For individuals residing in Australia temporarily or for an extended period without permanent residency, obtaining a Permanent Residency (PR) is often a major goal.
PR in Australia opens doors to numerous opportunities, including the ability to work, study, and live in the country indefinitely.
In this guide, we will provide information about being a permanent resident in Australia, how to obtain it, and the benefits it offers.
Contents
- 1 What is Permanent Residency in Australia?
- 2 How to Obtain Permanent Residency in Australia
- 3 Types of Visas That Lead to Permanent Residency
- 4 Requirements to Be a Permanent Resident in Australia
- 5 Age Limit for Permanent Residency
- 6 How to Apply for Australian Permanent Residency
- 7 Costs of Australian Permanent Residency
- 8 Processing Time For Permanent Residency
- 9 Validity of Permanent Residency
- 10 Transitioning from Permanent Residency to Australian Citizenship
- 11 Frequently Asked Questions
What is Permanent Residency in Australia?
Australian Permanent Residency (PR) allows a person to live in Australia indefinitely while enjoying many of the rights and benefits that citizens have. PR holders can work, study, and access certain social security benefits in Australia.
Though PR doesn’t grant full citizenship privileges, it is a significant step toward applying for Australian citizenship after fulfilling specific residency requirements.
How to Obtain Permanent Residency in Australia
To become a permanent resident of Australia, applicants usually need to secure a permanent visa. The process often starts with obtaining a provisional visa before moving to a permanent one.
Each visa category comes with specific criteria that must be met, such as character and health assessments, and in some cases, proof of English language proficiency.
Types of Visas That Lead to Permanent Residency
Permanent Residency in Australia is granted based on various visa streams. Selecting the right visa is essential to apply for PR. Below are the primary categories of visas that lead to permanent residency in Australia:
Family Stream Visas:
- Partner Visa (subclass 100, 801)
- Parent Visa (subclass 103)
- Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143)
- Child Visa (subclass 101, 102)
- Other Relative Visas (Remaining Relative, Aged Dependent Relative)
Work Stream Visas:
- Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)
- Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190)
- Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (subclass 186)
- Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme Visa (subclass 187)
Business and Investment Visas:
- Business Innovation and Investment Visa (subclass 888)
- Business Talent Visa (subclass 132)
Other Visas:
- Global Talent Visa (subclass 858)
- Distinguished Talent Visa (subclass 124)
- Humanitarian and Refugee Visas
Requirements to Be a Permanent Resident in Australia
To apply for PR, you must meet the following general requirements:
- A valid passport
- A completed visa application form
- Proof of payment for the application fee
- Recent identity photographs
- Police clearance certificates
- Undergo health examinations
- Evidence of financial stability
- Any additional documents specific to your visa type (e.g., sponsorship letters)
Age Limit for Permanent Residency
For most work-stream permanent visas, applicants must be under 45 years of age. However, there are no age restrictions for family stream visas, meaning you can apply for PR at any age with these visas.
How to Apply for Australian Permanent Residency
The process of applying for PR in Australia is straightforward but requires attention to detail. Here are the general steps:
- Select the appropriate visa that suits your situation and offers a pathway to permanent residency.
- Each visa has specific eligibility requirements, which you must review carefully.
- Complete the visa application form, gather the necessary documents, and pay the applicable fees.
- Pass any required health and character checks.
- After submission, your application will undergo assessment, which can take months or even years, depending on the visa type.
Costs of Australian Permanent Residency
The cost of applying for PR in Australia varies depending on the visa subclass. Below are approximate costs for popular PR visas:
- Temporary Residence Transition Stream: From AUD 4,770
- Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189): From AUD 4,765
- Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (subclass 186): From AUD 4,770
- Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190): From AUD 4,770
- Skilled Regional Visa (subclass 491): From AUD 490
- Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) Visa (subclass 888): From AUD 3,400
- Global Talent Visa: From AUD 4,840
Processing Time For Permanent Residency
The processing time for PR applications varies significantly depending on the visa type and the applicant’s circumstances.
While some visas may be processed within months, others, such as family stream visas, can take up to two years.
Validity of Permanent Residency
Although permanent residency in Australia allows indefinite residence, the travel facility attached to the visa, which allows you to re-enter Australia, is valid for five years from the visa issuance date.
After this period, you will need to apply for a Resident Return Visa (subclass 155 or 157) to retain your travel privileges.
Transitioning from Permanent Residency to Australian Citizenship
Once you have held permanent residency for a specific period, you may be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship. The basic requirements include:
- Being a permanent resident for at least 12 months
- Living in Australia for at least four years, with no more than 12 months spent outside the country
- Passing a citizenship test (if applicable)
- Demonstrating good character
- Citizenship offers additional privileges, including the right to vote, eligibility for government jobs, and an Australian passport.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can my family members apply for permanent residency with me?
Ans: Yes, family members such as a spouse, children, or dependents can be included in your PR application.
- Can I work in any job with Australian Permanent Residency?
Ans: Yes, as a PR holder, you are free to work in most sectors in Australia, with the exception of certain government and defense positions reserved for citizens.
- Can I study in Australia with Permanent Residency?
Ans: Absolutely. Permanent residents are eligible to study at all levels of education in Australia, including access to student loans and grants.