Pathways for Permanent Residency in Australia
Introduction
Overview of Australian Permanent Residence
Obtaining permanent residency in Australia is a significant milestone for many migrants, offering numerous benefits including the right to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely. Permanent residents also enjoy access to healthcare and social security benefits, and they can eventually apply for Australian citizenship.
Skilled Migration Pathways
General Skilled Migration (GSM)
The General Skilled Migration (GSM) program is designed for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer. The main visas under this program include:
- Subclass 189: Skilled Independent Visa This visa is for invited workers and New Zealand citizens with skills needed in Australia. It allows them to live and work permanently anywhere in Australia.
- Subclass 190: Skilled Nominated Visa This visa is for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory. It provides permanent residency and requires the holder to live and work in the nominating state or territory for at least two years.
- Subclass 491: Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa This visa is for skilled workers who want to live and work in regional Australia. It provides a pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa.
Employer-Sponsored Visas
Employer-sponsored visas allow Australian businesses to sponsor overseas workers. Key visas include:
- Subclass 186: Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa This visa allows skilled workers nominated by their employer to live and work in Australia permanently.
- Subclass 187: Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) Visa This visa allows skilled workers nominated by their employer in regional Australia to live and work permanently. Note that new applications are no longer being accepted, but it is relevant for ongoing processes.
Global Talent Visa
The Global Talent Visa is designed to attract highly skilled individuals in targeted sectors to Australia:
- Subclass 858: Distinguished Talent Visa This visa is for individuals with internationally recognized record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in an eligible field. It offers a streamlined pathway to permanent residency.
Family-Sponsored Pathways
Partner Visa
- Subclass 820 and 801: Temporary and Permanent Partner Visas These visas are for partners or spouses of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. The Subclass 820 is a temporary visa leading to the permanent Subclass 801 visa.
Parent Visa
- Subclass 103: Parent Visa This visa allows parents to live in Australia if their child is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Subclass 143: Contributory Parent Visa This visa requires a higher application fee but offers faster processing times compared to the Subclass 103.
Child Visa
- Subclass 101: Child Visa This visa allows a child outside Australia to come to Australia to live with their parents.
- Subclass 802: Dependent Child Visa This visa allows a child to stay in Australia permanently with their parents.
Special Migration Programs
Business Innovation and Investment Visa
- Subclass 188: Provisional Visa This visa is for individuals who want to own and manage a new or existing business in Australia, or to make an investment in Australia.
- Subclass 888: Permanent Visa This visa allows holders of the Subclass 188 visa to continue their business or investment activity in Australia permanently.
Distinguished Talent Visa
- Subclass 858: Eligibility and Application Process This visa is for individuals with exceptional and outstanding achievement in a profession, sport, the arts, or academia and research. It offers permanent residency and is processed relatively quickly.
Conclusion
Final Thoughts
Australia offers a variety of pathways for permanent residency, catering to skilled workers, family members, business investors, and humanitarian applicants. Each pathway has its own set of requirements and benefits, making it essential to choose the one that best suits your circumstances. Seeking professional consultation can significantly streamline the application process and increase your chances of success.
FAQs
What is the points test for skilled migration? The points test is a scoring system used to assess the eligibility of skilled migrants based on factors such as age, English proficiency, work experience, and qualifications.
Can I apply for Australian citizenship after obtaining permanent residency? Yes, permanent residents can apply for Australian citizenship after meeting residency and other eligibility requirements.
What are the health and character requirements for Australian visas? Applicants must undergo health checks and provide police clearance certificates to meet the health and character requirements set by the Australian government.
How long does the visa application process take? Processing times vary depending on the visa type and individual circumstances. It is advisable to check the latest processing times on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Is it necessary to hire a migration consultant? Hiring a migration consultant can provide expert guidance, help avoid common pitfalls, and improve the chances of a successful application. For more information, visit True Migration or contact us at +61 402 671 354.