Australia is a good option if you are thinking of permanent residency in another country. It offers many visa sub-categories to applicants with specific eligibility requirements.
The advantages of getting a PR visa in Australia are:
- You have the freedom to work and live in any part of the country.
- Your family members will get permission to move in with you.
- Your children are eligible for free education up to a certain age.
- You can apply for PR for your relatives.
- You and your family can get work and health benefits.
- You can apply for citizenship after a few years of PR status.
- Unrestricted movement in and out of Australia in the first five years.
It is no surprise that those who wish to move to another country choose Australia. In order to streamline the immigration process, filter the immigrants and ensure that qualified people are granted visas, the Australian government has devised many immigration programs for the PR visa.
If you are thinking of applying for a PR visa to Australia in 2020, you might be wondering what the easiest way is to get Australia PR in 2020. Well, this depends on many factors. Each immigration program has its own unique eligibility requirements, conditions, and the criteria for selection.
The government on its part sets the migration planning levels and fixes a certain number of places under each migration program. In fact, the migration planning levels for 2019-20 saw a decline from 190,000 to 160,000 in immigration places. Here is a table with details of places allotted to each migration program in 2019-2020:
| SKILLED VISA | PLACES |
| Employer-Sponsored (186 Employer Nomination Scheme) | 30,000 |
| Skilled Independent (189 – Skilled Independent visa) | 16,652 |
| Skilled Regional Employer Sponsored (NEW – 494 Skilled Employer-Sponsored & 187 Regional Skilled Migration Temporary Transition) | 10,000 |
| Skilled Work Regional (NEW – 491 Skilled Regional Work visa) | 15,000 |
| State/Territory Nominated (190 Skilled Nominated visa) | 24,968 |
| Global Talent | 5,000 |
| Distinguished Talent | 200 |
| SKILLED PROGRAM – TOTAL PLACES | 108,682 (69.5%) |
| FAMILY & OTHER VISAS – TOTAL PLACES | 51,318 (30.5%) |
Skilled migration program:
You can see that 70% of the places went to the Skilled Migration Program. Australia needs skilled migrants who will contribute to the economy. Skilled migrants bring with them high educational qualifications and higher employment potential. This holds the promise of a better contribution to the economy. Migrants who are sponsored by employees have more potential to bring the desired results.
With the Skilled Migration stream having the greatest number of places, this should be your option when applying for a PR visa. You have better chances under this stream, provided you meet the eligibility requirements and score the required points. The Australian government on its part has made changes to the age and English language requirements under this program to ensure only highly skilled migrants are eligible.
Moreover, the Skilled migration stream is a points-based system and is the most popular immigration program that aspiring migrants choose. Here is a brief description of the eligibility requirements for the three main visa categories under the Skilled Migration Program.
Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189):
Before submitting your application under this category, you must give an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect. This can be done within or outside of Australia.
The applications are by invitation only, for this you should:
Have Experience in a nominated occupation on Australia’s Skilled Occupations List
Get a skill assessment report by a designated authority for that occupation
- Submit an Expression of Interest
- Age must be under 45 years
- Must meet general Skilled Migration basic requirements
- Score at least 65 on the points test
- Meet health and character requirements
Once you receive an invitation to apply for this visa, you must do so within 60 days.
Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190):
You qualify for this visa if you are nominated by an Australian state or territory. The privileges in this visa are the same as the Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189)
The application requirements are similar except that you should have experience in a nominated occupation on the Skilled Occupations List.
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Subclass 491 Visa:
This visa has replaced the Subclass 489 Visa as a pathway to a PR visa. Under this visa, skilled workers and their families must live, work and study in designated regional areas for 5 years. They will be eligible for a PR visa after three years. The eligibility requirements are the same as for other Skilled nomination programs.
If you are opting to apply for your PR visa under the Skilled Migration program, choose an option that is best suited to your qualifications. Consider how far you can meet the eligibility requirements and choose your option for a successful outcome.
Global Talent Visa:
The government has also introduced a Global Talent Independent Visa program (GTS) to help fill the tech talent shortage in Australia. The GTS aims to attract tech workers and encourage innovation in the future-focused industries in the country. There are plans to expand the GTS visa to provide permanent residence option to attract bright and skilled migrants to settle in the country and contribute to the economy.
Employer-Sponsored Migration:
Considering the 30,000 places available under the Employer-Sponsored Migration program, it could be your best bet to try for a PR visa. The program aims at filling skill shortages in the Australian Labor Market by matching the vacancies to those migrants who have the requisite skills and experience.
The easiest way to get your Australia PR is purely subjective. There are many options available to you, success depends on the option you choose and how well you meet the eligibility requirements to get your PR visa in 2020.