Permanent Residency Pathways
Overview of skilled migration pathways to Australian permanent residency for Irish citizens. Government fees from AUD 6,135 depending on subclass.
Subclass 189/190/491 · Last reviewed: 22 August 2026 · Official visa page
Key eligibility
- • Eligible skilled occupation
- • Skills assessment for your occupation
- • Minimum points test score (where applicable)
- • Competent English
- • Meet health and character requirements
Permanent residency allows you to live and work in Australia indefinitely. Irish citizens typically apply through the skilled migration program rather than family or employer pathways alone.
Main pathways
- Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent (no state nomination required)
- Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated (state or territory nomination)
- Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (provisional, with pathway to PR)
Each pathway has different points requirements, occupation lists and processing times. Policy changes frequently — verify current settings before committing to a pathway.
Typical steps
- Confirm your occupation is on the relevant skilled occupation list
- Obtain a positive skills assessment from the assessing authority for your occupation
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect
- Receive an invitation to apply (189, 190 or 491)
- Lodge your visa application with supporting documents, health checks and police certificates
Costs beyond the visa charge
Budget for skills assessment fees, English language testing (if required), health examinations, Garda/police certificates, and document certification. These often exceed the visa application charge itself.
How we can help
Permanent residency applications are complex. We help Irish applicants understand pathways, prepare documents, and lodge applications where appropriate. For highly complex cases we may recommend consultation with a registered migration agent in Australia.