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Australia is a popular destination for skilled migrants and Sri Lankans seeking permanent residency, thanks to its strong economy, high salaries, and world-class health and education systems. The process of obtaining an Australian PR visa from Sri Lanka involves several steps, including choosing the appropriate visa category, submitting an Expression of Interest via the online Skill Select system, and scoring at least 65 points on the Australian Points Calculator. Applicants must also demonstrate English language proficiency, undergo skills assessments, and provide various documents within a specified timeframe. The primary applicant fee for an Australian PR visa is 3755 AUD, and successful applicants gain access to healthcare, education, and social security benefits.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa category | General Skilled Migration (GSM) program |
| Visa type | Permanent residency |
| Visa application | Online via ImmiAccount or paper application |
| Visa application centre | Australian Visa Application Centre |
| Visa processing | Finalised by a delegate |
| Visa requirements | Score at least 65 points on the Australian Points Calculator, English language proficiency test, skills assessment, occupation from the Skilled Occupation List |
| Benefits | Right to sponsor family members, access to healthcare and social security benefits, children born in Australia automatically get citizenship |
| Processing time | Varies depending on case complexity, medical issues, requirement for an interview, and third-party checks |
| Additional information | Biometrics appointments, medical examinations, penal clearance certificates |
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What You'll Learn
Choose the right visa category and check eligibility
To apply for an Australian permanent resident visa from Sri Lanka, the first step is to choose the right visa category and check your eligibility. This is a crucial step as it sets the foundation for the rest of the application process.
The Australian government offers various visa categories, each with its own specific requirements and eligibility criteria. The most common visa categories for skilled migrants are:
- Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189: This is a points-based visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia without sponsorship from an employer or state/territory. To be eligible, you must have skills that are in demand in Australia and meet the required points threshold.
- Skilled Nominated Visa Subclass 190: This visa is similar to the Subclass 189 but requires nomination from an Australian state or territory. Each state/territory has its own occupation list and eligibility requirements.
- Skilled Regional Provisional Visa Subclass 489: This is a provisional visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in regional Australia. It also requires nomination from an Australian state or territory, and the occupation must be on the relevant occupation list.
When choosing a visa category, it is essential to consider your skills, qualifications, work experience, and English language proficiency. You can use the Australian Points Calculator to assess your eligibility. To be eligible to apply for Australian PR, you must score at least 65 points on the points-based system.
Additionally, you should consider the specific requirements of each visa category. For example, the Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189 does not require sponsorship, while the other two visas require nomination from an Australian state or territory. You must also ensure that your chosen occupation is on the relevant Skilled Occupation List (SOL).
Once you have chosen the appropriate visa category and confirmed your eligibility, you can proceed to the next steps of the application process, which include submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) through Skill Select and gathering the required documentation.
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Submit an Expression of Interest via Skill Select
To apply for an Australian Permanent Resident Visa from Sri Lanka, you must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via the Skill Select online system. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Step 1: Create an Account on Skill Select
To begin the EOI process, you need to create an account on the Skill Select website. This involves providing basic personal information, such as your name, date of birth, country of passport, and citizenship. Once you have set up your account, you will receive an EOI ID and password via email, which you will use to log in and manage your profile.
Step 2: Provide Personal and Professional Details
After creating your account, you will need to complete your Skill Select profile by providing key personal and professional details. This includes information such as your age, qualifications, work experience, and English language proficiency. Make sure to provide accurate and up-to-date information as this will be used to assess your eligibility for the Australian PR Visa.
Step 3: Review and Ranking
Once you have submitted your EOI, it will go through a review and ranking process. Your application will be assessed based on the information you have provided, and you will be ranked accordingly. The ranking is based on a points system, and applicants with higher scores have a better chance of receiving an invitation to apply (ITA) for the visa.
Step 4: Keep Your Information Up-to-Date
Your EOI will remain active in the Skill Select system for up to two years. During this time, it is important to regularly update your profile with any changes or improvements, such as new qualifications or better English test scores. This can improve your ranking and increase your chances of receiving an ITA.
Step 5: Invitation to Apply (ITA)
If your EOI is selected, you will receive an ITA via email. This is an invitation to proceed with the Australian PR Visa application process. You will have 60 days to submit your complete visa application and all the required documents. Respond promptly as the invitation is time-bound and will expire after the given timeframe.
Remember, submitting an EOI via Skill Select is just the first step in the Australian PR Visa application process. Make sure to carefully review all the requirements and eligibility criteria before initiating the process.
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Score 65 points on the Australian Points System
To score 65 points on the Australian Points System, you must consider the following factors: age, English proficiency, education, and work experience.
Age is a significant factor, with applicants aged 25 to 32 receiving the highest number of points. Points decrease with age, and those over 45 are ineligible for points in this category.
English proficiency is another critical factor. To prove proficiency, applicants must submit test results from a recognised English test, such as IELTS. A maximum of 20 points can be awarded for English language proficiency if you secure 8 bands in the IELTS test.
Education qualifications can also contribute to your points score. A doctorate earns 20 points, while a bachelor's or master's degree adds 15 points. Completing a diploma or trade qualification in Australia contributes 10 points. Additionally, completing at least two academic years of study in Australia earns 5 points, and studying in a regional area provides an extra 5 points.
Work experience in your nominated occupation is another key factor. Overseas workers with 3 to 8+ years of experience in their field can earn up to 15 points. Gaining local experience in Australia boosts your points significantly, with up to 20 points for 8+ years.
It is important to note that meeting the minimum score of 65 points does not guarantee an invitation to apply for the Australian Permanent Resident Visa. The final decision depends on various factors, including occupation demand and the number of applicants.
To maximise your chances, consider seeking guidance from professional immigration consultants or visa experts who can assist you in understanding the PR process, choosing the appropriate visa category, and maximising your points across all criteria.
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Submit documents within 60 days
Once you have submitted an Expression of Interest (EOI) via the online Skill Select System and received an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you will have 60 days to submit your visa application and all the required documents.
The first step in the process is to choose the appropriate visa category and check your eligibility. The Australian PR visa process is stringent and organised, assessing an applicant's attestation and Australian point system before granting the visa. To be eligible to apply, you must score at least 65 points on the Australian Points Calculator. The higher your score, the more likely you are to receive an ITA.
The required documents include certification of your passport application supporting papers. If you are submitting your application in person, you need to bring the original supporting documents and copies of the same. If you are applying by post, certification of documents is only required for postal applications.
You must also submit a Certificate to prove your Sri Lankan citizenship, which will be returned to you after cancellation, along with your new passport. If you are an Australian citizen requiring a Sri Lankan power of attorney, you must certify your power of attorney document through a registered Notary Public of Australia and submit it to the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade of Australia for authentication.
Other mandatory documents include proof of your English language proficiency, such as IELTS or PTE exam results, and a skills assessment from a recognised assessing authority.
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Receive healthcare and social security benefits
Permanent residency in Australia provides a range of benefits, including access to healthcare and social security. Here is some information on how to receive these benefits as a permanent resident in Australia:
Healthcare Benefits
As a permanent resident of Australia, you are eligible for world-class healthcare services. The Australian government provides a range of health services to its residents, ensuring access to quality medical care. This includes access to hospitals, general practitioners, and specialised medical treatments. Australia's public health system, Medicare, covers a significant portion of the population and provides subsidised or free healthcare services.
Social Security Benefits
Australia's social security system provides a safety net for its residents, including permanent residents. Here are some key social security benefits that you may be eligible for:
- Unemployment Benefits: If you find yourself unemployed, you may be eligible for the Newstart Allowance. This benefit is means-tested and available to those actively seeking employment and participating in government-approved activities.
- Disability Support: If you have a disability, you may receive a disability pension and additional supplements like the energy supplement, pension supplement, and pensioner concession card. Certain conditions, such as a minimum residency period, may apply for disability claims.
- Assistance for Isolated Children: This benefit provides support for primary, secondary, and certain tertiary students who do not have reasonable daily access to an appropriate state school due to geographical isolation or special needs. It includes boarding allowances and second home allowances to ensure access to education.
- Funeral Grant: The Australian government provides support for the reasonable cost of a funeral through a funeral grant.
- Workers' Compensation: Australia has workers' compensation programmes administered by the Workers' Compensation Commission in most states. These programmes provide financial support for employees who suffer injuries or illnesses related to their work.
Applying for Permanent Residency in Australia from Sri Lanka
Now, let's discuss the process of applying for Australian permanent residency from Sri Lanka:
- Choose the Appropriate Visa Category: Determine the visa category that aligns with your circumstances and intentions. Australia offers various visa categories, such as skilled worker visas, family visas, or business visas.
- Check Eligibility and Prepare Documents: Review the eligibility requirements for your chosen visa category. Gather and prepare all the necessary documents, including identity documents, medical records, and proof of financial stability.
- Submit an Expression of Interest: Complete and submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the online Skill Select system. Provide accurate information about your skills, qualifications, and work experience.
- Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA): If your EOI meets the requirements and you score at least 65 points on the Australian points system, you will receive an invitation to apply for the visa.
- Submit Your Application and Required Documents: Within 60 days of receiving the ITA, submit your complete application, including all the necessary documents. You may need to provide biometrics and undergo a medical examination as part of the process.
- Pay the Visa Application Fee: The primary applicant must pay the Australian PR visa fee, which is currently 3755 AUD.
- Wait for Visa Processing: The Australian Department of Home Affairs will process your application. The processing time may vary, but applying online is generally faster.
Remember, it is important to consult official government sources and seek guidance from a registered migration agent to ensure you have the most up-to-date and accurate information for your specific situation.
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Frequently asked questions
Australian permanent residents get access to world-class healthcare and education systems, as well as social security benefits. They also have the right to sponsor family members, such as children and partners, on a temporary or permanent basis.
The process involves choosing the appropriate visa category and looking at the eligibility criteria. Then, submit an Expression of Interest via the online Skill Select System, providing details such as age, qualifications, work experience, and English language proficiency. Candidates whose profiles are on the occupation list and who score at least 65 points on the Australian points system are eligible to apply. Applicants must also clear English language tests and get a skills assessment done by a recognised authority.
The required documents depend on the specific circumstances of each applicant. However, some general documents that may be needed include a birth certificate, medical evidence, and penal clearance certificates.
The time taken to assess an application can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the case, medical issues, the requirement for an interview, and the need for third-party checks. Applying for visas online is generally faster and allows for greater flexibility and the ability to attach additional documentation.
The Australian Government sets an overall migration program each year, and the number of visas granted within each category is limited. Applications are processed in the order they are received, and the size of the Migration Program can impact the time taken to process applications. Therefore, it is recommended to check the current processing times for the specific visa type being applied for.
