Australia Permanent Residency

What is Australia PR?

Employers and potential employees are matched using the system, which is similar to an online job board. It allows applicants to use qualifications, work experience, and language abilities to meet Australian immigration requirements.

As of 2012-2013, the General Skilled Migration, Skillselect program replaced all other Australian skilled worker visas. Applicants must meet at least 65 points from the General Skilled Migration (Skillselect) points tables to be considered.

Within the SkillSelect program, there are eight different types of skilled worker visas. Each requires a different set of skills. Read below to learn more about the different visas and how to apply.

Why apply for an Australian PR?

• Ranked as the 8th Happiest Country globally.
• Aiming to welcome half a million migrants by 2024.
• Boasting 800,000 job openings for skilled professionals.
• Offering a potential 100-fold return on investment with an Australia PR.
• Providing access to a Universal Healthcare System.
• Offering free education for children.
• Extending retirement benefits.
• Providing the easiest path to Australian Citizenship.
• Australian permanent resident status is granted via a permanent residence visa. However, holders of Australia PR aren't Australian citizens. Permanent Residents in Australia enjoy the privilege of living, working, and studying in the country permanently for 5 years.After residing in Australia on PR status for 4 years, individuals can apply for citizenship, subject to meeting eligibility criteria.

Steps to apply for the Visa

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

For skilled workers, this visa is a permanent residence visa. You do not need to be sponsored by family or employer, nor will you need a nomination from a state or territory government. However, you may need an invitation to apply. In addition you need the following requirements

• Be nominated from a relevant a skilled occupation list
• Under the age of 50
• Competent English

Skilled Nominated Work Visa (Subclass 190)

The Subclass 190 entry visa is a permanent resident work visa that allows foreign nationals who hold occupations on Australia's Skilled Occupations List to stay and work in Australia. An applicant for this visa must complete a skills test and be recommended by a government entity from the state or territory.

Skilled Regional Visa

There are different requirements depending on whether you are applying under the invited pathway or extended stay pathway. This visa allows skilled workers to live and work in certain regions of Australia for four years.

Graduate Temporary (Subclass 485) Visa

Migrant students who have completed at least two years of study in Australia can stay and work in the country for between 18 months and four years.

1. Post-study Work Visa

   Under this stream, international students have the opportunity to remain in Australia for up to 4 years after receiving a bachelor's degree or higher from an Australian higher education institution. Applicants are not required to nominate an occupation from the Skilled Occupations List (SOL).

2. Graduate Work Visa

   The visa is designed for students who have studied for at least 2 years in Australia, and who have been nominated for a skilled occupation that is listed on one of the Australian Skilled Occupation Lists. The study undertaken must be closely related to the nominated occupation.

Benefits of Australia Permanent Residency

Australia remains a top pick for those seeking migration opportunities. Its robust economy offers ample job prospects. The country assures a high standard of living within a diverse and harmonious multicultural society. Immigrants are granted a permanent residency (PR) visa valid for five years, enabling them to relocate to Australia with their families. Citizenship eligibility is attainable after residing in Australia for four years with an Australia PR visa:

• Benefits of Australia PR include:
• Indefinite residency in Australia.
• Unrestricted travel across the country.
• Access to pursue higher education with eligibility for educational loans.
• Qualification for Social Security benefits.
• Ability to sponsor eligible relatives.
• Authorization to work in Australia.
• Opportunity to travel to New Zealand and apply for a visa there as well.

Australia PR requirements

To secure an Australia PR visa, a minimum score of 65 points is necessary. Achieving a higher score in the eligibility assessment increases the likelihood of receiving an invitation to apply for Australian PR. Scoring between 80 to 85 points enhances the chance of a faster PR invitation. There exist several categories for applying for an Australia PR visa, each with distinct eligibility criteria. However, the fundamental eligibility factors encompass the following:

• For age, individuals between 25 to 32 years can acquire a maximum of 30 points. Applicants must be under 45 years old to be eligible for a PR visa application.

• English Proficiency: Scoring 8 bands in the IELTS exam grants a maximum of 20 points. However, Australian immigration authorities accept various English proficiency tests like IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, among others. Applicants have the flexibility to aim for the required score in any of these tests.

• Work Experience: Holding skilled employment outside Australia for over 8 years within the last 10 years earns 15 points; fewer years result in fewer points. Meanwhile, skilled employment in Australia for 8 to 10 years at the time of application can fetch a maximum of 20 points.

• Education: Points awarded for educational qualifications vary based on the specific degree attained. The highest points are granted for a doctorate degree obtained from an Australian university or a doctorate from a recognized university outside Australia, as acknowledged by the Australian government.

• Language Proficiency: Evidence of having a proficient level of English language skills is required.

• Skilled Occupation Lists (SOL): Applicants need to select an occupation from the available skilled occupation lists. These lists comprise occupations eligible for migration to Australia, regularly updated to align with changes in the Australian job market. The SOL includes three categories:

  1. Medium- and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
  2. Short-term Skilled Occupation List (SSOL)
  3. Regional Occupations List (ROL)

• Spouse Application: When both partners apply for the PR visa, additional points can be obtained for your Skill Select Expression of Interest. To secure these extra 10 points, your spouse needs to meet the following criteria:

  1. Should be under 45 years old.
  2. Must demonstrate basic proficient English language skills.
  3. Their job occupation code should align with the occupation list of the primary applicant.