Can I Get PR With 70 Points in Australia?
Can I Get PR With 70 Points in
Australia? Complete Guide
Yes, 70 points makes you eligible to apply for
Australian Permanent Residency (PR), especially through Subclass 190
(state-nominated) or Subclass 491 (regional) visas. While it meets the minimum
requirement, higher points can improve your chances of receiving an Invitation
to Apply (ITA) faster.
Introduction: PR With 70 Points in Australia
If you have scored 70 points
in the Australian skilled migration points system, you might be wondering: “Am
I eligible for Permanent Residency (PR)?” The answer is yes — 70 points
meets the minimum eligibility criteria. However, the type of visa,
occupation demand, and current cut-off scores play a crucial role in
determining how quickly you may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Many applicants assume that meeting
the minimum points automatically guarantees PR. In reality, the Department
of Home Affairs issues invitations based on rankings in the SkillSelect
system, meaning higher points often improve your chances. A 70-point score is a
solid starting point, particularly for state-nominated (Subclass 190) or
regional (Subclass 491) visas, where additional nomination points make
your profile more competitive.
In this guide, we’ll break down how
70 points work, the best visa pathways, strategies to strengthen your
application, and step-by-step tips to navigate the PR process efficiently. By
the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of whether 70 points can
realistically help you achieve your Australian PR dream.
Table of Contents
- What Is Australia PR?
- Why Do Points Matter for Australian PR?
- How Does the Points System Work?
- Understanding 70 Points in Australia PR
- Step-by-Step Process With 70 Points
- Visa Pathways for Applicants With 70 Points
- Examples of 70-Point Profiles
- Benefits and Limitations of 70 Points
- Common Misconceptions About PR Points
- Related Questions
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Summary
What Is Australia PR?
Australia Permanent Residency (PR)
allows foreign nationals to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely. PR
holders enjoy several benefits, including:
- Access to healthcare through Medicare
- Ability to sponsor family members for PR
- Work and study rights across Australia
PR is typically obtained through skilled
migration programs, which evaluate applicants using a points-based
system. Points are awarded for factors like age, English proficiency,
work experience, education, and state nomination.
Why Do Points Matter for Australian PR?
Australia’s skilled migration is
competitive. Simply meeting the minimum points does not guarantee PR;
the Department of Home Affairs selects candidates through SkillSelect,
an online ranking system.
Points help determine:
- Eligibility:
Minimum 65 points required to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
- Ranking:
Higher points increase the likelihood of receiving an Invitation to Apply
(ITA)
- Visa Pathways:
Certain visas (like 190 or 491) offer additional points for nomination
Essentially, points act as a filter
to ensure the most qualified applicants receive invitations based on occupation
demand and current cut-off scores.
How Does the Points System Work?
The points system assigns scores for
different eligibility factors:
| Factor | Max
Points | Notes |
| Age | 30 | 25–32
years receive full points |
| English
proficiency | 20 | Superior
English gives max points |
| Skilled
work experience (overseas) | 15 | Based
on years of experience |
| Skilled
work experience (Australia) | 20 | Points
for Australian experience |
| Educational
qualifications | 20 | Doctorate
= max points |
| State/Territory
nomination | 15 | Subclass
190 = 5; Subclass 491 = 15 |
| Partner
skills | 10 | If
partner meets criteria |
Step-by-Step How Points Are Calculated:
- Calculate Base Points
– Evaluate your age, education, and work experience.
- Add English Score Points – Submit IELTS/PTE results for extra points.
- Add Partner/State Points – If applicable, include state nomination or partner
skills.
- Total Your Points
– Check if your total is 65 or higher to be eligible for EOI.
Understanding 70 Points in Australia PR
A score of 70 points is slightly
above the minimum threshold (65 points) and makes you eligible to submit an Expression
of Interest (EOI). However, the invitation depends on occupation demand
and competition.
- Subclass 189 (Independent Skilled Visa): Likely requires 80+ points for faster invitations
- Subclass 190 (State-Nominated): 70 points is competitive; state nomination adds 5
points
- Subclass 491 (Regional Sponsored): 70 points is strong; regional nomination adds up to 15
points
Important: While 70 points allows eligibility, the higher your
points, the better your chances of receiving an ITA sooner.
Step-by-Step Process With 70 Points
Here’s a simple roadmap for applying
with 70 points:
- Assess Eligibility
– Calculate your points and confirm you meet the minimum 65.
- Check Occupation List
– Ensure your occupation is in the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills
List (MLTSSL) or State List.
- Improve Points (Optional) – Consider superior English, extra work experience, or
state nomination.
- Submit Expression of Interest (EOI) – Through SkillSelect online portal.
- Wait for Invitation
– Invitations are issued based on points and occupation demand.
- Apply for PR
– Once ITA is received, submit documents, health checks, and police
clearance.
- Receive PR Grant
– Upon approval, you get your PR visa
and can move to Australia.
Visa Pathways for Applicants With 70 Points
| Visa
Type | Min
Points | Eligibility
Notes |
| Subclass
189 | 65 | Independent
Skilled; higher points recommended for faster ITA |
| Subclass
190 | 65 | State-nominated;
adds 5 points; suitable for 70-point applicants |
| Subclass
491 | 65 | Regional
Sponsored; adds 15 points; strong pathway for 70 points |
Tip: For competitive occupations, state or regional nomination
can significantly boost your chances.
Examples of 70-Point Profiles
| Profile | Age | English | Work
Experience | Education | Visa
Type | Points |
| Ravi | 28 | Proficient | 5
yrs overseas | Bachelor’s | Subclass
190 | 70 |
| Priya | 30 | Superior | 4
yrs Australia | Master’s | Subclass
491 | 70 |
| 32 | Proficient | 6
yrs overseas | Bachelor’s | Subclass
190 | 70 |
Observation: Even with 70 points, the visa type and nomination can
determine time to ITA.Benefits and Limitations of 70 Points
Benefits:
- Eligible to submit EOI
- Strong pathways with state or regional nomination
- Meets minimum PR requirements
Limitations:
- Subclass 189 may require higher points for quicker
invitations
- Occupations in high demand may still need 80+ points
- Waiting time can be longer for ITA
Common Misconceptions About PR Points
| Myth | Fact |
| 70
points guarantees PR | It
only makes you eligible; ITA depends on occupation and demand |
| All
visas work the same | Subclass
189, 190, and 491 have different requirements and benefits |
| Higher
points are unnecessary | Higher
points significantly improve chances for faster invitations |
Related Questions
Can 70 points get you PR quickly?
Not always. Processing speed depends
on your occupation, visa type, and current invitation rounds.
Is state nomination necessary with 70 points?
Not mandatory, but state nomination
adds points and improves chances.
Can beginners apply for PR with 70 points?
Yes, but careful points calculation
and EOI submission are crucial.
How can I improve points beyond 70?
Improve English scores, gain
additional work experience, or seek state nomination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the minimum points required for Australia PR?
A: The minimum is 65 points, but
higher points improve your chances of getting an ITA.
Q2: Which visa is best with 70 points?
A: Subclass 190 (state-nominated) or
491 (regional sponsored) visas are recommended.
Q3: Can I increase points after submitting EOI?
A: Yes, you can update your EOI if
you gain more points.
Q4: Does age affect points?
A: Yes, younger applicants (25–32)
receive maximum age points.
Q5: How long does it take to get PR with 70 points?
A: Processing time varies depending
on visa type, occupation, and invitation rounds.
Q6: Do all occupations have the same point cut-offs?
A: No, highly demanded occupations
may have higher cut-offs.
Summary
- 70 points meets the minimum eligibility for Australian PR.
- Strong pathways include Subclass 190 (state-nominated)
and 491 (regional).
- Subclass 189 may require 80+ points for faster ITA.
- Points are awarded based on age, English, work
experience, education, and nomination.
Improving points through state nomination or
additional experience increases chances of receiving ITA.