Moving to a new country can be a life-changing experience, providing opportunities for personal growth and professional development. Australia is a popular destination for immigrants, offering a high quality of life, a strong economy, and a diverse culture. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of obtaining permanent residency in Australia for skilled workers and family members, highlighting eligibility criteria, application steps, and key considerations.
Skilled Migration Program
Australia’s Skilled Migration Program is designed to attract highly skilled workers who can contribute to the country’s economy. The program consists of several visa subclasses, including the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190), and Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491). These visas are points-tested, with applicants awarded points based on factors such as age, English language proficiency, work experience, and qualifications.
Subclass 189: Skilled Independent Visa
The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, state, or territory. To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be under 45 years of age
- Nominate an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list
- Obtain a suitable skills assessment for the nominated occupation
- Score at least 65 points on the points test
- Have competent English language proficiency
Subclass 190: Skilled Nominated Visa
The Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) is for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian state or territory. The eligibility criteria are similar to those for the Subclass 189 visa, but applicants must also:
- Be nominated by a state or territory government agency
- Meet any additional requirements specified by the nominating state or territory
Subclass 491: Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) is for skilled workers who want to live and work in regional Australia. This visa is valid for five years and can lead to permanent residency through the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191). To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be nominated by a state or territory government agency, or be sponsored by an eligible family member residing in regional Australia
- Score at least 65 points on the points test
- Meet the other criteria for the Subclass 189 or 190 visas
Family Migration
Australia also offers several visa options for family members of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. These include the Partner Visa (Subclasses 820 and 801), Parent Visa (Subclass 103), and Child Visa (Subclass 101).
Partner Visa
The Partner Visa allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia. The visa has two stages: the temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820) and the permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801). To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be in a genuine and ongoing relationship with their sponsor
- Meet health and character requirements
- Have their relationship registered if they are not married or cannot provide evidence of a de facto relationship
Parent Visa
The Parent Visa (Subclass 103) allows parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia permanently. To be eligible, applicants must:
- Have a sponsor who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
- Meet the balance-of-family test, which means that at least half of their children live permanently in Australia
- Meet health and character requirements
Child Visa
The Child Visa (Subclass 101) allows children of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia permanently. To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be under 25 years of age
- Be a dependent child, an orphan relative, or an adopted child of their sponsor
- Meet health and character requirements
Application Process
The application process for obtaining permanent residency in Australia varies depending on the visa subclass. In general, applicants must:
- Confirm their eligibility for the specific visa subclass
- Gather the required documentation, such as proof of identity, work experience, qualifications, and relationship status
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect system, if applying for a points-tested skilled visa
- Receive an invitation to apply for the visa, if applying for a points-tested skilled visa
- Complete and submit the visa application, along with the required documentation and application fee
- Wait for the Department of Home Affairs to assess the application and make a decision
Tips for Success
When applying for permanent residency in Australia, it is essential to:
- Ensure that all information provided is accurate and up-to-date
- Submit a well-organized and complete application, including all required documentation
- Be patient, as processing times can vary depending on the visa subclass and individual circumstances
- Stay informed about changes to immigration laws and policies, as they can affect eligibility and application requirements
- Seek professional advice from a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer if needed
Conclusion
Obtaining permanent residency in Australia can be a complex and lengthy process, but with careful planning and preparation, skilled workers and family members can successfully navigate the requirements and application steps. By understanding the different visa options, eligibility criteria, and application procedures, you can increase your chances of achieving your goal of living and working in Australia permanently.