Australia is a popular destination for those interested in migrating overseas. One of the most common queries related to Australia that visa and immigration consultants receive on an almost daily basis is as to the Australia PR process timeline.
However, before we move on to the process timeline, let us look at the top reasons for heading to head to the Land Down Under.
Top 5 reasons for migrating to Australia
Good career opportunities
Australia is regarded as one of the best countries for an expat to work and live in.
Prominent cities in Australia – Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart, Brisbane, and Canberra – are regarded as the ideal places for a migrant looking for good employment opportunities.
Welcoming stance towards migrants
Australia is generally perceived to have welcoming immigration policies. People from all over the world are accepted into the country, making a multi-cultural and diverse, yet cohesive, whole.
No language barrier
With Australia being an English-speaking nation, immigrants do not have to deal with any language barrier as is present in the case of countries like Germany or Austria.
Laidback lifestyle
Australia is known for being laidback and easygoing. Generally, Australians are friendly and accommodating of migrants.
High quality of life
Despite Australia being a vast country, the population is quite sparse. Add to it low pollution levels and beautiful natural surroundings, and you have a very good reason for settling down in Australia.
What are the pathways to Australian permanent residency?
With an Australian PR, you can remain in Australia indefinitely. Eventually, you can also apply for Australian citizenship, if you are eligible for the same.
An overseas-born individual can become a permanent resident of Australia in many ways. These include –
| Serial No. | Pathway |
| 1 | Work stream permanent visa |
| 2 | Family stream permanent visa |
| 3 | Business or investor stream permanent visa |
| 4 | Retirement Visa Pathway |
| 5 | Former Resident Visa |
| 6 | Distinguished Talent Visa |
| 7 | Refugees and humanitarian visas |
Of all the pathways to Australian PR, three, that is – family stream permanent visa, business or investor stream permanent visa, and work stream permanent visa – are more common.
Many of the migrants that move to Australia go there for overseas jobs. Such migrants often seek the skilled migration route to Australian PR.
General Skilled Migration (GSM) program is considered to be most popular among migrants. A majority of the people that wish to settle in Australia apply through the GSM program.
What are the most popular visas available under GSM and their processing timeline in 2021?
Three main visa categories come under the GSM program –
| Visa Name | For | Candidate must | What can you do on the visa? | Average processing time |
| Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) | Workers invited with skills needed in Australia can live and work permanently anywhere throughout Australia. | Have occupation on skilled occupation list; possess a skills assessment; be invited to apply; and get the needed points. | Stay permanently; work and study; enroll in Medicare; sponsor relatives; travel to and from Australia for 5 years; become citizen of Australia (if eligible). | 8 to 9 months |
| Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) | Allows a nominated skilled worker to live and work in Australia as a permanent resident. | Have occupation on skilled occupation list; possess a skills assessment; be invited to apply; and get the needed points. | Stay permanently; work and study; enroll in Medicare; sponsor relatives; travel to and from Australia for 5 years; become citizen of Australia (if eligible).
|
6.5 to 8 months
|
| Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 489) | Skilled workers that wish to live and work in regional Australia.
If you have this subclass 489, you can apply for Skilled Regional (Permanent) visa (subclass 887). |
Three pathways come under this –
Invited Pathway [closed to new applications] Extended Stay Pathway Subsequent Entry Pathway For Extended Stay pathway –candidate must hold subclass 475/487/495/496. For Subsequent Entry pathway – be a member of family unit of visa holder of subclass 475/487489/495/496. |
Extended Stay – stay in Australia for 4 years from date of grant of subclass 475/487/495/496; live, work and study in regional Australia in specified regions; travel to and from Australia as many times as needed, provided visa is valid.
For Subsequent Entry pathway –stay in Australia till visa valid; live, work and study in regional Australia in a specified region; and travel to and from Australia as many times as needed, provided visa is valid. |
12 to 14 months |
Factors affecting the processing time
Many factors can affect processing time. The time can vary every month because of factors such as number of applications coming in, seasons which see a higher number of applications, a higher number of complex cases or incomplete applications. Other reasons that impact processing times include:
- Incorrect applications
- Lack of supporting documents
- Time taken to answer any queries raised by immigration officers
- Demand for the applicant’s occupation in Australia
- Inadequate points scored by the applicant in the SkillSelect online system
- Delay in the background verification process
- Time taken to receive information from external agencies about health or character
- Number of places available in the migration program
Getting your PR visa processed on time
To ensure that your Australian PR visa application is processed on time do not submit an incomplete application. For the smooth processing of your application, make sure you meet the requirements of the visa application process.
Include the key documents: Your application must have two key documents which are:
- The Skills Assessment Report from the relevant Skill Assessing Authority
- The results of your IELTS test
Select the right visa category to apply: Analyze each visa category and choose the category that you feel is suitable.
Select the right occupation for the Skilled Occupation List (SOL): Choose an occupation from the SOL which is relevant to you.
Make an application in the point-based system
Ensure you meet the health and character requirements: For this, you need to be certified as medically fit and good in your character.
Check the progress of your application
After you have submitted your application, you can check on its status on the ImmiAccount page in the official webpage of Immigration and Citizenship of the Australian Government.
The timeline for your Australian PR visa application depends on many factors. If you follow the process diligently, your application will be processed within the timeline.
With 2021 just around the corner, it is advisable to seriously start thinking of beginning the process now if you want to migrate to Australia in 2021.
Embark on your Australia PR journey by getting your score from our Australia Skilled Immigration Points Calculator.
For more details, get in touch with us today!
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What is the Australia PR process timeline in 2021?
Posted on November 21, 2020