Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage Visa)

Employer hires you for a short time (up to 4 years).
After a few years, you may transition to PR through Subclass 186.

Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme)

Permanent residency directly, if your employer nominates you.

Subclass 494 (Regional Employer Sponsored)

For jobs in regional areas.
Can lead to PR after 3 years.

Best for: Workers with strong job offers from Australian companies.

Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858)

This is like being invited because you’re a superstar.

For highly talented people in fields like IT, fintech, engineering, health, or space science.
No points test.
You need to prove global recognition in your area.

Graduate Visas Leading to PR

If you study in Australia:

You can apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485).
This lets you stay and work after finishing your studies.
Then, you gain work experience, improve your English, and apply for PR through 189, 190, or 491.

Step-by-Step Example for PR Through Jobs

Let’s pretend you are Sam, a 28-year-old engineer from India.

Check the Skilled List – Sam sees that engineers are on the Medium and Long-term Skills List.
Do a Skills Assessment – Engineers Australia approves his degree.
Take English Test – Sam scores IELTS 8.0 (good points).
Submit EOI – He applies for both 189 and 190.
Get State Nomination – Victoria nominates him for 190 because they need engineers.
Get Invitation – Sam gets invited to apply.
Apply for PR – He applies with all documents.
Visa Granted – Sam becomes a permanent resident!

Now Sam can live, work, and bring his family to Australia forever.

Salary Expectations for Skilled Workers

Most PR jobs in Australia are in-demand and pay well:

Engineers: AUD $80,000 – $120,000/year
IT Specialists: AUD $90,000 – $130,000/year
Nurses & Healthcare: AUD $70,000 – $110,000/year
Trades (plumbers, electricians): AUD $60,000 – $90,000/year
Teachers: AUD $65,000 – $100,000/year

To qualify for PR, your job usually needs to be skilled and in demand.

Benefits of Getting PR Through Jobs

Stay as long as you want in Australia.
Work anywhere and change jobs freely.
Bring your family (spouse, children).
Healthcare (Medicare) access.
Apply for citizenship after a few years.
Study at local rates in universities.
Buy property more easily.

Common Challenges

High competition: Many skilled people apply, so you need strong points.
Job list changes: Occupations can be removed or added each year.
English test pressure: Many fail because they don’t prepare.
Costs: Visa applications can be expensive (AUD $4,000+ per person).

But with good planning, these challenges can be managed.

Tips to Boost Your Chances

Improve English – Aim for IELTS 8 or PTE 79.
Gain more work experience – Extra years = more points.
Study in Australia – Adds bonus points.
Apply for regional visas (491) – Easier and gives extra points.
Check Skilled Lists often – Apply while your job is still listed.

Simple Analogy for Kids

Think of PR like getting a VIP membership card to a theme park:

If you’re skilled (engineer, nurse, IT person) → You get invited directly.
If a state needs you → They give you a golden ticket.
If a company loves your work → They sponsor you to join their team.
If you study in the park → You can stay and get a full membership later.

Each way is different, but all lead to the same place: a full VIP pass (PR).

Final Thoughts

Getting Permanent Residency in Australia through jobs is like playing a strategy game. You need:

The right job (on the list)
The right skills and experience
The right visa door
Enough points or sponsorship

Once you understand the rules and prepare well, the journey becomes easier.

Australia welcomes people who can fill skill shortages, contribute to the economy, and build communities. If you’re ready, your dream of living permanently in Australia is very possible.