Path To Permanent Residency In Australia

Australia is a popular destination for international students and professionals who are looking for various opportunities in the country. Australia has a strong economic environment, a vast job market, and a high standard of living, which inspires many people to apply for Permanent Residency (PR) in Australia. As per the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), 59% of Australia's 3 million recent permanent migrants have become Australian citizens as of August 2021. Among these, 64% were on Skilled visas, and 61% were on Humanitarian visas. The PR status offers various benefits that include the right to live, work, and study in Australia as long as you want. This blog will help you explore various pathways to PR in Australia, whether you are a student planning to stay after graduation or a skilled worker exploring career options in Australia. 

Australia PR Requirements

To obtain a Permanent Residency in Australia, you should meet specific eligibility criteria depending on the visa category you apply for. Below are the general requirements for PR in Australia.

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  Age - Your age should be under 45 years at the time of application. 

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  Points Test - You need to score at least 65 points based on your age, education, work experience, English proficiency, and other factors. 

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  English Proficiency -  You would be required to provide proof of English language skills through IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL.

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  Education Qualifications -  You must hold a recognized qualification that matches the skill requirements of your nominated occupation. Higher qualifications, such as a doctorate or master's in research help you earn more points. 

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  Occupation - Your occupation must be listed in the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) if you are planning to apply for a skilled migration visa.

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  Health and Character Requirements - You would be required to undergo a medical examination and provide police clearance certificates.

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  Skills Assessment -  If you are planning to apply for a skilled visa, you would be required to get your qualifications and work experience assessed by an authorized assessing body.

Australia PR Points Allocation Criteria:

Australian PR Cost from India

If you’re applying for an Australian Permanent Residency from India, the total cost is around AUD 4,640 (approximately INR 2,75,000). The table given below will provide you with the breakdown of visa application fees, effective from July 1, 2024.

There could be other primary costs including expenses like skill assessment, English tests, medical exams, and police clearance.

Understand education loans for Australia, covering eligibility, interest rates, and repayment. This video will help you navigate funding options as you move forward on your Path to Permanent Residency in Australia.

Why Apply for an Australian PR?

Getting a Permanent Residency in Australia comes with numerous benefits. Below are some of the reasons why you should consider applying for a PR in Australia. 

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  You can live, work, and study anywhere in Australia without any restrictions.
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  Being the 8th happiest country in the world, you can lead a quality life with excellent work-life balance. 
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  After living in Australia for 4 years as a PR holder, you can apply for citizenship, given you meet the eligibility criteria. 
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  There is a huge demand for skilled workers in various fields due to 800,000 job vacancies.
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  Your kids can study in public schools without any tuition fees.
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  You get access to Medicare (Australia’s public healthcare system) which covers many medical expenses.
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  You will be prefered over temporary visa holders if you would have a PR in Australia.
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  You will get access to pension schemes and social security benefits.

Requirements to Get an Admit to an Australian University

Below are some of the general requirements to get an admit to Australian universities. However, the requirements vary as per the university and program of enrollment.

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  Ensure you meet the university and program-specific academic criteria.
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  Prepare and appear for exams like TOEFL, IELTS, GRE, etc. 
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  An SOP explaining your academic background, career goals, and reasons for choosing the university.
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  Letter of recommendations (at least 2-3) from professors or employers supporting your application.
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  Proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and health insurance.
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  A valid student visa. 

Utilize various sources to collect information about the universities that you want to apply for - like their eligibility criteria, application procedure, etc. Send in your application before the deadline and make sure that you have a valid passport.

PR Visa Categories & Eligibility

Australia offers several PR visa options based on skills, employment, business, and family sponsorship. Below are some of the categories.

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189):

This visa is designed for skilled professionals who receive an invitation from the Australian government. With a Subclass 189 visa, you can live and work anywhere in Australia permanently.

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  No sponsor or nominator is required.
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  You can apply only after receiving an invitation.
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  You should be under 45 years of age.
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  A minimum of 65 points is needed in the points-based system.
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  The nominated occupation should be on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190):

This visa allows skilled workers to settle permanently in Australia but requires a nomination from a state or territory.

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  State or territory nomination is required.
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  Application is possible only after an invitation is issued.
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  You should be below 45 years of age to apply.
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  A minimum of 65 points is required in the PR points test.
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  Your occupation must be on the State/Territory Skilled Occupation List.

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491):

This is a temporary visa that is valid for 5 years, available for those who are willing to live and work in regional Australia. It can lead to PR after three years of residence.

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  State or regional sponsorship is required.
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  You can apply only after receiving an invitation.
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  You should be under 45 years of age.
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  A minimum of 65 points in the PR points test is necessary.
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  The occupation should be part of the Skilled Occupation List.

Employer-Sponsored Visas:

This visa option is available for skilled workers who receive sponsorship from an Australian employer.

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  A valid job offer from an approved Australian employer is a must.
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  You should not be more than 45 years of age.
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  You would be required to meet skills assessment and English language requirements.

Business and Investment Visas:

This visa option is open for those individuals who are looking to invest in Australia or planning to start a business. 

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  State or territory nomination is required.
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  You must own a business or have investment experience.
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  You must have sufficient funds to invest in Australia.
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  You need to meet the business turnover and asset requirements.

Family and Partner Visas:

These visas allow spouses, children, and dependent relatives of Australian PR holders or citizens to move to Australia.

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  Sponsorship from an eligible family member is required.
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  You must meet the relationship or dependency requirements.
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  You must pass health and character checks.

How You Can Apply for Permanent Residency in Australia?

Many international students enjoy their time in Australia so much that they apply for permanent residency. You can express your interest in applying for permanent residency through the Department of Immigration and Border Protection's Skillselect migration program. This will lead to permanent residency through a Skilled Independent Visa, the Employer Nomination Scheme, or the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme. The visa decision will be made by the officials in accordance with your application, certificates and employment status.

To be eligible to apply, you must have already lived in Australia for two years, have a year of work experience, and have sufficient points.

How To Get Citizenship in Australia?

To secure citizenship in Australia, you should satisfy the following requirements.

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  The general residence requirement, which means an applicant for Australian citizenship will need to demonstrate a minimum of four years of permanent residence immediately prior to their application for citizenship.
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  An English language test, which means applicants will need to demonstrate competent English language listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills before applying for citizenship by conferral.

Australia is a great place to study and work, offering quality education and good career opportunities. Getting a Permanent Residency in Australia allows you to explore numerous opportunities from study to work. However, the PR process requires meeting eligibility criteria, and submitting an application through the points-based system. With the right planning and guidance, you can achieve Australian PR and eventually apply for citizenship. 

Also Read -

• 
  Australian Work Permits And Visas: The Detailed Guide
• 
  Why Study in Australia?
• 
  Scholarship in Australia for Indian students
• 
  (Australia Intakes) Australian Universities Application Deadline
• 
  Study Loan Options for Australia: A Detailed Guide
• 
  Canada or Australia: Which Is Better For Indian Students?

Frequently Asked Questions