Residence Permit by Non Investment - Australia

Each state and internal territory (exception Jervis Bay Territory) has has its own independent executive, legislative, and judicial system, whereas the other territories only hold local government under the supervision of the Federal Department. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), Australia's population as of March 31, 2025, is 27,536,874 people.

What are the benefits of becoming an Australian citizen or permanent resident?

What are the Australian Permanent Resident Programs?

A family-stream permanent visa
A work-stream permanent visa
A business or investor-stream permanent visa
Other Options:
Retirement visa pathway
Former resident visa
Global talent visa (subclass 858)
Refugee and humanitarian visas

Source: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/permanent-resident/visa-options

What are the Benefits of Australian Permanent Residency?

Freedom to work and live in Australia.
Lower tuition fees at Australian universities.
Access to free education through public schools in Australia.
Access to healthcare facilities.
Ability to reinstate your Permanent Residency if it expires.
Privileges for investing in Australian property:
- Access to a wider range of home loans.
- Government First Home Owner Grant.
- Cost savings from the 7% surcharge purchasing duty on property prices typically charged to foreign buyers.
- Cost savings on Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB).

AUSTRALIA SKILLED WORKER PERMANENT RESIDENT PROGRAM

This is a pathway to Permanent Residency through the SKILLED WORKER stream WITHOUT INVESTMENT. This program applies a Points System, which means candidates must meet a minimum points requirement. Candidates who possess skills matching these criteria can apply by meeting certain requirements. Below is a brief discussion of the program.

Subclass 186 : Employer Nomination Scheme Visa: PR with employer sponsorship.
Subclass 189 : Skilled Independent Visa: PR without sponsorship.
Subclass 190 : Skilled Nominated Visa: PR with State/Territory sponsorship.
Subclass 191 : Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa: PR visa for holders of temporary visas (subclass 491/494) who meet the requirements.
Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa: Temporary visa with Australian employer sponsorship.
Subclass 491 : Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa: Temporary residence with sponsorship; eligible to apply for Permanent Residency after 3 years.
Subclass 494 : Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa: Regional provisional (temporary) visa with employer sponsorship in a regional area.

AUSTRALIA SKILLED WORKER PROGRAMS Subclass 186, 189, 190, 191

No	Subclass	186 (Employer Nomination Scheme)	189 (Skilled Independent Visa)	190 (Skilled Nominated Visa)	191 (Permanent Residence – Skilled Regional Visa)
1	Visa Type	Employer-Sponsored Permanent Residency Visa	Points-Based Permanent Residency Visa	Points-Based Permanent Residency Visa	Permanent Residency Visa (PR pathway from Subclass 491/494)
2	Status	Permanent Resident (PR)	Permanent Resident (PR)	Permanent Resident (PR)	Permanent Resident (PR)
3	Sponsorship Required	Yes — must be nominated by a qualifying Australian employer.	None (independent).	Nomination from a state/territory government (+5 points).	No new sponsor required (transition from Regional Visa).
4	Job Offer	Required — an employer offers a skilled position and nominates you.	Not required.	Not required.	No new job offer required; only need proof of working in a regional area for 3 years.For Subclass Subclass 494, the previous sponsor is sufficient as proof of regional work experience.
5	Selection Method	Employer nomination + visa application by the employee.	Points Test through SkillSelect.	Points Test + Nomination.	No Points Test (based on compliance with regional visa conditions).
6	Work Area & Place of Residence	Anywhere in Australia (based on job location).	Anywhere in Australia..	Recommended to live in the nominating state (2-year moral commitment).	Must provide proof of living and working in a regional area for 3 years.
7	Duration	Direct PR.	Direct PR.	Direct PR.	Becomes permanent after 3 years of working in a regional area.
8	Validity	• 5-year travel facility. • Apply for *Resident Return Visa (RRV) Subclass 155/157* thereafter.	• 5-year travel facility. • Apply for *RRV Subclass 155/157* thereafter.	• 5-year travel facility. • Apply for *RRV Subclass 155/157* thereafter.	• 5-year travel facility. • Apply for *RRV Subclass 155/157* thereafter.
9	Medicare Access	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
10	Additional Points	None	None	+5 points from state/territory nomination	Not applicable
11	Family Members	• Spouse or de facto partner • Dependent children < 23 years old	• Spouse or de facto partner • Children under 21 years old	• Spouse or de facto partner • Dependent children < 23 years old	• Spouse or de facto partner • Eligible dependent children can be included
12	Processing Time	*• Direct Entry Stream :* ±19 months**	±9 months (points-based)	±26 months	±14 months
		*• Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream* : ±18 months
		*• Labour Agreement ( Stream): ± 9 months*
13	PR Pathway	Direct PR upon approval.	Direct PR upon approval.	Direct PR upon approval.	Conversion of regional visa to PR after 3 years.
14	Citizenship Eligibility	After 4 years (with at least 1 year as a PR).	After 4 years (with at least 1 year as a PR).	After 4 years (with at least 1 year as a PR).	After 4 years (with at least 1 year as a PR).
15	Target Applicants	● Skilled workers nominated by an employer; ● Professionals with required expertise; ● Applicants through Direct Entry, Transition, or Labour Agreement.	Professionals with high scores and an independent profile.	Applicants with skills required in a specific state.	Holders of visa 491/494 who meet income and residency requirements.
16	Flexibility	Moderate — although it is PR, there is limited flexibility before the visa is approved due to nomination and employer requirements.	Most flexible — not tied to a location or sponsor.	Moderate — temporarily tied to the nominating state.	Limited — until PR is approved (must remain in a regional area before PR).
17	Eligibility & Criteria:
a	Occupation List	• *Direct Entry: Must be included in the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)*	*MLTSSL (National List).*	Specific state or territory list.	Same as the visa 491/494 occupation list.
		• *Temporary Residence Transition: a. For holders of Subclass 482 (TSS)* or formerly 457 who have worked for at least 2–3 years with the same sponsoring employer. b. According to the skilled occupation list for TRT.
		• Labour Agreement: According to the list approved in the agreement
		Harus memiliki Positive Skills Assessment: https://bit.ly/Skill-Occupation-List
b	Points Test & Invitation	Not applicable	Submit Expression of Interest (EOI) — minimum 65 points (depending on occupation) to be invited by the Australian Government.	EOI + 65 points + invitation from a state/territory.	Not applicable
			Cek : https://bit.ly/skillselect
c	English Language Requirements	*Minimum IELTS 6.0 (Competent English)*	*Minimum IELTS 6.0 (Competent English)*	*Minimum IELTS 6.0 (Competent English)*	Same as the visa 491/494
d	Age Limit	≤ 45 years	≤ 45 years	≤ 45 years	≤ 45 years (at the time of 491/494 visa application)
e	Health & Character	Health test + Police Check	Health test + Police Check	Health test + Police Check	Health test + Police Check
18	Visa Fees (as of July 2025)
	Main Applicant	AUD 4,910	AUD 4,910	AUD 4,910	AUD 505
	Additional (≥18 years)	AUD 2,455	AUD 2,455	AUD 2,455	AUD 250
	Additional (<18 years)	AUD 1,230	AUD 1,230	AUD 1,230	AUD 130
	*Additional fee (below Competent English)*	• AUD 9,800 (main) • AUD 4,890 (additional)	AUD 4,885	• AUD 9,800 (main) • AUD 4,890 (additional)	—
19	Application Steps / Process Flow:
a	Eligibility check (skills, age, English language)	✔	✔	✔	✔
b	Skills Assessment	✔	✔	✔	✔
c	Submission of Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect	❌	✔	✔	❌
d	State/Territory Government Nomination	❌	❌	✔	❌
	Employer Nomination	✔	❌	❌	❌
	Employer with a Labour Agreement	✔ (Labour Agreement)	❌	❌	❌
	Nomination under a Labour Agreement	✔ (Labour Agreement)	❌	❌	❌
	Hold a prior qualifying visa (e.g., 457/482)	✔ (Transition)	❌	❌	✔ (requires a prior temporary regional visa)
e	Submit online visa application (ImmiAccount)	✔	✔	✔	✔
f	Health & Character Checks	✔	✔	✔	✔
g	Awaiting decision from the Australian Government	✔	✔	✔	✔

AUSTRALIA SKILLED WORKER PROGRAMS Subclass 482, 491, 494

No	Subclass	482	491	494
No	Subclass	Skills in Demand Visa	Skilled Work Regional, Provisional	Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional – Provisional
1	Visa Type	Temporary Skilled Shortage Visa (Employer Sponsored)	Visa Regional Terampil Sementara	Visa Regional Sementara yang Disponsori oleh Pemberi Kerja
2	Status	Temporary	Temporary	Temporary
3	Sponsorship Required	Yes — must be nominated by an approved Australian employer.	Yes — must be nominated by a State or Territory Government, or sponsored by n eligible relative.	Yes — must be nominated by an approved employer located in a designated regional area.
4	Job Offer	Yes — full-time position in a skilled occupation nominated by the employer.	Not required to have a full-time job offer; the primary requirement is omination or sponsorship, and the occupation must be on the eligible occupation list.	Required — full-time position in regional Australia for the employer-sponsored stream.
5	Selection Method	Employer nomination + visa application	Points Test + Nomination	Employer nomination + visa application
6	Work Area & Place of Residence	Work in the nominated position in Australialocation as per employer).	Must live in a designated regional area of Australia.	Must live and work in a designated regional area of Australia.
7	Duration	Up to 4 years	Up to 5 years	Up to 5 years
8	Validity	Can travel to/from Australia as long as the visa is valid.	Can travel to/from Australia as long as the visa is valid.	Can travel to/from Australia as long as the visa is valid.
9	Medicare Access	Not automatic like PR holders; subject to certain conditions.	Yes	Yes
10	Additional Points from Nomination	None (not a points-based visa).	Yes (+15 points).	None (not a points-based visa).
11	Family Members	• Spouse or de facto partner • Eligible dependent children can be included	• Spouse or de facto partner • Dependent children < 23 years old	• Spouse or de facto partner • Eligible dependent children can be included
12	Processing Time	• Core Skilled Stream : ± 5 bulan	• Family Sponsored Stream : ± 28 bulan	• Employer Sponsored Stream : ± 11 bulan
		• Labour Agreement Stream : ± 6 months	• State/Territory Nomination Stream : ± 26 months	• Labour Agreement Stream : ± 12 months
		• Specialist Skills Stream : ± 6 months
13	PR Pathway	Yes pathway to permanent residency via Subclass 186.	Yes pathway to permanent residency via Subclass 191.	Yes pathway to permanent residency via Subclass 191.
14	Citizenship Eligibility	After obtaining PR.	After obtaining PR.	After obtaining PR.
15	Target Applicants	Skilled workers nominated by an employer based on labor shortages or a labor agreement.labour agreement).	Skilled workers who wish to live and work in regional Australia and meet nomination/sponsorship criteria and the points test.	Skilled workers nominated by a regional employer and willing to live and work in regional Australia.
16	Flexibility	Moderate — tied to the employer and nominated position or the approved stream.	Moderate — must meet residence and work requirements in a regional area; less flexible than non-regional visas.	Low to moderate — tied to the employer, regional requirements, and specific stream obligations.
17	Eligibility & Criteria:
17a	Occupation & Skills	• *Specialist Skills Stream*: any occupation (except trades workers, drivers, laborers) with a high income threshold.	Occupation must be included in the Skilled Occupation List.	• *Employer Sponsored*: occupation must be included in the relevant occupation list.
		• *Core Skills Stream*: occupation must be included in the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).		• *Labour Agreement*: occupation as specified in the approved Labour Agreement.
		• *Labour Agreement Stream*: occupation and terms as specified in the approved Labour Agreement.		• *Subsequent Entrant*: for family members of 494 visa holders, nominated through the same employer nomination process.
		Harus memiliki Positive Skills Assessment: https://bit.ly/Skill-Occupation-List
17b	Points Test & Invitation	Not applicable	Must submit an *Expression of Interest (EOI)* and obtain a minimum of to receive an invitation.	Not applicable
17c	English Language Requirements	Same across all streams (e.g., IELTS 5.0 or equivalent).	Minimum IELTS 6.0 (Competent English).	Minimum IELTS 6.0 (Competent English).
17d	Age Limit	No age limit.	≤ 45 years.	≤ 45 years.
17e	Health & Character	Health test + Police Check	Health test + Police Check	Health test + Police Check
18	Visa Fees
	Main Applicant	AUD 3,210	AUD 4,910	AUD 4,910
	Additional (≥18 years)	AUD 3,210	AUD 2,455	AUD 2,455
	Additional (<18 years)	AUD 805	AUD 1,230	AUD 1,230
19	Application Steps / Process Flow
	Eligibility check (skills, age, English language)	✔	✔	✔
	Skills Assessment	✔	✔	✔
	Submission of Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect	❌	✔	❌
	Employer Nomination	✔	❌	✔
	Employer with a Labour Agreement	✔ (Labour Agreement)	❌	✔ (Labour Agreement)
	Nomination under a Labour Agreement	✔ (Labour Agreement)	❌	✔ (Labour Agreement)
	State/Territory Government Nomination	❌	✔	❌
	Hold a prior qualifying visa	❌	❌	✔ (for some transitions)
	Submit online visa application (ImmiAccount)	✔	✔	✔
	Health & Character Checks	✔	✔	✔
	Awaiting decision	✔	✔	✔

You can calculate your points here

CALCULATOR POINTS AUSTRALIA SKILLED WORKER PROGRAM SUBCLASS 189,190, 491

NO	CATEGORY	DESCRIPTION	SUBCLASS
NO	CATEGORY	DESCRIPTION	189	190	491
A	Age
	18 – <25 years		25	25	25
	25 – <33 years		30	30	30
	33 – <40 years		25	25	25
	40 – <45 years		15	15	15
B	English language skills
	Competent English		0	0	0
	IELTS	*Min. 6* in each component.
	TOEFL Ibt	*Min. 12 Listening, 13 Reading, 21 Writing, 18 Speaking*
	PTE Academic	*Min. 50* in each component.
	OET	*Grade B* in each component.
	Cambridge C1 Advanced	*Min. 169* in each component.
	Proficient English		10	10	10
	IELTS	*Min. 7* in each component.
	TOEFL Ibt	*Min. 24 Listening, 24 Reading, 27 Writing, 23 Speaking*
	PTE Academic	*Min. 65* in each component.
	OET	*Grade B* in each component.
	Cambridge C1 Advanced	*Min. 185* in each component.
	Superior English		20	20	20
	IELTS	*Min. 8* in each component.
	TOEFL Ibt	*Min. 28 Listening, 29 Reading, 30 Writing, 26 Speaking*
	PTE Academic	*Min. 79* in each component.
	OET	*Grade A* in each component.
	Cambridge C1 Advanced	*Min. 200* in each component.
C	Skilled Work Experience
1	Outside Australia (Overseas)
	<3 years		0	0	0
	≥3 – <5 years		5	5	5
	≥5 – <8 years		10	10	10
	≥8 years		15	15	15
2	In Australia
	<1 year		0	0	0
	≥1 – <3 years		5	5	5
	≥3 – <5 years		10	10	10
	≥5 – <8 years		15	15	15
	≥8 years		20	20	20
D	Educational Qualifications
1	Doctorate (PhD)	From an Australian or recognized overseas institution	20	20	20
2	Bachelor Degree		15	15	15
3	Diploma or Trade Qualification		10	10	10
4	Qualification recognized by the relevant assessing authority for your nominated skilled occupation		10	10	10
E	Specialist Education Qualification
	Master’s by Research or Doctorate Degree from an Australian institution, including at least 2 academic years of study in a relevant STEM or ICT field		10	10	10
	Relevant study fields include:
	– Natural and Physical Sciences	Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Mathematics, Physics, Astronomy
	– Information Technology	Computer Science, Information Systems, Information Technology
	– Engineering and Related Technologies	Aerospace Engineering and Technology, Civil Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering and Technology, Engineering and Related Technologies, Geomatics Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering and Technology, Maritime Engineering and Technology, Mechanical and Industrial Engineering and Technology, Other Engineering and Related Technologies, Process and Resources Engineering
F	Australian Study Requirement
	Have degree / diploma / trade qualification from an Australian educational institution that meets the ustralian Study Requirement.	https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skilled-independent-189/australian-study-requirement	5	5	5
G	Professional Year in Australia
	Completed a Professional Year program in Accounting, ICT (Computing), or Engineering at least 12 months	The program must:	5	5	5
		- Have been completed within the last 4 years prior to the invitation to apply
		- Be conducted in Australia
		- Be delivered by an approved organization such as CPA Australia, Engineers Australia, or Australian Computer Society (ACS)
		- Evidence of program completion must be provided at the time of application
H	Credentialed Community Language
	Hold a recognized qualification in a credentialed community language, accredited by NAATI (National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters)		5	5	5
	- Certification must be at least at the Paraprofessional (Certified Provisional) or higher
	- The credential must relate to the occupation of Translator or Interpreter
	- Official certification evidence must be provided with the visa application
I	Study in Regional Australia
	Hold at least one degree, diploma, or trade qualification from an Australian educational institution obtained while living and studying in a regional area	Additional requirements:	5	5	5
		- The study must meet the ustralian Study Requirement
		- Conducted at a campus located in an eligible regional area
		- The study must not include distance education
J	Partner Skills
1	Partner meets full criteria	Requirements:	10	10	10
		- <45 years old
		– At least Competent English
		– *Skilled occupation* on the the same skilled occupation list
2	Partner has Competent English and is also an applicant	Not Australian PR/citizen	5	5	5
3	Single or partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident.	Note: If marital status changes during visa processing, points may not be awarded for this category.	10	10	10
K	Nomination or Sponsorship
1	Subclass 189 ( Skilled Independent Visa )	This category does not apply, as it is an independent visa without nomination or sponsorship.	–	–	–
2	Subclass 190 ( Skilled – Nominated )	Invited to apply for a Subclass 190 visa and the nomination from a State or Territory government has not been withdrawn	–	5	–
3	Subclass 491 ( Skilled Work Regional – Provisional )	Invited or sponsored for a Subclass 491 by State/Territory government agency or eligible family member with the sponsorship accepted by the Minister	–	–	15

ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES

Visa Type	Advantages	Disadvantages
Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme)	✔️Permanent residence straight away	❌ Must be nominated by eligible employer
	✔️ Live, work and study in Australia indefinitely	❌ Age limit (under ~45) for most applicants
	✔️ Access to Medicare and other PR benefits	❌ Must satisfy employer and nomination criteria
	✔️ Can sponsor eligible relatives	❌ For some streams need to have worked for employer for 2 years after grant
	✔️ Travel facility for up to 5 years after grant
Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent)	✔️ Direct PR, no sponsorship or nomination required	❌ Highly competitive (85+ points typical)
	✔️ Freedom to live and work anywhere in Australia	❌ Occupations limited to MLTSSL
	✔️ Access to Medicare and full PR benefits	❌ No State or employer support
	✔️ Fastest citizenship eligibility among skilled visas	❌ Long waiting time for invitations
Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated)	✔️ Direct PR with +5 points from State/Territory nomination	❌ Must live in nominating State for 2 years
	✔️ Easier invitation if occupation is in-demand	❌ Occupation lists vary per State
	✔️ State support and guidance available	❌ Additional process for nomination approval
Subclass 191 (Permanent Residence – Skilled Regional)	✔️ Converts regional visa (491/494) to PR after 3 years	❌ Must live & work in regional area for 3 years
	✔️ No points test required	❌ Must maintain consistent taxable income (ATO proof)
	✔️ Full PR rights after approval	❌ No direct PR (only after transition)
	✔️ Access to Medicare and citizenship
Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand Visa)	✔️ Many opportunities thanks to labour shortages	❌ Temporary visa (not direct PR)
	✔️ 3 streams allow flexibility (Specialist, Core, Labour Agreement)	❌ Must have employer sponsorship
	✔️ Up to 4 years stay (depending on stream)	❌ Tied to nominated employment and conditions
	✔️ Clear pathway to PR via employer nomination (186)	❌ Some streams have high salary thresholds
	✔️ If sponsorship ends, may get 180 days to find new sponsor	❌ Sponsor obligations and labour market testing apply
Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional – Provisional)	✔️ Higher invitation chance (+15 points from State or Family)	❌ Temporary visa (not direct PR)
	✔️ Clear PR pathway via Subclass 191 after 3 years	❌ Must live & work in regional area 3 years
	✔️ Regional governments actively invite skilled workers	❌ Must meet income threshold for PR eligibility
	✔️ Medicare Access
Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional – Provisional)	✔️ Employer sponsorship guarantees job security	❌ Must have eligible regional employer sponsor
	✔️ Lower competition than independent visas	❌ Limited job mobility (must work for sponsor)
	✔️ Clear PR pathway after 3 years (Subclass 191)	❌ No direct PR (after 3 years)
	✔️ Strengthens regional workforce stability	❌ Changing employer requires new nomination

CONCLUSION

Goal / Situation	Recommended Visa
Want to obtain PR directly through a company sponsor	Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme)
Already working for a sponsor company (457/482) and want to upgrade to PR	Subclass 186 (Transition Stream)
Want direct PR without any sponsor or nomination	Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent)
Want direct PR through nomination from a State or Territory government	Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated)
Already hold a 491 or 494 visa and want to convert it to PR	Subclass 191 (Permanent Residence – Skilled Regional)
Willing to commit to living in a specific regional State or Territory	Subclass 190 atau 191 (setelah 491/494)
Want a fast pathway to PR after working for a sponsor company	Subclass 482 → 186 (Transition Pathway)
Want higher chances of invitation for a provisional visa before PR	Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional – Provisional)
Want to work in a regional area with company sponsorship	Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional – Provisional)

Residence Permit by Non Investment – Australia

AUSTRALIA