Introduction
Every year, thousands of international students come to Australia to study, work, and eventually secure permanent residency (PR). The Australian PR system operates on a points-based structure, where various factors influence an applicant’s eligibility. In this blog, we will outline the pathways to obtaining PR and share effective strategies to increase your PR points.
Pathways to Permanent Residency in Australia
There are three main visa streams through which you can secure PR in Australia:
1. Work-Stream Permanent Visa
If you are a skilled worker, you can apply for PR under a work-stream visa. The key visa subclasses in this category include:
- Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa): Designed for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, state, or territory.
- Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa): Requires a nomination from an Australian state or territory.
- Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Visa – Provisional): For skilled workers nominated by a state or territory to live and work in regional Australia.
2. Family-Stream Permanent Visa
If you have family members who are Australian citizens or PR holders, you may be eligible for a family-stream visa. Common visa subclasses include:
- Subclass 103 (Parent Visa) – For parents of Australian citizens or PR holders.
- Subclass 101 (Child Visa) – For dependent children of Australian citizens or PR holders.
- Subclass 820 & 801 (Partner Visas) – For spouses or de facto partners of Australian citizens or PR holders.
To qualify, you must:
- Be sponsored by a qualifying relative.
- Meet health and character requirements.
- Have no outstanding debts to the Australian government.
- Pass background checks.
3. Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858)
This visa offers a direct pathway to PR for individuals with exceptional achievements in fields such as academia, research, arts, and sports.
Key benefits include:
- The ability to live and work in Australia indefinitely.
- Access to Medicare (Australia’s public healthcare system).
- The opportunity to apply for citizenship.
Eligibility criteria:
- Receive an invitation to apply.
- Be nominated by an individual or organization with a national reputation in your field.
- Be recognized internationally for outstanding achievements.
Step-by-Step Process to Apply for PR in Australia
Applying for PR can be complex, so it’s crucial to follow a structured approach:
1. Research Your Visa Options
Understand the different PR visa categories and identify the one that suits you best. Consulting a migration expert can help streamline this process.
2. Prepare Documents & Improve English Proficiency
Gather all necessary documents and take an English proficiency test (IELTS/PTE). Your test results must be valid at the time of invitation to apply for PR.
3. Meet Health & Character Requirements
All applicants must undergo a health check and character assessment. Ensure you have a clean legal record and meet all medical requirements.
4. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Register your details through Australia’s SkillSelect system. Your points will be calculated based on work experience, education, and English proficiency. A minimum of 60 points is required, but higher scores improve your chances.
Tips to Improve Your PR Points
To increase your PR score and enhance your chances of obtaining residency, consider these strategies:
1. Achieve a High IELTS Score
- 8+ band: 20 points
- 7+ band: 10 points
- Below 7: 0 points
2. Gain Australian Work Experience
- 1 year of work experience in Australia: 5 points
- Up to 8 years of experience: Maximum 20 points
3. Obtain Higher Education Qualifications
- Doctorate degree: 20 points
- Master’s or Bachelor’s degree: 15 points
- Diploma or trade qualification: 10 points
- Skills assessment certification: 10 points
Additionally, studying in a regional area grants an extra 5 points.
4. Secure State/Territory Nomination
- Subclass 190 visa nomination: 5 points
- Subclass 491 visa nomination: 15 points
5. Leverage Partner Skills
If your partner is under 45 and has positive skills assessment results, you can gain an additional 10 points.
6. Enroll in a Professional Year Program
Completing a Professional Year Program in accounting, IT, or engineering earns 5 points.
7. Apply Between Ages 25-32
Age significantly impacts your PR score:
- 25-32 years: 30 points (highest)
- 45+ years: 0 points
Apply Now and Secure Your Future!
📞 Call us at 07 3003 1899! or 📩 Email us at [email protected] to understand the pathways and strategies to improve your PR points, it’s time to take action