Australia PR Visa
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Australia PR (Permanent Residency) Visa
Australia is one of the most sought-after destinations for skilled professionals, families, and students due to its high quality of life, work opportunities, and beautiful natural landscapes. Obtaining permanent residency (PR) in Australia allows you to live and work in the country indefinitely, access government services, and enjoy many other benefits.
This guide provides detailed insights into the Australia Permanent Residency (PR) visa options, eligibility requirements, benefits, and the application process.
What is Australia PR?
An Australia Permanent Residency (PR) visa allows individuals to stay and work in Australia indefinitely. With PR, you can live in Australia, apply for Australian citizenship (if eligible), sponsor family members, and enjoy access to healthcare and education benefits.
Types of Australia PR Visas
There are several pathways to obtaining a Permanent Residency visa for Australia, depending on your situation and qualifications. The most common PR visa categories are:
1. Skilled Migration Visas
Designed for skilled workers who have qualifications and experience in occupations listed on Australia’s skilled occupation lists.
- Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa): For skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer or family member.
- Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa): For skilled workers who are nominated by a state or territory government.
- Subcalss 491 (Skilled Work Regional(Provisional) Visa): A provisional visa that allows you to live and work in regional arears of Australia. This can be lead to permanent residency through the subclass 191 visas.
2. Employer-Sponsored Visas
Designed for individuals who have a job offer from an Australian employer.
- Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme – ENS): For skilled workers nominated by their employer.
- Subclass 187 (Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme – RSMS): For skilled workers nominated by an employer in regional areas of Australia.
3. Family-Sponsored Visas
Designed for individuals who have family members in Australia who can sponsor them.
- Subclass 100 (Partner Visa): For married or de facto partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens.
- Subclass 804 (Aged Parent Visa): For parents who are of retirement age and wish to join their children in Australia.
4. Business & Investment Visas
Designed for individuals who are business owners or investors.
- Subclass 888 (Business Innovation and Investment Visa): For individuals who hold a provisional business visa and wish to apply for permanent residency.
5. Humanitarian and Refugee Visas
For individuals seeking asylum or who are refugees.
- Humanitarian and Refugee Visas
For individuals seeking asylum or who are refugees.
Eligibility Criteria for Australia PR
The eligibility criteria depend on the type of PR visa you are applying for. Below are some common eligibility requirements for skilled migration and employer-sponsored PR visas:
1. General Eligibility (for Skilled Visas like Subclass 189, 190)
- Age: You must be under 45 years of age at the time of application.
- Skills Assessment: You must have your skills assessed by a relevant assessing authority. Your occupation must be on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) or Consolidated Sponsored Occupation List (CSOL).
- English Proficiency: You must prove proficiency in English (usually through IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL).
- Work Experience: Typically, you will need to have at least 3 years of relevant work experience in your nominated occupation.
- Health and Character Requirements: You must meet health and character requirements. This includes a medical examination and a police clearance certificate.
- Points Test: For Subclass 189 and Subclass 190, you will need to pass the points test, which awards points for factors like age, education, English proficiency, work experience, and other factors.
2. Employer-Sponsored Visas (e.g., Subclass 186)
- Nomination by an Employer: You must have a valid job offer from an Australian employer.
- Work Experience and Skills: Typically, 3–5 years of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation.
- English Proficiency: You must meet the required English language proficiency (often IELTS or equivalent).
3. Partner Visa (e.g., Subclass 100)
- Relationship: You must be in a genuine and ongoing relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Health and Character: You must meet the health and character requirements.
4. Parent and Family Visas
- Sponsor: You must have a child who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Age: For parent visas, you may need to meet age requirements (depending on the specific visa subclass).
Benefits of Australian PR
- Permanent Stay: The primary benefit of a PR visa is the ability to live in Australia permanently.
- Work and Study: You can work and study anywhere in Australia.
- Healthcare: Access to Australia’s Medicare system for public healthcare services.
- Pathway to Citizenship: After 4 years as a PR holder (including 1 year of permanent residency), you may be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship.
- Social Security: Access to welfare programs if you meet certain criteria.
- Family Sponsorship: As a PR holder, you can sponsor eligible family members to come to Australia.
Steps to Apply for Australia PR
- Determine Your Eligibility: Check which visa subclass you are eligible for. Take a skills assessment if required.
- Expression of Interest (EOI): For skilled migration visas (Subclass 189, 190), submit an EOI through the SkillSelect system.
- Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA): If you meet the points threshold and are selected, you will receive an ITA.
- Submit Application: Submit your visa application online, including all supporting documents (skills assessment, English test results, work experience, etc.).
- Health and Character Checks: Complete any medical examinations and police checks.
- Await Decision: The processing time can vary depending on the type of visa and your individual circumstances.
- Visa Grant: If your application is approved, you will receive your PR visa.
Costs and Processing Times
- Costs: The visa application fees for Australia PR visas can range from AUD 4,000 to AUD 8,000 depending on the visa type. Additional costs may include skills assessments, English language tests, medical checks, and police certificates.
- Processing Time: Processing times vary based on the type of visa and your personal circumstances. For example, a Subclass 189 visa may take 6–12 months, while a Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa can take 12–18 months.
Important Considerations
- State and Territory Nomination: Some skilled migration visas (e.g., Subclass 190) require a state or territory nomination, and each state may have different eligibility criteria.
- Regional Areas: If applying for regional visas like Subclass 491, ensure you are willing to live and work in a designated regional area of Australia.
- Family Members: You can include your spouse, children, or other dependent family members in your application.
How World Move Solutions help you
The Australian immigration process can be intricate, with its evolving policies and stringent documentation requirements. This is where professional immigration consultants play a crucial role. They offer expertise and support to simplify your journey.
• Expert Assessment
• Documentation Assistance
• Skill Assessment Guidance
• Error-Free Applications
• Stay Updated on Policy Changes
• Post-Lodgment Support