🇨🇦 Updated for 2026

Australia PR Process 2026
Step-by-Step Guide

Complete roadmap from eligibility check to PR card in hand. Trusted by 4,000+ families who moved to Australia.

Check Points Test Score Free Check My Eligibility
6–12
Months via SkillSelect
CAD 1,325
Govt Application Fee
490+
Points Test Score Target 2026
98%
Our Success Rate

Australia PR Process — 8 Steps

Follow these steps in order for a smooth application journey.

1

Check Your Eligibility & Points Test Score

Use our free Points Test Calculator to determine your Points Test score. You need to be eligible for at least one of: Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), or Federal Skilled Trades (FST).

Key requirements: CLB 7+ English (IELTS/PTE), 1 year work experience, secondary school or higher education.
2

Get IELTS / PTE Score (CLB 7+)

Language score is mandatory. CLB 7 = IELTS 6.0 each band. Higher scores give more Points Test points: CLB 9 (IELTS 7.5) adds +50 Points Test points per language ability.

Book IELTS Coaching
3

Create Your SkillSelect Profile

Create a profile on the Department of Home Affairs (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Australia) portal. Your Points Test score is calculated and you enter the SkillSelect pool.

Pro tip: Your profile remains active for 12 months. Update it whenever you get a new score or qualification.
4

Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA)

Department of Home Affairs runs regular draws and invites top-scoring candidates. Once you receive an ITA, you have 60 days to submit a full PR application.

2026 draws: Department of Home Affairs runs technology, STEM, healthcare, French language, and general draws. Having a provincial nomination adds +600 Points Test points.
5

Gather & Submit Documents

You have 60 days to compile and submit all required documents:

  • Valid Passport
  • IELTS/PTE Score Card
  • Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
  • Work Experience Letters
  • Police Clearance Certificate
  • Medical Examination Results
  • Proof of Funds (CAD 13,757+ for single)
  • Birth/Marriage Certificates
6

Pay Fees & Submit Application

Pay the government fees: CAD 1,325 (application) + CAD 225 (biometrics) + CAD 720 (RPRF). Then submit your complete application on the Department of Home Affairs portal.

7

Application Processing (6–12 Months)

Department of Home Affairs processes your application. You may receive additional requests. Standard processing is 6–8 months for SkillSelect.

8

🎉 Receive COPR & Land in Australia!

You receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR). Land in Australia before the date on your COPR to activate your PR status. Your PR card arrives within 8 weeks.

Australia PR Pathways in 2026

🚀

SkillSelect

Fastest pathway. 6–8 months. Requires IELTS CLB 7+ and 1 year skilled work experience.

Points Test 490+ needed
🏴󠁣󠁡󠁯󠁮󠁿

Provincial Nominee (State Sponsorship)

Each province nominates skilled workers. Adds 600 Points Test points — almost guarantees ITA.

Lower Points Test accepted
🎓

Study → PR (CEC)

Study in Australia → get 1 year Canadian work experience → apply via Canadian Experience Class.

Popular for students
👨‍👩‍👧

Family Sponsorship

If a spouse, parent or child is a Canadian PR/citizen, they can sponsor you directly.

No Points Test needed

Ready to Start Your Australia PR Journey?

Get a free eligibility assessment from Dr. Shruti Mehta — 4,000+ successful Australia PR cases, 98% success rate.

Check My Eligibility Free Points Test Calculator

Frequently Asked Questions

Via SkillSelect, Australia PR takes 6–12 months from Invitation to Apply (ITA). State Sponsorship streams may take 12–18 months. Total timeline from profile creation to receiving your PR card can be 8–24 months depending on the pathway.

Points Test cutoffs vary by draw type. In 2026, general SkillSelect draws typically cut off between 470–510 Points Test points. Category-based draws (STEM, healthcare, French language) can have lower cutoffs (400–450+). Aim for 490+ for strong chances.

Yes! Most SkillSelect applicants get Australia PR without a job offer. A valid job offer adds 50–200 Points Test points but is not mandatory. Focus on improving your IELTS score, education level, and gaining Canadian work experience instead.

Government fees: CAD 1,325 (application) + CAD 225 (biometrics) + CAD 720 (RPRF) = ~CAD 2,270 per principal applicant. Add spouse/dependant fees separately. Consultant fees at Dr. Shruti Mehta are transparent and competitive — WhatsApp us for a quote.
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