Australian PR from Pakistan in 2026. Your Complete Guide
Australian PR from Pakistan in 2026: Your Complete Guide
Moving from Pakistan to Australia is a life-changing decision, and 2026 is the perfect year to start your journey. With Australia’s updated migration planning levels focusing heavily on skilled professionals in healthcare, IT, and engineering, the pathways are clearer than ever.
This guide provides a step-by-step breakdown of how to secure Australian PR from Pakistan, covering eligibility, points system, and the best visa pathways.
Why Seek Australian PR in 2026?
Australia remains a top destination for Pakistanis due to its:
- High standard of living
- Free public healthcare (Medicare)
- Strong and stable economy
Unlike a temporary work visa, Permanent Residency (PR) allows you to:
- Live and work anywhere in Australia indefinitely
- Enroll in Medicare
- Sponsor eligible family members
- Apply for Australian Citizenship after 4 years of lawful residence (including 1 year as a PR holder)
Key Pathways to Australian PR for Pakistanis
Most applicants apply through the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program. The three main visa subclasses are:
? Subclass 189: Skilled Independent Visa
- Best for: Highly skilled professionals with high points
- Benefit: No sponsorship required; freedom to live/work anywhere
- Requirement: Occupation must be on the MLTSSL (Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List)
? Subclass 190: Skilled Nominated Visa
- Best for: Applicants who need an extra 5 points
- Benefit: Direct PR, with a commitment to live in the nominating state (e.g., NSW, Victoria) initially
? Subclass 491: Skilled Work Regional (Provisional)
- Best for: Applicants with lower scores or those seeking 15 bonus points
- Pathway: 5-year provisional visa leading to PR (Subclass 191) after 3 years in a regional area
The 2026 Points System: How to Score High
Minimum eligibility is 65 points, but most successful Pakistani applicants target 85+ points for faster invitations.
|
Factor |
Criteria |
Max Points |
|
Age |
25–32 years |
30 |
|
English |
Superior (IELTS 8.0 / PTE 79+) |
20 |
|
Experience |
8+ years outside Australia |
15 |
|
Education |
Bachelor’s/Master’s degree |
15 |
|
Partner Skills |
Spouse with positive assessment & English |
10 |
|
Single Status |
If unmarried |
10 |
|
State Nomination |
Subclass 190 or 491 |
5–15 |
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply from Pakistan
- Check the Skilled Occupation List (SOL)
- MLTSSL for Subclass 189
- STSOL/ROL for Subclass 190 or 491
- Get a Skills Assessment
- Engineers → Engineers Australia (EA)
- IT Professionals → Australian Computer Society (ACS)
- Accountants → CPA/IPA
- Attempt English Language Tests
- Aim for “Superior English” (IELTS 8.0 or PTE 79+)
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect
- Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
- You’ll have 60 days to lodge your visa application
- Lodge Visa & Health/Character Checks
- Police Character Certificate (PCC) from Pakistan
- Medical exam results
High-Demand Occupations in 2026
If you’re in one of these sectors, your chances of fast-track PR are higher:
- Healthcare: Nurses, GPs, Aged Care workers
- IT & Tech: Cybersecurity, AI specialists, Software Developers
- Engineering: Civil, Mechanical, Mining Engineers
- Education: Secondary & Early Childhood Teachers
Final Thoughts
Securing Australian PR from Pakistan in 2026 requires a strategic approach—choosing the right visa subclass, maximizing your points, and aligning with Australia’s demand for skilled professionals. With proper planning, you can turn your migration dream into reality.