How To Get PR In Australia And Citizenship

Australia’s high living standards, vibrant multiculturalism, and strong economy make it one of the most attractive destinations for migrants worldwide. Many aspire to become an Australian permanent resident, as it is the first milestone towards obtaining Australian citizenship.

The process can seem complex, but understanding the Australia PR requirements, eligibility rules, and citizenship process can make the journey smoother. From meeting the Australia permanent residency requirements to passing the citizenship test, every step brings you closer to calling Australia home. This guide explains how to get PR in Australia and achieve citizenship.

Applying For A Permanent Residency Visa

The applicants will have to apply for a permanent visa for Australia at the Department of Home Affairs to obtain a PR in Australia. A permanent visa enables individuals to reside, work, and study in Australia at all times, with most of the benefits that citizens enjoy.

There are various pathways to apply for an Australia PR, and each one suits different personal circumstances. The main visa categories that lead to permanent residency include:

Skilled Migration Visas: This is directed to individuals who have qualifications and work experience in the areas that are in demand in Australia. Primary subclasses are Skilled Independent (189), Skilled Nominated (190), and Skilled Work Regional(491 to 191).
Employer-Sponsored Visas: In case an Australian employer nominates a skilled professional, the employer can apply for a permanent visa under the Employer Nomination Scheme (186).
Business and Investment Visas: Investors and entrepreneurs who invest in the Australian economy are allowed to apply through the Business Innovation and Investment Program.
Family and Partner Visas: This stream enables the family members of Australian citizens or permanent residents to immigrate permanently.
Humanitarian and Refugee Visas: These are intended to help individuals who are seeking protection against persecution or war.

To get a permanent visa in Australia, one has to meet certain Australia permanent residency requirements, including skill tests, English language, and health tests. Upon being granted, residents are free to stay in Australia permanently, and they subsequently seek citizenship.

Also Read: Top Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for Australian PR

Understanding Australia PR Requirements

To apply for Australia PR, it is crucial to understand the general Australia PR requirements applicable to most permanent visa subclasses. These include:

Skills and Occupation: The occupation has to be listed on the corresponding Skilled Occupation List.
Points Test: There are points given regarding age, qualifications, proficiency in English and experience at work.
Skills Assessment: You should have a positive assessment by the relevant authority to prove that you are qualified.
Health and Character Requirements: The applicants and their family members should complete medical checks and police screening.
Sponsorship or Nomination: Nomination by an employer, state or territory will be needed on some visas.

Meeting these Australia permanent residency requirements ensures eligibility for long-term residence and future citizenship.

The Step-by-Step Process To Apply For Australia PR

While the requirements may vary depending on the visa stream, the general steps to get PR in Australia include:

Check Your Eligibility: Review the visa options and choose the one that fits your qualification, work experience and objectives.
Skills Assessment: Have your work experience and qualification evaluated by one of the recognised Australian assessing bodies.
English Test: Pass an English language test to qualify as per the minimum language proficiency requirement.
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI): You must lodge your Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect and await for an invitation to apply.
Invitation to Apply: After the invitation, you will be allowed to apply to your PR visa.
Lodge Your Visa Application: Submit all the necessary documents along with the identity evidence, qualifications and medical history.
Wait for a Decision: The Department of Home Affairs processes your application and advises you of the decision made.

Once approved, you officially become an Australian permanent resident, allowing you to enjoy almost all the same benefits as citizens.

Differences In Rights and Entitlements

Rights and Entitlements	Australian Citizen	Australian Permanent Resident
Voting	In Australian government elections, a citizen can vote.	Permanent residents cannot vote in Australian government elections most of the time. But if a permanent resident registered to vote as a British citizen before 1984, they may still be able to vote.
Travelling	An Australian citizen has an automatic right to enter the country.	Permanent residents who want to travel abroad must make sure they have a permanent visa and a valid travel authority if they want to come back to Australia as a permanent resident.
Government Services and Benefits	The rules set by the government agency in charge of the service or benefit determine who can get it.	The rules set by the government agency in charge of the service or benefit determine who can get government services and benefits.

General Eligibility Criteria For Citizenship

After holding permanent residency for a certain period, individuals can move on to apply for Australian citizenship. To be eligible for citizenship by conferral, applicants must:

Have a citizenship test (except in the case of persons above the age of 60)
Reside permanently when applying, and also at the time of the decision.
Meet the residence requirement.
Be likely to live in Australia, stay there, or keep a close and ongoing connection with Australia
You should have a good character.

Meeting these eligibility conditions ensures a smooth Australian citizenship application process.

Residence Requirements

The residence requirement ensures that applicants have spent sufficient time living lawfully in Australia before applying for citizenship. According to official information:

At the time of application, applicants should have been residing in Australia legally for at least four years.
Among them, they should have been a permanent resident for no less than 12 months.
They should not have been out of Australia for a period of 12 months.
You cannot have been away from Australia for more than three months in the 12 months before you apply.

There are some exceptions for kids, refugees, and people who work for the Australian government abroad. Meeting this requirement shows a strong desire to live in Australia permanently.

Also Read: What Is The Minimum Points Requirement For Australia PR Eligibility?

Citizenship Test

An Australian citizenship application requires the citizenship test as part of it. It determines how the applicants are aware of the duties and rights of being a citizen.

The test covers:

Australian history, values and traditions.
The government system and operations.
Australian identity and symbols, and the Australian meaning of being.
The duty to obey the law, vote, and be a part of the community.

Applicants must answer questions correctly to pass. The test is in English and it ensures that the new citizens are well conversant with the democratic system and the civic duty in Australia.

To sit the test, you must:

Be a permanent resident of Australia.
Satisfy the department with your identity when you are registering to take the test.
Give a picture of yourself or have the department take one of you.

Privileges Of Australian Citizens

Becoming a citizen after years as an Australian permanent resident brings several benefits and rights. These include:

Live in Australia
Obtain an Australian passport and to leave and re-enter Australia without having to apply for a resident return visa.
Get the help of Australian diplomatic officials abroad.
Work in the public service
Serve in the armed forces
Become an Australian citizen by descent of any of your newborn offspring abroad upon becoming an Australian citizen.
Stands for Parliament
Elect Parliamentary members.

These privileges indicate how the country believes in its citizens and the importance of membership to the Australian community.

Responsibilities Of Australian Citizens

While citizenship brings many benefits, it also carries certain responsibilities. Every citizen must:

Compliance with the laws of the Australian government on all levels.
Participate in elections so as to maintain democratic participation.
Do jury service when requested.
Fight on behalf of Australia, in case the security of the country is at stake.
Register on the electoral rolls of the federal and state/territory.

These duties ensure that citizens actively contribute to maintaining Australia’s democratic integrity, peace, and prosperity.

Also Read: Easiest Way to Migrate to Australia: Guide for 2025

Conclusion

Consult a migration agent Perth who can guide you through documentation and visa submissions to make the journey easier. Gaining PR and citizenship in Australia requires understanding the Australian PR requirements, meeting residence rules, and fulfilling the Australian citizenship application process accurately.

Choosing the best migration agent ensures professional support for a successful transition to citizenship.

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