Australia Permanent Residency Visa

How to Apply for an Australia Permanent Residency Visa (Australia PR Visa)

Australia continues to be a top destination for skilled migrants, international students, and professionals seeking long-term opportunities abroad. One of the most popular immigration pathways is the Australia Permanent Residency (PR) visa, which allows individuals to live, work, and settle in Australia indefinitely.

This article provides a clear overview of the Australia PR visa, including eligibility requirements, application steps, benefits, and common visa types under this category.

What is an Australia Permanent Residency Visa?

An Australia Permanent Residency visa grants non-citizens the right to live and work in Australia permanently. It is not the same as Australian citizenship, but PR holders enjoy many of the same rights and benefits, including access to healthcare, education, and the ability to apply for citizenship after meeting residency requirements.

Key Benefits of Holding an Australia PR Visa

• Live and work anywhere in Australia
• Access to Medicare, Australia's public healthcare system
• Sponsor eligible family members to join you
• Apply for citizenship after a qualifying period (usually 4 years)
• Study at domestic student rates
• Freedom to travel in and out of Australia

Popular Australia PR Visa Categories

There are several visa subclasses that lead to permanent residency. The most common include:

1. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

This is a points-based visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer or family member. You must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and receive an invitation to apply.

2. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

This visa requires nomination by a state or territory government. It also uses a points-based system and targets applicants whose occupations are in demand locally.

3. Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)

This allows Australian employers to sponsor skilled workers for permanent residence. It requires a job offer and a nomination from an approved employer.

4. Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Subclass 187)

Aimed at addressing skill shortages in regional areas of Australia. It also requires employer sponsorship but is tailored for jobs located outside major cities.

General Eligibility Criteria

To apply for an Australia PR visa, you typically need to:

• Be under 45 years of age (for skilled migration)
• Have a positive skills assessment for a listed occupation
• Score at least 65 points in the points test (higher scores improve chances)
• Prove English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS, PTE)
• Meet health and character requirements
• Submit an EOI through SkillSelect
• Receive an invitation to apply

The PR Visa Application Process

Here’s a simplified breakdown:

• Check occupation lists and determine eligibility
• Get a skills assessment through the relevant authority
• Take an English language test (IELTS/PTE)
• Submit your EOI via SkillSelect
• Wait for an invitation to apply (depending on points and occupation demand)
• Apply for the PR visa within the given timeframe
• Undergo health and character checks
• Receive the visa decision

How Long Does It Take to Get Australia PR?

Processing times can vary based on the visa subclass and your individual profile. On average:

• Subclass 189 and 190 visas take between 6 to 10 months
• Employer-sponsored visas may take longer, depending on employer documentation and nomination approval