Australia PR (Permanent Resident) visa is a type of visa that grants the holder the right to live, work and
study in Australia on a permanent basis. It is an immigration pathway that allows skilled workers,
entrepreneurs, investors, and family members of Australian citizens or permanent residents to migrate
to Australia and become permanent residents.
Once you get an Australia PR Visa, you are able to stay there permanently. Additionally, a five-year
travel allowance is provided to you. Until the expiration of this travel privilege, the visa holder may enter
and leave Australia as often as desired.
Holders of Australia Permanent Resident Visas are subject to a range of citizenship rights and benefits. It
involves having access to discounted or free legal and medical services. However, unless their
registration dates back to before 1984, a Permanent Resident does not have the right to vote in
Territory/State or Federal elections.
A bearer of a PR Visa becomes eligible for Australian citizenship after a set waiting period. After this time
has passed, the person must complete some formalities, including the Citizenship test. It may take three
to twelve months to complete this.
To apply for a Permanent Residency (PR) visa in Australia, you need to meet certain requirements, which
may vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for. However, some of the general
requirements are:
1. Age: The majority of PR visas require applicants to be under 45 years old.
2. English language proficiency: You must show that you have a strong command of the language
by completing a standardized test like the TOEFL or IELTS.
3. Education: A bachelor's degree or an equivalent certification from an accredited university is
required.
4. Work experience: You need to have at least three years of experience in a profession that is on
Australia's list of skilled occupations.
5. Health and character requirements: You must adhere to the Australian government's health
and character standards.
6. Points test: You must receive at least 65 points on the points test, which is based on information
such as your age, education level, employment history, language skills, etc.
7. Skills evaluation: The appropriate evaluating authority for your occupation must evaluate your
skills.
8. Nomination: A state or territory government agency, a qualified relative, or an employer must
nominate you.
There are several types of Permanent Residency (PR) visas that you can apply for in Australia, depending
on your eligibility and circumstances. Some of the common PR visas are:
1. Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189): This visa is for skilled workers who are not sponsored by
an employer, state, or territory government. To be eligible, you must meet the points test and
have an occupation listed on the skilled occupation list.
2. Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190): This visa is for skilled workers who are nominated by a
state or territory government. To be eligible, you must meet the points test, have an occupation
listed on the skilled occupation list, and be nominated by a state or territory government.
3. Skilled Work 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 relative. To be eligible,
you must meet the points test, have an occupation listed on the skilled occupation list, and
commit to living and working in a designated regional area of Australia.
4. Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186): This visa is for skilled workers who are nominated
by an Australian employer. To be eligible, you must have an occupation listed on the skilled
occupation list, meet the skills and qualification requirements, and be nominated by an
Australian employer.
5. Business Innovation and Investment Visa (subclass 188): This visa is for people who want to
invest or start a business in Australia. To be eligible, you must be nominated by a state or
territory government or by Austrade and meet the business and investment requirements.
There are many advantages of holding a Permanent Residency (PR) visa for Australia. Some of the main
advantages include:
1. Work and live in Australia permanently: With a PR visa, you can live and work in Australia
indefinitely, as long as you meet the visa conditions.
2. Study in Australia: You can enroll in any course or degree program in Australia as a domestic
student, which means you pay lower tuition fees than international students.
3. Access to social security benefits: You are eligible for social security benefits such as Medicare,
which provides health care services, and Centrelink, which provides financial assistance to
eligible individuals.
4. Sponsor eligible family members: You can sponsor your eligible family members, such as your
spouse, children, or parents, for permanent residency in Australia.
5. Travel in and out of Australia freely: You can travel in and out of Australia as many times as you
want, without the need for a visa or entry permit.
6. Citizenship eligibility: After meeting certain residency requirements, you may be eligible to apply
for Australian citizenship.
7. Better job opportunities: Having a PR visa can improve your chances of getting a job in Australia,
as you are considered a more attractive candidate than a temporary visa holder.
8. Higher education and business opportunities: With a PR visa, you can access higher education
and business opportunities in Australia, such as starting your own business or investing in the
country.
Overall, holding a PR visa for Australia can provide a stable and secure future for you and your family,
with access to many benefits and opportunities that are not available to temporary visa holders.
The key requirements for Pakistanis applying for an Australia PR visa include:
1. Being under 45 years of age
2. Proficiency in English
3. Having a recognized educational qualification
4. Having at least three years of relevant work experience
5. Meeting the health and character requirements
6. Scoring at least 65 points on the points test
7. Nominating an occupation on the Skilled Occupations List or Consolidated Skilled Occupations
List
8. Undergoing a skills assessment
9. Possibly obtaining state nomination.
The Australian Government offers Pakistanis several categories though which anyone who is interested
can apply for a Permanent Resident Visa. The following are the most popular categories:
1. Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)
2. Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190)
3. Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491)
4. Employer-Sponsored Visa
5. Business and Investment Visas
Each of these visa categories has its own eligibility requirements, application process, and processing
times. It's recommended that applicants carefully review the requirements for each visa category before
applying.
Pakistani citizens who want to visit Australia for tourism purposes can apply for an Australia Tourist Visa
subclass 600this can be done through the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs website.
The online application process is hassle-free and allows applicants to submit their application and
required documents electronically, pay the visa fee online, and check the status of their application
online. However, applicants will need to provide their biometrics in-person at an Australian Visa
Application Centre (AVAC) in Pakistan as part of the visa application process. It's important to note that
the requirements and procedures for an Australia Tourist Visa can change over time, and it's
recommended to check the latest information before applying.
Here are some key requirements and steps to apply for the visa:
1. Requirements: Pakistani citizens applying for an Australia Tourist Visa must have a valid
passport, genuine intention to visit Australia for tourism, sufficient funds to support their stay,
and no history of criminal activities.
2. Online application: The visa application can be submitted online through the Australian
Government Department of Home Affairs website. The applicant needs to create an account
and provide the necessary details.
3. Documents: The applicant needs to upload the required documents, including passport,
photograph, and proof of financial capacity.
4. Biometrics: As part of the application process, Pakistani citizens need to provide their
biometrics, which can be done at an Australian Visa Application Centre (AVAC) in Pakistan.
5. Visa fees: The visa application fee can be paid online using a credit card or through a bank
transfer.
6. Processing time: The processing time for an Australia Tourist Visa for Pakistani citizens varies,
but it can take up to several weeks. It is recommended to apply well in advance of the intended
travel date.
7. Visa decision: The visa decision will be communicated via email. If the visa is granted, it will be
electronically linked to the applicant's passport.
Pakistani citizens who want to visit Australia for business purposes can apply for an Australia Business
Visa. There are different types of Australia Business visas available, depending on the purpose of the
visit, including:
1. Business Visitor Visa (subclass 600): This visa is for people who want to visit Australia for short-
term business purposes, such as attending conferences, meetings, or negotiations.
2. Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482): This visa is for skilled workers who have been
sponsored by an Australian employer to work in a skilled occupation.
3. Business Innovation and Investment Visa (subclass 188): This visa is for people who want to
invest in or start a business in Australia.
The specific documents required for an Australia Business Visa from Pakistan can vary depending on
the type of visa being applied for and the individual circumstances of the applicant. However, here
are some common documents that Pakistani citizens may need to provide when applying for an
Australia Business Visa:
1. Passport: A valid passport with at least six months validity remaining.
2. Visa application form: The visa application form needs to be filled out accurately and
completely.
3. Photograph: Recent passport-sized photograph(s) of the applicant.
4. Financial documents: Evidence of sufficient funds to support the applicant's stay in
Australia, such as bank statements, tax returns, or pay slips.
5. Business documents: Documents related to the applicant's business or employment, such as
a letter from the employer, business contract, or invitation letter from an Australian
company.
6. Travel itinerary: Details of the applicant's travel itinerary, including flight and
accommodation arrangements.
7. Health and character documents: Some visa categories require applicants to provide health
and character documents, such as a medical certificate or a police clearance certificate.
8. Biometric data: As part of the application process, Pakistani citizens will need to provide
their biometric data, which can be done at an Australian Visa Application Centre (AVAC) in
Pakistan.
Pakistani citizens who want to visit their family or friends in Australia can apply for an Australia Visitor
Visa (subclass 600). This visa allows the applicant to visit Australia for a short period of time for personal
reasons, such as visiting family or friends, attending a wedding, or going on a holiday.
Here are the general requirements and steps to apply for an Australia Visitor Visa from Pakistan:
1. Requirements: Pakistani citizens applying for an Australia Visitor Visa must have a valid passport,
genuine intention to visit Australia for personal reasons, sufficient funds to support their stay,
and meet the relevant eligibility criteria.
2. Online application: The visa application can be submitted online through the Australian
Government Department of Home Affairs website. The applicant needs to create an account
and provide the necessary details.
3. Documents: The applicant needs to upload the required documents, including passport,
photograph, and proof of financial capacity.
4. Biometrics: As part of the application process, Pakistani citizens need to provide their
biometrics, which can be done at an Australian Visa Application Centre (AVAC) in Pakistan.
5. Visa fees: The visa application fee can be paid online using a credit card or through a bank
transfer.
6. Processing time: The processing time for an Australia Visitor Visa for Pakistani citizens varies, but
it can take up to several weeks. It is recommended to apply well in advance of the intended
travel date.
7. Visa decision: The visa decision will be communicated via email. If the visa is granted, it will be
electronically linked to the applicant's passport.
Here are some documents that Pakistani citizens may need to provide when applying for an Australia
Visitor Visa for visiting family or friends:
1. Invitation letter: A letter of invitation from the Australian resident who will be hosting the
applicant, stating the purpose and duration of the visit.
2. Identity documents: Copies of the identity documents of the Australian resident who will be
hosting the applicant, such as passport or driver's license.
3. Evidence of relationship: Evidence of the relationship between the applicant and the Australian
resident, such as family certificates or photographs.
4. Travel itinerary: Details of the applicant's travel itinerary, including flight and accommodation
arrangements.
5. Financial documents: Evidence of sufficient funds to support the applicant's stay in Australia,
such as bank statements, tax returns, or pay slips.
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