Australia is a preferred choice for many which are looking to settle in a new country. With a strong economy, high quality of life, diverse culture, and world-class health and education care, we see many people go for permanent residency in Australia. Getting permanent residence in Australia not only includes you living and working there for a lifetime, but also is the first step in the process to become a citizen.
Also, at the start of the PR application process, it may seem overwhelming. What you put in is determined by which visa category you fall into. Also, we see large variation in eligibility requirements and action items based on what you bring to the table and what you want out of it. To clarify things up, we will go through the process step by step and also what to keep in mind as you put together your application.
What is Permanent Residency in Australia
Permanent residence is a visa which allows non-citizens to live and work in Australia indefinitely. Permanent residents enjoy the same rights as citizens in many areas, which includes access to Medicare (the public healthcare system), the right to get an education, and the ability to sponsor in-demand family members. But PR holders do not have the right to vote in federal elections or to serve in certain branches of the government which are reserved for citizens.
Important in that, permanent residency is a first step on the path to citizenship. Upon full compliance with residence rules and satisfaction of other requirements, a Permanent Resident may put in an application to become a naturalized Australian citizen.
Main Pathways to Permanent Residency
There is not a one-size-fits-all for PR in Australia. We have many visa programs which instead are put in place to attract people with a variety of skills, backgrounds, and intentions. Here are the main routes:
Skilled Migrant Visas
In Australia’s job market, which includes visa categories such as Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190), and Skilled Work Regional Visa (subclass 491, which leads to PR later).
Company Sponsored Visas
For those which have an Australian employer that will sponsor them. Includes also the Business Innovation and Investment Program (subclasses 858 and 887), which is another form of the Employer Nomination Scheme. Also, the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 870).
Family Reunification Visas
For people with family in Australia. Includes visas for partners, parents, and children.
Economic and Investor Visas
For founders, investors, or business owners that plan to call Australia home and wish to put in economic value.
Human Rights and Refugee Visas
For those seeking asylum or humanitarian protection. Each pathway has different criteria, but in the skilled and employer-sponsored categories we see the most common for foreign professionals.
Check if you qualify
Before you apply, it is important to determine which category you fall into regarding your eligibility for PR. We have listed out some typical requirements:
- Age: Most at the time of application, skilled migration visas go up to age 45.
- English Proficiency: Proof of English fluency is required, which may be assessed through the IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL exams.
- Skills Assessment: For skilled migration, your occupation must be evaluated by the appropriate Australian authority.
- Health and Character Checks: All applicants will undergo medical exams and produce police clearance.
- Points Test (for skilled visas): To achieve it, you will need to score a certain number which is dependent on your age, qualifications, experience, and also other variables.
Select the correct visa of choice
Once you determine your eligibility, we move on to which visa is the best for you. For example:
- If you are a professional trade without pre-arranged sponsorship, the subclass 189 visa may work for you.
- If a state or territory sponsors you, then you may apply for the subclass 190 visa.
- If in Australia an employer is to give you a job, the subclass 186 visa may be what you use.
Picking the right visa is of great importance, which is true for each of them having their own set of costs, timelines, and conditions.
Submit your Intent (SI)
For skilled migration visas, what you do not do is apply directly. First out is that you put in an Expression of Interest (EOI) on the SkillSelect online system. In your EOI you include info like:
- Your personal information.
- Work history.
- Educational qualifications.
- English test results.
- Skills assessment outcome.
Your application will be put up against that of other candidates. The more points you score, the better your chance at getting an invitation to apply.
Get an Invitation to Apply
If your application for EOI is competitive and fits in with current Australian immigration requirements, we will issue you an invitation to apply (ITA) for PR. We issue these invitations at intervals, and the number of places available is based on Australia’s immigration program plan.
Upon receipt of an invitation, you will have 60 days to file out your formal PR application.
Submit Your PR Application
Here is what you will use to turn in your official application, which also at this point you will include supporting documentation. As to what else you may have to supply, we have:
- Passport and identification documents.
- English language test results.
- Skills assessment report.
- Work history and proof of employment.
- Educational certificates.
- Health examination results.
- Police clearance certificates.
It is important that all documents be accurate and fully completed. Incomplete or inaccurate documents may cause delays of your application, which may also result in it being rejected.
Please stand by for Processing
Processing time is a variable, which we see to a great extent between different visa subclasses, the number of applications at hand, and the complexity of your case. For some visas the process may take out to several months, for others over a year.
During that time immigration authorities may approach you for more documents or info. Via your online account, you can keep apprised of the status.
Get Your Visa Grant
Upon success of your application, you will be issued a visa grant notice, which also confirms your permanent resident status. At that point, you may live, work, and study in Australia without any restrictions.
Rights and Benefits of Permanent Residency
As a permanent resident of Australia, you are able to:
- Indefinite stay in Australia.
- The ability to work and study freely.
- Access to Medicare (public healthcare).
- Social insurance benefits (after a waiting period).
- The ability to sponsor eligible relatives.
- A way to Australian citizenship once residency requirements are met.
Challenges and Considerations
While we see the value in PR, what we also see are issues with the process:
- Competition: Skilled workers outnumber the spaces available.
- Cost: Application charges, skill assessments, English tests, and medical checks are also high.
- Waiting Time: The wait may be long, which requires your patience.
- Changing Policies: Immigration rules are revised often, which in turn may change requirements.
Applicants should be aware and ready for changes along the way.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Plan Early: Start early with your documents, English tests, and skills assessments.
- Boost Your Points: Improve your score in English, gain from greater work experience, or look into state nomination, which will put you up in points.
- Seek Professional Advice if Needed: Migration agents do so, but many applicants also do it successfully on their own.
- Stay Updated: Immigration rules are constantly changing; stay tuned for the latest.
- Be Accurate: Go over each point in your application to avoid delays.
Pathway to Citizenship
After attaining PR, many go on to become Australian citizens. To be eligible, you generally must:
- Lived in Australia for a total of four years, which includes 12 months as a permanent resident.
- Demonstrate good character.
- Pass a citizenship test.
Citizenship bestows upon its holders rights like the ability to vote, stand for public office, and get an Australian passport.
Conclusion
Applying for permanent residency in Australia is an in-depth process which requires preparation, patience, and persistence. From determining your eligibility to turning in your documentation and waiting for a response, the process is at times very complex, but the results are well worth it.
For skilled workers, families, and entrepreneurs, Australia puts forth many options to settle in permanently. Once achieved, PR also brings stability and access to key services, and also is the first step to full citizenship.
If you want to build a future in Australia, do it early, get to know the requirements of the visa you have chosen, and put together a strong application. With the right strategy, permanent residency in Australia can be your passway to a secure and fulfilling life in what is the world’s most attractive country.