Immigration and Citizenship

PR Pathways in Australia – Permanent Residency

November 22, 2023

Australia just like many other countries of the world welcomes immigrants from all over the world, recently, the number of immigrants welcomed into the country has increased drastically. Many immigrants not only come to the country for work or studies.

Some come and end up making the country their permanent home; they obtain permanent residency and even citizenship. If you have been a resident of Australia for a while now and wish to transition to (PR) permanent residence in Australia, there are different pathways to achieve your target and we will share them here with you.

PR Pathways in Australia

To succeed in achieving permanent residency (PR) in Australia, you need to understand which PR pathways best suit your situation.

If you have the requirements to apply for PR through the study route, then the study route PR pathway is your best choice. If it’s the work route, you need to know and choose according to your qualifications.

Skilled migration pathway

The Skilled Migration pathway is designed for anyone with specific skills and qualifications that are in demand in the Australian labor market. The primary aim of this pathway is to attract skilled workers who can contribute to the Australian economy and fill shortages in particular occupations. This pathway involves the following subcategories:

Skilled independent visa (Subclass 189): This visa is for skilled workers not sponsored by an employer, a state, or a family member. To be eligible, you must have an occupation listed on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL).
Skilled nominated visa (Subclass 190): This visa requires nomination by a specific Australian state or territory government. As an applicant, you must meet the skill requirements for an occupation listed on the Consolidated Sponsored Occupation List (CSOL).
Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491): This visa is for skilled workers who are nominated by a state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member to live and work in regional Australia.

Family Reunion Pathway

The Family Reunion pathway is designed to reunite family members by allowing eligible individuals (Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens) to sponsor their family members for permanent residency. This pathway recognizes the importance of family unity and the aim is to bring families together.

It has subcategories such as:

Parent Visas (subclass 103 and 143): Parent visas are for parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents. There are two main subclasses: the offshore Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143) and the onshore Contributory Parent visa (subclass 864).
Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801): Partner visas are for spouses, de facto partners, and same-sex partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens.
Child Visa (Subclass 802): For dependent children of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens.

Employer-sponsored pathway

The Employer-Sponsored pathway allows skilled workers to come to Australia and work for an employer who is willing to sponsor them. This pathway is beneficial for employers seeking to fill specific skilled positions and for skilled workers looking to work and live in Australia.

The key visas under this pathway include:

Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186): The ENS visa allows employers to nominate skilled workers for permanent residency. It has three streams: Direct Entry Stream, Temporary Residence Transition Stream, and Labor Agreement Stream.
Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482): The TSS visa allows employers to sponsor skilled workers to fill nominated positions temporarily. It has three streams: Short-Term, Medium-Term, and Labor Agreement. Even though this pathway allows skilled workers to come to Australia temporarily. It can still lead to PR if certain conditions are met.

Business and investment pathway

This pathway targets business owners, investors, and entrepreneurs with a successful business background or significant investment experience. It aims to allow them to contribute to the Australian economy by encouraging business innovation, job creation, and investment.

Notable visas include:

Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) Visa (Subclass 888): For individuals who have held a provisional business innovation and investment visa and have met specified requirements.
Investor Visa (Subclass 891): For investors who have maintained a designated investment in Australia for a specified period.

Refugee and humanitarian program

This Program aims to provide protection and assistance to individuals who have fled their home countries due to persecution, conflict, or human rights abuses. The key visa is:

Protection (Subclass 866): If you are a refugee or in need of humanitarian protection, this will be your visa.
In-country Special Humanitarian Program (subclass 201): This is for people who are subject to substantial discrimination or human rights abuses in their home country but are not able to leave.
Global Special Humanitarian Program (subclass 202): The Global Special Humanitarian Program is for people who are subject to persecution in their home country and have a proposer in Australia.

Distinguished talent pathway

The Distinguished Talent pathway is for anyone who has an exceptional record of achievement in specific fields such as academia, arts, sports, or professions. This pathway allows these highly accomplished individuals to live and work in Australia permanently.

The key visa here is:

Distinguished Talent Visa (Subclass 124/858): For individuals recognized for exceptional achievement in a profession, sport, the arts, or academia.

Here are key points to note about these immigration pathways

Points system

Skilled migration pathways heavily rely on a points-based system. Where applicants accumulate points based on factors like age, qualifications, work experience, English language proficiency, and more.

Occupation lists

Skilled migration programs often have occupation lists that outline the in-demand occupations eligible for migration. These lists are regularly updated to reflect the changing needs of the Australian labor market.

State nomination

Many skilled migration pathways involve state or territory nomination, where applicants are sponsored by a specific state or territory government. State nomination can provide additional points and increase your chances of receiving an invitation.

English language proficiency

Proficiency in the English language is a crucial factor in the skilled migration points system. Applicants are usually required to demonstrate their English language skills through recognized tests.

Conclusion on PR Pathways in Australia

If you want to permanently live or work in Australia, you need to choose a particular PR pathways. Also, you must meet its specific requirements, eligibility criteria, and application processes before your application will be successful. You can find more information on the official website of the Department of Home Affairs.

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