18 October 2024
Living in Australia is a dream of many students, professionals and families looking for a better lifestyle and bigger opportunities.
After all, the nation boasts a high standard of living, a world-class education system and thriving job marketing.
Turning your dream of living in Australia into reality requires an Australian Permanent Residency or PR. However, the process may be quite complicated. That’s why it is important to know how the process works and what you need to know.
Don’t worry!
This guide to Australian PR will walk you through everything, step by step, to help you understand how to apply for PR in Australia, what a PR score is, and how you can increase your chances of success.
What is an Australian Permanent Residency?
Australian Permanent Residency (PR) allows you to live, work, and study in Australia without any time limits. Once you become a permanent resident, you can enjoy most of the rights and benefits of Australian citizenship, including access to healthcare, social security benefits, and the opportunity to apply for citizenship after a few years.
To be eligible for PR, you must go through an assessment process. The government uses a points-based system to evaluate your chances of contributing to the Australian economy. Your score will determine if you qualify for residency. Let’s break down how this works.
What is an Australian PR Score?
The Australian PR score is a points system that measures your eligibility to become a permanent resident. Points are given based on several factors such as your age, education, work experience, English skills, and more. To apply for PR, you must score at least 65 points. The higher your score, the more likely you are to receive an invitation to apply for PR.
This scoring method enables the Australian government to select qualified workers who can boost the country’s economy. Let us look at how the points are calculated.
Factors that Affect Your PR Score
Your PR score is based on several factors. Understanding these can help you plan how to maximize your score.
- Age
The younger you are, the more points you get. Australia values younger applicants because they can contribute to the workforce for longer.
– 25-32 years: 30 points
– 18-24 years: 25 points
– 33-39 years: 25 points
– 40-44 years: 15 points
– 45 years and older: 0 points
- Education
Higher education levels can boost your score. If you have studied in Australia, you may even get extra points.
– Doctorate: 20 points
– Bachelor’s or Master’s: 15 points
– Diploma or trade qualification: 10 points
- Work Experience
The more experience you have in your field, especially if it’s in Australia, the more points you earn.
– 8-10 years: 15 points
– 5-7 years: 10 points
– 3-4 years: 5 points
- English Language Skills
Your English skills are assessed through exams like IELTS or TOEFL. The better you score on these tests, the more points you get.
– IELTS Band 8: 20 points
– IELTS Band 7: 10 points
– IELTS Band 6: 0 points
- Sponsorship
If you have family in Australia or can get sponsorship from an Australian state or territory, you can earn additional points.
– Family sponsorship: 10 points
– State sponsorship: 5 points
- Partner’s Skills
Your partner can also help boost your score. If they have the necessary skills, it can add up to ten points to your application.
– Partner is an Australian citizen: 10 points
– Partner with skills in demand: 10 points
– Partner with English proficiency only: 5 points
- Other Factors
Other things that can add points include:
– Studying in regional Australia: 5 points
– Knowing a community language: 5 points
– Completing a professional year in Australia: 5 points
Documents You’ll Need for Your PR Application
Before applying for Australian PR, make sure you have all the necessary documents ready. Missing any of these could delay the process.
– PR application form
– Valid passport
– English test results (IELTS or TOEFL)
– Work experience letters from previous employers
– Medical certificate
– Police clearance certificate
– Proof of skills assessment (this confirms your qualifications and work experience meet Australian standards)
How to Apply for Australian PR
Let’s walk through the steps involved in applying for PR in Australia.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
The first thing you should do is check if you’re eligible to apply. You’ll need to score at least 65 points to qualify for an Australian PR visa under the skilled worker categories like Subclass 189 or 190. You can use online PR calculators to check your score.
Step 2: Take an English Test
English proficiency is an essential part of the PR process. Make sure to take one of the accepted tests, such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE, and achieve the best score you can to boost your points.
Step 3: Get Your Skills Assessed
You’ll need to have your skills assessed by an accredited organization to ensure they meet Australian standards. This step is crucial because it validates your qualifications and work experience.
Step 4: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Once your documents are ready, submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through Australia’s SkillSelect system. This lets the Australian government know you want to apply for PR and gives them your information for review.
Step 5: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
If your EOI is successful, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA). This is a formal invitation to submit your final application for PR.
Step 6: Submit Your Final Application
After receiving the ITA, you’ll need to submit your final application with all the required documents. Be sure to double-check everything to avoid delays.
Step 7: Prepare for Travel
Once your PR is approved, you can begin arranging for your transfer to Australia. Complete your medical and police checks, and acquire all relevant documents for your travel.
How Much Does It Cost to Apply for Australian PR?
Applying for Australian PR comes with several costs. Here’s a rough breakdown:
– Visa application fees: AUD 3500-4000
– IELTS test: INR 13,000 (varies by country)
– Medical examination and police clearance: Costs vary depending on your location
– Skills assessment fees: AUD 300-1200
How Long Does the Process Take?
On average, it takes 6 months to 1 year to complete the PR process. Higher PR scores can result in quicker processing times. For example, if you score 80 points, you may receive an invitation within a few months, while those with lower scores may wait longer.
How to Boost Your PR Score
If your score isn’t high enough, don’t worry! There are several ways to improve it:
– Retake your IELTS exam for a higher score.
– Gain more work experience.
– Improve your partner’s skills if they can contribute points.
– Study in a regional area of Australia to gain extra points.
– Learn a local language.
– Get a higher degree in a field like science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM).
Conclusion
Navigating the PR process might be difficult, but you don’t have to go it alone. Seeking assistance from a visa counsellor might make the process easier and boost your chances of success.
They may provide expert assistance, walk you through the process, and help you boost your PR score.
Whether you’re just starting your Australian PR journey or looking for ways to boost your points, this guide provides everything you need to know.
With careful planning and preparation, you can increase your chances of becoming a permanent resident in Australia and enjoy all the benefits that come with it!
