Immigrants around the world have been permanently moving and settling in Australia over the past years. Did you know that Indians make the 3rd largest immigrant population in Australia?
In 2020, despite the pandemic, Australia continued accepting PR applications, recording an immigration population of 7.5 million. This article will guide you through to the 7 easy steps of the Australia PR Process.
Recommended
What is an Australia PR?
An Australia PR is a Permanent Residency Visa that allows you to settle, work and study in Australia indefinitely, using a point-based immigration system.
Having an Australia PR has multiple benefits and also allows you to apply for the Australian citizenship after 3 years of being a PR holder!
Now, that you know what an Australian PR Visa is, let’s dive into the array of benefits you receive if you become a PR holder in Australia.
10 Benefits of an Australian PR Visa
- Live and travel anywhere within Australia
- Pursue higher studies in Australia
- Enjoy social security benefits after two years
- Sponsor your family for a PR
- Apply for government jobs
- Travel to New Zealand
- Road to Australian citizenship
- Free medical insurance
- Dependents get subsidized education loans
- First Home Owner Grant worth $10,000
Want to immigrate to Australia? Know how we can help.
What are different programs for Skilled Australia Immigration?
The Australian Skilled Worker program lets you apply for a Permanent residence visa under the Skillselect program.
Australian immigration authorities select suitable professionals across the world. The points-based program has a 65 point minimum requirement to be met, if you wish to apply as a skilled worker under these 5 immigration pathways:
- Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
- Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
- Graduate Temporary Visa (Subclass 485)
- Skilled Nominated or Sponsored visa (Provisional) (Subclass 489)
- Skilled Regional Visa (subclass 887)
Of the above, the Skilled Independent Visa Employer-Nominated Visa and the Temporary Resident Visa are the 3 most popular visa categories that Indians apply for to get
So, let’s see what these 3 visas are all about!
1. The Subclass 189 - Skilled Independent Visa
The subclass 189 also known as the Skilled Independent Visa is the most popular PR Visa that allows you to move to Australia without a job offer or employer-sponsorship.
- For skilled workers with previous work experience
- No employer-sponsorship or an job offer required
To be eligible for this visa you need a minimum 90 points in the Points Grid System. The best thing about this visa is that it gives you complete work rights and employee benefits similar to an Australian citizen.
2. Subclass 190 - Skilled Nominated Visa
The Subclass 190 also known as the Skilled Nominated visa and requires a nomination from the government of Australia. It is pretty much your one way ticket to citizenship.
- This is a state nominated visa
- Requires employer-sponsorship or a job offer
It requires an employer-sponsorship for a minimum of 3 years which means you will need a pre-existing job offer.
3. Subclass 191 - Skilled Regional Visa
The subclass 191 also known as the Skilled Regional Visa is for those who have lived, worked or studied in Australia previously.
- For Temporary Visa Holders
- Used to switch to Permanent Residence Visa
- Must have lived in Australia priorly
- Must have a subclass 491 or a 482 visa
This visa allows you to convert your temporary visa to a permanent visa. To apply for this visa, you must either have a subclass 491 or a subclass 482 visa.
Subclass 491 is a temporary work visa for 5 years while the Subclass 482 is a temporary skill shortage work visa.
What are the Steps for the Australia PR Process from India?
Step 1: Check if you are eligible
To be eligible for an Australian PR Visa, your occupation must be listed in the Skilled Occupation List regardless of the visa type you have decided to apply for.
- Occupation must be listed in the Skilled Occupation List
- Age below 45 years to apply
- Score at least 65 points in the Points Grid
You must score a minimum 65 points in the Points Grid where you are evaluated based on your age, education, work experience and other factors.
Step 2: Get your language proficiency test results
The next step is to complete your English language proficiency test. You can opt to give one of the 3 Language Proficiency Tests: IELTS, TOEFL ,or PTE.
- For IELTS, score 7 or above
- For TOEFL, score 25 or above
- For PTE, score 65 or above
Step 3: Obtain your skills assessment report from SkillSelect
You must get your education and professional credentials evaluated in the third step.
- Get evaluated by ‘SkillSelect’.
- Selection Factors: Age, education, English Test Score, Work experience and commitment to stay.
- Process takes 8-10 weeks
- Costs around $ 2815 (INR 2,07,203 approx.)
Australia compares your foreign education with its Australian equivalency. You can do this by sending your transcripts to the designated body called Skill Select.
You must then attach your Skill Select report in your Expression of Interest (EOI).
Step 4: Register your Expression of Interest (EOI) on Skill Select
This is the most important step of your Australian PR journey.
You must register an Expression of Interest (EOI) in Australia's Skill Select portal. This is your way of informing the Australian Authorities that you are interested to apply for an Australian PR Visa.
Based on your EOI, you will be invited to apply for a visa based on factors like English Proficiency Score, Education and the number of years you have worked in a specific field.
Steps to register your EOI on SkillSelect:
- Create your profile in the Skill Select Portal.
- Sign in
- Select your visa type
- Enter your IELTS Score
- Enter your Educational Qualifications
- Enter your Work Experience
- Submit your Declaration form
Step 5: Receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Now you can sit back and wait for your invitation to apply (ITA).
- Applicants with the highest EOI ranking receive an ITA.
- Receiving an ITA means you are just one step away from getting your PR Visa.
Step 6: Submit your PR application
After receiving your ITA, the final step is to submit your Australia PR visa within 60 days.
Step 7: Submit Health and Character certificates
You will also have to submit additional documents like your clearance certificates and passport for visa stamping.
Prepare to move to Australia!
Note: Based on your occupation type and the current demand for it in Australia, an annual target is set with a fixed number of intakes for that occupation in the ‘Occupation Ceilings List’.
Also Read: Demand for Skilled Professionals in Australia
What are the Eligibility Requirements for an Australia PR?
The needful eligibility requirements to process your Australia PR visa are:
- Age
The applicant has to be at least below 45 years while applying
- Skills Assessment
Before planning for Australia immigration, candidates have to get their skills assessed by the immigration authorities
- PR Points Calculator
You need to score a minimum of 65 points under Australia's PR Points Grid
- Nominated Occupation
For any applicant having a skill nominated under the Skilled Occupation List is a major need
- English Language Proficiency
Candidates have to show at least competent level ability in English language proficiency
- Character Assessment
It is essential to provide character certificates that state you do not have any criminal record
- Health Assessment
The health assessment document is important to declare that you are healthy for the nation
Factors you are ranked on |
Maximum Points |
Age (25-33 years) |
30 points |
English proficiency (8 bands) |
20 points |
Work Experience outside Australia (8-10 years) |
15 points |
Work Experience in Australia (8-10 years) |
20 points |
Education (outside Australia) – Doctorate degree |
20 points |
Doctorate or master’s degree by research in Australia |
10 points |
Study in a regional area |
5 points |
Accredited in community language |
5 points |
Professional year in a skilled program in Australia |
5 points |
State sponsorship (190 visa) |
5 points |
Skilled spouse or de facto partner |
10 points |
Spouse or de facto partner with ‘competent English’ |
5 points |
Applicants without a spouse or de facto partner or where a spouse is an Australian citizen or PR holder |
10 points |
Unsure if you meet all the requirements?
Getting a visa can take years if your documentation has errors or you are misinformed about the visa process. Hence, it is advisable to approach a reliable visa consultant to save your much valued time and effort.
Common Documents Required for Australia PR
- Application Form
- Educational Credential Assessment
- Birth Certificate
- Character Certificate
- Proof of Nomination (if applicable)
- Test Results of IELTS or Others
- 2 Passport Size Photographs
- Skill Documents of the Spouse (if applicable)
- Police Clearance Certificate
- Business Reference Letters
Cost of an Australian PR
Processing cost of Australian Permanent Residency application is given in the table below:
Applicant |
AUD |
INR |
Primary Applicant |
4,115 |
2,20,825 |
Dependent Visa Applicant (Over 18 Years) |
2,055 |
1,10,298 |
Dependent Visa Applicant (Under 18 Years) |
1,030 |
55,283 |
Processing Time for the Australia PR
- Visa processing time for Australia's Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189 visa) process can be from 8 to 9 months
- Visa processing time for Australia's Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) visa can be from 6 to 8 months
How can Kansas help?
Kansas Overseas Careers specializes in Permanent Residency Visas, Work Visas, Study Visas, Temporary visas, and Dependent Visas to Canada, UK, USA, Germany, and Hong Kong.
Apart from these services, Kansas offers its clients personalized services such as:
- Profile Evaluation: Professional guidance based on an in-depth assessment of the client profile to determine chances of visa success.
- Documents & Review: Detailed, error-free documentation based on the visa type drafted to meet specific formats.
- Dedicated Case Officer: A dedicated consultant to assist clients throughout the process.
- Visa Filing: Kansas ensures that the visa applications meet all the standard requirements of concerned immigration authorities and governing bodies.
- Test Preparations: Complimentary online courses are offered to help aspirants improve their Language Proficiency for important exams like IELTS, French, TOEFL, and PTE.
- Visa & Interview: Guidance is provided for aspirants attending visa interviews along with verified documents.
- Post-Landing Service: Kansas helps clients settle down in the new country with a comfortable stay after they have received their visas.
Additional services offered to job-seekers:
- Resume Writing: Dedicated team of resume experts to craft the best resumes that meet prerequisites of immigration authorities and potential employers. This greatly improves their chances of selection.
- Profile Marketing: Kansas is well-known for creating the best-in-class portfolios that boost applicant profiles in job-portals. And yes, this is a complimentary service!
Other Important FAQs
What are the latest changes in Australia immigration 2020?
Major changes included for Australia's immigration point system:
- 10 Points for Skilled spouse or de facto partner
- 10 Points for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) qualifications
- 15 Points for skilled workers who are nominated by a Territory or State government
- 5 Points for the spouse or de facto partner having a competent level of English
- 10 Points for skilled workers who do not have a spouse or de facto partner accompanying
Introduction of New Visa types:
- Removal of subclass 489 visa and replacing the visa with subclass 491 visa
- The intro of subclass 491 visa - Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa for candidates who plan to obtain a nomination from state or territory government.
- Intro of subclass 191 visa - Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional Visa) from 16th November 2022
What is the Required IELTS Score to Migrate to Australia?
- Superior English: 8 or more points in each test component in the IELTS
- Proficient English: 7 or more points in each test component in the IELTS
- Component English: 6 or more points in each test component in the IELTS
Can I apply for Australian PR without IELTS?
No, it's a little risky. Since Australia is an English-speaking country, an individual needs to prove their ability to speak, read, and write in English.
Can I apply for citizenship after getting an Australia PR visa?
Yes, you can. It is a 5 years visa program and provides a privilege to apply for Australian citizenship after a successful 4 years completion as a permanent resident.
Conclusion
Make sure that you only choose the best program for you:
- Skilled Independent Visa-subclass 189
The suitable visa program in Australia for PR is the Skilled Independent Visa. Before applying, you should meet eligibility criteria. You are bound to get an invitation for a PR visa.
- Skilled Nominated Visa-subclass 190
The visa helps every skilled professional. On the basis of your points, the state or territory government nominates you. Prove whether your occupation is part of STSOL.
- Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa
Subclass 491 visa allows you to live and work in Australia with its validity for 5 years. Meet skill criteria wherein you seek nomination of sponsorship from state/territory.
Finally, keep in mind the 7 steps of the Australia PR Process which are standard requirements for any visa type. They are:
Step 1: Check if you are eligible for the visa you want to apply for. (See below).
Step 2: Get your language proficiency test results
Step 3: Obtain your skills assessment report from the visa officials
Step 4: Register your online Expression of Interest (EOI) in Australia's SkillSelect website.
Step 5: You will be receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Step 6: Once you receive your ITA, submit your PR application within 60 days.
Step 7: Submit Health and Character certificates. And wait for your PR visa!
We can help you migrate to Australia!