Thursday, 23 Nov 2023

Permanent Residency Australia: A quick guide to getting your PR

Planning to immigrate to Australia? The path to paradise starts with applying for a permanent residency in Australia!

Australian PR is your golden ticket to a life filled with sun-kissed beaches, vibrant cities, and endless opportunities. It grants you the right to live in Australia indefinitely, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the Aussie way of life.

Read further to learn more about how to apply for Australian permanent residency, the necessary requirements to submit, and the benefits that come with an Australian PR.

How to get permanent residency in Australia

Getting a permanent residency in Australia is possible by applying through one of the many common visa pathways listed below.

Skilled independent visa (subclass 189)

The subclass 189 visa is extended to applicants who are not funded by any employer, state or territory or family member residing in Australia. Some of the basic requirements include the following:

  • You must have at least 65 Permanent Residency points
  • You must choose an occupation from the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). See Skilled Occupation List.
  • You must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect. 

If the Australian government deems your profile suitable for the country, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Australian permanent residency.

Skilled nominated sponsored visa (subclass 190)

The subclass 190 visa applies to those who are sponsored by an Australian state/territory. They must:

  • Have at least 65 points of qualification for a qualified migration point test
  • Choose an eligible occupation from the Australian Skilled Occupation list.
  • Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect.

If the government determines that your application meets all requirements, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Upon receiving the invitation, you have a minimum of 60 days to apply for this visa.

Skilled regional (provisional) visa (subclass 191)

The subclass 191 visa applies to those who have lived, worked, and studied in a designated regional area of Australia on a previous eligible visa. Other conditions include:

  • They must have held their previous eligible visa for at least 3 years. Eligible visas include:
  • They must submit notices of assessment from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for three out of the five income years covered by their eligible visa.

Other permanent visa options to PR

Below are other pathways you might want to consider for Australian permanent residency:

Work PR visas

Family PR visas

Business PR visas and other types

Temporary work visa with PR pathway

Temporary work visas allow you to live and work in Australia for a specific period of time, and many of them offer a pathway to PR after you have met certain requirements. Below are some temporary visas that could later push you on your way to PR:

  • Temporary skill shortage (TSS) visa (Subclass 482)– only for MLTSSL occupations 
  • Skilled employer sponsored regional (provisional) visa (Subclass 494)
  • Skilled work regional (provisional) visa (Subclass 491)

How to apply for permanent residency in Australia

When applying for permanent residency in Australia, you can follow the general steps below:

1. Choose your visa pathway.

Australia offers a variety of visa pathways to PR, each tailored to different circumstances and skill sets. You can explore the various options available, from general skilled migration and business visas to family and partner visas, which were all discussed earlier.

You will need to carefully consider your skills, experience, and desired lifestyle to select the most suitable pathway for you. 

At this crucial first step, an experienced migration agent can provide you with valuable advice.

2. Determine your eligibility.

Each visa type has its own specific eligibility requirements. This may include:

  • Age requirements
  • Credentials and qualifications
  • Work experience
  • Skills assessment
  • English language proficiency

Carefully review the eligibility criteria for the visa you intend to apply for, as it may include other requirements not mentioned above.

You may review and click each of the visa pathways discussed earlier for these eligibility requirements.

3. Submit an expression of interest (EOI).

For skilled migration Subclasses 189, 190, and 492, you must lodge an EOI via SkillSelect. 

An EOI is a formal submission to the Australian government, telling them you want to apply for a skilled migration visa. It includes detailed information about your skills, qualifications, work experience, and other relevant factors that will help them assess if you meet the eligibility criteria.

After submission, you must await an invitation to apply (ITA) for the specific PR visa category you qualify for.

4. Gather supporting documents.

Compile and assemble the necessary supporting documents for your visa application.

Again, the specific documents vary depending on your chosen visa pathway. However, some general supporting documents that are typically required include:

  • Passport biodata
  • National identity cards and documents
  • Educational certificates and diplomas
  • Work experience documents
  • Skills assessment
  • English proficiency test results.
  • Proof of financial means (e.g. bank statements)
  • Family documents

Ensure all documents are valid, translated into English if necessary, and organised for easy submission.

5. Complete the visa application.

After compiling the required documents, fill out and submit the visa application form. It is recommended to apply online via your ImmiAccount.

This involves providing detailed personal information, answering questions about your skills and experience, and declaring any relevant circumstances. 
Remember that your application is not valid until you pay the visa fee. You can pay via credit/debit card, PayPal, or BPAY.

6. Await the visa decision.

The processing timeframe can vary depending on the visa pathway and the complexity of your application. if your PR application is successful, you’ll receive a visa grant notification, which indicates that you have been approved for Australian permanent residency.

Australia permanent residency requirements

As mentioned, the specific documents required will vary depending on your chosen visa. Some general supporting documents that are typically required include:

  • Your passport
  • Your identity card
  • Copies of your educational certificates and diplomas
  • Documents that verify your work experience, such as employment contracts and pay slips
  • A skills assessment from a relevant Australian skills assessment authority (if applicable)
  • Evidence of your English proficiency (if applicable)
  • Proof of financial means to support yourself and your family in Australia
  • Family documents, if you are applying with family members

Note that this is not an exhaustive list. You may be required to provide additional documents depending on your specific circumstances.

How much is permanent residency in Australia?

The cost of permanent residency in Australia varies depending on the visa type you apply for. Click on each of the visa pathways to PR to know more about the base application fees, as well as fees for secondary and child applicants.

Note that you may also need to pay extra for supporting documents, such as translations, skills assessments, and medical examinations, which are separate costs from the base application fees.

Common reasons for Australia permanent residence rejection and how to avoid them.

To increase your chances of success, it’s crucial to avoid common pitfalls that could lead to visa rejection. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

  • Incomplete or inaccurate application: Ensure your application is complete and all information is accurate. Double-check details, dates, and supporting documents to avoid discrepancies.
  • Failing to meet eligibility criteria: Carefully review the eligibility requirements for your chosen visa pathway and ensure you meet all the criteria. If you have any doubts, consult with a registered migration agent.
  • Providing false or misleading information: Never intentionally provide false or misleading information on your visa application. Misrepresentation can result in serious consequences, including visa rejection and potential legal action.
  • Insufficient supporting documentation: Provide all the required supporting documents to strengthen your application. Incomplete documentation can raise doubts about your eligibility and increase the risk of rejection.
  • Criminal history: If you have a criminal record, it’s crucial to disclose this information honestly and provide details. Concealing a criminal history can lead to visa rejection and potential deportation.
  • Character concerns: Maintain a good character and avoid engaging in illegal or harmful activities.
  • Lack of genuine intention: Demonstrate your genuine intention to reside permanently in Australia. Provide evidence of your ties to Australia, such as family connections, employment prospects, or property investments.
  • Failure to meet health requirements: Meet all the health requirements for your visa pathway. If you have any health concerns, consult with your doctor and seek appropriate medical clearance.

Providing insufficient financial evidence: Demonstrate that you have sufficient financial means to support yourself and your family in Australia. Provide bank statements, income documents, or other evidence of financial stability.

Benefits of permanent residency in Australia

If you’ve ever wondered, “Why should I apply for an Australian PR?”, here are some advantages you’ll gain:

  • Legal entitlement to live in any part of Australia indefinitely
  • Travel in and out of Australia (provided your travel facility is valid is not expired)
  • Opportunity to seek employment opportunities more easily
  • Healthcare entitlements, such as Medicare
  • Freedom to pursue the course of study that you prefer, more often at a lower cost
  • Eligibility to sponsor other family members or relatives for temporary or permanent visa
  • Opportunity to apply for credit cards and get items on lease (for which you would not be eligible on a temporary visa)
  • Access to a few Social Security benefits
  • Opportunity to apply for Australian citizenship

Essentially, you’ll gain most of the privileges that Australian citizens enjoy, with the exception of voting rights.

 Secure your Australia permanent residency with absolute confidence.

By having someone available to listen to your worries and doubts throughout the visa journey, you can wave the stress goodbye. 

At KBA Global, your trusted migration agents Australia, we’ll be your guide through the maze of visa applications, helping you save time and avoid costly mistakes. How do we do this? It starts with understanding you better, so we can identify the visa pathway that best suits your unique situation.

The first step is as easy as a phone call. Schedule a free appointment with us and chat directly with our registered agents!

Australia Permanent Residency FAQs

Do I need to have a temporary visa before permanent residency?

Not necessarily. Some permanent residency pathways, such as Subclasses 189, 190, and 191 do not require you to have a temporary visa beforehand. However, many other pathways do, such as the TSS, Subclass 491, and Subclass 494 visas.

What should I do after getting my permanent residency in Australia?

Once you have obtained your permanent residency visa, you should be able to:

  • Explore employment opportunities and consider pursuing further education, if desired.
  • Find suitable accommodations
  • Enrol in Medicare
  • Open a bank account
  • Apply for welfare benefits
  • Explore citizenship applications

How long does it take to get permanent residency in Australia after marriage?

The time it takes to get permanent residency in Australia after marriage can vary depending on your individual circumstances. The process usually involves applying for a temporary visa first, followed by a permanent visa. It typically takes around 3 to 4 years to get Australian PR through a partner visa pathway.

Do I need to renew my Australia permanent residency visa?

No, you don’t need to renew permanent residency Australia. This is because Australian PR does not expire.

Can I travel outside of Australia anytime with a PR visa?

You can leave and return to Australia anytime as long as your travel facility remains valid. A travel facility allows the PR visa holder to leave Australia and re-enter as many times as they like within the 5-year validity period.

After the travel facility expires, the PR visa holder must apply for a Resident Return Visa if they wish to re-enter Australia.

How do I know when my travel facility is over?

You can check your visa grant notification to see your travel facility’s validity. Some specific visa holders, such as partner visa-subclass 101 and partner visa-subclass 100, will also receive a notification 60 days before their travel facility expires

Can I Lose My Permanent Residency in Australia?

While a permanent visa won’t expire, you can still lose your Australia permanent residency status if you:

  • Breach the conditions of your visa.
  • Engage in criminal activity.
  • Provide false or misleading information during your visa application.
  • Fail to meet the residency requirements.

Is there an age limit for permanent residency in Australia?

Generally, there is no age limit for permanent residency in Australia. as long as you meet the eligibility and requirements. However, some visa pathways have specific age requirements. For example, the skilled independent visa (subclass 189) requires applicants to be under 45 years of age.

Disclaimer: The above information is a general guide and not professional immigration advice. Be aware that immigration laws and regulations can change swiftly, potentially rendering some or all of the information outdated. Thus, before using the information above, we recommend checking the current laws through assistance from a migration agent or the Department of Home Affairs website.

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