How to Get PR in Australia After Study

If you are also someone who thinks that an Australian Permanent Resident (PR) and an Australian citizen are the same, then you are blurring the line between two distinct statuses. Australian citizens have an Australian passport and unrestricted travel rights, while permanent residents must renew a visa to re-enter the country.

Many people strive to get the Australian PR for multiple reasons- secure legal rights, work indefinitely with more job options, subsidized healthcare or even as a first step towards citizenship. 

Let’s learn what else you can do as an Australian Permanent Resident and then know how to get a PR in Australia.

Who is an Australian Permanent Resident?

An Australian permanent resident is a non-citizen who possesses a permanent visa or typically resides in Australia with such a visa. In general, permanent residents have significantly fewer limitations than temporary visa holders when it comes to living, working, and studying in Australia.

What can you do as a PR in Australia?

As a PR in Australia, you have the following rights:

• Stay in Australia without any time restrictions.
• Can work and pursue education in Australia.
• Work in New Zealand
• Register for Australia’s national healthcare program, Medicare/ other private health insurance
• Qualify for bank loans to purchase property.
• Support eligible family members in obtaining permanent residency.
• Apply for Australian citizenship if you meet the requirements.
• Travel in and out of Australia as long as your travel authorization remains valid.
• Attend free English Language Classes
• Join the Australian Defence Force
• Other government benefits and services

*However, keep in mind that your eligibility may be impacted if you hold a PR but not stay in Australia.

How long is the PR period in Australia

In Australia, Permanent Residency (PR) visas are typically granted with a 5-year travel validity. This means that while your PR status itself does not expire, your ability to re-enter Australia as a permanent resident does after five years.

• After 5 years, if you want to travel outside Australia and return as a PR, you need to apply for a Resident Return Visa (RRV).
• If you stay in Australia continuously, your PR status remains valid indefinitely.
• After living in Australia for 4 years, including 1 year as a PR, you may be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship.

Best Way to Get PR for Australia

There are many ways to become a Permanent Resident in Australia. Some of them include:

• Family Stream Permanent Resident Visas: For partners, children, parents or dependents of an Australian/ New Zealand citizen or a PR.
• Work- Stream Permanent Resident Visas: For workers who have an Australian employer sponsoring for work in Australia.
• Business or Investment stream Permanent Resident Visa: For individuals who own and operate a business in Australia.
• Retirement Visa Pathway: For long- term residents of Australia who have highly contributed to the development of the country. 
• Former Resident Visa:  For former Permanent Residents of Australia and some who served in the Australian Defence Force.
• Global Talent Visa: For students or people who have a record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in a particular area internationally.
• Refugee and Humanitarian Visa: For people who left their country because of persecution. It does have a particular visa and you can choose from a variety of options through study, travel, etc.
• Pacific Engagement Visa: For people of Pacific island countries and Timor Leste allowing you to live and work and Australia permanently.

If you are a foreign national who has been studying or staying on a Temporary Graduate Visa in Australia, you can choose any of the above pathways that match your skills. There are different visa categories under each of the segments with a slightly different requirement. Make sure you go through each before selecting one.

What are the requirements for PR in Australia

Australia’s Permanent Residency (PR) eligibility depends on various factors, including age, skills, work experience, education, and English proficiency. The most common PR pathways are through the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program, employer sponsorship, or family sponsorship.

• Age: Below 45 years
• Occupation: Must be on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) for (GSM)
• Points: Minimum 65 points based on age, skill, language, education & work experience
• Health & Character: Must pass medical and police checks
• Expression of Interest (EOI)
• Nomination by an Approved Employer (for Employer Sponsored visa)

Documents Required for PR application in Australia

The documents required for a Permanent Residency (PR) application in Australia vary based on the visa subclass you are applying for. However, the general documents required for most PR pathways include:

• Passport/ National ID (if applicable)
• Birth certificate
• Skills assessment report
• Work experience letters
• Degree certificates and transcripts
• Australian qualification (if applicable)
• IELTS/PTE/TOEFL results
• EOI submission in SkillSelect
• Invitation letter from DHA
• Payslips and tax records
• Reference letters from employers
• Employment contracts
• Medical examination reports
• Police clearance certificates
• Bank statements (if required)
• Other documents

How to get a PR in Australia?

Here are simplified steps on How to get a PR in Australia:

• Choose the Right PR Visa Category – Select a visa type based on your skills, job, or relationship.
• Check Your Eligibility – Ensure you meet age, occupation, English, and points requirements.
• Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect – Register your profile and wait for an invitation.
• Get a State Nomination (If Required) – Apply for state sponsorship if choosing Subclass 190 or 491.
• Receive Invitation & Apply for PR – Submit your PR application within 60 days of receiving an ITA.
• Wait for Visa Grant – Processing takes 6–12 months after submitting all required documents.
• Move to Australia & Fulfill PR Requirements – Stay in Australia for 2 out of 5 years to maintain PR.

Points to remember before applying for Australia PR

To ensure a hassle-free processing experience of the Australian PR:

• Provide a Thorough Application: Make sure all necessary documents and details are accurately submitted.
• Keep Informed: Frequently visit official Australian immigration websites to stay updated on policy changes.
• Seek Expert Guidance: Consult registered migration agents or legal professionals with expertise in Australian immigration.

Australia PR cost and Processing time

• Processing Time: 6 months to 2 years, depending on the visa type.
• Application Fee: Starts from AUD 4,640 (for skilled migration).
• The cost of an Australian PR visa also varies depending on the visa subclass and the number of dependents included in the application.

Top Challenges and Solutions for Australia PR

Here are some of the common challenges applicants face and how to overcome them:

Challenges	Solutions
The minimum required points for PR (usually 65+) can be difficult to achieve.	Achieving a higher score in IELTS/PTE.Gaining additional work experience.Applying for state/territory nomination (+5-15 points).Pursuing further studies in Australia (if feasible).
Your occupation might be removed from the list, making PR ineligible.	Stay updated on SOL changes, apply early, and consider employer-sponsored or regional visas as alternative pathways.
Getting work experience and qualifications recognized can be tough.	Follow the specific requirements of the assessing authority, provide accurate documentation, and consult a migration expert if needed.
PR processing can take 12+ months, causing uncertainty.	Submit a well-prepared application with complete documents to avoid delays. Consider faster pathways like employer-sponsored visas or regional nominations.
Achieving high scores in IELTS/PTE can be difficult, especially in writing and speaking.	Take mock tests, practice consistently, enroll in coaching if needed, and consider alternative tests (like OET for healthcare professionals).

How to get citizenship in Australia?

PR holders can apply for citizenship after meeting residency requirements, typically living in the country for a specified period (e.g., five years). They must also fulfill language proficiency, good character, and civic knowledge criteria. The process involves submitting an application, attending an interview, and taking a citizenship test before an oath ceremony.

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