Australia is a popular destination for people looking to immigrate and settle in a new country. With its stable economy, high standard of living, and diverse population, Australia offers many opportunities for individuals and families looking to start a new life. One of the ways to move to Australia permanently is by obtaining a PR (Permanent Residency) visa. In this blog, we will discuss the various PR visa options available for those interested in moving to Australia.
What is a PR Visa?
A PR visa is a type of visa that allows an individual to live and work in Australia on a permanent basis. This means that a PR visa holder can stay in Australia indefinitely, work for any employer, study, and access government-funded healthcare and social security benefits.
There are several types of PR visas available in Australia, and each visa has its own eligibility requirements, processing times, and benefits. The most common PR visas include:
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is a popular option for skilled workers who want to move to Australia permanently. To be eligible for this visa, applicants must be under the age of 45, have a relevant occupation on Australia's Skilled Occupation List, have competent English language skills, and score enough points on the Australian Points System.
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
The Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) is similar to the Subclass 189 visa but requires applicants to be nominated by an Australian state or territory government. To be eligible for this visa, applicants must have a relevant occupation on Australia's Skilled Occupation List, have competent English language skills, and score enough points on the Australian Points System.
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) is for skilled workers who want to live and work in regional Australia. It is a points-based visa that requires you to have a specific level of skills and experience. To be eligible, you must be under the age of 45 and have a nominated occupation that is on the skilled occupation list. You must also score enough points on the points test, which considers factors such as age, education, work experience, and English language proficiency. You must also be nominated by an Australian state or territory government or be sponsored by an eligible family member residing in a designated regional area.
Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
The Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) is designed for skilled workers who have a job offer from an Australian employer. To be eligible for this visa, applicants must have a relevant occupation on Australia's Skilled Occupation List, have competent English language skills, and meet the minimum requirements for the job.
Business Innovation and Investment Visa (Subclass 188)
The Business Innovation and Investment Visa (Subclass 188) is designed for business owners and investors who want to establish or invest in a business in Australia. To be eligible for this visa, applicants must meet certain criteria related to their business experience, investment history, and financial assets.
Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801 or 309/100)
The Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801 or 309/100) is designed for individuals who are in a genuine relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. To be eligible for this visa, applicants must provide evidence of their relationship, meet health and character requirements, and demonstrate a commitment to Australia.
The application process for a PR visa can be complex and time-consuming, and it is important to understand the eligibility requirements and processing times for each visa option. Once a PR visa is granted, it provides the holder with the right to live and work in Australia permanently, and can be a pathway to citizenship.
Eligibility requirements for Australia's PR visa:
• Age: Applicants must be under 45 years of age at the time of application.
• Language proficiency: Applicants must meet the English language proficiency requirements, either by passing an English language test or by holding an eligible passport.
• Occupation: Applicants must nominate an occupation that is on the relevant skilled occupation list. This list is regularly updated and includes various occupations in different fields.
• Skills assessment: Applicants must obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for their nominated occupation.
• Points test: Applicants must score at least 65 points on the points test, which assesses various factors such as age, language proficiency, education, work experience, and other factors.
• Health and character: Applicants must meet the health and character requirements set by the Australian government.
• Nomination: Applicants must be nominated by an Australian state or territory government agency, or by an eligible family member who is an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
• Expression of Interest (EOI): Applicants must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the online SkillSelect system, which is used to manage the selection of skilled migrants.
The process for Australia's PR visa:
The PR visa process involves several steps, which are as follows:
Step 1: Skills assessment
The first step is to have your skills assessed by the relevant authority. The assessment process varies depending on your occupation and the authority that assesses your skills. This process is necessary to determine whether your skills meet Australian standards.
Step 2: Expression of Interest (EOI)
Once you have your skills assessed, you need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the Australian government. The EOI is an online form that asks for information about your skills, qualifications, and work experience. Based on your EOI, the government will determine whether you meet the eligibility criteria for the visa.
Step 3: Invitation to apply
If you meet the eligibility criteria, you will receive an invitation to apply for the visa. You must submit your application within 60 days of receiving the invitation.
Step 4: Visa application
Your visa application must include all the necessary documents, such as your passport, proof of English proficiency, skills assessment, and other supporting documents. You will also need to pay the application fee.
Step 5: Medical and police checks
After you submit your application, you will be asked to undergo a medical examination and provide a police clearance certificate. This is to ensure that you meet the health and character requirements for the visa.
Step 6: Visa grant
If your application is approved, you will be granted a permanent residency visa. You will have the right to live and work in Australia indefinitely, and you can apply for citizenship after a certain period of time.
The Fees for Australia's PR visa:
If you are considering applying for Australian Permanent Residency (PR), it is important to be aware of the fees associated with the process. Here is a brief overview of the Australian PR fees updated for 2023.
• SkillSelect Expression of Interest (EOI) Fee:
Before applying for a skilled visa, you must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect. The EOI fee is AUD 420 for the primary applicant and AUD 210 for each additional applicant.
• Visa Application Fee:
Once you receive an invitation to apply for a skilled visa, you will need to pay the visa application fee. The fee varies depending on the visa subclass and the number of applicants. For example, the Subclass 189 visa application fee for the primary applicant is AUD 4,045, while the Subclass 491 visa application fee for the primary applicant is AUD 4,385.
• Skills Assessment Fee:
If you are applying for a skilled visa, you will need to have your skills assessed by a relevant authority. The skills assessment fee varies depending on the assessing authority and the occupation. For example, the Australian Computer Society (ACS) charges AUD 500 for a skills assessment in the ICT sector.
• English Language Test Fee:
To apply for a skilled visa, you need to meet the English language proficiency requirement. This means you need to take an English language test, such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The IELTS test fee varies depending on the test location and the test date.
• Health Assessment Fee:
All applicants for Australian PR are required to undergo a health assessment to ensure they meet the health requirements. The cost of the health assessment varies depending on the country of origin, the type of visa applied for, and the complexity of the medical examination.
• Police Clearance Certificate Fee:
All applicants for Australian PR are required to provide police clearance certificates from each country they have lived in for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. The fee for obtaining a police clearance certificate varies depending on the country.
In addition to these fees, there may be other costs associated with the Australian PR process, such as migration agent fees, document translation fees, and travel costs.
It is important to carefully consider all the fees and costs associated with the Australian PR process before applying. Doing so will help ensure that you are financially prepared for the application process and can avoid any unexpected expenses along the way.
Conclusion
Getting a PR visa is a great way to move to Australia permanently, but it's important to choose the right visa and seek professional advice. The process can be long and complicated, but meeting eligibility requirements and submitting all necessary documents can increase your chances of success. Medical and police checks may also be required. With careful preparation and patience, you can achieve your goal of becoming a permanent resident of Australia.
At Immigration Experts, we guide your clients with the best possibilities of moving to Australia (https://www.immigrationxperts.com/australia-pr-points-calculator/) with regard to their professional background.
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