How to Migrate to Australia from India in 2025: Step-by-Step Guide to Skilled Visa & PR Pathways

Australia has attracted skilled professionals, students, and families from India for many years. Indians migrate to Australia as the land offers world-class education, lucrative job opportunities, and a high standard of living. With stable politics, economic growth, and robust multicultural policies, Australia continues to attract thousands of Indians wishing to settle there even in 2025.

Whether pursuing a new career, higher studies, or a better future for your dears, Australia's Permanent Residency (PR) programs offer a great path to making your Aussie dream a reality.

What are the Types of Australian Visas That Indians Apply For?

Before planning your migration journey, you must have a deep knowledge about the various types of Australian visas that Indians usually apply for.

Indian applicants typically apply for the following visa subclasses:

Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa

• No nomination required; apply based solely on your skills.
• Points-tested migration stream.
• Allows you to live and work anywhere in Australia.
• Suitable for skilled professionals listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa

• Requires nomination by an Australian State or Territory.
• Points-tested.
• Occupation must be listed on either MLTSSL or Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), depending on state requirements.
• Must live and work in the nominating state for at least two years.

Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa

• For skilled workers who want to live in regional Australia.
• Requires either state nomination or sponsorship by an eligible relative in Australia.
• Pathway to permanent residence after meeting certain criteria.

Employer-Sponsored Visas

• Under this, Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (Subclass 482) and Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa (Subclass 186) are included.
• A job offer is mandatory from an approved Australian employer.
• With a job offer, after adhering to the terms of employment will lead to PR

Student to PR Pathways

• It is popular among Indian students aiming for long-term settlement.
• Study in a designated university in Australia, gain work experience, and then apply for PR via skilled migration or employer sponsorship.

How to Become Eligible for Australian PR Applications in 2025?

As an Indian applicant, you must meet several requirements to qualify for Australian PR. Let us check out the eligibility requirements:

Eligibility Factors Include

An Overview of the Points Based System

Australian PR uses a points-based system. A score calculator is available on government sites to help you pre-assess your eligibility.

You get points for your:

• Age: Younger candidates score higher.
• English language proficiency
• Skilled work history (Australia/overseas)
• Qualifications: Australian degrees get bonus points.
• State nomination or sponsorship

Step-by-Step Application Process

Here's a simple guide to the Australian PR application process for Indian citizens:

1. Check Eligibility

• Use the official points calculator.
• Ensure your job is on the relevant list.

2. Skill Assessment

• Get your qualifications and work experience assessed by the authorized body (e.g., Engineers Australia, ACS, etc.).

3. Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)

• Register on the SkillSelect portal.
• Include your education, work, and skills details.

4. State Nomination (if applying for Subclass 190/491)

• Apply to a state/territory if your occupation is eligible.
• Receive nomination if approved.

5. Receive Invitation to Apply

• Wait for the official invitation following a successful EOI.

6. Lodge Visa Application & Medicals

• Submit documents for character and health checks.
• Pay the application fee.

7. PR Grant

• Wait for the PR decision.
• Settle in Australia!

Step & Estimated Duration

Planning your Australian PR application? Here's a realistic idea of how long each step might take, so you know what to expect:

• Skill assessment is usually the first significant milestone, taking around 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the assessing authority and the completeness of your documents.
• After skills are assessed, you may create an online profile in SkillSelect. After submitting your Expression of Interest (EOI), you may wait for an invitation. Depending on your points, the duration period may take from 1 to 6 months.
• Once you receive the invitation, lodging the visa application and clearing medicals and police clearance can take approximately 3 to 8 months, leading up to the final PR decision.

Note:  Gather and Keep all relevant documents ready early itself. You can save weeks of delay in between or in the overall process.

Recent Policy Updates in Australian Immigration 

Staying updated with immigration policy changes is crucial. Here are recent changes that impact Indian applicants: Staying updated with immigration policy changes is vital.

Here are recent changes that Indian applicants must know before applying:

• Updated Occupation Lists: More IT, engineering, healthcare, and teaching roles added to MLTSSL and STSOL.
• State Nomination Changes: Some states revised their requirements, prioritizing occupations facing skill shortages.
• Visa Quotas: Annual intake limits for PR visas slightly increased in 2025.
• Processing Times: Efforts to speed up skilled visa processing to under 6 months in most cases.
• English Test Acceptance: Broader acceptance of alternative English tests (including PTE and TOEFL iBT).
• Remote Application Support: More provisions for online skill assessment and document submission.

Always check the official Department of Home Affairs updates before applying.

Why Choose ImmiLaw Global for Your Australian PR Journey?

• Licensed Immigration Consultants
• Immigration Lawyer assistance
• Track record of successful PR applications for Indians
• Guidance from eligibility to application and post-landing support.
• Offices in major cities across India.
• 24/7 online helpdesk for queries and document uploads.

Australia remains a top choice for Indian professionals and students in 2025 thanks to its transparent immigration system, job opportunities, and quality of life. With several PR pathways, updated policies, and reliable support from ImmiLaw Global, your migration journey can be smoother and more successful.

Ready to begin your Australian PR journey?

Book a FREE consultation with an ImmiLaw Global expert.

Feel free to contact us for your queries.