Migration

How to Get PR in Australia — Nepali Guide

Getting Permanent Residency (PR) in Australia is the goal of many Nepali migrants. The most common pathway is the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program, which uses a points-based system. This guide explains the three main visa subclasses (189, 190, 491), how points work, and the steps to apply.

Step-by-Step Guide

Check your occupation is on the skilled list

Your occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list. Check the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) for the 189 visa, the Combined List for 190, and the Regional List for 491. Common Nepali occupations: accountant, engineer, IT professional, nurse, cook, chef, motor mechanic. Check on the Department of Home Affairs website or immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.

Get your skills assessed

Before applying, you must get a skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your occupation. For example: Engineers Australia for engineers, CPA/CA ANZ for accountants, ACS for IT professionals, VETASSESS for various trades. The assessment costs $300-$1,100 depending on the authority and takes 4-12 weeks.

Calculate your points

You need a minimum of 65 points to be eligible, but in practice you need 80-90+ points to receive an invitation. Points are awarded for: age (25-32 = 30 points), English language (PTE 79+ or IELTS 8+ = 20 points), skilled employment (8-10 years = 20 points), education (PhD = 20, Masters = 15, Bachelor = 15), Australian study (5 points), NAATI credential (5 points), specialist education (5 points), regional study (5 points), partner skills (5-10 points), state nomination (190 = 5 points, 491 = 15 points).

Take an English test (PTE Academic or IELTS)

English language points are critical. PTE Academic is the most popular test for Nepalis because it is computer-based and easier to score high on. You need at least competent English (PTE 50 / IELTS 6) to apply, but proficient (PTE 65 / IELTS 7 = 10 points) or superior (PTE 79 / IELTS 8 = 20 points) English gives you a significant advantage. Test fee: ~$410 AUD.

Submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) on SkillSelect

Create an account on SkillSelect (skillselect.gov.au) and submit an Expression of Interest. You will be ranked against other candidates in a points-based pool. Invitations are sent periodically (monthly for most subclasses). The higher your points, the sooner you get invited. There is no fee to submit an EOI.

Receive an invitation and apply for the visa

Once invited, you have 60 days to submit your visa application. You will need: skills assessment, English test results, health check (Bupa Medical Visa Services), police clearance from Australia and Nepal, and proof of all claimed points. Visa fees: 189 = $4,765, 190 = $4,765, 491 = $4,765 (as of 2024-25). Additional charges for family members.

Wait for the decision

Processing times vary: 189 visa takes 6-12 months, 190 takes 7-12 months, 491 takes 6-12 months. You can check current processing times on the Home Affairs website. Once approved, you become a permanent resident and can live, work, and study anywhere in Australia (189 and 190) or in designated regional areas (491 for 3 years before converting to 191 PR).

Comparison

Provider / Option	Type	Rate / Duration	Notes
Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent)	Permanent	No state nomination needed	Highest competition. Live anywhere. Need 90+ points for most occupations. Visa fee $4,765.
Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated)	Permanent	State nomination required (+5 points)	Must live in nominating state for 2 years. Lower points needed (65-80). Each state has its own occupation list.
Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional)	Provisional (5 years)	State or family nomination (+15 points)	Must live in regional area for 3 years. Converts to 191 PR after 3 years. Lowest points needed.
Subclass 191 (Permanent Regional)	Permanent	From 491 after 3 years	Available from November 2022. Must have lived and worked in regional area for 3 years on 491.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many points do I need for PR in Australia?▾

The minimum is 65 points, but in practice you need 80-90+ points to receive an invitation for the 189 visa. For 190 and 491 visas, the points needed are lower because you get 5 and 15 bonus points respectively from state/regional nomination. Check the latest SkillSelect invitation rounds for current cut-offs.

Does NAATI Nepali give bonus points for PR?▾

Yes. A NAATI Certified Provisional or Certified credential in Nepali gives you 5 bonus points for skilled migration. You need to pass the NAATI certification test in your language. This is one of the easiest ways to get 5 extra points. Visit naati.com.au for test dates and fees (~$575 AUD).

Which is better: 189, 190, or 491 visa?▾

189 is the best because it has no restrictions on where you live, but it requires the highest points. 190 gives you 5 bonus points but you must live in the nominating state for 2 years. 491 gives 15 bonus points but you must live in a regional area for 3 years before you can apply for the 191 permanent visa. Choose based on your points and where you want to live.

How much does PR cost in Australia?▾

The main visa application fee is $4,765 AUD (2024-25) for the primary applicant. Additional family members cost extra. On top of this, budget for: skills assessment ($300-$1,100), English test ($410), medical check ($330), police clearance ($100), and migration agent fees if you use one ($1,500-$5,000). Total cost: approximately $6,000-$10,000 AUD.

How long does it take to get PR in Australia?▾

From submitting your EOI to getting the visa granted, it typically takes 8-18 months. The time to get an invitation depends on your points and occupation — some occupations get invited within weeks, others wait years. After invitation, visa processing takes 6-12 months. Check current processing times at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.

Can I include my family in my PR application?▾

Yes. You can include your spouse/partner and dependent children in your application. Additional visa fees apply: $2,385 for each additional adult and $1,195 for each child. Your partner can also claim English language points (5 points for competent English) or partner skills (5-10 points if they also have a skills assessment).

Official Sources & References

Explore More Guides

Browse all our how-to guides for Nepalis in Australia.

All How-To Guides