How Much Time Does It Take to Get PR in Australia in 2024?

Benefits of Australian PR

• Live and Work Anywhere in Australia: PR holders are free to live, work, and study anywhere in the country without any restrictions, but understanding how long it takes to get PR in Australia is essential.

• Access to Healthcare: With PR, you can enrol in Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system, which provides access to a range of medical services at low or no cost.

• Pathway to Citizenship: After holding PR for a certain period (usually four years), you can apply for Australian citizenship. It is important to know how long it takes to get PR in Australia.

• Family Sponsorship: PR holders can sponsor eligible family members for PR, allowing them to join you in Australia.

• Social Security Benefits: After two years as a PR holder, you can access social security payments, including unemployment and sickness benefits.

• Education Opportunities: Your children can attend Australian schools, and you may be eligible for student loans if you pursue further education.

One of the questions people have about PR is how long it takes to get PR in Australia. Obtaining PR is a wonderful achievement that allows one to enjoy several rights, such as working and living in the country and receiving high-quality healthcare and education. However, the process is not always easy, and it is necessary to know how many hours it will take to get PR in Australia to develop a correct migration plan. This guide will explain the PR process in detail, including the average time taken for each process, factors that may slow down the process, and ways to hasten it.

What is Australian PR?

Australian Permanent Residency (PR) is one of the visas in the Australian visa and immigration system that permits a person to live, work, and study in Australia. Temporary visas do not grant as much stability as a PR visa, and the holder can apply for Australian citizenship once they meet a specific amount of time as a permanent resident. PR holders are entitled to almost all the rights and privileges associated with Australian citizenship such as the right to access health facilities in Australia and the scheduled benefits of the social security laws in Australia.

Popular Pathways to Australian PR

There are several pathways to obtaining PR in Australia, and each pathway can affect how much time it takes to get PR in Australia. The three most common pathways are:

1. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is a visa that requires the applicant to obtain a specified number of points and does not have employer, state or family sponsorship. If you’re thinking of how long it takes to get PR in Australia through this visa, it takes around 6-9 months of the application process.

2. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

The Skilled Nominated VISA (Subclass 190) is also point-based but is available only to those VISA applicants who the government of an Australian state or territory has sponsored. The time which is taken to process these visas is approximately 5 to 7 months.

3. Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)

The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa subclass 491 visa is for those willing to work and reside in regional Australia. It usually takes a processing time of approximately 8 to 12 months and several other years before one is allowed to apply for PR.

Factors Affecting PR Processing Time in Australia

The time it takes to process your PR application can vary significantly based on several factors. If you’re trying to determine how much time to get PR in Australia, it’s important to consider these factors:

1. Visa Type and Category

Some subclass visas take longer to process than others, affecting how long it can take to qualify for PR in Australia. For instance, the basic processing time for a Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) would not be the same as that for a Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) or a Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491).

2. Application Completeness and Accuracy

Completing and supplying all the necessary documents, termed relevant and genuine, plays a crucial role in minimizing the time it takes to attain a PR in Australia. Sometimes, failure to attach relevant documents, inaccurate information input, or wrong-filled forms may cause a delay.

3. Current Immigration Policies

Immigration policies in Australia are subject to change, impacting how long it takes to get PR in Australia. For instance, changes in skilled migration policies or updates to the list of eligible occupations can affect processing times.

4. Volume of Applications

The number of applications the Department of Home Affairs receives can also impact how long it takes to get PR in Australia. High volumes of applications, especially for popular visa subclasses, can lead to longer wait times.

5. Individual Circumstances

Personal factors, such as your health, character, and background, can also influence your time to get PR in Australia. For example, if additional health checks or police clearances are required, this could extend the timeline.

Also Read: Understanding Australia 2024 Visa Application Charge Change

Average Processing Times for Australian PR Visas

Processing times for PR visas in Australia can vary based on the visa subclass and other factors. Below is an overview to help you understand how much time it takes to get PR in Australia for some of the most common PR visa subclasses:

It’s important to note that these are average processing times, and your case may differ when considering how much time to get PR in Australia.

Steps in the Australian PR Application Process

Understanding the steps involved can help you determine how much time to get PR in Australia and how to prepare effectively. Here are the steps as devised by our experts for easy application:

The process of applying for Australian PR involves several steps:

1. Skills Assessment: Have your skills assessed by a relevant authority.

2. English Language Proficiency Test: Prove your proficiency in English by taking an IELTS or PTE test.

3. Expression of Interest (EOI) Submission: Submit an EOI through the SkillSelect system.

4. Invitation to Apply (ITA): If your EOI is selected, you'll receive an ITA for a PR visa.

5. Visa Application Submission: Lodge your visa application with all required documents.

6. Health and Character Checks: Undergo health examinations and provide police clearances.

7. Visa Grant: If successful, you'll be granted an Australian Permanent Residency.

Tips to Expedite Your Australian PR Application

While there is no official way to fast-track the PR application process, there are several steps you can take to minimize how much time it takes to get PR in Australia:

1. Ensure All Documents Are Complete and Accurate

Double-check that all required documents are included with your application and correctly filled out. Incomplete or incorrect applications are a common cause of delays that can extend how long to get PR in Australia.

2. Apply for the Most Suitable Visa Category

Choosing the visa category that best matches your skills and circumstances can improve your chances of a smooth application process and reduce the time you need to get PR in Australia.

3. Improve Your Points Score

Increasing your score on points can boost your chances of receiving an ITA, which can shorten the time it takes to get PR in Australia. Consider improving your English language proficiency, gaining additional work experience, or securing state nomination.

4. Respond Promptly to Requests for Additional Information

If the Department of Home Affairs requests additional information or documents while processing your application, respond as quickly as possible to avoid any delays in how much time to get PR in Australia.

5. Seek Professional Assistance

Consider engaging a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer to assist with your application. Professional guidance can help ensure your application is complete and accurate, minimizing how long it takes to get PR in Australia.

Conclusion

Understanding how long it takes to get PR in Australia is crucial for anyone planning to make the country their permanent home. While the process may seem lengthy and complicated, being well-informed and prepared can help you navigate it more smoothly. By choosing the right visa category, ensuring your application is complete and accurate, and staying up-to-date with any changes in immigration policies, you can reduce the time it takes to secure your Australian PR. With determination and the right approach, the dream of becoming an Australian permanent resident is within reach.

To get the Australia PR easily and on time, you must contact TerraTern right away. With an expert team and handpicked services to make your immigration services easy, TerraTern will make your immigration quite easy and simple!