How Much Does it Cost to Become a Permanent Resident in Australia

 

 

 

Australia after Canada and USA are becoming a preference of many international students. And, why should it be? Being a land providing cultural diversity, and stable political environment makes it one such location perfect for students mainly. After the completion of the courses a student focuses on getting a job in the area he/she is living. Similarly to be a part of Australia you either need to get sponsored by an employer or self apply for permanent residency in  Australia visas and then look for jobs in the Australian market. Becoming a permanent residence offers numerous benefits including access to excellent healthcare, educational opportunities, and a strong economy to the students. But applying is not just the thing, it involves an individual in procuring costs related to the process. And for that you can depend solely on this blog. 

 

We will be exploring areas of where costs can be incurred while applying for permanent residency visa and also will be exploring the visa options, visa requirements to study in Australia associated with the same in this blog. This awareness will help you to plan accordingly and avoid unexpected financial burdens.

 

 

Understanding Permanent residency of Australia

 

When we talk about permanent residency we usually think that they can conduct their lives as a normal residence would do but it just allows them to to live for an indefinite time period in Australia. Staying in Australia is not as simple as it sounds, without a proper plan and source of income there is no way out to the dark place you are entering into. Therefore an international student must ensure and self assess their capabilities to live a life they dreamed of in Australia. 

 

The permanent residency in Australia grants the authority to an individual to live, work, and study in the country. With the visa type chosen you are allowed to enjoy many of the same rights and privileges as Australian citizens. These permanent visas can be obtained through various visa streams such as skilled migration, family sponsorship, or humanitarian programs.

 

 

Benefits of Becoming a Permanent Resident

 

1. Work and Live in Australia Indefinitely: After you have become a permanent resident you get the right to work and live in Australia without any time constraints or any other restriction. This can help you in fulfilling the dreams you had including a business start-up, or property investments. 
 

2. Access to Public Services and Benefits: You get the access to utilize the public services that range from medicare to social security and welfare, to education and insurance services. These services collectively ensure that a student or the graduate feels a sense of home in a different country. 
 

3. Pathway to Australian Citizenship: Living in Australia on permanent residency and gaining respect, and not having indulged in ill activities, you build your pathway towards becoming an Australian citizen. After you have met the residency requirements, you can apply for citizenship, which will grant you the rights including voting in elections and obtaining an Australian passport.
 

4. Sponsor family members: The individuals staying in Australia upon permanent residency are eligible to call out their family members  for permanent residency, facilitating family reunification in Australia. Having family members close by can contribute to a smoother transition and integration into Australian society for new permanent residents.
 

 

Major pathways to permanent residency in Australia

 

To understand the ways you can fulfil the process of applying for permanent residency in Australia is majorly through visa. There are various visa options available to get into the process. Let us give it a swap:

 

Skilled Migration

 

1. General Skilled Migration (GSM) Program: Those who have skills and these skills are in demand in the job market then only the applicants are granted a permanent visa. You can be a successful applicant only when you meet specific points-based criteria based on factors such as age, English language proficiency, work experience, and qualifications. Under this category, you are granted visas such as Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190), or Skilled Regional visa (subclass 491). 

 

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): Does not require sponsorship.
 

Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): Requires nomination by an Australian state or territory government.
 

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491): Requires nomination by a state or territory or sponsorship by an eligible relative living in a designated regional area.

 

2. Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS): This visa type allows an employer from Australia to sponsor skilled workers from other countries based on their profile and the experience they have gained over the years. There are two streams under this scheme: the Temporary Residence Transition stream for 457/482 visa holders who have worked for their employer for at least three years, and the Direct Entry stream for applicants who have not worked in Australia or who do not qualify under the Temporary Residence Transition stream.

 

 

Family Sponsorship

 

1. Partner Visa: If you wish to have your partner by your side while staying in Australia then you can sponsor your spouse or de facto partner for permanent residency. All you need is to demonstrate your relationship and then the visa is granted in two stages: temporary and then permanent after a waiting period.
 

2. Parent Visa: Allowing your parents to be permanent residents in Australia. There are subcategories within this one, each with specific eligibility and processing time. 

 

 

Navigating the costs associated with obtaining permanent residency in Australia 

 

Each of the visa types mentioned above has its specific costs, and understanding them is crucial for planning and budgeting for your migration process. These key areas need to be sorted out to understand the total cost involved while applying for Australian permanent residency. 

 

1. Visa Application Fees: This is paid to the Australian government when lodging your visa application through online sources. 

• Cost: For example, as of 2024:

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): AUD 4,255 for the main applicant.

Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801): AUD 8,715 for combined application (including temporary and permanent stages).

 

 

2. Medical Examination: You are required to go under a medical examination, to ensure that you are physically and mentally well to contribute to the Australian environment. Examination can be done only when the Department of Home Affairs approves of the panel physician. 

Cost: Typically ranges from AUD 300 to AUD 500 per person, depending on the tests required.

 

 

3. English Language Testing: There is a need to provide proof of English language proficiency while applying for certain subclasses within the main category of visa types. 

• Cost: Varies by test provider:

IELTS: Approximately AUD 375.

PTE Academic: Approximately AUD 375.

TOEFL: Approximately AUD 300.

 

 

4. Skills Assessment: Your skills need to be verified by the employer who is involved in sponsoring you. So to prove that you need to send a few pennies. 

Cost: Varies by assessing authority and occupation, generally between AUD 300 to AUD 1,500.

 

 

5. Police Certificates: When you have lived in some other country for more than 12 months in the past 10 years, you are required to get a police authoritative certificate. 

Cost: Typically around AUD 50 to AUD 150 per certificate.

 

 

6. Translations and Document Certification: if your documents are not in English, they must be translated by a certified translator. Some documents may also require certification.

Cost: Varies depending on the number and complexity of documents, generally AUD 50 to AUD 100 per document.

 

 

7. Migration Agent Fees: These are not mandatory fees, but are recommended for navigating the complex visa application process and ensuring compliance with immigration laws.

Cost: Fees vary widely based on the agent’s experience and the complexity of the case. Typical costs range from AUD 2,000 to AUD 10,000 or more.

 

 

8. State/Territory Nomination Fees: There are some visa types which require nomination by an Australian state or territory government, for that there may be additional fees involved. 

Cost: Can range from AUD 200 to AUD 800, depending on the state or territory.

 

 

9. Biometrics: You will have to provide biometric details as a part of the visa application process including fingerprints and a photo. 

Cost: Approximately AUD 80 to AUD 120 per person.

 

 

Example Cost Breakdown for a Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) Applicant:

 

1. Visa Application Fee: AUD 4,255

2. Medical Examination: AUD 400

3. English Language Test (IELTS): AUD 375

4. Skills Assessment: AUD 800

5. Police Certificates: AUD 100

6. Translations/Certifications: AUD 100

7. Migration Agent Fees (if used): AUD 5,000

Total Estimated Cost: Approximately AUD 10,030 (without migration agent fees) to AUD 15,030 (with migration agent fees).

 

 

Conclusion

 

Finally, you have been equipped with the knowledge of the type of Australian student visa requirements and specific visa options available to you for moving on the path of applying for permanent residency in Australia and have also gained knowledge in the context of areas where you can see potential expenses taking place. You can take advantage of online resources or seek professional advice to make informed decisions anticipating the updates in immigration policies and requirements. Through the blog, now you know that each pathway has its own set of requirements and considerations. By choosing the pathway that aligns best with your qualifications and aspirations, you can embark on this journey with clarity and determination.

Read more:
1. Pros and Cons of Distance Learning
2. Get the Finest Piece of Work for Your Academics: Oz Assignments
3. Best TAFE Courses For High Paying Jobs
4. Importance of Connection Building in Career Success for International Students