Australia is a highly preferred destination by migrants. It has features such as high quality of life and a strong economy which make it well suited for any kind of living. It grants Permanent residency (PR) in Australia for the person to take residence, work and study in Australia for life along with the enjoyment of most rights and benefits an Australian citizen has. PR status is a crucial step for those looking to build a long-term future in Australia. There are further options to apply for citizenship after meeting the necessary requirements.
PR holders can access Australia’s public healthcare system and social security benefits. They have the ability to sponsor family members for visas. It provides flexibility in employment and education opportunities. Individuals can thus switch jobs or pursue higher education without restrictions.
However, the processing time for PR applications varies for every applicant. Waiting period is mainly based on the visa category and individual circumstances. The complexity of the application process is increased by the high demand for Australian PR. Applicants should be well-prepared to ensure a smooth process.
Processing Time for Different PR Visa Categories
The time it takes to get PR in Australia varies according to the visa category under which an applicant plans to apply. The Department of Home Affairs provides estimated processing times, but they may vary further depending on demand, application completeness, and external factors such as background checks and medical examinations. Below is an overview of the key PR visa categories and their respective processing times.
Skilled Migration Visas
You can enquire if your specific skill set is in demand in Australia. Certain visas are granted based on your productivity in the Australian economy. SkillSelect uses a points-based system to invite applicants and provide employment. The major subclasses under this category are:
- Subclass 189 provides a skill independent visa. This visa does not require employer or state sponsorship. Processing times typically range from 6 to 12 months.
- Subclass 190 provides a visa where you are nominated based on your skills. This visa will require state or territory nomination. Its processing times might range from 6 to 18 months.
- Subclass 491 provides a provisional visa that can lead to PR after meeting residency requirements. Initial processing takes about 12 to 18 months.
Employer-Sponsored Visas
If you are a skilled worker, Employer-sponsored visas will allow you to be nominated for the visa by an Australian employer. These visas are suitable for individuals who have secured a job offer in Australia. Key subclasses include:
- ENS: Requires employer sponsorship and can take between 6 to 12 months to process.
- RSMS: Specifically for regional employment; processing can take 12 to 18 months. Depends on the
- TSS: While not a PR visa itself, this visa can lead to PR through the ENS pathway after a few years of employment.
Family and Partner Visas
Visas allow family members and partners to join their Australia citizen or PR holder relatives in Australia. It usually takes a long time because the visa is in high demand. Given the fact that it is in high demand, hearing for these types of visas usually takes a bit long.
- Partner Visa (Subclasses 820 and 801, and 309 and 100) are temporary partner visas (820/309), which usually take 12 to 24 months, whereas permanent partner visas (801/100) have an additional waiting period of 2 years after granting a temporary visa.
- Contributory Parent Visas: They usually take around 2-4 years, whereas non-contributory Parent Visas might take as much as 30 years because of the long waiting list.
- Child Visa generally takes about 6 to 12 months for processing.
Business and Investor Visas
For individuals looking to invest or start a business in Australia, there are several visa options leading to PR.
- Business innovation visa (provisional) is meant for provisional cases only. Initial processing is likely to take about 12 to 24 months. Then the process transitions to PR under Subclass 888.
- Business innovation visa (permanent) is meant for permanent cases only. Takes around 6 to 12 months after fulfilling business or investment obligations.
- Business Talent visa is generally processed within 9 to 18 months.
Factors Affecting PR Processing Time
Different visa types have different processing times, with some taking years due to demand. You need to check appropriate portals to stay updated.
Here are the factors affecting PR Processing Time
- Providing all required documents correctly reduces delays.
- Health assessments and police clearances can extend processing time.
- Government allocation for certain visas affects processing speed.
- Policy shifts can influence visa availability and approval times.
Conclusion
The time required to obtain Permanent Residency in Australia may vary significantly based on various reasons. Major factors are the visa category and individual circumstances. The reason for your migration and your productivity in the Australian community matters. You would also have to pass character requirements. The process also depends on the government processing capacity.
While some PR pathways can be completed in under a year, family and parent visas may take several years. To expedite the process, ensure a complete application, stay updated on policy changes and choose the most suitable visa category. PR is a significant milestone that opens doors to long-term benefits, making the wait worthwhile for many aspiring migrants.
