Australia is a highly sought-after destination, renowned for its exceptional quality of life, excellent healthcare and rich cultural diversity. It is no surprise that many people aspire to make Australia their permanent home.
Obtaining permanent residency provide a variety of benefits including the ability to work, travel freely, access healthcare services and apply for Australian citizenship.
Pathways to Permanent Residency in Australia
Skilled Migration Program
This program is ideal for individuals with qualifications or work experience in high-demand professions. It aims to fill skill shortages in the Australian labour market.
190 Visa – Similar to Subclass 189 but requires nomination by an Australian state/territory government. Applicants must meet eligibility requirements and score sufficient points.
489 Visa – This is a points-tested visa for skilled workers who want to live and work in regional Australia. Applicants must be nominated by a state/territory government or sponsored by an eligible relative, live in a regional or low-population area, have a suitable skills assessment an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list and satisfy the points test.
491 Visa – Allows skilled workers and their families to live and work in designated regional areas for up to 5 years, with eligibility for permanent residency after 3 years. Applicants can be nominated by a state/territory government or sponsored by a family member in a regional area.
485 Visa – Allows international students to stay, work and gain skills in Australia after completing their studies. Depending on the qualification and occupation, this visa may serve as a stepping stone to permanent residency.
Employer Sponsored Migration
If you have a job offer from an Australian employer, employer-sponsored visas may offer a pathway to permanent residency.
SID (482 ) Visa – Allows employers to hire skilled workers on a temporary basis. After meeting certain conditions, you may transition to permanent residency via the Subclass 186 visa. In addition，the nominated occupation must be on the latest CSOL（Core Skills Occupation List）
494 Visa – This visa enables regional employers to address identified labour shortages within their region by sponsoring skilled workers where employers can’t source an appropriate skilled Australian worker.
Business and Investments Visas
For entrepreneurs and investors, this visa provides a route to establishing and managing a business in Australia.
188 Visa – For individuals wishing to establish, manage or invest in a business in Australia. After meeting specified conditions, you may apply for permanent residency via Subclass 888.
National Innovation Visas
The global economy thrives on innovation, collaboration and expertise that sparse across national lines. The National Innovation Visa grants highly skilled individuals in specified fields such as technology, science, engineering, arts, business and academia in contributing their talents to Australia.Family and Partner Visa Program
For those with Australian family members or partners, these visas can provide a pathway to permanent residency.
Parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents can reunite with their children in Australia. Processing times are lengthy and there is a limited number of visas issued annually.
This is similar to the Parent visa category except where processing times are significantly reduced due to the payment of a second instalment visa application charge.
New Zealand Citizens
New Zealand citizens have a unique pathway to PR in Australia.
Humanitarian Visa
Humanitarian Visas provide a pathway to permanent residency in Australia for individuals fleeing persecution, violence, or conflict in their home countries. Australia is committed to offering protection to those in need, and these visas are designed for individuals facing significant discrimination or human rights violations.
There are a few temporary and permanent visa options available to individuals depending on their location and method of arrival in Australia.
Seek Immigration Lawyer Help
Every applicant’s situation is unique, and we are here to provide tailored advice to help you navigate the best pathway to permanent residency.
If any of these options resonate with you, feel free to contact us for guidance.
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