Permanent Visa

Benefits of a permanent residency Australia visa

With a warm climate, diverse population, healthy economy, and laid-back lifestyle, Australia is a fantastic place to live, work, study, and raise a family. If the land down under is on your radar, here are just some of the benefits of securing your PR visa:

• Move freely around Australia and live wherever you choose
• Study at university and apply for higher education loans
• Become eligible for welfare benefits after two years
• Apply for government jobs
• Travel to Australia’s friendly neighbour, New Zealand

Am I eligible for a permanent residency visa?

Depending on your unique circumstances, you can apply for a PR visa under various categories. Each of these categories has its own set of rules. For now, let’s look at the general eligibility requirements, which apply to everyone:

Australia’s permanent residency points system

A points system determines your eligibility. You must score at least 65 points, although 80 or more is ideal. Points are calculated as follows:

Age (maximum 30 points)

You must be 45 years or younger. Here’s an overview of the points breakdown:

• 18-24 years – 25 points
• 25-32 years – 30 points
• 33-39 years – 25 points
• 40-44 years – 15 points

English proficiency (maximum 20 points)

To secure a maximum of 20 points, you are required to achieve a score of 8 bands in the IELTS exam. Australian immigration authorities also accept other English proficiency examinations, including PTE, TOEFL, and IELTS.

Here’s an overview of the points you can earn:

• Competent English – 0 points
• Proficient English – 10 points
• Superior English – 20 points

Work experience outside of Australia (maximum 15 points)

If you have eight to ten years of work experience in a country outside Australia, you will score a total of 15 points. Fewer years’ experience award you fewer points:

• Less than three years – 0 points
• Three to four years – 5 points
• Five to seven years – 10 points
• Eight to ten years – 15 points

Work experience in Australia (maximum 20 points)

If you have been employed in a skilled position for eight to ten years in Australia, you are eligible for a maximum of 20 points. As above, the fewer years’ experience you have, the fewer points you’ll earn. Here’s the breakdown:

• Less than one year – 0 points
• One to two years – 5 points
• Three to four years – 10 points
• Five to seven years – 15 points
• Eight to ten years – 20 points

Your education (maximum 20 points)

Your education level can earn you a maximum of 20 points toward your Australian permanent residency visa. Here’s how it works:

• Doctorate degree from an institution in or outside of Australia – 20 points
• Bachelor or Master’s degree from an institution in or outside of Australia – 15 points
• Trade qualification or diploma from an Australian institution – 10 points
• Other qualifications recognised by the industry relating to your nominated skilled occupation – 10 points
• Other niche skills – 5 points

Your spouse or de facto partner (maximum 10 points)

If your spouse or de facto partner is also applying for a PR visa in Australia, their qualifications can bolster your application. Keep in mind that both you and your partner must meet the age and language requirements set out above.

Here’s how your spouse impacts your application:

• They have a PR visa or are an Australian citizen – 10 points
• They are competent in English and have a Positive Skill Assessment – 10 points
• They are competent in English – 5 points

Other skills and qualifications

You can earn extra points if you meet any of the following criteria:

• You studied in a regional area of Australia – 5 points
• You are accredited in community language – 5 points
• You underwent a professional year in Australia in a skilled program – 5 points
• You have secured state sponsorship (Subclass 190 visa) – 5 points

Which permanent residency category should I apply to?

Australia offers several categories for PR visa applicants. By selecting the category that you are most eligible for, you improve your chances of being invited to live and work in Australia. Here’s a quick look at some of the most popular categories:

Family-stream permanent residency visa

If your family member, spouse, or de facto partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident, this option is for you. The family-stream is designed to bring you closer to your loved ones, whether your parents, partner, or children.

Work-stream permanent residency visa

Has your employer sponsored your permanent residency application? Are you looking to live and work in Australia in a skilled position? Are you an international student that would like to relocate to Australia permanently? This stream is for you.

You can apply for one of several visas under this stream, including:

• Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
• Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
• Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)

Business- and investment-stream permanent residency visa

Australia welcomes those hoping to invest in the country and build profitable businesses. If you are a business owner, investor, or senior executive looking to relocate and start or grow a company, this stream is for you. To be eligible for this visa, you need to have held the provisional visa – Subclass 188 – for at least one year prior. You must also meet financial requirements.

Am I eligible for the Global Talent Independent Visa program (GTS)?

The GTS enables a select group of highly skilled professionals to work and live in Australia. “Australia is after the brightest and best global talent to work in ten future-focused sectors,” writes the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs. “The program is designed to help grow our innovation and tech economies.”

The ten target sectors include:

• Resources
• Agri-food and AgTech
• Energy
• Health industries
• Defence, advanced manufacturing, and space
• Circular economy
• Digitech
• Infrastructure and tourism
• Financial services and fintech
• Education

If you are a prominent expert in one of the fields listed above, have internationally-recognised achievements within your field, and would attract an income of AUD153,600 or more, you may be eligible for permanent residency under the GTS program.