Australia Permanent Residency (PR) Pathways
Australia offers several pathways to obtain Permanent Residency (PR), including Skilled Migration, Family Sponsorship, Business/Investor Visas, and Student Pathways. Each pathway has specific eligibility requirements, processes, and costs associated with it. Below, we outline the key PR pathways, their eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, the application process, estimated costs, and typical processing times.
1. Skilled Migration Pathway (Points-based)
The Skilled Migration Visa is the most common pathway to obtaining permanent residency in Australia. This includes the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189), the Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190), and the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491).
Eligibility Criteria
– Age: You must be under 45 years of age at the time of applying.
– Skills Assessment: Your qualifications and work experience must be assessed by a relevant Australian assessing authority to ensure they meet Australian standards.
– English Proficiency: A minimum of Competent English (IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent) is required. Higher scores may be needed for additional points.
– Points Test: You must score at least 65 points on the points test. Points are awarded based on factors such as age, work experience, education, English proficiency, and state/territory nomination.
– Health and Character Requirements: Applicants and family members must meet medical and character requirements.
End-to-End Process
1. Skills Assessment: Apply for a skills assessment through the relevant assessing body.
2. Expression of Interest (EOI): Submit an EOI through the SkillSelect system. Based on your points and occupation, you may be invited to apply for a visa.
3. Visa Application: Once invited, submit your application for the visa, including documents like your skills assessment, English test results, health examination, and police certificates.
4. Invitation to Apply: If you score high enough on the points test, you will receive an invitation to apply for a visa.
5. Visa Approval: If your application is successful, you will receive permanent residency.
Processing Time
– Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189): 6 to 12 months.
– Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190): 6 to 12 months.
– Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491): 6 to 12 months.
COST BREAKDOWN
| Expense | Cost (AUD) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Skills Assessment | $300 – $1,000 | Depending on the occupation being assessed. |
| English Test (IELTS) | $300 – $400 | Required to prove English language proficiency. |
| Visa Application Fee (subclass 189) | $4,240 | Base application fee for the Skilled Independent Visa. |
| Visa Application Fee (subclass 190) | $4,240 | Base application fee for the Skilled Nominated Visa. |
| Visa Application Fee (subclass 491) | $4,045 | Base application fee for the Skilled Work Regional Visa. |
| Medical Examination | $200 – $500 | Required for all applicants. |
| Police Certificates | $50 – $150 | Required from each country you have lived in for 12+ months. |
| Legal Fees (Optional) | $2,000 – $5,000 | Depending on whether you hire an immigration lawyer. |
| Total Estimated Cost | $6,000 – $15,000 | Total cost depending on pathway and legal assistance. |
2. Employer-Sponsored Pathway
The Employer-Sponsored Visa is for foreign workers who have a job offer from an Australian employer. This includes the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (subclass 482), the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (subclass 186), and the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) Visa (subclass 187).
Eligibility Criteria
– Job Offer: You must have a valid job offer from an Australian employer.
– Skill Level: The job must be on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL), and you must meet the required skills for the position.
– Age: Typically under 45 years of age (may be waived in certain cases).
– English Proficiency: Competent English language skills.
– Work Experience: At least 2-3 years of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation.
– Health and Character Requirements: You must meet medical and character requirements.
End-to-End Process
1. Employer Nomination: The employer submits a nomination to the Department of Home Affairs to sponsor you.
2. Visa Application: Once the employer’s nomination is approved, you can apply for the appropriate visa (subclass 186 or 187) to obtain permanent residency.
3. Visa Approval: If approved, you will be granted permanent residency.
COST BREAKDOWN
| Expense | Cost (AUD) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Nomination Fee (Employer) | $420 – $1,000 | Employer nomination fee. |
| Visa Application Fee (subclass 186) | $4,045 | Base application fee for the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS). |
| Visa Application Fee (subclass 187) | $4,045 | Base application fee for the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme. |
| Medical Examination | $200 – $500 | Required for all applicants. |
| Police Certificates | $50 – $150 | Required from each country you have lived in for 12+ months. |
| Legal Fees (Optional) | $2,000 – $5,000 | Depending on whether you hire an immigration lawyer. |
| Total Estimated Cost | $6,000 – $14,000 | Total cost depending on pathway and legal assistance. |
Processing Time
– Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186): 6 to 12 months.
– Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187): 6 to 12 months.
3. Family Sponsorship
The Family Sponsorship Visa allows the relatives of Australian citizens or permanent residents to apply for permanent residency. This includes the Partner Visa (subclasses 820/801, 309/100) and the Parent Visa (subclasses 103, 143, 173).
Eligibility Criteria
– Partner Visa: You must be the spouse, de facto partner, or fiancé of an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
– Parent Visa: You must be the parent of an Australian citizen or permanent resident and meet the balance of family test (at least half of your children must reside in Australia).
– Age and Health Requirements: For Parent Visas, there may be age and health requirements, particularly if applying for the Contributory Parent Visa.
– Character Requirements: You and your family members must meet character requirements.
End-to-End Process
1. Submit Application: The sponsor (Australian citizen or permanent resident) submits the sponsorship application, and the applicant submits the visa application.
2. Visa Processing: After submitting the application, you may need to undergo medical exams, police checks, and an interview (if applicable).
3. Visa Approval: Once approved, you will be granted permanent residency.
COST BREAKDOWN
| Expense | Cost (AUD) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Partner Visa (subclass 820/801) | $7,850 | Application fee for partner visa (temporary and permanent combined). |
| Parent Visa (subclass 103) | $4,010 | Base application fee for the Parent Visa. |
| Parent Visa (subclass 143) | $47,000 | Higher cost for the Contributory Parent Visa. |
| Medical Examination | $200 – $500 | Required for all applicants. |
| Police Certificates | $50 – $150 | Required from each country you have lived in for 12+ months. |
| Legal Fees (Optional) | $2,000 – $5,000 | Depending on whether you hire an immigration lawyer. |
| Total Estimated Cost | $6,000 – $54,000 | Total cost depending on the type of visa and legal assistance. |
Processing Time
– Partner Visa (subclass 820/801): 12 to 24 months.
– Parent Visa (subclass 103): 15 to 30 years (long waiting period).
– Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143): 1 to 3 years.
4. Business and Investor Pathway
The Business and Investor Visa stream is designed for individuals who wish to invest in or manage a business in Australia. The Business Innovation and Investment Visa (subclass 188) leads to permanent residency through the Business Talent Visa (subclass 132).
Eligibility Criteria
– Investment Requirement: You need to make a significant investment in a business or contribute to Australia’s economy.
– Business Experience: Proven business experience or ownership of a successful business.
– Age: Applicants are generally required to be under 55 years of age.
– Health and Character Requirements: Medical exams and police checks are required.
End-to-End Process
1. Nomination: Apply for state/territory government nomination (in some cases).
2. Visa Application: Submit your application for the subclass 188 or subclass 132 visa.
3. Visa Approval: If successful, you will receive a provisional visa for business management or investment, leading to permanent residency.
COST BREAKDOWN
| Expense | Cost (AUD) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Application Fee (subclass 188) | $4,240 | Base application fee for the Business Innovation and Investment Visa. |
| Visa Application Fee (subclass 132) | $6,010 | Base application fee for the Business Talent Visa. |
| Business Investment | $200,000 – $1.5 million | Depending on the business or investment you choose. |
| Medical Examination | $200 – $500 | Required for all applicants. |
| Police Certificates | $50 – $150 | Required from each country you have lived in for 12+ months. |
| Legal Fees (Optional) | $2,000 – $5,000 | Depending on whether you hire an immigration lawyer. |
| Total Estimated Cost | $7,000 – $2,000,000+ | Includes visa fees, investment, and legal assistance. |
Processing Time
– Business Innovation and Investment Visa (subclass 188): 12 to 18 months.
– Business Talent Visa (subclass 132): 12 to 18 months.
Conclusion
Australia offers multiple pathways to obtain Permanent Residency (PR), with each pathway having its own eligibility requirements, documentation, costs, and processing times. The Skilled Migration stream is popular for those with in-demand skills, while Employer-Sponsored, Family Sponsorship, and Business and Investor pathways offer alternatives based on job offers, family connections, or investment. Processing times can range from 6 months to several years, depending on the pathway chosen. The total costs for obtaining PR in Australia typically range from $6,000 to $54,000 depending on the type of visa and legal assistance required. Australia Permanent Residency (PR) Pathways: Eligibility, Requirements, End-to-End Process with Cost Breakdown and Timeframe