A Comprehensive Guide to Obtain Australian PR in 2023

Australian Permanent Residency

The Australia Permanent Residency Visa is a special permit that grants individuals from foreign countries the privilege to reside and work in Australia without any time limitations. Unlike short-term visas, the PR visa does not have a quick expiration date and provides recipients with many of the same rights and privileges as Australian citizens.

The Australia PR visa offers the freedom to work in any occupation, pursue education at schools or universities, and access medical care through the Australian health system. Moreover, you can become an Australian citizen after residing in the country for a specified duration under this visa.

To attain permanent residency in Australia, you must meet the following criteria:

1. Points: Achieve a minimum score of 65 points on their evaluation system.
2. English Proficiency: Requires a strong command of the English language.
3. Age: Be under 45 years old at the time of application.
4. Skills Assessment: Your work and educational background will be assessed.
5. Occupation: Your job should be listed in Australia's desired occupation list.
6. Health and Character: Maintain good health and possess a clean criminal record.

Diverse Routes to Australian Permanent Residency

Australia offers several pathways to attain permanent residency. The three most common routes include:

1. Family Ties: Obtaining a visa through family connections.
2. Work-Related Visa: Securing a visa based on employment or job opportunities.
3. Business or Investor Visa: Exploring business and investment opportunities in Australia to obtain a visa that leads to permanent residency.

Understanding the Skill Select System

If you're eyeing a work permit for Australia in 2023, it's crucial to check if your occupation is in Australia's "in-demand" category. SkillSelect is Australia's way of assessing suitability based on your skills and experience. By using the points calculator, you can determine your eligibility.

Occupations that are of particular interest to Australia or in high demand can significantly boost your points score in the visa application process. Furthermore, the longer you have worked in such a role, the more points you earn. Additionally, if your education is relevant to your occupation, it can contribute to your points tally. For instance, a medical degree will positively impact your score if you are a doctor.

To be eligible for the visa, you must achieve a minimum of 65 points. The SkillSelect tool can also assist you in determining whether your skills are in demand in various areas, such as studying in Australia, regional education, proficiency in the local language, your partner's skills and educational background, your age, and English language proficiency.

Depending on the specific visa subclass pursued, the prerequisites for Australia's permanent residency (PR) may vary. However, the application process for an Australian PR visa commonly demands typical documentation and requirements.

Documents Required For A Canada PR Visa

The following are the typical documents required for a PR Visa:

1. Passport: Valid passport from the applicant's country of citizenship.
2. Birth Certificate: Proof of date of birth, parentage, and nationality
3. Skill Assessment: Positive assessment from an Australian assessing authority for the nominated occupation.
4. English Language Proficiency: Proof of English proficiency ( IELTS, PTE, OET), with scores varying based on the visa subclass.
5. Employment Evidence: Relevant work experience documents, including references, pay slips, tax records, etc.
6. Education: Academic transcripts and qualifications relevant to the application.
7. Health Examination: Mandatory health assessment meeting requirements of the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
8. Character Certificate: Evidence of good character, such as police clearance certificates from countries where you've resided.
9. Family and Relationship Documents: Details and relevant documents for family members included in the application (e.g., marriage, birth certificates).
10. Statement of Commitment: Required for some visas, especially regional ones, confirming commitment to live and work in a regional area of Australia.
11. Financial Evidence: For business or investor-stream PR visas, proof of business or investment assets and history.
12. Photographs: Recent passport-sized photographs.

Please note that this is a general overview. Specific requirements can vary based on the PR visa subclass you apply for, potential changes in immigration laws, and individual circumstances.

How to obtain Australian PR

Acquiring an Australian Permanent Residency (PR) visa for Indians is a simple process. Following are the steps for Indian nationals to take care of during the application journey:

Evaluate Your Eligibility

Assess which visa subclass best suits your circumstances. Popular options include:

• The Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189).
• Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190).
• Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 491).

Skill Assessment

Apply to the appropriate assessing authority linked to your occupation for a thorough evaluation of your skills and qualifications to meet Australian standards.

English Language Proficiency Test

Complete an English proficiency exam such as IELTS, PTE, or OET with a competent score.

Expression of Interest (EOI) through Skill Select

After confirming your eligibility, submit an EOI online detailing your skills, work experience, education, and other pertinent factors.

PR Visa Application

Upon receiving the Invitation to Apply (ITA), proceed to apply for the PR visa formally. Submit the visa application online with all required documentation.

Application Fee Payment

The PR visa application incurs an associated fee, which may vary depending on the visa subclass. Ensure prompt payment to initiate the application process.

Await the Decision

The Australian Department of Home Affairs will carefully review your application, which may take several months. Remember to submit promptly any additional requested information as requested, which is essential to complete the assessment process.

Verifying Your Australian PR Visa Status

Please visit the official Australian Department of Home Affairs website and find the "Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO)" section for further details.

Exploring Different Visa Categories of Australian PR

Family-Based Permanent Residency Visas

These visas cater to family members such as spouses, children, parents, or other dependents of Australian citizens, permanent Australian residents, or qualified New Zealand citizens. They also include children undergoing adoption or in the adoption process from outside Australia, as well as individuals seeking to care for a relative in Australia on a long-term basis.

Permanent Residency Work Visas

These visas are designed for individuals sponsored by an Australian employer for a job in the country or those with sought-after skills. Provide details, such as your Visa or Transaction Reference Number (TRN), and personal identifiers like passport number and nationality.

Select "Submit" or "Check Status" to review the current status of your PR visa application. Always have your relevant documents and details readily available when verifying your visa status. 

Business or Investment-Stream Permanent Residence Visas

These visas cater to entrepreneurs, business owners, and investors, aiming to attract individuals who can positively impact the Australian economy through establishing, purchasing, or managing a business or by making substantial investments in the country.

Retirement Visa Pathway 

The Australian Government has initiated a new pathway for eligible retirees to attain permanent residency. This route is for long-term residents deeply involved in and connected to the community. To facilitate this, the Government has allocated specific positions within the permanent migration system, particularly for parents.

Former Resident Visa 
This visa category explicitly targets individuals who were previously permanent residents of Australia.

Global Talent Visa

Individuals with exceptional accomplishments who have gained significant global recognition are the target of this visa.

Refugee and Humanitarian Visas

These visas are for individuals who fled their native country due to facing threats or mistreatment.

PR Expenses for Australian PR Visa

Let us take a look at the breakdown of Australian PR Fees in 2023

Main Applicant: AUD 4640, approximately ₹245,049.

Spouse (above 18 years): AUD 2320, roughly equivalent to ₹122,524.

Children (under 18 years): AUD 1160, approximately ₹61,262.2.

The ₹ (INR) price is based on August 2023 exchange rates and may fluctuate due to current exchange rates.

Note: Additional costs such as medical screening tests, visa label fees, IELTS tests, and skill assessments are excluded.

Visa Validity of Australian PR

The Australia PR visa allows one to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely. Yet, its travel facility is valid for five years from the visa grant date.

In a nutshell, that means

• Stay Duration: With an Australia PR visa, you can reside in Australia indefinitely.
• Travel: You're permitted to enter and exit Australia for five years. After this period, obtaining a Resident Return Visa is necessary if you wish to leave and return.
• Citizenship Eligibility: Living in Australia for around four years under this visa makes you eligible for Australian citizenship.
• Remember to verify your visa dates before travel to prevent any issues!

Visa Processing Time

Obtaining a Permanent Residency (PR) in Australia involves several steps. Each stage operates on its specific timeline, influencing the overall timeframe for securing PR status.

Skill Assessment: The assessment typically takes 45 to 120 days. This involves a review of your educational background and employment history by an official panel.

Expression of Interest: The duration is variable based on your points. You submit your application online, and the pace of progress depends on your score. This phase is referred to as "SkillSelect."

Final Visa Application: Upon receiving an Invitation, within 60 days, you must submit your final application.

Visa Processing: The processing time for visa approval varies, ranging from 3 months to 3 years.

Requirement of a Medical Test

Yes, medical examinations are mandatory. However, medical requirements for permanent and provisional visa applicants vary based on age:

• Under two years: A medical check-up is required.
• Aged 2 to 10: A medical check-up is necessary. If from a high-risk TB country or applying for a humanitarian visa, a TB test (either TST or IGRA) is also required.
• Aged 11 to 14: A medical check-up and a chest x-ray are needed.
• Aged 15 and above A medical check-up, chest x-ray, HIV test, and Serum creatinine/eGFR test are required.

Benefits Of PR Visa To Australia

Advantages of holding an Australian PR visa include:

• Permanent Residency: Reside in Australia indefinitely.
• Employment Flexibility: Work in any chosen job.
• Healthcare Access: Utilize Australia's healthcare system for cheaper or free medical care.
• Educational Opportunities: Enroll in schools or colleges in Australia.
• Government Support: Eligibility for government assistance if sick, unemployed, or studying after a certain period.
• Family Reunification: Facilitate your close family's relocation to Australia.
• Path to Citizenship: Apply for Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements.
• Travel Flexibility: Leave and return to Australia easily, but ensure you have a return visa.
• New Zealand Options: Easier pathways to live or work in New Zealand.
• Legal Protection: Benefit from Australian laws safeguarding your rights and well-being.

Post-arrival checklist at Australia

1. Airport Immigration: Officials will verify your passport and PR visa upon arrival.
2. Baggage Collection: Collect your luggage after the immigration check.
3. Customs and Quarantine: Australian regulations are stringent. Declare any food, plant items, or animal products to avoid penalties during baggage inspection.
4. Medicare Card: Acquire a Medicare card to access Australia's healthcare services.
5. Tax File Number (TFN): Obtain a TFN if you plan to work in Australia for tax purposes.
6. Bank Account: Use your PR visa and passport to open a bank account.
7. Driving License: Consider obtaining an Australian driving license if driving in Australia is on your agenda.
8. Accommodation: Find a place to live, either by renting or purchasing a property.
9. School Enrollment: Enroll your children in schools if applicable

Remember that holding a PR visa means you're just like any other Australian resident. Embrace your new home, and welcome to Australia!

Mission Accomplished!

Acquiring an Australian PR visa as an Indian demands strategic planning and patience. Many aspire to live in Australia due to better job opportunities and an enhanced lifestyle. With dedication and following the correct procedures, you, too, can turn this dream into reality.

ImmiLaw Global sources our information directly from the Government website, ensuring its credibility and accuracy. Our team meticulously verifies details to guarantee reliability. 

For further details or inquiries, rely on information from credible sources, Australian Department of Home Affairs.

Feel free to contact us for your queries.

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