Australia is consistently topping the list of Indian immigrants who want to live, work, and settle on international grounds. Factors like great job opportunities, higher wage rate, improved standard of living, advanced health and educational facilities and many more attract immigrants from all around the globe to settle in Australia. But most importantly, the PR pathways available are the prime reason foreigners choose to apply for Australia PR Visa. There are several options for candidates to choose from when applying for permanent residency in Australia.

Skilled workers and highly qualified candidates get a chance to apply under the country’s Skilled Migration Program which offers three distinct categories. The candidates are allowed to apply under any one of the following depending on their preference, feasibility, and eligibility. The skilled visas available are Subclass 189, 190, and 491. The primary step to immigrating to Australia is to apply for any one of the available visas. The application procedure for all the pathways is almost similar but the costs and benefits differ.

Skilled Visas for Permanent Residency

Independent Visa: Subclass 189

This is a point-based visa for applying for an invitation from the Australian Government. When you submit your application, you will earn points based on the skills and information you provide. Once you have earned the required points, you will be invited to move to Australia. The main attraction of an AU 189 visa is that anyone with a successful nomination is eligible for permanent residence in Australia indefinitely. The only conditions a candidate must meet are:

• Invited by the country
• Qualify under one of the lists of qualified professions
• Earn the required points

Nominated Visa: Subclass 190

This is a point-based visa for applying for a nomination from a state or territory government agency. When you submit your application, you will earn points based on the skills and information you provide. Once you have earned the required points, you will be nominated for immigration to Australia. The main attraction of an AU 190 visa is that anyone with a successful nomination can stay in Australia indefinitely and forever. The only conditions that a candidate must meet are:

• Nominated by a state or territory government agency
• Qualify under one of the lists of qualified professions
• Earn the required points

Regional (Provisional) Visa: Subclass 491

This is a point-based visa for applying for a nomination from a state or territory government agency. If you have relatives in Australia who can help you, you can also enter with this visa subclass. Submitting your application via Skill Select will earn you points based on the skills and information you provide. Once you have earned the required points, you will be nominated for immigration to Australia. The main attraction of this visa is that anyone who receives a recommendation can stay in Australia for 5 years. You can also travel to and from Australia until your visa expires. The only conditions that all candidates must meet are:

• Nominated by a state or territory government agency
• Sponsored by relatives
• Qualify under one of the lists of qualified professions
• Earn the required points

Steps to apply for Permanent Residency

1. Eligibility Check

For skilled workers to migrate to the country, they need to first ensure that the occupation that they are seeking is mentioned under the Skilled Occupation List. Additionally, they must be a certain age and score the minimum points required to migrate. Only after checking this basic eligibility criterion can one proceed further.

2. Language Proficiency Exams

The next step is to appear for any one of the acceptable English language proficiency exams. This is essential if the candidate is migrating from a country where the native language is not English. English being the official language of Australia makes it mandatory for candidates to prove their expertise in that language.

3. Skills Assessment

This is another important step in the process of obtaining Australia's PR. The evaluation under Skill Select is compulsory for all skilled workers who want to migrate to Australia. Candidates are selected based on their age, education, English language test scores, work experience, and intention to stay in the country. Based on these factors they get points and finally, an invitation to reside in Australia.

4. Expression of Interest Submission

Expression of Interest is submitted on Skill Select portal to indicate to the Australian Immigration Authorities that the applicant has honest intentions to migrate and permanently settle in the country.

5. Receive Invitation to Apply

The final step is to await an invitation from Home Affairs Australia. Highest scoring candidates get an invitation and receiving this only means that the candidate is near the final stages of immigration.

Eligibility Criteria for Skilled Visas

1. Receive an invitation

After submitting the expression of interest, you will receive specific points based on receiving an invitation to permanently immigrate to Australia. This invitation is very important for living or working in Australia under the given visa subclass.

2. Get a positive Skills Assessment

Obtaining a positive competency score means categorizing your job as a qualified Australian professional. To do this, you need to make sure that your job or professional profile is on the Australian Qualified Occupation List.

3. Become a certain age

You must be under 45 to apply for this visa subclass. Applicants over 45 years are not considered eligible for an application or nomination.

4. Earn 65 points

Certain points will be added based on the information provided at the time of application. Achieving at least 65 points will increase your chances of being actively recommended.

5. Meet English Requirements

The language test must not be taken more than 3 years before the invitation date. You must also achieve a minimum score to apply.

6. Get a certificate of health and personality

In addition to meeting other requirements, a successful recommendation to live and work permanently in Australia requires you to submit a medical certificate and pass a personality test.

Benefits of Skilled Visas

The stated visa subclasses allow the primary applicant and their family to:

• Stay and work in Australia indefinitely and become a permanent resident
• Have the opportunity to study full-time at all levels of education, including school, university, graduate school, and profession.
• You can also use the services of a subsidized medical facility.
• Receive specific social security benefits/payments
• After spending a certain amount of time, you have the freedom to apply for Australian citizenship
• Sponsor a family who lives with you permanently or temporarily in Australia

Australian Skilled Visas for Australia PR are a great pathway for qualified professionals to migrate to the country. It grants an applicant the opportunity to live, study, and work all while enjoying the breathtaking scenarios, high living standards, thriving economy, and culturally-diverse population. The country offers many visa categories which can sometimes be difficult to understand. For such an instance, it is better to consult immigration and visa experts like Visa Walk to get hassle-free services and assistance.