Unlock the Door to Your Australian Dreams: The Ultimate Guide to Obtaining a PR Visa

The Australia PR visa is a visa category that confers the privilege to reside, work, and study in Australia permanently. This is an immigration channel that enables skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, and relatives of Australian citizens or PR holders to immigrate to Australia and acquire PR status. Once granted the Australia PR visa, individuals can reside indefinitely in the country, and they are also entitled to a five-year travel permit, allowing them to travel in and out of Australia as often as they wish until the permit's expiration. PR visa holders are entitled to a range of citizenship rights and benefits, including access to subsidized or free medical and legal services, but they do not have the right to vote in state, federal, or territory elections unless they were registered before 1984. Following a specified waiting period, PR visa holders are eligible for Australian citizenship, which involves passing a citizenship test and completing other formalities that may take three to twelve months.

Requirements for Australia PR Visa

You must fulfill a number of requirements, which might change depending on the type of visa you are looking for, in order to submit an application for a Permanent Residency (PR) visa in Australia. However, the following general requirements must be met:

1. The majority of PR visas have an age limit of 45 years or younger for applicants.

2. Applicants must demonstrate their strong command of the English language by completing a standardized test such as TOEFL or IELTS.

3. A bachelor's degree or an equivalent certification from an accredited university is mandatory.

4. Applicants must have at least three years of work experience in a profession listed on Australia's skilled occupations list.

5. Applicants must meet the health and character standards set by the Australian government.

6. The points test is based on various factors such as age, education level, work experience, language skills, and so on. Applicants must score a minimum of 65 points.

7. The skills of the applicants for their respective occupation must be evaluated by the relevant authority.

8. Applicants must be nominated by a state or territory government agency, a qualified relative, or an employer.

Types of Australia PR Visa

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. These skills are then assessed by authorities to check if the standards are being met according to the criteria for the visa. You also have to be invited to apply for this visa. The processing time for 90% of the applications is 5 months. source:

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. The processing time for this visa is up to 14 months.

3. Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186): This visa requires you to have an Australian employer make the nomination, your profession must appear on the pertinent list of qualified occupation and you must speak English proficiently. The processing time for 90% of the applications is 13 months.

Advantages of a PR visa for Australia

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.

Key Requirements for Pakistanis for the Australia PR Visa

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.

10. A good moral character and be physically and mentally fit to live and work in Australia.

Steps for Applying For a Australian PR Visa:

1. Gather all your documents which include results from the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) are used to prove that you are an English language expert and results of a skills assessment performed by a qualified authority to verify competence in a particular field.

2. Choose a suitable visa from the multiple categories that best suits your situation.

3. Select a profession from the Australian Skilled Occupation List (SOL)

4. Use the points-based system to apply where you must submit an EOI (Expression of Interest) in the online portal Skill Select, an online system that saves and keeps track of applicant profile information such age, name, employment history, gender, qualifications, and language skills. A minimum score of 60 is required to be eligible for a PR visa. Higher scores increase the chances of being invited to apply for an Australia PR visa.

Australia PR Visa categories for Pakistani Citizens

The main route to obtaining permanent residency in Australia is through the permanent migration program, which includes family and economic migration. The visas under this category are the Family Stream, Special Eligibility Stream, and Skill Stream. Humanitarian considerations are the sole alternative route to permanent residence.

Skill stream visas

The Skill stream is intended for professionals with the knowledge, credentials, and entrepreneurial spirit that are most in demand in the Australian economy. Seven elements are present:

• Business Investment and Innovation
• Exceptional Talent
• Regional
• Skilled independent
• Territory or State Nominated.

Family and Child stream visas

Close relatives of Australian citizens, permanent residents may immigrate permanently through the Family stream. The emphasis is on spouses and parents, but it also gives extra family members—like elderly dependent relatives, caretakers, surviving relatives, and orphan relatives—the chance to go to Australia and be with their family. Children of Australian citizens, permanent residents may immigrate permanently with the help of child visas. The Child and Adoption visas are the two subcategories of the Child visa.

Special Eligibility visas

Former residents and some members of the Australian Defence Force are eligible for Special Eligibility visas, which allow them to settle in Australia permanently.

Australia Tourist Visa from Pakistan

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.

Documents Required for a Tourist Visa from Pakistan

1. A genuine passport that is still valid for at least six months after the intended departure date. If necessary, previous passports must be presented as well. A notarized photocopy of each passport page is required.

2. Completely filled out and signed application for a visa.

3. 2 most recent images: 35 x 45 mm, matte, white background.

4. A PAN or Aadhaar card copy.

5. A copy of the last three years' income tax returns (Form 16).

6. If you are employed, a copy of your most recent three pay stubs.

7. Original bank statements from the last six months to demonstrate a sufficient and healthy balance.

8. An original letter approving the applicant's leave from the employer, on corporate letterhead, and bearing an authorized signature.

9. If self-employed, proof of firm registration is required; examples include Shop Act, MOA, etc.

10. If retired, documentation of retirement.

11. A copy of the applicant's student ID card, No Objection Certificate (NOC) letter, bona fide letter from the relevant college or school.

12. A copy of the itinerary or tickets for the confirmed flights.

13. A copy of the hotel reservation.

A copy of any other financial records you may have, including FDs (Fixed Deposits), shares, mutual funds, property papers, PPFs, NSCs, etc.

Australia Business Visa from Pakistan

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, examining potential career possibilities or personal investments, to act as a liaison for a foreign unit, examining various business opportunities, or, to speak on behalf of a foreign government.

2. Subclass 400 Provisional Visa: This visa is for people who want to visit Australia to either participate in an overseas entity or social event provided that the relevant Austral organization has extended the invitation; or, to take on a temporary, on-going, highly specialized job.

Documents Needed for a Business Visa from Pakistan

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. A genuine passport that is still valid for at least six months after the intended departure date. If necessary, previous passports must be presented as well. A notarized photocopy of each passport page is required.

2. Completely filled out and signed application for a visa.

3. 2 recent passport-sized photographs of the applicant with white background, matte finish, 35X45 mm size.

4. A cover letter with the applicant's name, contact information, travel dates, expected stay length, etc. It must be printed on the company's letterhead and include a detailed itinerary as well as the contact details for both business organizations

5. Proof of the company's certificate of registration.

6. If employed, a copy of the latest six months' worth of pay stubs.

7. A copy of Form 16 from the last three years' income taxes.

8. A letter of invitation or request from the Australian business.

9. A duplicate of the conference or event registration information.

Australia Friend or Family Visit Visa from 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. The processing time for this visa is between 10 -15 days or may increase up to 4-8 weeks.

Documents Required for Australia Visit Visa from Pakistan

Here are some documents that Pakistani citizens may need to provide when applying for an Australia Visitor Visa for visiting family or friends:

1. A genuine passport that is still valid for at least six months after the intended departure date. If necessary, previous passports must be presented as well. A notarized photocopy of each passport page is required.

2. Completely filled out and signed application for a visa. 3. 2 latest photos - white background, matte finish, 35X45 mm size. 4. A cover letter stating the applicant.

5. A copy of PAN or Aadhaar card.

6. A copy of Income Tax/Form 16 for the past 3 years if employed.

7. A copy of the last 3 months' salary slips if employed.

8. Original bank statements over the last six months to demonstrate that your bank balance is sufficient and healthy.

9. Proof of registration certificate of the company if self-employed and this can be Shop Act, MOA, etc.

10. Proof of retirement if retired.

11. A copy of No Objection Certificate - NOC Letter/ Bona-fide letter from the respective college or school/ID Card if the applicant is a student.

12. A copy of the itinerary or confirmed flight tickets.

13. A copy of the hotel accommodation.

14. A copy of other financial documents such as FD (Fixed Deposits), Shares, Mutual Funds, Property Papers, PPF, NSC, etc.

15. Minors under the age of 18 years must present a notarized NOC - No Objection Certificate from one of their non-accompanying parents approving their trip to Australia. The NOC must be accompanied by the parents' passports.

16. If the children are travelling or lodging with non-family members, the person's full name, nationality, and date of birth must be provided.