Australia Visa – Permanent Residence

1. What is the process for obtaining permanent residence in Australia?


The process for obtaining permanent residence in Australia varies depending on the category of visa and individual circumstances, but generally involves the following steps:

1. Determine your eligibility: The first step is to determine which visa stream you are eligible for. This could be through skilled migration, family sponsorship, or humanitarian programs.

2. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI): If applying for a skilled migration visa, you will need to submit an EOI through the SkillSelect system. This alerts the Australian government that you are interested in applying for a visa and allows them to assess your skills and eligibility.

3. Receive an invitation to apply: If your EOI is successful, you will receive an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs to apply for a specific visa.

4. Gather documents and evidence: You will need to gather all necessary documents and evidence to support your application, such as identity documents, educational qualifications, work experience, language proficiency results, etc.

5. Lodge your application: Once you have all necessary documents and evidence gathered, you can submit your application online through the Department of Home Affairs website or through a paper application at a designated office.

6. Pay application fees: You will be required to pay application fees when lodging your application.

7. Wait for processing: The processing time for permanent residence applications can vary greatly depending on the type of visa and individual circumstances. It is important to regularly check the status of your application and provide any additional information if requested by the Department of Home Affairs.

8. Attend medical examinations and police checks: As part of the assessment process, you may be required to undergo health examinations and obtain police clearance certificates from countries where you have lived in the past 10 years.

9. Await decision on your application: After all necessary assessments have been completed, a decision will be made on your application. If successful, you will receive a confirmation of permanent residence (CPR) letter or electronic visa grant.

10. Organize your move to Australia: Once your permanent residence visa has been granted, you can start preparing for your move to Australia. This may include selling assets, arranging transportation, and finding housing.

11. Apply for a Resident Return Visa (RRV) if necessary: If you plan on leaving Australia and returning in the future, it is important to apply for an RRV before your initial permanent residence visa expires.

12. Apply for Australian citizenship (optional): After meeting certain criteria, you may be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship and obtain an Australian passport.

2. What are the eligibility requirements for a permanent residency visa in Australia?


The eligibility requirements for a permanent residency visa in Australia vary depending on the specific visa category. However, some general requirements include:

1. Meeting health and character requirements
2. Having a specific occupation in demand or possessing skills and qualifications that are needed in Australia
3. Meeting minimum English language proficiency levels
4. Fulfilling age requirement (usually under 45 years)
5. Having a sponsor (for some visa categories)
6. Meeting minimum income or financial requirements (for some visas)
7. Providing evidence of previous education and work experience
8. Submitting a successful Expression of Interest (EOI) through the online application system
9. Scoring sufficient points on the Points Test (for skilled migration visas)
10.Being nominated by an Australian state or territory government (for some visas).

It is important to note that these are general requirements and may vary depending on the individual circumstances and chosen visa category. It is recommended to consult with an immigration lawyer or accredited migration agent for more detailed information about specific eligibility requirements for a permanent residency visa in Australia.

3. Can I apply for permanent residence if I am currently on a temporary visa in Australia?

It is possible to apply for permanent residence while on a temporary visa in Australia, but it will depend on the specific circumstances of your visa and your eligibility for a permanent residency visa. It may be helpful to consult with an immigration lawyer or seek guidance from the Australian Department of Home Affairs for assistance with your individual case.

4. How long does it take to obtain permanent residency in Australia?

It depends on the specific visa category you are applying for and the processing times for that visa at the time of application. Generally, it can take anywhere from 2-4 years to obtain permanent residency in Australia. It is important to check the current processing times for your specific visa category before applying.

5. Do I need a job offer to qualify for a permanent residency visa in Australia?


Yes, a job offer is one of the ways to qualify for a permanent residency visa in Australia. The most common pathway for obtaining a permanent residency visa through employment is through the Skilled Nominated or Sponsored Visa (Subclass 190/489) program. To be eligible for this visa, you must first secure an approved nomination from a state or territory government and then have an eligible occupation on the Skilled Occupation List. Once you have secured a job offer in your nominated occupation, you can apply for the skilled migration visa which will lead to permanent residency in Australia.

However, there are other pathways to permanent residency such as the Employer Nomination Scheme (186) and Business Innovation and Investment Program (188/132), which do not require a job offer. These visas are geared towards skilled workers who are sponsored by an Australian employer or investors/business owners who are willing to invest in Australia’s economy.

It is important to note that having a job offer does not guarantee a successful visa application. You must also meet all other eligibility criteria and provide evidence of your work experience, qualifications, English language proficiency, and health and character requirements to be granted a permanent residency visa in Australia.

6. Can my family members be included in my application for permanent residence?


Yes, your spouse or common-law partner, dependent children, and dependent parents can be included in your application for permanent residence as accompanying dependents. They will need to meet the eligibility criteria and undergo medical and background checks. You will need to provide supporting documents such as marriage certificates or birth certificates to prove the relationship. However, if they are not eligible to be included in your application, they may still be able to apply for permanent residence separately.

7. Are there different types of permanent residency visas available in Australia?


Yes, the Australian government offers different types of permanent residency visas for individuals who wish to live and work in Australia permanently. These include:

1. Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189): This visa is for skilled workers who do not have a sponsor or nomination from an employer or family member.

2. Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190): This visa is for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian state or territory government.

3. Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186): This visa is for skilled workers who have been sponsored by an employer in Australia.

4. Business Innovation and Investment Visa (subclass 888): This visa is for individuals who want to invest in a new or existing business in Australia, or conduct business and investment activity.

5. Partner Visa (subclass 801/820): This visa is for individuals who are married or in a de facto relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.

6. Parent Visa (subclass 143/173): This visa is for parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens.

7. Global Talent Independent Program: This program allows highly skilled individuals to apply for permanent residency if they are able to contribute to the growth of key industries in Australia.

8. Distinguished Talent Visa (subclass 124/858): This visa is for individuals with exceptional talent or outstanding achievements in specific fields such as arts, sports, academia, and research.

9. Protection Visa (subclass 866): This visa is for individuals who have been found to be refugees under the United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Refugees.

It is important to note that each type of permanent residency visa has specific eligibility requirements and application processes.

8. What are the benefits of having permanent residency status in Australia?


1. Right to live in Australia indefinitely: As a permanent resident, you have the legal right to live and work in Australia for an indefinite period of time.

2. Freedom to travel: You can leave and re-enter Australia freely until your permanent residency visa expires.

3. Access to government services: Permanent residents have access to the same health care, education, and social security benefits as Australian citizens.

4. Employment opportunities: Many job opportunities are only available to permanent residents, especially positions that require security clearance or government work.

5. Eligibility for citizenship: After living in Australia for a certain period of time as a permanent resident, you may be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship.

6. Ability to sponsor family members for permanent residency: Permanent residents can sponsor eligible family members to come and live with them in Australia on a permanent basis.

7. Reduced university fees: Permanent residency status may make you eligible for domestic student rates at universities, which are significantly lower than international student rates.

8. Pathway to further visas: Holding permanent residency status makes it easier to apply for other visas such as employer-sponsored or partner visas in the future should you decide to do so.

9. Is there an age limit for applying for permanent residency in Australia?


No, there is no specific age limit for applying for permanent residency in Australia. However, applicants must meet certain eligibility criteria, such as having skills and qualifications that are in demand, being of good character, and potentially passing an English language test. Age may be a factor in some visa categories, but there is no general age limit across all temporary and permanent residency visas.

10. Do I need to pass an English language test to qualify for permanent residence in Australia?

Yes, you will need to pass an English language test to qualify for permanent residence in Australia. The level of English proficiency required depends on the type of visa you are applying for. For example, those applying for skilled migration may be required to take the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test, while those applying for a partner visa may need to take the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic or Occupational English Test (OET). It is important to check the specific requirements for your visa application before taking the test.

11. Can I study or work while holding a permanent residency visa in Australia?


Yes, you can study and work while holding a permanent residency visa in Australia.
You have the right to work for any employer, as well as study and live in any part of Australia. However, there may be some restrictions on certain types of employment, such as jobs that require Australian citizenship or security clearances. Additionally, certain educational programs may require international students to hold a specific type of visa, so it is important to check with your program before applying for permanent residency.

12. Are there any financial requirements for obtaining a permanent residency visa?


Yes, most countries have financial requirements for obtaining a permanent residency visa. These can include proof of stable income, minimum net worth, and/or investments in the country. Some countries also require applicants to have a certain amount of savings or assets in order to support themselves and their family members upon arrival. It is important to research the specific financial requirements for your desired country of residency before applying for a permanent residency visa.

13. Do I need to meet health and character requirements for a permanent residency visa in Australia?


Yes, all applicants for permanent residency in Australia are required to meet health and character requirements. This includes providing evidence of good health and moral character, as well as undergoing medical examinations and obtaining police clearance certificates from all countries where the applicant has lived for a certain period of time. These requirements are in place to ensure that immigrants entering Australia do not pose a risk to the community and are able to contribute positively to Australian society.

14. Is it possible to lose my permanent resident status once it is granted?


Yes, permanent resident status can be revoked or lost if a person fails to meet the residency requirements, commits certain criminal offenses, or engages in activities that violate immigration laws. It is important for permanent residents to understand their obligations and responsibilities in order to maintain their status.

15. Can I travel outside of Australia with a permanent resident visa?

Yes, you can travel outside of Australia with a permanent resident visa. However, you will need to obtain a re-entry permit from the Department of Home Affairs before leaving Australia. This will allow you to re-enter the country as a permanent resident.

It is important to note that your permanent resident visa may have a travel facility attached, which determines how long you can stay outside of Australia before your permanent residency status is affected. The travel facility can vary from one to five years, depending on your individual circumstances.

If your travel facility expires while you are outside of Australia, or if you do not have a valid re-entry permit when returning to the country, your permanent residency status may be affected and you may need to apply for a new visa.

Furthermore, some countries may require you to obtain a visa or entry permit prior to travelling with an Australian permanent residency visa. It is important to research the entry requirements of the country you are planning to visit before making any travel arrangements.

16. Do I have to live in a specific state or territory if granted permanent residence through a state nomination program?


Generally, yes. If you are granted permanent residence through a state nomination program, you will be required to live in the state or territory that nominated you for a specific period of time, usually 2 to 4 years. This requirement is often known as a “live and work” or “stay and work” condition. It is important to check the specific conditions of your state nomination before accepting it, as failure to comply could result in the cancellation of your permanent residency status.

17. How can I prove my commitment to living and working in Australia as a future citizen when applying for PR through the skilled migration program?

Some ways to prove your commitment to living and working in Australia as a future citizen may include:

1. Employment: Providing evidence of employment or a job offer in Australia can show your willingness to contribute to the Australian workforce.

2. Education: If you have studied in Australia or obtained an Australian qualification, this can demonstrate your investment in the country and desire to contribute to its economy.

3. Family ties: If you have family members who are already permanent residents or citizens of Australia, this can indicate your intention to join them and establish roots in the country.

4. Community involvement: Being involved in community activities, volunteering, or participating in local events can show your interest in being part of the Australian community.

5. Financial stability: Having savings or investments in Australia can demonstrate your ability and commitment to support yourself and contribute to the economy.

6. Knowledge of Australian culture and values: Showing knowledge of Australian history, politics, and culture through language skills or participation in cultural activities can indicate that you understand and respect the values of the country.

7. Long-term plans: Presenting a well-thought-out plan for settling and integrating into Australian society, such as purchasing property or starting a business, can showcase your long-term commitment to living and working in Australia.

It is important to provide any relevant supporting documents along with your visa application to strengthen your case for commitment to living and working in Australia as a future citizen. These may include work contracts, education certificates, financial statements, letters from family members or employers, etc.

18.Can I include my partner or spouse on my application even if they do not meet the same eligibility criteria as me?


Yes, you can include your partner or spouse on your application even if they do not meet the same eligibility criteria as you. This is called a dependent or non-dependent application. However, it is important to note that their inclusion may affect the overall evaluation of your application and could result in a different outcome than if you had applied alone. It is recommended to carefully review the requirements and eligibility criteria for both yourself and your partner before submitting the application.

19.What happens if my occupation is removed from the Skilled Occupation List while waiting for my PR application to be processed?

If your occupation is removed from the Skilled Occupation List while your PR application is being processed, it will not have any direct impact on your application. Your eligibility for permanent residency will still be determined based on the criteria that were in place at the time you lodged your application.

However, if your occupation is no longer on the list at the time of decision, it may affect your chances of being invited to apply for a visa or receiving a positive visa outcome. It is important to regularly check and monitor the Skilled Occupation List to keep yourself informed about any changes that may affect your application. If necessary, you may also consider seeking professional guidance and advice on alternative pathways for permanent residency.

20.Is there an age limit on sponsoring parents or other relatives to migrate to Australia through the Family Stream of the Migration Program?

Yes, there is no age limit for sponsoring parents or other relatives to migrate to Australia through the Family Stream of the Migration Program. However, the Australian government may consider the sponsor’s ability to provide financial support and assurance of support for the visa applicant as well as their health and character requirements. Additionally, age may be a factor in satisfying the balance of family test, where the sponsor must have a certain number of eligible relatives residing in Australia as permanent residents or Australian citizens.