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Australia Permanent Visa Requirements: Paths to Australian PR

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Australia Permanent Visa Requirements: Your Path to Australian PR

Becoming an Australian Permanent Residency (PR) is a dream for many migrants, as it offers the opportunity to become a citizen of Australia eventually. However, Australian PR is only granted to migrants who hold permanent visas. You must meet the Australia Permanent Visa Requirements to obtain them.

While there are various types of Australian permanent visas, each with its own eligibility and requirements, you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. We are here to provide you with a clear understanding of the Australian permanent visa requirements and assist you with a tailored document checklist, ensuring a smoother visa application process.

What is an Australian PR Visa?

An Australian permanent visa is popular among migrants because of its benefits. Having an Australian PR Visa allows you to become a permanent resident of Australia, which means you can live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely. 

Benefits of becoming an Australia permanent resident

In addition to indefinite residency, PR offers a wide range of benefits, including:

Seeing these fantastic benefits, it is no wonder meeting the requirements for a permanent visa in Australia requires a comprehensive understanding. Most importantly, you must understand that the permanent visa requirements in Australia depend on its visa subclasses, which we have summarised below.

Visa Options to Obtain Australian PR

To obtain Australian PR, you must hold a permanent visa. There are two most common visa streams leading to permanent residency:

  • Family stream permanent visas
  • Work stream permanent visas

Each Australian permanent visa stream has different benefits, eligibility criteria, and requirements. Before applying, choose the suitable visa type that fits your circumstances. It will help you get your visa on time.

Family stream permanent visa options

Family stream visas are the best choices if you have a permanent resident, Australian citizen, or eligible New Zealand citizen as your sponsor. It could be your partner, child, or parents.

The partner visa, parent visa, and child visa are three common categories under the family stream. Each category has a few subclasses allowing you to become a permanent resident. You can apply for these visas either inside or outside of Australia.

Visa Category Visa Type
Partner Visa
Parent Visa
Child Visa
Visa Category Visa Type
Partner Visa
Parent Visa
Child Visa

Note: To be eligible for a permanent Partner Visa, you must first be granted a temporary Partner Visa (onshore temporary Partner Visa subclass 820 or offshore temporary Partner Visa subclass 309).

Work stream permanent visa options

The work stream is designed for professionals who seek opportunities to work and live in Australia. If you want to apply through this stream, your occupation must be on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL). For some visa types, sponsorship or nomination is required.

Skilled Migration Visa and Employer-Sponsored Scheme Visa are two categories under the work stream. Skilled Migration Visa does not require a sponsorship. Meanwhile, the Employer-Sponsored Scheme Visa requires sponsorship and nomination by an approved business in Australia.

Visa Category Visa Type
Skilled Migration Visa (no sponsorship required)
Employer-Sponsored Scheme Visa (sponsorship required)
Visa Category Visa Type
Skilled Migration Visa (no sponsorship required)
Employer-Sponsored Scheme Visa (sponsorship required)

Note: 

  • To be eligible for the 191 Visa, you must have been granted and held a 494 Visa or 491 Visa for at least three years
  • To be eligible for 187 visa, you must hold 457 visa or 482 visa

Read more: All you need to know about skilled migration visa

If you still need to figure out what a suitable permanent visa is for you, you can have a discussion with our expert. With years of experience,  we will give you the best recommendation to help you secure your Australian permanent residency as soon as possible. Click here to start a meaningful conversation.

Step by Step in Getting Australian PR

How to Get an Australia Permanent Visa

Getting an Australian permanent visa involves several steps, including choosing the suitable visa option, checking your eligibility, preparing the required documents, lodging your application and receiving the outcome of your visa application.

Step 1: Choose the suitable visa option

With many visa options in Australia, you must select the right one. It would help if you considered many factors, such as your migration goals, eligibility criteria, and personal background.

Step 2: Check your eligibility

Ensure you meet the criteria for a PR visa, such as age, skills, language proficiency, and points requirement. If you don’t meet the eligibility for your chosen visa, consider selecting another visa type.

Step 3: Prepare the required documents

Preparing the documents is one of the trickiest parts since many documents are required, and you need to prepare according to the guidelines from DHA. Rest assured! We have provided you with the document checklist in the next section, or you can click here.

Step 4: Lodge your visa application

You can submit your application through ImmiAccount. Ensure all necessary documents are attached, as missing documents can delay your application. While waiting for the decision, you must regularly check your application status in case DHA requests additional information.

Step 5: Receive your visa grant

Once everything is approved, congratulations! Now, your PR Visa is in your hand. Then, After some time and meeting the eligibility criteria, you can apply for Australian citizenship.

Read more: A Complete Guidance to Become a citizen of Australia

Australia Permanent Visa Requirements

The Australia permanent visa has numerous requirements, and handling them with utmost care is crucial to avoid any pitfalls that could complicate your application.

No need to worry! We have provided a document checklist and detailed information for each visa stream to assist you with a successful visa application.

Document checklist for permanent visa requirements

Here is a tailored document checklist for each permanent visa stream, giving you a smoother path to meet all requirements. Please be aware that you must provide all the documents accurately and ensure you can proof your document and give reliable information for a less stressful Australian PR application.

Document checklist for family stream visa

We have provided a tailored document checklist for each family visa subclass below.

Document checklist for Partner Visa

Documents Onshore Permanent Partner Visa (subclass 801) Offshore Permanent Partner Visa (subclass 100)
Identity documents Provide a passport that shows your photo, personal details, signature, passport issue and expiry dates.
Proof of relationship Provide the following document

  • Commonwealth statutory declaration form as relationship document
  • Supporting documents that show you’re still in a relationship with your partner
Good character documents Overseas police certificate (from any country) or national police certificate (issued by Australian Federal Police)
Family members’ documents Each family who holds an 820 visa or 445 visa provides:

  • Copies of their passport
  • Change of situation documents
  • Police certificate (if applicable and only for dependants over 16
Each family who holds a 309 Visa or 445 Visa provides:

  • Copies of their passport
  • Change of situation documents
  • Police certificate (if applicable and only for dependants over 16
Documents Onshore Permanent Partner Visa (subclass 801) Offshore Permanent Partner Visa (subclass 100)
Identity documents Provide a passport that shows your photo, personal details, signature, passport issue and expiry dates.
Proof of relationship Provide the following document

  • Commonwealth statutory declaration form as relationship document
  • Supporting documents that show you’re still in a relationship with your partner
Good character documents Overseas police certificate (from any country) or national police certificate (issued by Australian Federal Police)
Family members’ documents Each family who holds an 820 visa or 445 visa provides:

  • Copies of their passport
  • Change of situation documents
  • Police certificate (if applicable and only for dependants over 16
Each family who holds a 309 Visa or 445 Visa provides:

  • Copies of their passport
  • Change of situation documents
  • Police certificate (if applicable and only for dependants over 16

You can find the more detailed checklist for fulfilling the Permanent Partner Visa requirements in Australia here.

Also, suppose there is any change in your situation and relationship while your visa is being processed. In that case, you must notify DHA immediately through the immiAccount or partner processing enquiry form

Document checklist for parent visa

Documents Parent Visa (subclass 103) Aged Parent Visa (subclass 804) Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143) Contributory Aged Parent Visa (subclass 864)
Identity documents
  • Passport
  • National identity card
  • Evidence of change of name (marriage certificate or any documents which show your other names
Photograph Provide four of the latest photos with good quality and size 45 mm x 35 mm
Sponsor Documents Your sponsor must fill out Form 40 (Sponsorship for Migration to Australia)
Balance of family documents Provide the following evidence:

  • Relationship with your child (sponsor)
  • Your child’s country of resident or permanent residence
  • Family Card or other documents showing your family composition
Good character documents Provide police certificate only if DHA asks for
Assurance of support Provide the assurance of support when DHA asks; you don’t need to attach them if you apply as a retiree
Migration agent-appointment document Form 956 – Appointment of a Registered Migration Agent, Legal Practitioner or Exempt Person
Dependents Documents Dependant under 16:

Dependent over 18:

Partner documents
  • Identity documents
  • Good character documents
  • If you’re married, provide a marriage certificate
  • If you’re in a de facto relationship, you can provide documents like joint bank account or joint lease
Previous visa holder Suppose you hold a temporary visa subclass 173. In that case, you only need to submit migration agent-appointed documents and documents related to your changes circumstances. Suppose you hold a temporary visa subclass 884. In that case, DHA only requires you to submit migration agent-appointed documents and documents related to your changes circumstances.
Documents Parent Visa (subclass 103) Aged Parent Visa (subclass 804) Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143) Contributory Aged Parent Visa (subclass 864)
Identity documents
  • Passport
  • National identity card
  • Evidence of change of name (marriage certificate or any documents which show your other names
Photograph Provide four of the latest photos with good quality and size 45 mm x 35 mm
Sponsor Documents Your sponsor must fill out Form 40 (Sponsorship for Migration to Australia)
Balance of family documents Provide the following evidence:

  • Relationship with your child (sponsor)
  • Your child’s country of resident or permanent residence
  • Family Card or other documents showing your family composition
Good character documents Provide police certificate only if DHA asks for
Assurance of support Provide the assurance of support when DHA asks; you don’t need to attach them if you apply as a retiree
Migration agent-appointment document Form 956 – Appointment of a Registered Migration Agent, Legal Practitioner or Exempt Person
Dependents Documents Dependant under 16:

Dependent over 18:

Partner documents
  • Identity documents
  • Good character documents
  • If you’re married, provide a marriage certificate
  • If you’re in a de facto relationship, you can provide documents like joint bank account or joint lease
Previous visa holder Suppose you hold a temporary visa subclass 173. In that case, you only need to submit migration agent-appointed documents and documents related to your changes circumstances. Suppose you hold a temporary visa subclass 884. In that case, DHA only requires you to submit migration agent-appointed documents and documents related to your changes circumstances.

Document checklist for child visa

Documents Onshore Child Visa (subclass 802) Offhore Child Visa (subclass 101) Adoption Visa (subclass 102)
Identity documents
  • Passport
  • National identity card
  • Evidence of change of name, such as Change of Name certificate
  • Copies of the adoption paper or adoption compliance certificate (if your child is adopted)
  • Passport
  • National identity card
  • Evidence of change of name, such as Change of Name certificate
Photograph Four latest passport size (45 mm x 35 mm) photos with good quality
Travel documents Passport or travel documents related to your child’s entry into Australia
Good character documents Applicable for a child over 16 years old, provide police certificate and fill Form 80
Application circumstances It’s not mandatory. However, you may need to provide the following documents depending on your child’s situation

  • Proof of full-time student if your child is between 18 to 25 years old and studying full-time
  • Documents from qualified medical practitioners if your child over 18 with disability
Proof of child and parent relationship
  • Birth certificate
  • Marriage certificate
  • Family status certificate or family book
Financial documents As proof that your child is still getting support from you, dependant children over 18 provide one of the following evidence:

  • Bank statements
  • Money transfers
  • Rent receipts
Dependents Documents Dependant under 18 years old:

Migration agent-appointed documents Form 956 – Appointment of a registered migration agent, legal practitioner or exempt person
Adoption documents Child adoption paper or child adoption compliance certificate
Documents Onshore Child Visa (subclass 802) Offhore Child Visa (subclass 101) Adoption Visa (subclass 102)
Identity documents
  • Passport
  • National identity card
  • Evidence of change of name, such as Change of Name certificate
  • Copies of the adoption paper or adoption compliance certificate (if your child is adopted)
  • Passport
  • National identity card
  • Evidence of change of name, such as Change of Name certificate
Photograph Four latest passport size (45 mm x 35 mm) photos with good quality
Travel documents Passport or travel documents related to your child’s entry into Australia
Good character documents Applicable for a child over 16 years old, provide police certificate and fill Form 80
Application circumstances It’s not mandatory. However, you may need to provide the following documents depending on your child’s situation

  • Proof of full-time student if your child is between 18 to 25 years old and studying full-time
  • Documents from qualified medical practitioners if your child over 18 with disability
Proof of child and parent relationship
  • Birth certificate
  • Marriage certificate
  • Family status certificate or family book
Financial documents As proof that your child is still getting support from you, dependant children over 18 provide one of the following evidence:

  • Bank statements
  • Money transfers
  • Rent receipts
Dependents Documents Dependant under 18 years old:

Migration agent-appointed documents Form 956 – Appointment of a registered migration agent, legal practitioner or exempt person
Adoption documents Child adoption paper or child adoption compliance certificate

Document checklist for work stream visa

We have provided a tailored document checklist for each work visa subclass below.

Document checklist for skilled migration visa

Documents Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 190) Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (subclass 191)
Identity documents
  • Passport
  • National identity card
  • Proof of change of name, such as marriage certificate, divorce certificate, change of name certificate, etc.
Work and residence documents Not applicable Provide evidence that you have lived, worked and studied in a designated regional area of Australia.
Evidence of income Not applicable Provide notice of assessment issued by Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for your income in the last three years
Current relationship documents
  • Marriage certificate (if you’re married)
  • Divorce certificate
  • Any other separation documents (if you’re separated), etc.
Character documents
  • Overseas police certificate from any countries you’ve lived for at least 12 months in the last 10 years
  • Australian Federal Police (AFP) National Police Check
  • Form 80
English proficiency English certificate showing at least competent English at the time of invitation Not applicable
Partner documents (if applicable)
  • Identity documents
  • Character documents
  • Evidence of relationship
  • Proof your partner has Functional English
Skills Assessment Provide positive Skills Assessment result from relevant Skills Assessing Authority Not applicable
Expression of Interest (EOI) documents Provide documents to support all of your claims in your EOI application Not applicable
Eligible visa subclass Not applicable Provide your 491 or 494 Visa grant letter and it must have been 3 years since the grant date
Dependent documents For dependent under 18 years old, provide:

  • Birth certificate
  • Adoption paper (if applicable)
  • Form 1229

For dependent 18 years old and above, provide:

  • Identity documents
  • Proof of family relationship
  • Proof of financial dependency
  • Report from qualified medical practitioner if your child with disability
  • Form 47A
Documents Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 190) Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (subclass 191)
Identity documents
  • Passport
  • National identity card
  • Proof of change of name, such as marriage certificate, divorce certificate, change of name certificate, etc.
Work and residence documents Not applicable Provide evidence that you have lived, worked and studied in a designated regional area of Australia.
Evidence of income Not applicable Provide notice of assessment issued by Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for your income in the last three years
Current relationship documents
  • Marriage certificate (if you’re married)
  • Divorce certificate
  • Any other separation documents (if you’re separated), etc.
Character documents
  • Overseas police certificate from any countries you’ve lived for at least 12 months in the last 10 years
  • Australian Federal Police (AFP) National Police Check
  • Form 80
English proficiency English certificate showing at least competent English at the time of invitation Not applicable
Partner documents (if applicable)
  • Identity documents
  • Character documents
  • Evidence of relationship
  • Proof your partner has Functional English
Skills Assessment Provide positive Skills Assessment result from relevant Skills Assessing Authority Not applicable
Expression of Interest (EOI) documents Provide documents to support all of your claims in your EOI application Not applicable
Eligible visa subclass Not applicable Provide your 491 or 494 Visa grant letter and it must have been 3 years since the grant date
Dependent documents For dependent under 18 years old, provide:

  • Birth certificate
  • Adoption paper (if applicable)
  • Form 1229

For dependent 18 years old and above, provide:

  • Identity documents
  • Proof of family relationship
  • Proof of financial dependency
  • Report from qualified medical practitioner if your child with disability
  • Form 47A

Document checklist for Employer-Sponsored Scheme Visa

Documents Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (subclass 186) Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme Visa (subclass 187)
Identity documents
  • Passport
  • National identity card
  • Proof of change of name, such as marriage certificate, divorce certificate, change of name certificate, etc.
Licencing, registration or membership Applicable if your nominated occupation or state or territory government requires licence, registration, or professional membership to perform the job.
Skills and qualification documents Evidence of your skills and qualification:

    • Positive Skills Assessment
    • CV or resume
    • Employment reference

If you’re exempted:

  • Evidence of nomination as an academic (university lecturer or faculty head at Academic Level A, B, C, D, or E) by a university in Australia
  • Evidence of nomination as a scientist, researcher or technical specialist by Australian government scientific agency
  • Evidence of holding a 444 Visa or 461 Visa and have worked for your sponsoring employer for at least 2 years
Provide positive Skills Assessment result when required
Age exemption documents
  • Evidence of nomination as an academic (university lecturer or faculty head at Academic Level A, B, C, D, or E) by a university in Australia
  • Evidence of nomination as a scientist, researcher or technical specialist by Australian government scientific agency
  • Evidence of holding a 444 Visa or 461 Visa and have worked for your sponsoring employer for at least 2 years
  • Evidence of nomination as an academic (university lecturer or faculty head at Academic Level A, B, C, D, or E) by a university in Australia
  • Evidence of nomination as a scientist, researcher or technical specialist by Australian government scientific agency
  • Evidence of nomination as a medical practitioner and have worked in the designated regional area of Australia at least 2 years on a 457 or 482 Visa
  • Have worked in your nominated occupation for your sponsoring employer on a 457 or 482 Visa at least 2 years with income at least as much as Fair Work High Income Threshold
Character documents
  • Overseas police certificate from any countries you’ve lived for at least 12 months in the last 10 years
  • Australian Federal Police (AFP) National Police Check
  • Form 80
English proficiency English certificate showing at least competent English at the time of invitation
Partner documents (if applicable)
  • Identity documents
  • Character documents
  • Evidence of relationship
  • Proof your partner has Functional English
Dependent documents For dependent under 18 years old, provide:

  • Birth certificate
  • Adoption paper (if applicable)
  • Form 1229

For dependent 18 years old and above, provide:

  • Identity documents
  • Proof of family relationship
  • Proof of financial dependency
  • Report from qualified medical practitioner if your child with disability
  • Form 47A
Documents Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (subclass 186) Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme Visa (subclass 187)
Identity documents
  • Passport
  • National identity card
  • Proof of change of name, such as marriage certificate, divorce certificate, change of name certificate, etc.
Licencing, registration or membership Applicable if your nominated occupation or state or territory government requires licence, registration, or professional membership to perform the job.
Skills and qualification documents Evidence of your skills and qualification:

    • Positive Skills Assessment
    • CV or resume
    • Employment reference

If you’re exempted:

  • Evidence of nomination as an academic (university lecturer or faculty head at Academic Level A, B, C, D, or E) by a university in Australia
  • Evidence of nomination as a scientist, researcher or technical specialist by Australian government scientific agency
  • Evidence of holding a 444 Visa or 461 Visa and have worked for your sponsoring employer for at least 2 years
Provide positive Skills Assessment result when required
Age exemption documents
  • Evidence of nomination as an academic (university lecturer or faculty head at Academic Level A, B, C, D, or E) by a university in Australia
  • Evidence of nomination as a scientist, researcher or technical specialist by Australian government scientific agency
  • Evidence of holding a 444 Visa or 461 Visa and have worked for your sponsoring employer for at least 2 years
  • Evidence of nomination as an academic (university lecturer or faculty head at Academic Level A, B, C, D, or E) by a university in Australia
  • Evidence of nomination as a scientist, researcher or technical specialist by Australian government scientific agency
  • Evidence of nomination as a medical practitioner and have worked in the designated regional area of Australia at least 2 years on a 457 or 482 Visa
  • Have worked in your nominated occupation for your sponsoring employer on a 457 or 482 Visa at least 2 years with income at least as much as Fair Work High Income Threshold
Character documents
  • Overseas police certificate from any countries you’ve lived for at least 12 months in the last 10 years
  • Australian Federal Police (AFP) National Police Check
  • Form 80
English proficiency English certificate showing at least competent English at the time of invitation
Partner documents (if applicable)
  • Identity documents
  • Character documents
  • Evidence of relationship
  • Proof your partner has Functional English
Dependent documents For dependent under 18 years old, provide:

  • Birth certificate
  • Adoption paper (if applicable)
  • Form 1229

For dependent 18 years old and above, provide:

  • Identity documents
  • Proof of family relationship
  • Proof of financial dependency
  • Report from qualified medical practitioner if your child with disability
  • Form 47A

Health Requirement for Australia Permanent Visa

Health requirements for Australian permanent visa

Meeting the health requirements is essential for becoming an Australian PR. To assess whether you’ve met the health requirement for Australian permanent visa, you are required to undergo a health examination.

Meeting the health requirements means you must be free of diseases or conditions that could burden Australia’s healthcare system or limit the availability of these services for Australian citizens and permanent residents. For instance, you must be free from tuberculosis, HIV, or conditions requiring organ transplants. However, If you have a specific condition, don’t be stressed—the Medical Officer of the Commonwealth (MOC) will give you advice on your situation.

You must take a health examination to prove you meet the health requirement. Suppose your application includes your family members. They also need to take a health examination. But, you may not need to redo your health check when you have had a medical exam for the last 12 months.

Good character requirements for Australian permanent visa

Similar to health requirements, good character requirements are mandatory in obtaining Australian PR.

To meet the good character requirement, you must be free from:

  • A substantial criminal record
  • Committed or convicted of child-related sexual crime
  • Convicted to escape immigration detention or committing crimes during/after such escape
  • Linked to a group or individual who engaged in criminal activity
  • Suspected to be involved in serious international crimes, such as genocide, human crime, people trafficking, and more
  • Shows poor character
  • Pose a risk of criminal conduct or violence in Australia
  • Adverse on security assessments or Interpol notice
  • Committed or convicted on domestic violence cases

When you apply for a visa, ensure you declare all your criminal conduct, answer all the questions honestly, and provide all the required information to DHA. You can prove your good character requirements by providing military certificates or police certificates. If you fail to provide proof, your visa can be rejected.

What if I Don’t Meet One of The Requirements

Failing to provide one of the Australia permanent visa requirements can delay your application. In the worst-case scenario, it could result in your visa being rejected. For example, failing to meet the good character requirement would result in an automatic rejection. Sounds scary, right?

However, there’s no need to be afraid—we are here to help! With over a decade of experience handling complex cases, our experts will guide you through the Australia permanent visa requirements. We will make sure you get your visa on time so you can secure your Australian PR immediately. Click below to consult with our visa expert.

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Becoming an Australian PR with ONEderland Consulting

Becoming an Australian PR may seem lengthy and overwhelming, especially with the numerous Australian permanent visa requirements. Don’t be stressed! We at ONEderland Consulting will help you save time and make a secure process during your visa application and health insurance enrollment. Our team of highly qualified and experienced migration specialists is dedicated to putting in a lot of effort and planning ahead of time on your behalf. We pay close attention to every detail and apply our extensive knowledge to handle even the most complex cases.

We are committed to being open and honest with you, keeping you updated and involved at every stage. We will work tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome for your future in Australia, and you can rely on us to be your dependable partner and advocate.

We are complex visa specialists. As registered Australian migration agents with the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA), we are regulated in our professional practice and bound by the profession’s Code of Conduct issued by the MARA.

Take the first step and contact us. Our team members are professional and honest and speak various languages, such as Mandarin/Chinese, Bahasa Indonesia, Arabic, Japanese, and Thai. Contact us by email at [email protected] or by phone at 1300 827 159. Alternatively, you may book your consultation online, and it is backed by our 100% Money Back Guarantee Program.

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