Australia PR
Australia PR Requirements for Indians 2026
Australia's skilled migration program offers permanent residency through a points-tested system. This guide explains the requirements Indian professionals — including those from Kerala — need to meet in 2026: occupation lists, skills assessment, English tests, and the three main visa subclasses.
How Australia Skilled Migration Works
Australia selects skilled migrants through a points-tested system managed by the Department of Home Affairs. You must nominate an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list, obtain a positive skills assessment, meet English requirements, and score enough points to receive an invitation.
Unlike Canada's CRS pool, Australia's SkillSelect Expression of Interest (EOI) requires a minimum of 65 points to lodge — but invitations for popular occupations often need 75–85+ points for Subclass 189.
The Three Main Visa Subclasses
Choose the subclass that matches your points score and willingness to live in a nominated state or region:
- Subclass 189 — Skilled Independent: Permanent residency with no state sponsor. Highest points requirement; no obligation to live in a specific state.
- Subclass 190 — Skilled Nominated: Requires nomination from an Australian state or territory (+5 points). You commit to living in that state for two years.
- Subclass 491 — Skilled Work Regional (Provisional): Requires regional nomination (+15 points). Provisional visa with a pathway to PR after meeting residence and income conditions.
Points Test Breakdown
Your points are calculated across these factors:
- Age — Maximum points at 25–32 years; decreases after 33.
- English — Competent (IELTS 6.0 each), Proficient (7.0 each), or Superior (8.0 each) — each tier adds more points.
- Skilled employment — Points for years of skilled work experience, with more weight for Australian experience.
- Education — Bachelor's, master's, or doctoral qualifications assessed against Australian standards.
- Australian study — Bonus for completing eligible qualifications in Australia.
- Partner skills — Additional points if your spouse meets age, English, and skills criteria.
- State/territory nomination — +5 for 190, +15 for 491.
Skills Assessment — The Mandatory First Step
Before submitting an EOI, almost every occupation requires a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority. Engineers use Engineers Australia; nurses use ANMAC; accountants use CPA/CA/IPA; IT professionals have occupation-specific bodies.
The assessor verifies that your Indian or Kerala qualifications and work experience match Australian standards. Without a valid assessment, you cannot receive an invitation — regardless of your points score.
OrbiX Overseas Careers identifies your ANZSCO code and assessing authority before you invest in assessments and visa fees.
How OrbiX Helps from Kochi
Our Vyttila team reviews your occupation list status, calculates your points, recommends the right subclass (189, 190, or 491), and coordinates skills assessment preparation. We track state nomination openings and invitation rounds relevant to your profile.
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