Permanent Residence in Australia
Luis Minvielle
Luis is a writer with over 5 years of experience in B2B software. Even though he has always worked in tech, a sector he regularly publishes about, his initial incursions into writing were, curiously enough, music essays discussing scenes from different parts of the world—most likely to deal with his unfulfilled ambition of becoming a neo-soul crooner.
Oleksandra Dosii
Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.
Last update: September 15, 2024
Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2025
To get permanent residence in Australia, many expats are entering through work-stream visas, which are designed for skilled workers. Unlike some countries with strict residency rules or complex sponsorship requirements, Australia offers work visas that let you live and work in the country indefinitely.
While there are other pathways, such as family connections or business investment, work visas are a convenient option for jobseekers and, unlike many high-income nations, don’t require a certain number of years lived in the country. This article focuses on how you can achieve Australian permanent residence and what you need to know to apply for it.
What is the Australian Permanent Residence?
The Australian Permanent Residence allows individuals to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely. It is granted through various visa categories, including skilled work, family, business, and investor visas. Each visa type has specific requirements and eligibility requirements, so it's important to find one that aligns with your situation.
Benefits of the Australian Permanent Residence
As an Australian permanent resident, you can live, work and study in Australia without the need for ongoing work permits. You also have access to Medicare, Australia's national healthcare system, and can apply for bank loans and purchase property. You can also sponsor certain family members for permanent residence and take advantage of free English classes offered by the Adult Migrant English Program. Another benefit is that you can work in New Zealand as an Australian permanent resident. Additionally, you can travel in and out of Australia, but you should make sure your visa allows for travel.
Is Permanent Residence the same as Australian citizenship?
No, permanent residence and Australian citizenship are not the same. Both allow you to live and work in Australia indefinitely, but citizenship offers additional rights. Citizens can get an Australian passport, vote in elections, and access more government benefits. Unlike citizens, permanent residents cannot access student loans or return to Australia from overseas without a valid travel facility.
Many permanent residents seek citizenship to fully participate in Australian society and gain these extra privileges. You can apply for citizenship after meeting residency requirements, such as holding a permanent visa and living in Australia for a continuous period of four years.
When can you apply for Australian Permanent Residence?
You can apply for Australian Permanent Residence when you meet the requirements for the specific visa you want. There are different pathways to permanent residence:
Family-stream visas
For partners, children, or dependent relatives of Australian citizens or permanent residents.
Work-stream visas
For skilled workers, including IT professionals and developers. These visas provide a direct path to permanent residence through your technical skills and sponsorship from Australian employers.
Business or investment visas
For individuals with a business or investment background.
Other options
Includes visas for retirees, former residents, refugees, or those with exceptional talent.
Your eligibility will depend on meeting specific requirements related to your visa type, such as having a valid employment contract or proving family relationships. Make sure that your visa doesn’t have restrictions, such as a “no further stay” condition, which would prevent you from applying for permanent residence.
Do you need your residence certificate to work?
As a permanent resident, you do not need a separate certificate to work. Your permanent visa gives you the right to work. However, you may need to show employers the proof of your permanent resident status. This can be done through the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) system, which provides an electronic record of your permanent visa.
What documents are required to apply for Australian Permanent Residence?
To apply for Australian Permanent Residence, you’ll need to provide all necessary documents for your specific visa category. For work-stream visas, this usually includes your passport, details of your current and past visas, and proof of employment, skills, or business activities. Solopreneurs should submit qualifications, job offers, or business registrations. For family-stream visas, you need proof of relationship, such as marriage or birth certificates.
No matter the visa type, you must also provide a health clearance, which involves medical tests from an approved doctor. A Medical Officer of the Commonwealth (MOC) will review these results to make sure you meet the health standards. The MOC will look at whether your health condition might affect public health, healthcare costs, or access to services. Additionally, police clearances are required to meet character requirements.
Always double-check that your documents are clear, accurate, and up-to-date to avoid delays or rejections.
How to apply for Permanent Residency in Australia?
To apply for permanent residency in Australia, you should first identify the appropriate visa that aligns with your situation. Work-stream visas, such as the Employer Nomination Scheme visa (Subclass 186) or the Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190), are designed for skilled workers who are sponsored by an Australian employer. Review the eligibility criteria carefully to make sure you qualify.
Next, you must gather all required documents and complete the application form, either online through the Department of Home Affairs or on paper. You must submit the form with your supporting documents and pay any fees.
After submission, the processing time will depend on the visa type and your specific circumstances. During this period, you may be asked to provide additional information or attend an interview to support your application.
Finally, if your application is successful, you will receive a visa grant notification. This confirms that you have been granted permanent residence in Australia.
How long is the waiting time for Australian Permanent Residence?
The waiting time for Australian Permanent Residence varies by visa type. For the Skilled Nominated visa, the processing time is approximately 16 months. For the Employer Nomination Scheme visa, processing times depend on the pathway. The “Agreement pathway”, for employers with a labour agreement, sees 50% of applications processed in 73 days and 90% in around 4 months. The “Direct entry pathway”, for skilled workers nominated by an employer, and the “Transition pathway”, for temporary visa holders with a specified period of employment, generally take about 10 months.
Can your family members get Permanent Residence?
Yes, your family members may also be eligible for permanent residence. If you hold a permanent visa, you can sponsor eligible family members, such as your spouse, children, or dependent relatives, for their own permanent residency. Each family member must meet the specific requirements for their visa type.
What are Australian Permanent Residence fees?
The fees for Australian Permanent Residence vary by visa category. Work-steam visas generally cost A$4,240 for the primary applicant. Additional fees apply for family members included in the application. Always check the latest fee details on the official immigration website before applying.
What if your application is rejected?
If your application for permanent residence is rejected, you will get a notice explaining why. You might be able to appeal the decision or reapply, depending on the reasons for the rejection. Address any issues mentioned in the notice and seek expert advice to improve your chances of a successful application in the future.
How to renew the Australian Permanent Residence
Permanent residence visas generally do not need to be renewed. However, if your travel facility on the permanent visa expires, you will need to apply for a Resident Return visa to re-enter Australia. Otherwise, applying for Australian citizenship can also provide a more permanent solution for travelling and living in Australia.
To keep your permanent resident status, you need to make sure your travel facility is still valid. Typically, you get a travel facility for five years with your permanent visa, which allows you to enter and leave Australia multiple times within that period. Once the 5-year period ends, you need to:
Apply for a Resident Return visa
If the travel facility has expired or will expire while you are abroad, apply for a Resident Return visa to return as a permanent resident.
Apply for Australian citizenship
If you prefer to travel as an Australian citizen, consider applying for citizenship.
Reapply for a permanent visa
If you are not eligible for a Resident Return visa or citizenship, you might need to reapply for a permanent visa, such as a Former Resident visa, a family visa, or a skilled visa.
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