Become a Permanent Resident of Australia

Interested in becoming a permanent resident of Australia? Here, you’ll find what PR is, how to get PR in Australia, the PR requirements set by the Australian Government, the processing times for permanent visas and the entitlements of permanent visa holders.

Last Updated: 25th July 2024

What is Permanent Residence (PR)?

In Australia, permanent residence (PR) is a status granted by the government to holders of a permanent visa. Permanent residency allows non-citizens to live in Australia indefinitely and enjoy many of the same benefits as Australian citizens, such as:

  • Full work and study rights
  • Access to government health care (Medicare)
  • Unrestricted overseas travel

How to get PR in Australia

There are five streams available to those seeking permanent residence in Australia.

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Family Stream

Family visas in Australia are for partners, children, parents or dependent relatives of Australian citizens or permanent residents.

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Refugee Stream

The refugee stream is for those seeking asylum in Australia.

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Skilled Stream

The skilled migration program is for migrants with the skills required in Australia to fill positions where there are no local workers available.

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Employer Nomination Stream

The Employer Nomination stream is for skilled foreign workers who are nominated by their employer.

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Business Owner / High Wealth Stream

The business owner / high wealth stream enables high wealth individuals to make a significant investment or own or operate a business in Australia.

Permanent Residency Requirements

In order to be successful with any of these pathways, you will need to meet the standard permanent residency requirements, as well as any specific eligibility criteria assigned with the permanent visa you are applying for.

Applying for PR the Right Way

The visa application process for PR can be complex, and even small errors can result in visa refusals and delays. For this reason, we highly recommend that you engage the services of a registered migration agent. They will ensure you meet the eligibility criteria and have the necessary supporting documentation and substantial evidence required to lodge a successful visa application.

If you require advice on applying for permanent residence in Australia or any other aspect of migration, please get in contact with our team.

Australia’s Permanent Resident Program

For the 2024-2025 permanent Migration Program, the Australian Government has set a target of 185,000 places, with 70 percent of places (approx.132,200 places) allocated to the skills stream.

Permanent Resident Program

What are the requirements for PR?

While each visa subclass has its own specific eligibility criteria, all visa applicants must meet the following requirements.

Meet health requirements

Applicants must meet minimum health standards to protect the Australian community from public health and safety risks

Meet character requirements

You must be of good character. Applicants with a substantial criminal record or who have been convicted of a crime listed on the Department of Home Affairs website may not be considered of good character.

Meet all individual visa conditions and obey Australian laws.

You must comply with the specific conditions of your visa and abide by Australian laws.

What are the processing times for Permanent Visas

Processing times for permanent visas vary depending on the visa subclass, stream and demand at the time of application as well as the complexity of the application.  

 

The following factors can impact processing times.

  • Missing supporting documentation
  • Whether the application has been submitted online or using a paper application
  • How quickly you respond to requests for more information
  • How long it takes the Department of Home Affairs to perform the required checks
  • How long it takes to receive information from external agencies, particularly those that relate to health, character and national security
  • How many places are available in the migration program for permanent visa applications

Entitlements of permanent visa holders

There are many benefits to being an Australian permanent resident.

  • Work and study in Australia
  • Enrol in Medicare (our national health care scheme)
  • Apply for bank loans to buy property
  • Travel to and from Australia as long as the travel facility on your visa remains valid
  • Attend free English language classes provided by the Adult Migrant English Program
  • Work in New Zealand
  • Apply for Australian citizenship after 4 years, if eligible

Need Assistance?​

The visa application process can be complex so our experienced team of registered migration agents can help you navigate the complexities of the process. Visa Solutions Australia has been operating for 20 years, offering exceptional migration and legal services, helping thousands of families reconnect. Our professional team of registered migration agents come from all backgrounds and speak many languages.