How to become a Permanent Resident of Australia
Australia has always been a popular destination for people thinking to move to another country. The country has a lot to offer including a thriving economy, job opportunities, a higher standard of living, and a multicultural society that is peaceful and harmonious. This is why a lot of people dream to one day become a Permanent Resident of Australia!
How do I become a Permanent Resident of Australia?
You can become a permanent resident of Australia by getting a permanent visa that allows you to stay in Australia indefinitely. Some of the most common permanent visas include skilled work and family visas.
Employer Sponsored
This visa allows skilled employees who have been nominated by their employer to live and work permanently in Australia.
General Skilled Migration
The General Skilled Migration Visa will allow you to migrate to Australia without the need for sponsorship by an employer.
FamilyVisas
This visa is for partners, children, parents or dependent relatives of an Australian citizen, permanent resident of Australia or Eligible New Zealand citizens.
Why become a Permanent Resident of Australia?
There are many benefits to having a permanent visa in Australia, including:
Employer Sponsored
Visas
Employer-sponsored visas allow Australian employers to sponsor specialised skilled workers to work for them and become a Permanent Resident of Australia.
Direct Entry Stream
The Direct Entry Stream is for skilled workers of an occupation listed under eligible skilled occupations and who have at least three years relevant work experience.
Cost
Processing times
75% of applications: 5 months
90% of applications: 11 months
Cost
Processing times
75% of applications: 13 months
90% of applications: 17 months
Temporary Residence Transition Stream
TSS 482 visa holders who have worked in Australia for three years with the same employer can become a Permanent Resident of Australia through the Transitional (TRT) Stream.
General Skilled Migration
To be eligible for this visa, you must be skilled in an in-demand occupation in Australia. Applicants for general skilled migration visas are invited to apply based on factors such as their profession, work experience, schooling, and English proficiency.
Skilled Independent Visa (189)
If you gather enough points and your profession is in high demand, you may be eligible for the 189 Skilled Independent Visa to become a Permanent Resident of Australia.
Cost
Processing times
75% of applications: 12 months
90% of applications: 18 months
Cost
Processing times
75% of applications: 12 months
90% of applications: 14 months
Skilled Nominated Visa
Similar to the 189 Visa, if you gather enough points and your profession is in high demand, you may be invited by a state to apply for a 190 Skilled Nominated Visa to become a Permanent Resident of Australia.
Partner Visa
If your partner is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or a New Zealand citizen, then this visa may be for you!
Partner Visa
As the name implies, the Partner Visa enables spouses of permanent Australian residents or citizens to be with them in Australia. Accordingly, this visa will easily progress to permanent residency.
Cost
From AUD7,715 for most applicants.
From AUD1,285 for Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300) holders. You pay for the temporary and the permanent visa at the same time.
Processing times
75% of applications: 12 months
90% of applications: 18 months
Family Visas
Parent Visa (subclass 103)
The Parent 103 visa enables parents whose children are already Australian citizens, permanent residents, or qualifying New Zealand citizens to stay in Australia permanently.
Cost
From AUD6,415
Processing times
When applying for this visa, you must have an eligible child who is an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, fulfil all visa restrictions, and observe Australian law. You must not have previously applied for or held a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) (Subclass 870) visa.
Note: At this time, the Department is not asking Family visa applicants to travel overseas. From March 24, 2021, qualifying Parent visa applicants will be allowed to apply for visas in Australia under a temporary concession.
Cost
Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143)
In comparison to the Parent (subclass 103) visa, the Contributory Parent (subclass 143) visa has much quicker processing timeframes and a higher visa application fee.
The criteria for both visas, however, are nearly identical.
Child Visas
This visa allows a child outside of Australia to reside with their parents in Australia.
Child Visa (subclass 101)
This visa is for children who are currently residing outside Australia.
Cost
From AUD2,665
Processing times
75% of applications: 18 months
90% of applications: 25 months
Eligibility
The child must be:
- the dependent child of an Australian citizen, an eligible New Zealand citizen, or an Australian permanent visa holder.
- be under the age of 18, a full-time student aged 18 to 25 who is financially dependent on a parent, or over 18 who is unable to work due to a handicap
- be single and reliant on a parent
- be residing outside of Australia at the time of application
Note: At this time, the Department is not asking Family visa applicants to travel overseas. From March 24, 2021, qualifying Parent visa applicants will be allowed to apply for visas in Australia under a temporary concession.
Child Visa (subclass 802)
This visa is for children who are currently in Australia.
Cost
From AUD2,665
Processing times
75% of applications: 13 months
90% of applications: 16 months
Eligibility
The child must be:
- the dependent child of an Australian citizen, an eligible New Zealand citizen, or an Australian permanent visa holder.
- be under the age of 18, a full-time student aged 18 to 25 who is financially dependent on a parent, or over 18 who is unable to work due to a handicap
- be single and reliant on a parent
- be inside of Australia at the time of application
Note: At this time, the Department is not asking Family visa applicants to travel overseas. From March 24, 2021, qualifying Parent visa applicants will be allowed to apply for visas in Australia under a temporary concession.
Cost
From AUD2,665
Processing times
75% of applications: 16 months
90% of applications: 25 months
Adoption Visa (subclass 102)
This visa allows children who were adopted outside of Australia to reside with their adoptive parents in Australia.
Eligibility
The child must be:
- have been under 18 years of age when adopted, when they apply and when the Department of Immigration makes a decision
- be outside Australia when the application is submitted
- be adopted or in the process of being adopted by their sponsor parent
Note: At this time, the Department is not asking Family visa applicants to travel overseas. From March 24, 2021, qualifying Parent visa applicants will be allowed to apply for visas in Australia under a temporary concession.
Have any questions?
Feel free to reach out to one of our partner migration agents!
