Step-by-Step Guide: Applying for Australia PR Visa

The Australia Permanent Resident Visa (PR Visa) offers skilled and talented individuals worldwide the opportunity to live, work, and settle in Australia permanently. Holding a PR visa also opens a pathway to Australian citizenship after residing in the country for a minimum of 4 years.

Annually, the Australian government admits around 160,000 new immigrants across various immigration categories such as Skilled Migration, Family, and Special Eligibility streams. However, for the program year 2023-2024, the government has increased the annual immigration target to 190,000.

In recent months, Australia has implemented several measures to streamline the immigration process, aiming to welcome a higher number of skilled individuals from overseas.

Applying for Australia PR from India involves navigating through various visa categories specifically designed for skilled professionals. To address skill shortages in regional Australia, the government has introduced significant changes to relevant visa categories.

Two prominent point-tested Skilled Permanent Visas under the General Skilled Migration Program (GSM) include:

  • Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189 (Independent visa)
  • Skilled Nominated Visa Subclass 190 (Requires state nomination)

Key Considerations:

  • Before applying for any of the aforementioned PR visas, assess your eligibility and gather necessary documents such as Skill Assessment Report and IELTS test results for English proficiency.
  • For the Subclass 189 visa, submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the online SkillSelect system and await an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for the visa from the Department of Home Affairs (DHA).
  • Alternatively, you can apply for the State-nominated Subclass 190 visa through the relevant state government skilled migration program. The immigration authorities assess EOIs and issue ITAs accordingly.
  • Upon receiving the ITA, submit the complete PR application and required documents within 60 days.
  • Following verification of the application and documents, authorities issue the visa approval letter to the applicant.

Explore the Various Categories of Australian PR Visas

Discover the diverse options available for obtaining Australian Permanent Residency through different visa categories:

  • Subclass 189 Visa: An independent and permanent visa granting the privilege to live and work permanently in Australia.
  • Subclass 190 Visa: A state-nominated permanent residence visa, offering the opportunity to reside and work permanently in a specific Australian state or territory.
  • Subclass 491 Visa: Allocated for a duration of 5 years, this visa provides a pathway to Australian PR, opening avenues for long-term settlement.
  • Subclass 188 Visa: The Business Innovation and Investment visa allow individuals to establish and manage a business in Australia, fostering business and investment activities.
  • Subclass 186 Visa: This employer-sponsored visa facilitates skilled workers nominated by their employers to settle in Australia permanently, contributing to the country’s workforce.
  • Aged Parents Visa (Subclass 804/103): Designed for older parents of Australian citizens and Permanent residents, enabling them to reside with their families in Australia, fostering familial ties and support networks.

Each visa category offers unique pathways to Australian Permanent Residency, catering to various skillsets, preferences, and circumstances. Choose the most suitable option to fulfill your aspirations of living and thriving in Australia.

What are the prerequisites for obtaining an Australia PR visa?

Australia employs a point-based immigration system for its permanent residency program. To successfully navigate the Australia PR process, certain key requirements must be met. Let’s delve into the fundamental criteria necessary to apply for an Australian permanent resident visa:

  • Occupation Selection from SOL: Choose an occupation listed on the relevant Skilled Occupation List (SOL) of Australia.
  • English Proficiency: Furnish evidence of English language proficiency by presenting results from an approved test such as IELTS, with a minimum band score of 6 across all four language abilities.
  • Skill Assessment Report: Obtain a Skill Assessment Report from an authorized Assessing Authority, which may include ACS, AACA, VETASSESS, among others.
  • Points Criteria: Accumulate points based on various factors pertaining to your profile. A minimum cumulative score of 65 points is required to qualify under the point-based system.
  • Health and Character Requirements: Fulfill health and character prerequisites, necessitating both medical fitness and moral integrity. Relevant certifications must be provided subsequent to undergoing medical examinations and character verification processes.

Guide to Applying for an Australia PR Visa: Understanding the Australian PR Process

If you’re considering applying for an Australia Permanent Resident (PR) visa, it’s essential to understand the step-by-step process. Here’s how you can navigate through the Australian PR process:

Check Eligibility:

Ensure your occupation is listed in Australia’s relevant Skilled Occupation List (SOL). You must also calculate your eligibility points, with a minimum of 65 points required to qualify.

Choose Visa Category:

Select the appropriate visa category that aligns with your intentions of obtaining Permanent Residence in Australia.

Gather Required Documents:

Collect all necessary documents, including your IELTS test results and Skill Assessment report, to support your visa application.

Submit Expression of Interest (EOI):

Use the online SkillSelect system to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), indicating your interest in immigrating to Australia.

Obtain Nomination (if applicable):

If you’re applying for a state-nominated visa such as Subclass 190, secure a nomination from an Australian state or territory.

Await Invitation:

Wait for an invitation to apply (ITA) for the relevant PR visa from the Department of Home Affairs (DHA). Once received, you’ll have 60 days to submit your application and documents.

Submit Application:

Complete and submit your visa application along with all required documentation within the specified timeframe.

Await Processing:

Patience is key as you await the processing of your visa application. During this time, follow any additional instructions provided by the DHA, including obtaining and submitting Police Clearance Certificates (PCC) and medical certificates as required.

Visa Approval:

Upon successful processing, you’ll receive approval for your visa from the Department of Home Affairs, Australia, granting you Permanent Resident status in the country.

By following these steps diligently and ensuring all requirements are met, you can navigate the Australia PR process smoothly and increase your chances of securing a Permanent Resident visa in Australia.