A country that has secured one of the top ranks in the best destination for individuals striving for a better quality of life, job opportunities, and simply being exposed to a superior level of education, Australia is a land of opportunity in many ways. It offers various benefits to immigrants in the context of a booming economy, breathtaking landscapes, and a high standard of living. Permanent Residency is one of the most sought entries to the country because it gives a person all rights to stay, work, or study in Australia for an unlimited period of time. This piece addresses the process of Australia PR on its main pathways and eligibility conditions and how to apply.
Table of Contents
What Is Australian Permanent Residency?
Australian PR is a visa status that carries the right to live and work in Australia without any time restrictions. Most benefits that permanent residents receive in Australia are similar to Australian citizens, including government healthcare (Medicare), education, and social security benefits. The permanent residents can also sponsor family members to come to Australia and apply for Australian citizenship after meeting specific residency requirements.
Pathways to get Australian PR
A few procedures exist to get Australian PR, which can cater for different categories, including working professionals, family members, and business investors. The three main types include:
1. General Skilled Migration (GSM) Program
General Skilled Migration (GSM) Program is designed for those skilled workers who are willing to live and work in Australia. As a matter of fact, it is the most feasible way towards achieving PR and is points-based. The primary visa categories under this program are:
Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189): This is a points-tested visa for those skilled workers who are not sponsored by any employer, state, or family member. It suits those individuals who have the qualifications and skills required in the labor market in Australia but do not have a job offer.
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190). This is for skilled workers that have been nominated by an Australian state or territory. The requirements are invitations to apply and meeting the points requirement.
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491). This visa is awarded for skilled workers nominated by a state or territory to live and work in regional Australia. It is a provisional visa, meaning it has an eventual pathway to PR if conditions are met.
2. Family-Sponsored PR
These family sponsored visas are available to Australian citizens and permanent residents. The major categories include:
Partner Visa (Subclass 820 and 801): This is the visa to anybody who has been married or in a de facto relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident. Subclass 820 is a provisional leading up to the permanent visa Subclass 801 after two years.
Parent Visa (Subclass 103 and 143): Parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents are eligible for PR visa. Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143) is quicker though the application costs are higher.
Child Visa (Subclass 101 and 802): This visa allows children below the specified age who are depending on parents for support being an Australian citizen or a PR holder to apply for PR.
3. Business and Investment Visas
Australia has PR routes for business persons, investors, and entrepreneurs as well. The main visa streams include:
Business Innovation and Investment Visa (Subclass 188 and 888): This visa is for individuals who wish to invest or establish a business in Australia. The Subclass 188 is provisional and leads to the Subclass 888, permanent visa, upon passing the investment or business criterion.
Australian PR Eligibility Criteria
Although each pathway of the PR has their eligibility criteria, there are certain general eligibility criteria that have been listed below:
1. Age
The age is one of the important PR requirements for any skilled migration visa. The applicants have to less than 45 years of age when they are invited to most of the skilled migration visas. However, there are some exceptions that apply in some cases of family or business visas.
2. Occupation
The occupation field must be present in the related Skilled Occupation List or Combined Skilled Occupation List. The fields appear to be the most needed in the Australian labor market. To qualify, applicants must have qualifications and work experience in a specific field of work.
3. Skills Assessment
Eligibility for a Skilled Visa: The application for a skilled visa should be assessed by an appropriate authority in Australia. This way, their qualifications and experience compared to those of Australians would be known.
4. Points Test
An applicant for a GSM visa has to achieve a pass score in the Australian Points Test, which requires 65 points. The points accrue based on specific criteria such as age, the ability to communicate in English, work experience, qualifications, and being nominated by a state or having a job offer.
5. Ability to communicate in English
This aspect calls for the applicant to prove competence in the use of English, as ascertained through one of the accepted language tests, such as IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or PTE (Pearson Test of English).Higher marks on the language test may also contribute to the applicant’s overall points.
6. Health and Character Requirements
All applicants should be of good health and obtain police clearance certificates indicating that the applicant is clear of all health and character obstacles or requirements in the immigration to Australia. In certain cases, medical conditions or criminal records can affect PR.
How to Apply for Australian Permanent Residency Step by Step
The following are the general steps when applying for Australian permanent residency:
1. Determine Eligibility
The first checklist is to confirm that you are eligible to apply for the visa category that you want. Look up the relevant visa subclass and, if applicable, refer to the Skilled Occupation List, then determine your points if you are applying for a skilled visa.
2. Skills Assessment
If applying through the GSM program, you need to have your skills assessed by the relevant assessing authority. This process ensures that your qualifications and experience are recognized in Australia.
3. Declaration of the expression of interest
Skilled visas require an Expression of Interest which has to be submitted through the SkillSelect system. The system then ranks applicants according to a points score, meaning only those with the best rank are invited and allowed to apply for the visa.
4. Invitation to Apply
Once you get the invitation to apply, you will have 60 days to finish your full visa application. That would also include bringing supportive documents such as your skill assessment, language testing results, and proof of your qualification.
5. Lodge Visa Application
Apply for your visa online on the site of Department of Home Affairs. Make sure that all necessary documents are uploaded and that you have paid the visa application fee.
6. Health and Character Checks
You shall be required to undergo a medical test and police clearance certificates so as to meet the health and character requirements of Australia.
7. Visa Decision
At this juncture, the Department of Home Affairs shall evaluate your application and whether he grants you the visa or not. Most of the times shall depend on both visa subclass and personal circumstances.
Conclusion
This process of PR is a pretty large-sized process requiring planning, documentation, and thorough verification of eligibility. If an individual fulfills all the points and skills requirements of the pathway and carries out each step of an application, he or she is sure to achieve permanent residency in Australia for a whole new life. Whether it is skilled migration, family sponsorship, or business investment, there are some paths for immigrants to find out to get settled permanently in Australia.
