Long term
- published on 3/17/2022
- 6min
How to get permanent residence in Australia
After an unforgettable road trip through the bush or a year of study in Melbourne, many young people dream of settling permanently in Australia. The country attracts a large number of foreigners, who represent almost a third of its population. From June 2021 to June 2022 alone, no less than 68,000 permanent residence visas were granted by the country: a figure that is expected to increase significantly in 2023 under Australia's migration policy, which reflects a historic need for foreign labour.
Are you planning on making Australia your home for the long-term? Obtaining permanent residency in Australia can be a complex and lengthy process, but it's worth it if you want to enjoy the many benefits of living in this beautiful country.
Spotlight on 3 permanent resident visas
There are different types of visas which allow you to live and work in Australia as a permanent resident (3 visa categories are particularly common). Although visa application requirements vary, it is always necessary to be under 50 years of age and have a good knowledge of English.
You have a job offer in Australia: Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
This visa is open to both temporary foreign workers (Subclass 457 visa holders) and people who have little or no work experience in Australia. To be able to apply for this visa, you must be sponsored by an Australian employer.
The application is made online, whether or not you are already in Australia. A set of supporting documents, the number of which varies depending on your circumstances, must accompany the online Immi Account form. Visa fees are high, as you will need to pay AUD 4,240. Additional fees apply if you include your spouse and children in your application. The application process takes between 49 days and 20 months, depending on the process you choose.
You do not have a job offer in Australia yet: Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189)
It is possible to apply for this point-based visa from within or outside Australia. However, your occupation must be on a Skilled Occupation List (SOL), and you must be able to provide evidence that you have the required qualifications and/or experience.
You must start by submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) online, via SkillSelect. You can then apply for a visa only if you receive an invitation. The visa fee is the same as for the Employer Nomination Scheme, but application processing times vary between 74 days and 3 months.
You live in regional Australia: Skilled Regional visa (Subclass 887)
This visa is for foreigners in Australia who have lived for at least two years and worked for at least one year (full-time) in certain parts of the country (unless otherwise specified in Covid-19). You must be able to provide proof of residence and proof of employment.
The visa application is made online at Immi Account: you will need to attach all the required documents. The visa costs AUD 435 and can be obtained for between 24 and 27 months.
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Get a free quoteWhat is SkillSelect?
The SkillSelect process allows the Australian government to regulate migration flows and encourage skilled worker immigration. The process is done online and is mandatory for a number of permanent residence visas.
Submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) on SkillSelect
Depending on the type of visa you are applying for, you will be asked to provide more or less information about your occupation, work experience, qualifications, level of English proficiency, etc. Based on the information you provide, you will receive a score. Your EOI will then be visible in SkillSelect for up to 2 years.
Receive an invitation on SkillSelect and apply for a visa
During this period, you may receive an invitation to apply for a visa or an Australian employer may contact you. Please note that annual quotas per occupation may apply. If you receive an invitation, you will have 60 days to submit your visa application.
To find out more about permanent residency in Australia: visit the Australian Government website.
What are the deadlines and costs involved in applying for permanent residence in Australia?
The time and cost involved in applying for permanent residence in Australia depends on the type of visa you are applying for and your personal circumstances. Here is a general overview of times and costs:
Time limit
The processing time for applications for permanent residence in Australia can vary considerably, from a few months to over a year, depending on the type of visa and the volume of applications processed by the Australian government;
It's important to note that timelines can also be affected by factors such as medical and criminal history, as well as the quality of your application.
Costs
The costs of applying for permanent residence in Australia also depend on the type of visa and your personal situation;
Visa application fees for permanent residence can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand Australian dollars;
Additionally, you may need to pay additional fees for medical tests, document certifications, translations, and other related costs.
It's important to note that costs and times can vary considerably from person to person. It is therefore recommended that you check the specific costs and deadlines for your personal situation before applying for permanent residence in Australia.
APRIL International is by your side in Australia
The Australian health system is among the best in the world, but expat health insurance allows you to cover certain benefits that are usually not reimbursed, such as optical care, certain dental examinations, or private sector care.
Obtaining permanent residency in Australia is a major accomplishment, and it can open up many doors for you and your family. With the right information and guidance, the process can be made simpler and less daunting. At APRIL International, we understand the challenges of relocating to a new country and we're here to help you with your international long-term health insurance needs. Don't hesitate to contact us for more information or to get a quote for your health insurance coverage while living in Australia.
