
Australia is a popular destination for those looking to migrate and gain permanent residency. The process to apply for a permanent resident card in Australia can be done through various pathways, depending on individual circumstances. The Australian government offers permanent residency to skilled workers, students, family members, and more. The application process is done online, and applicants must provide supporting documents and pay fees, which can vary depending on the type of visa and personal circumstances.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Application Process | Online application through Immi Account |
| Required Documents | Proof of residence, proof of employment, set of supporting documents depending on circumstances |
| Visa Types | Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190), Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), Skilled Sponsored visa (subclass 187), Skilled Regional (Residence) visa (subclass 887), Medium-Term TSS visa, DAMA visa, 457 visa, 485 graduate visa |
| Visa Requirements | Good knowledge of English, under 50 years of age, sponsorship by an Australian employer, specific to each visa type |
| Processing Time | A few months to over a year, depending on visa type and volume of applications |
| Costs | AUD 435 for 24-27 months, AUD 4,240 for permanent residence, additional fees for dependents and related costs |
| Eligibility | Lawfully residing in Australia for four years before applying for citizenship, passing a citizenship test (unless exempt) |
| Privileges | Live, work, and study without restrictions; access to government services and benefits |
| Responsibilities | Cannot vote, need a permanent visa with valid travel authority to return to Australia after international travel |
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Visa requirements
There are several visa options for those seeking to become permanent residents of Australia. The type of visa you apply for will depend on your personal circumstances, and each visa has its own specific requirements. Here are some of the most common pathways to permanent residency:
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
This visa is for people with occupations in high demand in Australia's labour market. Each state and territory has its own list of eligible occupations, requirements, and processes. Applicants for this visa are assessed based on a points system, which takes into account factors such as age, English language proficiency, work experience, and qualifications.
Employer-Sponsored Visas
If you are already in Australia on a temporary foreign worker visa (such as the Subclass 457 or TSS visa), you may be eligible to transition to permanent residency if you have been working for the same employer for at least three years. Your employer will need to sponsor you, and you must meet certain requirements, such as having a good knowledge of English and providing proof of employment.
Family Unit Applications
If you have family members who are Australian citizens or permanent residents, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through a family stream visa. This includes spouses and children, and in some cases, parents and other relatives.
Humanitarian Grounds
You may be eligible to apply for permanent residency on humanitarian grounds if you are a refugee or have experienced significant human rights abuses. This type of visa often requires a strong case for protection and a demonstration that you meet the criteria set out by the United Nations Refugee Convention.
Migration Pathways for New Zealand Citizens
New Zealand citizens who were present in Australia on 26 February 2001 as holders of a Special Category Visa (SCV) may be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship. An SCV is a temporary visa that allows New Zealand citizens to live and work in Australia.
It is important to note that the visa application process can be complex and may take several months to over a year. The costs can also vary significantly, ranging from a few hundred to several thousand Australian dollars. Therefore, it is recommended to seek up-to-date information from official government sources and consult a registered migration agent for tailored advice.
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Application process
The application process for a permanent resident card in Australia will depend on your individual circumstances. There are different types of visas that allow you to live and work in Australia as a permanent resident. The three most common visa categories are for temporary foreign workers (Subclass 457 visa holders), people with little to no work experience in Australia, and skilled workers.
If you are a temporary foreign worker, you must have been working in Australia with the same employer for at least three years to be eligible to apply for Permanent Residency through the Transitional (TRT) Stream. If you are a Subclass 457 visa holder, or had applied for one by 18 April 2017, you can apply for Permanent Residence under 186 ENS or 187 RSMS, through the two-year pathway.
If you have little to no work experience in Australia, you must be under 50 years of age and have a good knowledge of English. You must also be sponsored by an Australian employer.
If you are a skilled worker, you can express your interest in applying for permanent residency through the SkillSelect system. If you have enough points and your occupation is in demand, you may be eligible for the 189 Skilled Independent visa, 190 Skilled Sponsored visa, or the 489 Skilled Provisional visa. The Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) is a permanent residency skilled migration visa for people with occupations in high demand in Australia's labour market.
The application is made online, whether or not you are already in Australia. You will need to attach all the required documents to your online Immi Account form. The number of supporting documents varies depending on your circumstances. The visa fees are high, at AUD 4,240, and additional fees apply if you include your spouse and children in your application. Processing times can vary from a few months to over a year, depending on the type of visa and the volume of applications.
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Supporting documents
The supporting documents required for a permanent resident card application in Australia vary depending on the type of visa and your personal circumstances. Here is a list of documents that may be required:
- Proof of residence: This includes documents such as rental agreements, utility bills, or bank statements showing your address in Australia.
- Proof of employment: You may need to provide payslips, employment contracts, or other evidence of your full-time work in Australia.
- Health insurance: Obtaining expat health insurance is recommended to cover benefits that are typically not reimbursed by the Australian health system, such as optical care and certain dental examinations.
- Medical tests: You may be required to undergo additional medical tests as part of the application process, which will incur extra fees.
- Document certifications and translations: There may be costs associated with certifying and translating documents into English, especially if you are applying from outside Australia.
- Passport and visa: Ensure your passport is up to date and that you have the relevant visa, such as a subclass 457 visa for temporary foreign workers or a Special Category Visa (SCV) for New Zealand citizens.
- Sponsor documentation: If you are sponsored by an Australian employer, they will need to provide documentation to support your application.
- SkillSelect process: If applying through SkillSelect, you will need to provide information about your occupation, work experience, qualifications, and English proficiency.
- Application form: The Immi Account form must be completed online, and the required number of supporting documents must be attached.
- Photographs: Some visa applications may require you to submit passport-sized photographs that meet specific size and format requirements.
- Financial records: You may need to demonstrate that you can support yourself financially while in Australia, so tax returns, bank statements, or other financial documents may be necessary.
- Criminal history: A clean criminal record may be required, and any discrepancies may affect the timeline and outcome of your application.
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Costs and fees
The cost of applying for a permanent resident card in Australia can vary depending on a number of factors, including the type of visa you are applying for and your individual circumstances. Here is an overview of the costs and fees typically associated with the process:
Visa Application Charges (VAC): The VAC is the standard fee charged by the Department of Home Affairs for processing your visa application. The cost can vary depending on the specific visa subclass you are applying for. For example, the VAC for the Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) visa is currently AUD 4,115, while the VAC for the Partner (Subclass 820) visa is AUD 7,850 for the initial application and AUD 1,285 for the subsequent permanent residence visa (Subclass 801). It's important to check the latest VAC for your chosen visa subclass before applying.
Additional Applicant Charges: Depending on your visa type, you may need to include additional applicants in your application, such as family members or dependent children. There is usually a reduced VAC for additional applicants, but it's important to check the specific requirements for your visa subclass.
Health Examinations and Character Assessments: As part of the permanent residency application process, you may be required to undergo a health examination and provide a police clearance certificate to demonstrate your good character. These come with their own set of fees. Health examination costs can vary depending on the clinic and the complexity of the assessment, but they typically range from AUD 300 to AUD 500 per person. Police clearance certificates also incur a fee, which differs depending on the country where you are requesting the certificate.
Skills Assessments (for skilled visas): If you are applying for a skilled visa, you may need to undergo a skills assessment to prove that your qualifications and work experience match the Australian standards for your occupation. Skills assessments are usually conducted by the relevant assessing authority for your occupation and incur a fee. The cost can vary depending on your occupation and the assessing authority, but it typically ranges from AUD 500 to AUD 1,500.
Migration Agent Fees (optional): If you choose to engage a registered migration agent or lawyer to assist with your application, you will need to pay their professional fees. These fees can vary significantly depending on the complexity of your case and the services provided. It's important to discuss the cost structure with your migration agent before engaging their services.
Other Potential Costs: There may be additional costs associated with your application, such as translation services for documents in languages other than English, certification of documents, or courier fees for sending your application and supporting documents to the Department of Home Affairs.
It is important to carefully review the cost structure and requirements for your specific visa subclass before initiating the application process. The Department of Home Affairs website provides detailed information on visa application charges and other potential fees. Additionally, remember that visa application fees are subject to change, so always check for the most up-to-date information.
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Citizenship
Becoming an Australian citizen is a significant step towards making Australia your permanent home and committing to the country and its values. It comes with privileges and responsibilities. One of the key privileges of citizenship is the automatic right of entry to Australia, meaning citizens can freely leave and re-enter the country without the need for a permanent resident visa. Citizens can also apply for an Australian passport, which provides additional travel benefits. Furthermore, citizens can register their children born overseas as Australian citizens by descent.
To become an Australian citizen, there are specific requirements that must be met. For adults, it is generally required to be a permanent resident at the time of application and to have lawfully resided in Australia for four years immediately before applying. Additionally, adults must pass a citizenship test, unless they are over the age of 60 or have a substantial impairment that exempts them from this requirement.
The process for children to acquire Australian citizenship may differ, and specific requirements should be checked with the Department of Home Affairs. Overall, the path to Australian citizenship involves fulfilling residency requirements, demonstrating a commitment to the country, and, for adults, successfully completing a citizenship test.
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Frequently asked questions
The requirements vary depending on your individual circumstances. However, some general requirements include having lived in Australia for at least two years and worked for at least one year full-time. You must also be under 50 years of age and have a good knowledge of English.
The cost depends on the type of visa and your personal situation. Visa application fees can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand Australian dollars. There may also be additional fees for medical tests, document certifications, and translations.
The processing time can vary from a few months to over a year, depending on the type of visa and the volume of applications. Timelines can also be affected by factors such as medical and criminal history and the quality of your application.






































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