Discover how to obtain a PR in Australia through our detailed guide. Find all the information you need to make your dream a reality.
Australia has become a popular choice in recent years for foreigners looking to relocate to a new country. And if you are considering becoming a permanent resident of Australia, then you must know that a procedure must occur before you can obtain a PR.
If you are an international student seeking to study and obtain a permanent residence, then hiring an education visa agent is your closest option to becoming a permanent resident. There are other routes to get a PR.
In this article, we will provide all the details on how to become a permanent resident in Australia. Read on to get full knowledge about this subject.
Understanding Permanent Residency
Before you begin the journey of becoming a permanent resident, it is vital to understand what it entails. Permanent residency in Australia allows individuals to live, work, and study in the country till further restriction from the government.
Permanent residents enjoy all the rights and privileges an Australian citizen enjoys, including healthcare and the ability to sponsor family members for permanent residency.
Now, we will discuss the steps to becoming a permanent resident in Australia.
How to Gain Permanent Residency in Australia
To be able to access the same rights and benefits an Australian citizen has, here are the essential steps to take below
1.Check Eligibility
To be eligible for permanent residency in Australia, individuals need to meet some specific criteria, which can vary depending on the visa path they choose.
Some eligibility requirements include skilled migration, where applicants are accessed based on some key factors such as age, education, and work experience.
Another requirement is family sponsorship, where individuals may gain eligibility through family members who are Australian citizens or have gained permanent residency in Australia.
Business or investment is another approach where entrepreneurs and business owners can pursue permanent residency through their financial and monetary contributions to the Australian economy.
2.Choosing the Right Visa Pathway
Once you have understood the eligibility criteria, it is key to choose the right pathway that aligns with your long-term goals, experience, and qualifications.
One common visa pathway is the skilled independent visa, which works for skilled workers whom an employer, state, or family member does not sponsor.
Another visa pathway is the state nomination visas, which require the applicants to be nominated by the state or the government. The Partner visa pathway is accepted when there is a genuine relationship with an Australian citizen.
3.Gathering Documentation
Once you have decided on the appropriate visa pathway, you need to gather the required and necessary documents and evidence to support your application.
It is key to note that hiring an expert Australian visa agent who knows how to handle the complexity associated with documentation is crucial.
They assist individuals in minimizing errors in documentation and application that can lead to a failed or delayed application request.
Some documentation requirements include identity documents, qualification and education, work experience, language proficiency, and health and character documents.
4.Submit the Application and Wait for the Processing
Once you have gathered all the necessary information and documentation, submit your application online through the Department of Home Affairs and wait for a decision.
Processing times vary depending on the visa pathway and individual factors. You may have to attend interviews and medical examinations to complete the assessment process.
5.Receive Result and Activate Visa
After you have received the result of your application from the Department of Home Affairs and it is approved, receive a letter that grants you permanent residence, then activate your visa.
Once activated, you can, therefore, enjoy the rights, privileges, and benefits an Australian citizen enjoys.
Benefits of Becoming an Australian Permanent Resident
What are the reasons to apply for permanent residence in Australia? Below, we will explore some of the benefits a permanent resident can enjoy in Australia
1.Indefinite Stay
Permanent residents can live in Australia indefinitely, which provides stability and support for themselves and their families and allows them to establish roots and plan for the long term without the uncertainty of visa expiry.
2.Unrestricted Work Rights
Permanent residency grants individuals unrestricted access to work, empowering them to go after their careers. This flexibility allows for a wide range of prospects and enables individuals to contribute to the workforce in Australia fully.
A permanent resident can make money the exact way a citizen of Australia earns income and receives all other monetary benefits.
3.Access to Healthcare
Permanent residents are eligible to enroll in Medicare, a fully funded healthcare system in Australia. This ensures that permanent residents can access quality healthcare without encountering any financial challenges or barriers.
4.Educational Opportunities
Australian permanent residents have access to reduced education fees for all levels of education. This enables individuals with permanent residency to pursue educational goals and contribute to their personal development.
5.Security Benefits
Permanent residents may be eligible for various social security benefits such as disability support services. These benefits provide crucial assistance for the total well-being of individuals and families.
What Can't an Australian Permanent Residency Do?
Although a permanent resident can enjoy the same rights and privileges as an Australian citizen, there are some things PR can grant individuals who are generally not citizens of Australia.
- A permanent resident cannot have an Australian passport
- An individual who gains permanent residency cannot still access student loans
- Permanent residency cannot grant individuals the right to join the Defence Force
- A permanent resident cannot obtain ongoing work in the Australian government
Unlike citizens of Australia, an individual granted permanent residency cannot vote in Government elections done on Australian soil unless you enrolled as a subject of Britain before January 1984.
Conclusion
Becoming an Australian permanent resident signifies an amazing achievement as you get the basic benefits a citizen is permitted to have.
Suppose you are ready to embark on the journey towards obtaining a permanent residency. In that case, there is plenty of valuable information and insights in this article to assist you with getting started.
By focusing on the key areas and correctly implementing the steps, you can set a solid foundation for getting your permanent residency and bringing your entire family over to Australia.