How Hard Is It to Become a Permanent Resident of Australia?

The Marathon of Migration

Australia, with its booming economy, high standard of living, and globally recognized healthcare and education systems, makes it one of the most attractive destinations for immigrants worldwide. But here’s the catch—the harder the race, the sweeter the victory. The permanent residency path is no exception, particularly when you’re navigating strict point systems, skill shortages, and regional demands.

Australia is looking for a certain kind of individual: skilled, young, and educated, and if you happen to be proficient in English with relevant work experience, then you’re already ahead of the pack. So, how do you prepare for this race? Let’s dive deeper into what it takes.

Step One: Eligibility—Do You Fit the Profile?

To begin with, eligibility isn’t just about meeting a few requirements. You’ll have to demonstrate that you are an ideal candidate for Australia’s labor market and society. The core of your PR application will likely depend on the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program, the most common pathway for individuals looking to settle in Australia permanently.

GSM is based on a points test, and this is where the bulk of applicants either gain momentum or fall short. The current minimum points requirement is 65 points, but truth be told, scoring 65 points doesn’t guarantee you an invite to apply for PR. The more points you score, the better your chances are.

Key factors influencing your point tally include:

• Age: The younger you are, the more points you score. If you're aged between 25-32, you can bag the maximum 30 points.
• English proficiency: The higher your IELTS or PTE score, the more points you secure.
• Work experience: Whether inside or outside Australia, relevant work experience can boost your score.
• Education: Higher education qualifications, especially those obtained in Australia, can add significant points to your tally.
• Nomination by a state or territory: If a state or territory nominates you, it can substantially boost your chances with an additional 5 to 15 points.

While scoring high on these factors certainly helps, you’ll need to match your profile with occupations that are currently in demand. Australia maintains a Skilled Occupation List (SOL), which is updated regularly based on labor market needs. If your profession appears on this list, you’re one step closer to success.

Step Two: Navigating the SkillSelect System

SkillSelect is the online system used to manage Australia's skilled migration program. Applicants submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect, and the system ranks candidates based on their points score. The highest-scoring candidates in each occupation receive invitations to apply for PR.

How do you beat the competition? Well, you’ll need to stay proactive. Occupations like ICT professionals, engineers, and healthcare workers are consistently in demand, but competition is fierce, and even a 1-point difference could be the tipping point between receiving an invitation and waiting in the queue for months, if not years.

Step Three: Different Routes to PR—Which One’s for You?

1. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): This is the gold standard for skilled professionals who don’t have a state or employer sponsorship. It allows you to live and work anywhere in Australia and is a points-based visa. However, it’s also one of the most competitive visas, meaning only those with the highest points are invited to apply.

2. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): This pathway allows states and territories to nominate individuals based on local labor market needs. The bonus? An extra 5 points to your total score.

3. Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491): If you’re willing to live in regional Australia, this visa could be your ticket. While you’ll have to reside in a designated regional area for at least three years, the upside is an additional 15 points and a potentially faster pathway to PR.

4. Employer-Sponsored Visa (Subclass 186): If you’re already working in Australia and your employer is willing to sponsor you, this visa is a viable option. However, the employer must meet stringent requirements, and the job must be in high demand.

5. Partner Visa: If you’re in a relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you may be eligible for a partner visa, but keep in mind this process can also take time and patience.

What Are Your Chances?

This is where the statistics get interesting. The Department of Home Affairs releases migration data regularly, and over the years, PR has become more challenging due to increased competition, economic adjustments, and political considerations. In 2022, the number of applicants for skilled migration outnumbered the invitations issued, meaning thousands of hopefuls are left waiting, even after meeting the criteria.

For example, in the 2021-22 migration year, Australia granted 160,052 permanent residency visas, down from previous years due to pandemic-related restrictions. Skilled migrants made up around 50% of these visas, with family and humanitarian categories comprising the rest. The demand for PR, however, continues to outstrip supply, and visa processing times have increased as a result.

The Real Hurdle: Time and Costs

If you thought the hardest part was accumulating enough points, think again. Time and cost are the two most significant hurdles many applicants face.

The costs associated with applying for PR can quickly add up. The base visa application charge for a primary applicant under the skilled migration scheme is AUD 4,240, but when you factor in English tests, skills assessments, police clearances, medical exams, and more, you could be looking at upwards of AUD 10,000.

Processing times can also vary significantly, with some visas taking 18 months or longer to be approved. During this time, applicants must maintain valid visas and ensure that all their documentation remains up-to-date.

What Happens if You Don’t Get PR?

Rejection isn’t the end of the road, but it can be disheartening. If your visa application is refused, you can appeal the decision to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT), although this process can take many more months and additional costs.

However, many applicants decide to stay on temporary visas, such as the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, while gaining more work experience or furthering their education in Australia to increase their points score. Others may turn to state nominations or employer sponsorships for a second shot at PR.

The key is resilience. Australia rewards individuals who are persistent, skilled, and adaptable. Even if the road to permanent residency is long and arduous, the potential rewards—a stable life in one of the world’s best countries—make the journey worth every step.

The Bottom Line

So, how hard is it to become a permanent resident of Australia? It’s hard, but not impossible. You need to be strategic, proactive, and patient. By understanding the eligibility criteria, making the most of the points system, and aligning your profile with Australia’s economic and regional needs, you can significantly improve your chances of success.

This is not a race for the faint-hearted, but for those who dare to dream and put in the work, the finish line—permanent residency in Australia—is indeed within reach.