Why Australian PR is a Life-Changer

Before diving into the “how,” let’s answer the “why.”

• Unlimited work rights: Unlike student visas or temporary work permits, PR gives you permanent work rights.

• Pathway to citizenship: After 4 years (with at least 1 year as a PR holder), you can apply for Australian citizenship.

• Access to Medicare: Healthcare in Australia is one of the best globally, and PR holders qualify.

• Public school access for children: PR holders pay local fees, not international fees.

• Social benefits: After a waiting period, PR holders may access certain government supports.

• Sponsorship rights: PR holders can sponsor family members to join them.

• Security & stability: Once granted, PR is indefinite. In essence, you can live in Australia as long as you like.

For African professionals, PR isn’t just a visa, it’s a new life blueprint.

The PR Pathways: Which One is Right for You?

There are multiple routes to PR, but for African professionals, these three are the most common:

1. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

• No employer or state sponsorship required.

• Purely points-based.

• Ideal if your occupation is in high demand nationwide.

2. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

• Requires nomination from an Australian state/territory.

• Gives you extra 5 points.

• Great option if you’re flexible with location.

3. Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)

• Temporary visa (5 years), but leads to PR (Subclass 191).

• Requires regional state nomination or family sponsorship.

• Provides 15 extra points.

• Attractive for Africans willing to live in regional areas.

Other lesser-used options include:

• Employer-Sponsored PR.

• Partner/Family Sponsored PR.

• Global Talent Visa (for high achievers).

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for PR

Here’s the detailed roadmap:

Step 1: Check if You’re Eligible

• Age: Must be under 45.

• Occupation: Must be on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL). Example: nurses, software engineers, electricians.

• English proficiency: Usually IELTS 6.0+ (higher scores = more points).

• Qualifications: Must meet Australian standards (sometimes extra study is required).

• Work experience: More years = higher points.

• Health & character: Mandatory medical exams + police clearance.

Pro Tip: Many Africans miss out because they don’t check if their degrees/credentials are recognized. Always confirm with the assessing authority before applying.

Step 2: Calculate Your PR Points

You need at least 65 points, but realistically, 70–85 points gives you a competitive edge.

Points Breakdown Example:

• Age 30 → 30 points

• English IELTS 8 → 20 points

• Work experience (8 years) → 15 points

• Bachelor’s degree → 15 points

• State nomination (Subclass 190) → +5 points

Total = 85 points (highly competitive).

Pro Tip: If your score is low, improve your English test results or consider the Subclass 491 for extra 15 points.

Step 3: Skills Assessment

• Submit documents (degrees, transcripts, work experience) to the relevant authority.

• Examples:

  • Engineers → Engineers Australia.

  • Nurses → ANMAC.

  • IT → ACS.

• Assessment costs range AUD $500–$1,000.

• Processing time: 8–12 weeks.

Pro Tip: Work reference letters must match ANZSCO job descriptions exactly, or you risk rejection.

Step 4: Take an English Test

• IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE accepted.

• Aim for IELTS 8 or PTE 79 for maximum points.

• Cost: AUD $410–$450 per test.

Pro Tip: Many Africans underestimate the English test. If possible, take practice exams and consider PTE, which some find easier than IELTS.

Step 5: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)

• Use SkillSelect (online system).

• Enter details about your skills, education, work experience.

• Indicate which visa type (189, 190, or 491).

• Wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

Pro Tip: High-demand jobs (e.g., nurses, IT) get ITAs faster. For oversubscribed fields (e.g., accounting), state nomination boosts chances.

Step 6: Receive Your Invitation to Apply (ITA)

• Invitations are issued monthly.

• Higher point scores = faster invites.

• You have 60 days to apply after receiving an ITA.

Step 7: Apply for the Visa

• Upload all documents (passport, skills assessment, English results, police clearance, medicals).

• Pay visa fees:

  • Main applicant: AUD $4,640.

  • Partner: AUD $2,320.

  • Child: AUD $1,160.

• Processing time: 6–12 months (faster for some occupations).

Pro Tip: Lodge a decision-ready application (all documents complete). Missing files cause months of delays.

Step 8: Plan Your Move

• Book flights once visa is granted.

• Arrange temporary accommodation (Airbnb/short-term rentals).

• Open an Australian bank account.

• Convert your CV to Australian style (focus on achievements).

• Research your city’s African community for support.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

1. Qualification Recognition

   • Some African degrees may not be fully recognized.

   • Solution: Consider bridging courses or have your transcripts evaluated early.

2. English Test Struggles

   • Many applicants fail to score high.

   • Solution: Take mock tests, try PTE instead of IELTS.

3. Cost Barriers

   • The whole process may cost AUD $7,000–$12,000.

   • Solution: Plan savings early or apply for state-nominated scholarships.

4. Lengthy Wait Times

   • Some occupations wait longer.

   • Solution: Apply under a regional visa (491) for faster processing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long does the PR process take?
6–12 months, depending on occupation and completeness of documents.

2. Can I include my family?
Yes. Spouses and children can be included in the same application.

3. Do I need a job offer?
Not always. For Subclass 189, no job offer is needed.

4. What if my occupation is not on the Skilled List?
Consider studying in Australia first, then applying via a post-study work visa.

5. Can I apply without IELTS?
No. English proof is mandatory.

Final Thoughts and Resources

Applying for Australian PR as an African professional requires time, money, and careful preparation; but the rewards are massive: permanent settlement, better career opportunities, and a future for your family.

Key takeaways:

• Aim for 70–85 points for faster invitations.

• Take the English test seriously.

• Get your skills assessment right, it’s the backbone of your application.

• Consider state/region nomination if your points are low.

Useful Resources

• SkillSelect Portal

• Skilled Occupation List

• Engineers Australia

• ANMAC (Nursing Assessment)

Achieve Your Migration Journey Today with Afrovo.

We are passionate about helping Africans unlock global opportunities.

 Email: hello@afrovo.com
 WhatsApp: Click to chat
 Instagram: @afrovo_
 TikTok: @afrovo
 Facebook: @Afrovo