Austrilia Landscape

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 in Australia 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.

189 Visa – A points-tested visa for skilled workers not sponsored by an employer, state/territory or family member. Applicants must meet criteria based on factors like age, education, work experience and English proficiency.

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.

186 Visa – This is a permanent residency option for skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer. This visa has three streams: Temporary Residence Transition Stream, Direct Entry Stream and Labour Agreement Stream.

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.

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.

820/801 Visa – For individuals in genuine relationships with Australian citizens or permanent residents. Applicants usually first receive a temporary visa, followed by a permanent visa once the relationship is proven to be genuine and ongoing.
101/802 Visa – Allow children of Australian citizens or permanent residents to join their family in Australia, whether they apply onshore or offshore.

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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    Our expert lawyers who will help you

    We are a leading migration agency law firm located in Sydney, Australia. Contact our lawyer & consultants for immigration, work, business, or other related visa requirements & queries.

    Mei Guo

    Partner Solicitor | Head of Immigration

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