Australian permanent residence is the ultimate goal for most skilled migrants. Australian permanent residence has several paths depending on the initial visa category. This article explains the paths in detail.
Australian permanent residence through skilled categories
Australian permanent residence through skilled categories has three main paths. Subclasses 189 and 190 grant permanent residence (PR) directly from the first visa – the visa holder is already a permanent resident upon arrival in Australia.
Subclass 491 grants a 5-year temporary visa first, after which the migrant applies for the 191 visa (Permanent Residence Skilled Regional) once they meet the regional living and working requirements. Subclass 482 grants a temporary visa first, after which the holder applies for the 186 visa (Employer Nomination Scheme) for permanent residence.
Benefits of Australian permanent residence
Australian permanent residents have nearly all the rights of citizens, except voting rights and the right to an Australian passport. Specifically: living, working and studying in Australia indefinitely; access to Medicare (public health insurance), public education and some social welfare benefits.
The right to sponsor relatives (spouse, children, and parents under some categories); the right to travel freely (a Resident Return Visa is needed after 5 years to maintain this); and the right to convert to citizenship after meeting residence requirements.
Maintaining permanent residence
Permanent residents are initially issued a Resident Return Visa (Subclass 155) along with their visa, usually valid for 5 years. To maintain permanent residence, you need to have lived in Australia for at least 2 out of the 5 years before the RRV expires, or meet the substantial ties criteria.
Those who do not meet the residence requirement may lose their permanent residence when the RRV expires. Migrants therefore need to plan to live in Australia long enough, especially in the early years. Regulations may be updated.
You should refer to official Home Affairs website and Home Affairs – Skilled visas to check current conditions.
Summary
Australian permanent residence (PR) through skilled categories: 189/190 grant PR directly; 491 grants a 5-year temporary visa then you apply for 191 PR; 482 grants a temporary visa then you apply for 186 PR. PR benefits: unrestricted living/working/studying, Medicare, public education, sponsoring relatives, converting to citizenship. Resident Return Visa valid for 5 years; maintaining PR requires living in Australia 2 out of 5 years before the RRV expires or meeting substantial ties.
