What is Australia Permanent Residency (PR)?

Australia PR is a visa status that allows non-citizens to stay in Australia indefinitely. As a permanent resident, you have most of the rights and benefits of Australian citizens, including access to public services such as Medicare (Australia’s national healthcare system), education, and social security.

However, there are some differences, such as restrictions on voting rights and the ability to apply for certain government positions.

Benefits of Australia Permanent Residency:

PR holders enjoy numerous benefits including:

1. Right to Live Indefinitely: PR holders can stay in Australia indefinitely with the option to travel freely in and out of the country for five years (with renewal possibilities).
2. Work and Study Anywhere in Australia: There are no restrictions on employment or educational opportunities. PR holders can work in any field and access student loans and scholarships.
3. Access to Social Services: PR holders can enroll in Medicare and access the public healthcare system, as well as social security benefits like unemployment and family assistance after meeting residency requirements.
4. Sponsor Family Members: You can sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residency as well.
5. Pathway to Citizenship: After meeting residency requirements, PR holders can apply for Australian citizenship, which comes with full voting rights and additional privileges.
6. Access to Education and Training: PR holders can access free or subsidised education for their children and participate in educational or vocational training programs.

Why Consider Applying for Australian Permanent Residency?

• Ranked as one of the top 10 Happiest Country Globally: Australia is celebrated for its high quality of life, vibrant culture, and welcoming communities.
• Opening Doors to 500,000 Migrants by 2025: Australia is set to welcome 500,000 new migrants by 2025, offering abundant opportunities for skilled professionals and families looking to make Australia their home.
• Significant Demand for Skilled Professionals: There are currently 800,000 job vacancies available, making it an opportune time for skilled workers to relocate and advance their careers.
• Remarkable Return on Investment: Holders of an Australian PR visa can experience an incredible 100 times ROI, making the investment in your future worthwhile.
• Access to Universal Healthcare: As a permanent resident, you’ll benefit from Australia’s robust universal healthcare system, ensuring you and your family receive essential medical care.
• Free Education for Children: Enjoy the advantage of free public education for your children, providing them with a solid foundation for their future.
• Retirement Benefits: Permanent residents are entitled to various retirement benefits, helping you secure a comfortable future.
• Simplified Pathway to Australian Citizenship: Obtaining Australian permanent residency is a straightforward step towards citizenship. After holding PR status for four years, you can apply for citizenship if you meet the necessary criteria.

Australian permanent residency status is granted through a permanent residence visa. While PR holders do not possess Australian citizenship, they have the right to live, work, and study in the country indefinitely.

After four years of residing in Australia as a permanent resident, individuals can apply for citizenship, provided they meet the eligibility requirements.

Types of PR Visas in Australia

There are various visa subclasses available for those seeking PR in Australia, each tailored to different types of applicants:
 

Skilled Migration Visas:

• Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): This visa is for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer or family member. It uses a points-based system, with factors such as age, education, work experience, and English language proficiency affecting your eligibility.
• Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): This visa requires state or territory nomination and also operates on a points system. It provides priority processing for applicants who are nominated by Australian state governments.
• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491): This temporary visa allows skilled workers to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia. After fulfilling specific criteria, you can apply for PR.

Employer-Sponsored Visas:

• Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186): This visa is for workers who are nominated by their employer to fill a skilled position. It offers a direct pathway to PR for those with the required qualifications and experience.
• Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) Visa (Subclass 187): Similar to the ENS visa, but requires employment in a regional area.

Family-Sponsored Visas:

• Partner Visa: For those married to or in a de facto relationship with an Australian citizen or PR holder.
• Parent Visa: Allows parents of Australian citizens or PR holders to join their children in Australia.
• Child Visa: Enables children to join their parents who are Australian citizens or permanent residents.
• Business and Investor Visas: For individuals who wish to invest or establish a business in Australia.

Eligibility Criteria for Australian PR

To be eligible for Australia PR, you must typically meet the following criteria:

• Age: You must be under 44 years old at the time of application as 45 is the last age to obtain a PR in Australia.
• English Proficiency: Demonstrate your English language ability through tests like IELTS or PTE.
• Skills Assessment: Obtain a positive skills assessment for your occupation from the relevant authority.
• Health and Character: Pass health exams and meet Australia’s character requirements.

Key Documents and Requirements

• Valid passport
• Skills assessment results
• Proof of English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS/PTE)
• Work experience documentation
• Health insurance information

How to Apply for Australia PR from India

1. Research Visa Options: Understand the different PR visas available.
2. Skill Assessment: Obtain a skills assessment from the relevant authority.
3. Prepare Documentation: Collect all required documents.
4. Submit EOI: Lodge your Expression of Interest in the SkillSelect system.
5. Receive Invitation and Apply: Upon receiving an invitation, submit your visa application.

The Australian Points System: How It Works

For those applying under the skilled migration route (Subclass 189 or 190), the Australian Department of Home Affairs uses a points-based system to assess eligibility. Applicants are awarded points based on the following criteria:

• Age: Maximum points are awarded to applicants between 25 and 32 years of age.
• English Proficiency: Higher scores in the IELTS or other recognised English tests will result in more points.
• Skilled Employment: Points are given for relevant work experience in a nominated occupation.
• Educational Qualifications: Higher education degrees or diplomas from Australia or a recognised institution abroad can increase points.
• Australian Study Requirement: Completing at least two years of study in Australia will earn additional points.
• Partner Skills: If your partner also meets basic requirements, you can gain extra points.

To be eligible for PR, you must score at least 65 points on the points test.

Tentative Costs for Australian Permanent Residency (PR) Visas: Subclasses 189, 190, and 491

• Primary Applicant: AUD 4,765
• Additional Applicant (18+): AUD 2,385
• Dependent Child (under 18): AUD 1,195

Payment Options:

You can pay using International Visa, Mastercard, or American Express. 
Note: Discover cards are not accepted, and all fees are non-refundable.

Assessment Fees Overview
The PR application process incurs various assessment costs, including:

• Skills Assessment (ACS): AUD 545 – AUD 1,450(depending on the type of assessment and the organisation conducting it)
• Police Clearance Certificate: INR 1,000 (subject to country-specific variations)
• English Proficiency Test (IELTS/PTE): INR 17,000
• Medical Examination: INR 6,000 (for applicants in India)
• Additional Fees for Dependents with Limited English Skills

1.    Extra Fee:

• The second installment fee of AUD 4,885 applies to dependent applicants aged 18 and older who cannot demonstrate adequate English language proficiency. This is specifically relevant for visas like Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) and Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Visa).

2.    Installment Payment Structure:

• The first installment is typically paid at the time of submitting the visa application.
• The second installment is required before the visa is granted, generally during the processing phase.

3.    Exemption for Competency:

• Dependents who can prove their proficiency in English are indeed exempt from paying this additional fee.

Note: Application and assessment fees are subject to change, and the figures provided are not fixed. Please stay informed for the most accurate information.

Let’s Debunk the Common Myths about Australia PR
 

How Cross Border Education Can Help You Achieve PR

Navigating the complexities of the Australian PR process can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Cross Border Education provides comprehensive support to help you at every step of the journey:

• Eligibility Assessment: We assess your profile to identify the best visa pathway for you.
• Expert Guidance: Our team helps you understand the points system, improve your score, and secure state nominations if necessary.
• Document Preparation: We ensure all your documentation is in order, reducing the risk of delays or rejections.
• Ongoing Support: From submitting your EOI to final visa approval, we are with you every step of the way.

With our expert assistance, you can focus on preparing for your exciting new life in Australia, while we handle the paperwork. 
Let us collaborate with you to turn your vision of life in Australia into a tangible reality!

Life After You Move to Australia

Once you have received your PR visa, the real adventure begins. Whether you qualify through skilled migration, employer sponsorship, or family reunification, PR status is the first step toward enjoying the full benefits of life in Australia, including the potential for citizenship.

If you're looking to enhance your career prospects, secure a promising future for your children, or embrace a more laid-back lifestyle, life in Australia is brimming with opportunities. Take the first step on your journey today and discover all that Australia has in store for you!