Applying for Permanent Resident Visa in Australia
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, then apply for your permanent resident visa and gain some of the great benefits that securing your PR allows. Applying for your permanent residency visa in Australia means you can:
- 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 permanent residency visa under various categories. However, something to bear in mind when you apply for your permanent residency is that each of these categories has its own set of rules. We will look at these different sets of rules later but, for now, let’s look at the general eligibility requirements, which apply to everyone.
Australia’s permanent residency points system
In general, when you are applying for your permanent residency in Australia, a points system determines your eligibility. You must score at least 65 points, although 80 or more is ideal. When you apply for your permanent residency visa the points are calculated as follows:
Age (maximum 30 points)
You must be 45 years old or younger when applying for your permanent residency visa in Australia. Here’s an overview of the points breakdown for different ages:
- 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 for the English proficiency section of applying for your permanent residency visa, 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 for the English proficiency section of applying for your permanent residency:
- 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 within Australia (MAXIMUM 20 POINTS)
- Less than 1 year – 0 points
- One to two years – 5 points
- Three to four years – 10 points
- Five to seven years – 15 points
- Eight years or more – 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
Your spouse or de facto partner (maximum 10 points)
If your spouse or de facto partner is also applying for a permanent residency visa in Australia, their qualifications can bolster your own application. Keep in mind that both you and your partner must meet the age and language requirements for permanent residency visa applications set out above.
Here’s how your spouse impacts your permanent residency visa 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 for your permanent residency visa application 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
- You have a specialist educational qualification – 10 points
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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
Is your family member, spouse, or de facto partner an Australian citizen or permanent resident? This stream is for you.
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 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
Are you a business owner, investor, or senior executive looking to relocate and start or grow a company? This stream is for you.
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 of applying for permanent residency in Australia 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 under the GTS permanent residency visa application.
“Australia is after the brightest and best global talent to work in ten future-focused sectors... The program is designed to help grow our innovation and tech economies” writes the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs.
- 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 to apply for permanent residency in Australia under the GTS program.
Don’t just take our word for it,
book a free consultation!
Request an appointment today for your free initial consultation with one of our experts. Call us on 03 9111 0009
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Don’t just take our word for it,
book a consultation!
Request an appointment today for your initial consultation with one of our experts. Call us on 03 9111 0009