Table of Contents
- The Complete Framework: Australia PR Eligibility
- Mandatory Eligibility Requirements Explained
- Australia PR Calculator
- Real UAE Applicant Scenarios
- Common Disqualifying Factors
- State Nomination Opportunities for UAE Residents (2025)
- How to Boost Your Points Score
- Step-by-Step Eligibility Verification Process
- Why Choose Abroad Routes for Your Australia PR Journey?
- Conclusion
Am I Eligible for Australia PR from UAE? Complete Eligibility Checker + Points Calculator
Quick Answer: Yes, If You Meet These 5 Core Requirements
If you’re a skilled professional in the UAE wondering whether you qualify for Australian Permanent Residency, here’s the straightforward answer:
You ARE eligible if you have:
✓ Age between 18-44 years
✓ Competent English (IELTS 6.0 each or equivalent)
✓ Skilled occupation on Australia’s approved list
✓ Positive skills assessment for your occupation
✓ Minimum 65 points (realistically 70-85 for invitation)
Read on for the detailed breakdown, or jump to our points calculator to check your exact score.
The Complete Framework: Australia PR Eligibility
Australia operates a points-based skilled migration system designed to attract professionals who can contribute to the economy. Unlike many countries, Australia doesn’t require a job offer upfront, making it accessible for UAE residents planning their migration independently.
The Three Main Visa Pathways from UAE
✔ Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa)
Permanent residency without state sponsorship. Live and work anywhere in Australia. Requires occupation on Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
✔ Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa)
State-sponsored permanent residency. Must commit to living in nominating state for two years. Access to broader occupation list (STSOL).
✔ Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Visa)
Provisional visa for regional areas. Pathway to permanent residency after three years. Lower points requirement, additional regional opportunities.
Mandatory Eligibility Requirements Explained
1. Age Requirements
You must be under 45 years old at the time of invitation.
Points allocation by age:
● 18-24 years: 25 points
● 25-32 years: 30 points (maximum)
● 33-39 years: 25 points
● 40-44 years: 15 points
● 45+ years: Not eligible
UAE Reality Check: Most successful applicants from Dubai and Abu Dhabi are between 28-38 years old with 7-12 years work experience.
2. English Language Proficiency
Minimum requirement: Competent English (equivalent to IELTS 6.0 in each component)
Points allocation:
● Competent English (IELTS 6.0 each): 0 points
● Proficient English (IELTS 7.0 each): 10 points
● Superior English (IELTS 8.0 each): 20 points
Accepted Tests in UAE:
● PTE Academic (most popular in Dubai – results in 48 hours)
● IELTS Academic/General
● TOEFL iBT
● Cambridge C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency
Test Validity: 3 years from test date
UAE Testing Centers:
● British Council Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah (IELTS)
● Pearson Professional Centers (PTE)
Pro Tip: UAE residents typically find PTE easier to score higher due to computer-based testing and faster results. Many achieve 79+ (equivalent to IELTS 8.0) with proper preparation.
3. Skilled Occupation on Approved Lists
Your occupation must appear on one of these lists:
✔ MLTSSL (Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List)
For Subclass 189 and 190. Includes high-demand occupations across all states.
✔STSOL (Short-term Skilled Occupation List)
For Subclass 190 only. State-specific requirements apply.
✔ ROL (Regional Occupation List)
For Subclass 491. Regional area sponsorship.
Top 20 Occupations for UAE Applicants (2025)
Information Technology:
• Software Engineer (261313)
• Developer Programmer (261312)
• ICT Business Analyst (261111)
• Systems Administrator (262113)
• Network Engineer (263111)
• Cyber Security Specialist (262112)
• Engineering: 7. Civil Engineer (233211) 8. Mechanical Engineer (233512) 9. Electrical Engineer (233311) 10. Electronics Engineer (233411) • Industrial Engineer (233511) 12. Petroleum Engineer (233612)
• Healthcare: 13. Registered Nurse (254411) 14. Medical Practitioner (253999) 15. Physiotherapist (252511) 16. Pharmacist (251511)
• Business & Finance: 17. Accountant (221111) 18. Management Consultant (224711) 19. Marketing Specialist (225113)
• Construction & Trades: 20. Construction Project Manager (133111)
Not sure about your occupation code? Search the complete list on Australia’s official Department of Home Affairs website or contact Abroad Routes for occupation mapping.
4. Skills Assessment
Every applicant must obtain a positive skills assessment from the designated assessing authority for their occupation.
This verifies that your qualifications and experience meet Australian standards.
Common Assessing Authorities for UAE Applicants:
| Authority | Occupations | Processing Time | Cost (AED) |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACS | IT professionals | 6-8 weeks | 1,200-1,400 |
| Engineers Australia | All engineering | 12-16 weeks | 1,700-2,200 |
| VETASSESS | General occupations | 12-16 weeks | 2,200-2,600 |
| ANMAC | Nurses | 8-12 weeks | 1,800-2,500 |
| CPA Australia | Accountants | 8-10 weeks | 1,500-1,800 |
| AHPRA | Healthcare | 10-14 weeks | 1,800-2,500 |
Skills Assessment Requirements:
- Educational qualifications (degree transcripts, certificates)
- Employment evidence (reference letters, contracts, payslips)
- Detailed CV with employment timeline
- Valid passport
UAE-Specific Challenge: Many UAE employers don’t provide detailed reference letters. Solution: Combine employer letters with statutory declarations, payslips, and contract copies.
Australia PR Points Calculator
Calculate Your Points Score
Age (when invited)
• 18-24 years: 25 points
• 25-32 years: 30 points
• 33-39 years: 25 points
• 40-44 years: 15 points
English Language
• Competent (IELTS 6.0): 0 points
• Proficient (IELTS 7.0): 10 points
• Superior (IELTS 8.0): 20 points
Skilled Employment (in nominated occupation)
Overseas Experience:
• 3-4 years: 5 points
• 5-7 years: 10 points
• 8-10 years: 15 points
Australian Experience:
• 1-2 years: 5 points
• 3-4 years: 10 points
• 5-7 years: 15 points
• 8-10 years: 20 points
Educational Qualifications
• Doctorate (PhD): 20 points
• Bachelor or Master degree: 15 points
• Diploma/Trade qualification: 10 points
Australian Study Requirement
• Australian qualification (2+ years): 5 points
Specialist Education
• Master by research or PhD in STEM: 10 points
Professional Year (Australia)
• Completed professional year program: 5 points
Credentialed Community Language
• NAATI accreditation: 5 points
Partner Skills
• Partner with skills assessment and competent English: 10 points
• Partner with competent English only: 5 points
• Single applicant or partner is Australian citizen: 10 points
State/Territory Nomination
• Subclass 190 nomination: 5 points
• Subclass 491 nomination: 15 points
5. Points Test (Minimum 65 Points Required)
Australia uses a points system where higher scores increase invitation chances.
Real UAE Applicant Scenarios
Scenario 1: IT Professional from Dubai
✓ Profile:
- Age: 29 years
- Occupation: Software Engineer
- Experience: 6 years in UAE
- Education: Bachelor’s in Computer Science
- English: PTE 79+ each (Superior)
✓ Points Breakdown:
- Age (25-32): 30 points
- English (Superior): 20 points
- Overseas experience (5-7 years): 10 points
- Education (Bachelor): 15 points
Total: 75 points
Outcome: Strong candidate for Subclass 189. High invitation probability.
Scenario 2: Civil Engineer from Abu Dhabi
Profile:
- Age: 36 years
- Occupation: Civil Engineer
- Experience: 10 years (8 in UAE, 2 in home country)
- Education: Master’s in Civil Engineering
- English: IELTS 7.0 each (Proficient)
- Spouse: Bachelor’s degree, IELTS 6.0
Points Breakdown:
- Age (33-39): 25 points
- English (Proficient): 10 points
- Overseas experience (8-10 years): 15 points
- Education (Master): 15 points
- Partner skills (competent English): 5 points
Total: 70 points
Outcome: Eligible but competitive. Consider state nomination (190) for additional 5 points = 75 total.
Scenario 3: Registered Nurse from Dubai
Profile:
- Age: 32 years
- Occupation: Registered Nurse
- Experience: 7 years nursing in UAE
- Education: Bachelor of Nursing
- English: IELTS 7.5 each (Proficient)
Points Breakdown:
- Age (25-32): 30 points
- English (Proficient): 10 points
- Overseas experience (5-7 years): 10 points
- Education (Bachelor): 15 points
Total: 65 points
Outcome: Meets minimum but needs state nomination. Healthcare professionals highly sought in regional areas – consider Subclass 491 for 15 additional points.
Scenario 4: Accountant from Sharjah (Challenging Case)
Profile:
- Age: 41 years
- Occupation: Accountant
- Experience: 15 years
- Education: Bachelor’s in Accounting
- English: IELTS 6.5 overall (Competent)
Points Breakdown:
- Age (40-44): 15 points
- English (Competent): 0 points
- Overseas experience (8-10 years max points): 15 points
- Education (Bachelor): 15 points
Total: 45 points
Outcome: Not eligible. Needs to improve English to Proficient (IELTS 7.0) for 10 additional points = 55, still short. Solutions: retake English test for Superior (8.0) = 65 points, or pursue state nomination pathway.
Common Disqualifying Factors
Health Requirements
All applicants must meet health standards. You may be ineligible if you have:
- ✓ Active tuberculosis
- ✓ Conditions requiring significant healthcare costs
- ✓ Diseases of public health concern
Medical examination conducted at: Australian Embassy-approved clinics in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Character Requirements
You must demonstrate good character. Grounds for refusal include:
- ✓ Criminal convictions with prison sentences of 12+ months
- ✓ Association with criminal organizations
- ✓ Providing false or misleading information
- ✓ Outstanding debts to Australian government
Police clearance required from: UAE and every country lived in for 12+ months since age 16.
Skills Assessment Failure
Common reasons UAE applicants fail skills assessment:
- ✓ Qualifications not recognized (unaccredited universities)
- ✓ Insufficient employment evidence
- ✓ Job duties don’t match occupation code
- ✓ Experience not in nominated occupation
- ✓ Educational qualifications below required level
State Nomination Opportunities for UAE Residents (2025)
State nomination adds 5 points (Subclass 190) or 15 points (Subclass 491) and can make the difference between invitation and rejection.
Popular States for UAE Applicants
✓ Victoria
- • No nomination fee
- • Strong IT and healthcare demand
- • Melbourne-based opportunities
- • Fast processing
✓ New South Wales
- • High demand for construction, IT, engineering
- • Sydney and regional pathways
- • Nomination fee: AED 1,800-2,000
✓ South Australia
- • Lower points requirements
- • Regional benefits
- • Strong healthcare and trades demand
- • Nomination fee: AED 1,000-1,200
✓ Western Australia
- • Mining, engineering, healthcare focus
- • Perth lifestyle appeal
- • Nomination fee: AED 400-650
✓ Tasmania
- • Lower competition
- • Regional benefits
- • Pathway to Subclass 190
- • Nomination fee: AED 1,200-1,350
Each state has specific occupation lists and requirements. Research current state nomination programs before applying.
Partner Skills Assessment
Including a skilled partner can add up to 10 points. Your partner must:
- • Be under 45 years old
- • Have competent English (minimum IELTS 6.0 each)
- • Have occupation on same skilled occupation list
- • Have positive skills assessment
- • Be committed to you in relationship
Partner Points:
- • Skills assessment + competent English: 10 points
- • Competent English only: 5 points
Strategic consideration: Sometimes applying as single (partner not included) provides 10 points and can be more cost-effective if partner has lower points contribution.
How to Boost Your Points Score
If you’re falling short of competitive points (70-85), consider these strategies:
1. Improve English Score
Moving from Proficient (7.0) to Superior (8.0) adds 10 points. Many UAE residents achieve this through:
- Intensive PTE coaching (4-6 weeks)
- Online preparation platforms
- Practice tests and feedback
Investment: AED 1,500-3,000 for coaching
Return: 10 points + stronger application
2. Gain Additional Work Experience
Each year of experience in your field helps:
- 3-4 years: 5 points
- 5-7 years: 10 points
- 8-10 years: 15 points
Strategy: If you’re at 4.5 years experience, waiting 6 months for the 5-year mark adds 5 points.
3. Pursue Higher Education
Upgrading qualifications adds points:
- Bachelor to Master: 0 additional points (both give 15)
- Master to PhD: 5 additional points (PhD gives 20)
Consideration: Time and cost may not justify 5 points. Focus on English improvement instead.
4. State Nomination
Applying for state nomination adds:
- Subclass 190: 5 points
- Subclass 491: 15 points
Trade-off: Commitment to living in nominated state/region for initial period.
5. Partner Skills
If your partner is skilled:
- Positive assessment + English: 10 points
- English only: 5 points
Investment: Partner’s skills assessment (AED 1,200-2,600) and English test (AED 1,150)
6. Professional Year (Requires Australian Study)
Not applicable to UAE residents unless studying in Australia. Adds 5 points.
7. NAATI Accreditation
Community language translation accreditation: 5 points
Popular for UAE applicants: Arabic translators can pursue NAATI certification online.
Investment: AED 3,000-5,000
Timeline: 3-6 months
Step-by-Step Eligibility Verification Process
Phase 1: Self-Assessment (1-2 weeks)
Week 1:
● Verify your occupation is on skilled occupation list
● Calculate preliminary points score
● Check age eligibility (must be under 45)
● Research skills assessing authority requirements
Week 2:
● Gather educational documents (degrees, transcripts)
● Compile employment evidence (contracts, references, payslips)
● Check English test requirements for your occupation
● Review state nomination options
Phase 2: Skills Assessment (3-4 months)
Month 1:
● Register with relevant assessing authority
● Prepare and submit application
● Pay assessment fees
● Upload supporting documents
Months 2-3:
● Respond to any additional information requests
● Provide clarifications if needed
● Wait for assessment outcome
Month 4:
● Receive positive assessment
● Assessment valid for 3 years (most authorities)
Phase 3: English Test (1-2 months)
Weeks 1-4:
● Enroll in preparation course (optional but recommended)
Take practice tests
Book exam date
Prepare materials (listening, speaking, reading, writing)
Weeks 5-6:
Attend exam
Receive results (48 hours for PTE, 13 days for IELTS)
Request results sent to Department of Home Affairs
Phase 4: Expression of Interest (Immediate)
● Once skills assessment and English test completed:
● Create ImmiAccount on Department of Home Affairs website
● Lodge Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect
● Provide accurate information (points, experience, education)
● Wait for invitation to apply
● EOI Validity: 2 years (can update information anytime)
Invitation Timeline: Varies by occupation and points score
● 85+ points: Invitation within 1-2 months
● 75-80 points: Invitation within 3-6 months
● 65-70 points: May wait 6-12+ months or not receive invitation
Red Flags That May Affect Your Eligibility
1. Mismatched Job Duties
Your actual work experience must align with your nominated occupation’s ANZSCO description. Many UAE applicants have inflated titles but limited responsibilities.
Solution: Map your responsibilities accurately to occupation codes before skills assessment.
2. Unaccredited Educational Qualifications
Degrees from unrecognized universities may not be accepted for skills assessment.
Check: Verify your university is recognized by assessing authority before applying.
3. Employment Gaps
Unexplained gaps in employment history raise questions during skills assessment and visa processing.
Solution: Document all employment periods, including short-term roles and career breaks.
4. Insufficient English Evidence
Claiming English proficiency without valid test results or with expired tests.
Requirement: Test must be taken within 3 years of visa application lodgement.
5. Health Issues
Pre-existing conditions requiring ongoing treatment may affect eligibility.
Requirement: Full medical examination at approved facility before visa grant.
Why Choose Abroad Routes for Your Australia PR Journey?
At Abroad Routes, we specialize in Australia skilled migration for UAE residents with:
✓ Free Eligibility Assessment – Detailed points calculation and document review
✓ MARA-Registered Guidance – Expert advice on complex cases
✓ Success-Oriented Approach – Strategies to maximize your points score
✓ UAE-Specific Expertise – Understanding of document challenges in UAE
✓ End-to-End Support – From skills assessment to visa grant
✓ Transparent Pricing – Starting at AED 3,750 for comprehensive services
Our Success Rate: 95% positive skills assessment, 90% visa grant rate for eligible applicants.
Conclusion
The pathway to Australian permanent residency is clear and achievable for skilled professionals in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and across the Emirates. With the right preparation, documentation, and strategic approach, your Australian dream can become reality.
Contact Abroad Routes today for your personalized eligibility assessment and take the first step toward your new life in Australia.
Disclaimer: Immigration policies and points requirements change regularly. This guide reflects requirements as of 2025. Always verify current requirements on the official Department of Home Affairs website or consult with a registered migration agent before making application decisions.
FAQ
Can I apply for Australia PR from UAE without a job offer?
Yes. Australia’s skilled migration program doesn’t require a job offer. You apply based on skills, qualifications, and experience. After receiving PR, you can search for employment in Australia.
What if my occupation is not on the skilled occupation list?
You cannot apply under skilled migration pathway if your occupation isn’t listed. Options include:
- Find closely related occupation that is listed
- Retrain in high-demand occupation
- Explore employer-sponsored visa (requires Australian job offer)
- Consider other visa categories (business, investor)
Can my UAE work experience be counted?
Yes. Overseas work experience (including UAE) is counted for points if:
- Employment is in your nominated occupation
- Work is post-qualification (after relevant degree)
- Employment is at required skill level
- You can provide evidence (contracts, references, payslips, tax documents)
UAE Reality: You can claim up to 15 points for 8-10 years overseas experience.
Do I need my employer’s support for Australia PR?
No employer support required for independent skilled migration. However, you need employment evidence:
- Employment contracts
- Reference letters (on company letterhead)
- Payslips or salary certificates
- Bank statements showing salary credits
If employer refuses reference: Provide statutory declaration with other evidence like contracts, payslips, resignation letters, and experience letters from colleagues.
What if I turn 45 before receiving invitation?
Age is assessed at time of invitation, not application. If you turn 45 before invitation, you’re no longer eligible. Strategy:
- Apply before age 44
- Maximize points to get faster invitation
- Update EOI with accurate age
Can I include my spouse and children?
Yes. You can include:
- Spouse/de facto partner (any age)
- Dependent children under 23 years
- Dependent children 23+ with disabilities
Visa fees apply per person. Including family increases total cost significantly.
How long does the entire process take from UAE?
Realistic Timeline:
- Skills assessment: 3-4 months
- English test: 1-2 months
- EOI to invitation: 1-12 months (depending on points)
- Visa application to grant: 6-12 months
Total: 12-24 months from start to PR grant
Faster for high points (85+), slower for minimum points (65-70).
What happens if I’m refused?
You cannot appeal visa refusal. Options include:
- Lodge new application if circumstances change
- Address refusal reasons
- Seek migration review if procedural error occurred
Prevention: Work with registered migration agent to avoid errors.
Can I apply for multiple states simultaneously?
Yes, you can submit EOI for Subclass 189 and multiple states for Subclass 190 simultaneously. This maximizes invitation chances.
Is there an age relaxation for highly skilled occupations?
No. The 45-year age limit is absolute across all skilled occupations. No exceptions or waivers exist.
