Australia Permanent Residency (PR) Visa

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Obtaining a Permanent Residency (PR) visa in Australia allows you to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely. There are several pathways to PR, depending on your skills, family ties, or other qualifications. Here’s an overview of some of the most common PR visas:

1. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

  • Purpose: For skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, state, or territory. This visa is points-tested and does not require a job offer.
  • Eligibility Requirements:
    • Occupation: Your occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list.
    • Points Test: You must score at least 65 points based on factors like age, education, work experience, and English language proficiency.
    • Expression of Interest (EOI): You need to submit an EOI through the SkillSelect system and receive an invitation to apply.
    • Age: You must be under 45 years of age.
    • English Proficiency: You must demonstrate competent English skills.
    • Health and Character Requirements: You need to pass a medical examination and provide a police clearance certificate.
  • Application Process:
    • Submit an EOI through SkillSelect.
    • Receive an invitation to apply.
    • Lodge your visa application online.
  • Processing Time: Approximately 6 to 8 months.
  • Cost: AUD $4,640.

2. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

  • Purpose: For skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian state or territory government.
  • Eligibility Requirements:
    • Occupation: Your occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list.
    • State/Territory Nomination: You must be nominated by an Australian state or territory.
    • Points Test: You must score at least 65 points, with points potentially boosted by state/territory nomination.
    • Expression of Interest (EOI): Submit an EOI through SkillSelect and receive an invitation to apply.
    • Age, English Proficiency, Health, and Character Requirements: Same as Subclass 189.
  • Application Process:
    • Submit an EOI and apply for state/territory nomination.
    • Receive an invitation to apply after nomination.
    • Lodge your visa application online.
  • Processing Time: Approximately 5 to 8 months.
  • Cost: AUD $4,640.

3. Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)

  • Purpose: For skilled workers who want to live and work in regional Australia. This is a provisional visa, but it can lead to PR after three years.
  • Eligibility Requirements:
    • Occupation: Must be on the relevant skilled occupation list.
    • State/Territory or Family Sponsorship: You must be sponsored by an eligible relative or a state/territory government.
    • Points Test: You must score at least 65 points.
    • Expression of Interest (EOI): Submit an EOI and be invited to apply.
  • Application Process:
    • Submit an EOI.
    • Obtain a sponsorship from a state/territory or eligible family member.
    • Apply online after receiving an invitation.
  • Pathway to PR: After holding the 491 visa for three years and meeting the income requirements, you can apply for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191).
  • Processing Time: 6 to 10 months.
  • Cost: AUD $4,640.

4. Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa – Subclass 186

  • Purpose: Allows skilled workers who are nominated by their employer to live and work in Australia permanently.
  • Streams:
    • Direct Entry Stream: For applicants who are nominated by their employer and meet the skills and qualifications required for the position.
    • Temporary Residence Transition Stream: For holders of a Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa who have worked for their employer for three years and are nominated for a permanent position.
  • Eligibility Requirements:
    • Employer Nomination: Must be nominated by an Australian employer.
    • Skills and Qualifications: Must have the necessary skills, qualifications, and experience for the nominated position.
    • English Proficiency, Health, and Character Requirements: Must meet the standard requirements.
  • Application Process:
    • Employer lodges a nomination application.
    • You lodge a visa application online after the nomination is approved.
  • Processing Time: 5 to 10 months.
  • Cost: AUD $4,640.

5. Family Sponsorship Visa

  • Types:
    • Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801): For spouses or de facto partners of Australian citizens or permanent residents.
    • Parent Visa (Subclass 103): For parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents.
    • Child Visa (Subclass 101): For dependent children of Australian citizens or permanent residents.
  • Eligibility Requirements:
    • Relationship Evidence: Proof of your relationship with the Australian sponsor (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.).
    • Health and Character Requirements: Must meet the standard requirements.
  • Application Process:
    • Sponsor lodges a sponsorship application.
    • You lodge a visa application.
  • Processing Time: Varies widely; partner visas may take 12 to 24 months, while parent visas can take several years.
  • Cost: Partner Visa – AUD $7,850; Parent Visa – AUD $6,415.

General Application Process for PR Visas:

  1. Determine Eligibility: Based on your skills, family ties, or other factors, decide which visa is suitable for you.
  2. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) (if required): For points-tested visas like Subclass 189 or 190, submit an EOI through SkillSelect.
  3. Obtain Sponsorship/Nomination (if required): Apply for state/territory nomination or secure employer sponsorship.
  4. Gather Required Documents: Includes passport, skills assessment, English test results, proof of nomination/sponsorship, financial documents, and health/character certificates.
  5. Lodge Your Visa Application: Apply online through the Australian Department of Home Affairs website.
  6. Pay the Visa Application Fee: Fees vary depending on the visa type.
  7. Wait for Processing: Processing times vary depending on the visa.
  8. Receive Visa Decision: If approved, you’ll receive a visa grant notice with details on your PR status.
  9. Prepare for Your Move: After receiving your visa, plan your move to Australia and ensure you meet all entry requirements.

Benefits of Australian PR:

  • Live and Work: You can live and work anywhere in Australia indefinitely.
  • Access to Public Services: You can access Medicare, Australia’s public health system.
  • Family Sponsorship: You can sponsor eligible relatives for PR.
  • Pathway to Citizenship: After meeting residency requirements, you may be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship.

Visit The Official Web Page To Begin Application

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