Can I Get PR With 70 Points in Australia?

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

  1. What Is Australia PR?
  2. Why Do Points Matter for Australian PR?
  3. How Does the Points System Work?
  4. Understanding 70 Points in Australia PR
  5. Step-by-Step Process With 70 Points
  6. Visa Pathways for Applicants With 70 Points
  7. Examples of 70-Point Profiles
  8. Benefits and Limitations of 70 Points
  9. Common Misconceptions About PR Points
  10. Related Questions
  11. Frequently Asked Questions
  12. 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:

FactorMax PointsNotes
Age3025–32 years receive full points
English proficiency20Superior English gives max points
Skilled work experience (overseas)15Based on years of experience
Skilled work experience (Australia)20Points for Australian experience
Educational qualifications20Doctorate = max points
State/Territory nomination15Subclass 190 = 5; Subclass 491 = 15
Partner skills10If partner meets criteria

Step-by-Step How Points Are Calculated:

  1. Calculate Base Points – Evaluate your age, education, and work experience.
  2. Add English Score Points – Submit IELTS/PTE results for extra points.
  3. Add Partner/State Points – If applicable, include state nomination or partner skills.
  4. 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:

  1. Assess Eligibility – Calculate your points and confirm you meet the minimum 65.
  2. Check Occupation List – Ensure your occupation is in the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or State List.
  3. Improve Points (Optional) – Consider superior English, extra work experience, or state nomination.
  4. Submit Expression of Interest (EOI) – Through SkillSelect online portal.
  5. Wait for Invitation – Invitations are issued based on points and occupation demand.
  6. Apply for PR – Once ITA is received, submit documents, health checks, and police clearance.
  7. Receive PR Grant – Upon approval, you get your PR visa and can move to Australia.

Visa Pathways for Applicants With 70 Points

Visa TypeMin PointsEligibility Notes
Subclass 18965Independent Skilled; higher points recommended for faster ITA
Subclass 19065State-nominated; adds 5 points; suitable for 70-point applicants
Subclass 49165Regional 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

ProfileAgeEnglishWork ExperienceEducationVisa TypePoints
Ravi28Proficient5 yrs overseasBachelor’sSubclass 19070
Priya30Superior4 yrs AustraliaMaster’sSubclass 49170

Ahmed

32Proficient6 yrs overseasBachelor’sSubclass 19070
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

MythFact
70 points guarantees PRIt only makes you eligible; ITA depends on occupation and demand
All visas work the sameSubclass 189, 190, and 491 have different requirements and benefits
Higher points are unnecessaryHigher 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.

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