Requirements for applicants, grounds, and methods for obtaining permanent residency in Australia. Advantages and disadvantages of this process. The procedure for applying and obtaining permanent residency.
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Australia is a country located on the eponymous continent and a number of surrounding islands in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. It is the sixth-largest country in the world by area, but ranks fiftieth in terms of population. The population density in the country is extremely low, which is why the government supports immigration and obtaining permanent residency in Australia is relatively easy. The majority of Australians live in major cities along the east coast of the continent.
Despite its remote location and small population, Australia has a highly developed economy ranked 12th in the world and is a member of the G-20. The country ranks 2nd in the world in the Human Development Index, indicating that its population consists of highly educated, well-paid, and long-lived people.
Permanent residency in Australia is a document that allows one to legally reside and work in Australia. Later, permanent residency can be transformed into full citizenship. However, the difference in the status of citizens and permanent residents is only that immigrants do not participate in the election process and cannot hold certain positions in the public service. In all other rights, permanent residency in Australia equates immigrants with Australians. After obtaining temporary residency and fulfilling the established rules, a foreigner has the right to apply for Australian citizenship in just four years, which is one of the shortest naturalization periods in the world.
Advantages and disadvantages of living in Australia
Implementing a decision to immigrate always has both positive and negative consequences. Studying forums of Australian immigrants, the positive aspects of living in this country are:
High standard of living
Salaries of workers in Australia are several times higher than the average incomes of residents of CIS countries working in similar positions. Excellent conditions are created in the country for pensioners as well. Great prospects. The growing economy of the country allows for building a successful career working as an employee, as well as achieving significant success by running a business. Multiculturalism and excellent attitude towards immigrants. Australians, for the most part, are either descendants of immigrants from all corners of the world, or they themselves have recently come to the country. Every year, more than 100,000 foreigners receive permanent residency in Australia. The attitude towards newcomers is excellent. Low crime rate and safety of life. Access to high-quality healthcare and education. The country’s university rankings are extremely high. Graduates easily find jobs not only in Australia, but also around the world. In terms of the number of foreign students, this state is second only to the USA and the UK. Excellent climate and ecology in inhabited areas. Central areas of the Australian continent are desert. But people live along the coast, where the climate ranges from temperate to equatorial.
Immigrants also note some drawbacks:
- Distance of the continent from familiar places of living
- Disconnect from familiar friends and relatives
- High prices for real estate, food, and education in private educational institutions
- Underdeveloped public transportation
- Owning a car in Australia is a necessity
The significance of the positive aspects of Australian life for immigrants is much higher than the negative factors. It is practically impossible to find those who have received permanent residency in Australia and want to return home permanently.
What are the benefits of obtaining permanent residency in Australia?
Obtaining permanent residency in Australia allows foreigners, including citizens of CIS countries, to legally reside and work in Australia. Holders of Australian permanent residency have the same rights as citizens, allowing them to enjoy all the privileges of living in a wealthy and highly developed country. In addition to economic benefits, permanent residency in Australia also provides political advantages. Australia is a truly democratic country where all the legitimate rights of residents are protected in practice, not just on paper. It is difficult to say the same about post-Soviet states.
By meeting additional requirements, permanent residency in Australia can lead to citizenship in just four years. The Australian passport is ranked 8th by Henley & Partners, allowing visa-free travel to 184 countries around the world. Australia recognizes dual citizenship, and obtaining an Australian passport does not require renouncing existing citizenship.
Grounds for obtaining permanent residency in Australia
Before applying for permanent residency in Australia, it is necessary to find a legitimate basis for long-term stay in the country. Simply arriving and settling in any country is impossible. Typically, wealthy countries create significant barriers to immigration. Australia, however, is a pleasant exception. Nonetheless, it is important to select the appropriate grounds for staying in the country before making an application for permanent residency to the local immigration authorities.
The most commonly used grounds for immigration to Australia are:
Global Talent Independent Program
This program is aimed at attracting established professionals and talented young individuals from foreign countries to the country. Leaders of enterprises, experienced businessmen and entrepreneurs, high-skilled specialists are attracted through this program to the following sectors of the economy: energy, agriculture and agro-processing, finance, medicine, mineral extraction, cutting-edge technologies including space, information technology, and data security. The majority of applicants must demonstrate achievements in their chosen field, which can include patents, awards, membership in international organizations, etc. The program also includes a quota for students seeking master’s and PhD degrees (similar to the Soviet candidate of sciences).
To obtain a residence permit in Australia through this program, candidates must go through several stages. The main one is the writing and submission of a preliminary application for participation. This document should contain a detailed resume of the candidate and, no less importantly, a brief justification of the candidate’s usefulness to Australia. The preliminary application determines the candidate’s chances of being accepted into the program and obtaining a residence permit in Australia. It makes sense to entrust the preparation of the application to immigration agencies or at least have it checked by such agencies. It is not necessary to come to Australia to submit the application. However, the candidate must demonstrate an annual income of 95,000 euros. It is not necessary to undergo a medical examination or provide a certificate of English language proficiency. Those accepted into the program can obtain a residence permit in Australia in approximately 1.5 months.
Business Immigration
There are several programs for obtaining permanent residency in Australia through business ventures:
Business Innovation Program
This program aims to attract business management specialists. Applicants for Australian permanent residency must pass a qualification test and score a set number of points. Foreigners with management experience in companies with a turnover of at least €310,000 and assets worth at least €495,000 are eligible to participate. If granted permanent residency through this program, the participant must manage an Australian company throughout the entire duration of the visa.
Investor Program
This program is designed for wealthy foreigners who are willing to invest in specific Australian territories. The minimum investment amount is €925,000, and a nomination from the state or territory government is required to participate in the program.
Significant Investor Program
The investment amount increases to €3.1 million for this program. To obtain permanent residency through investments, a nomination from the state, territory, or Trade Commission acting on behalf of the Australian government is required.
Entrepreneur Program
This program is aimed at developing innovations. Applicants must secure venture capital funding from Australian entrepreneurs to promote a promising business idea or product.
Business Talent Program
There are two types of business people who can obtain permanent residency in Australia under this program:
- Experienced business owners and co-owners of enterprises with a turnover of at least €1.85 million and property worth at least €925,000, who are willing to invest in a newly created or existing company under Australian jurisdiction and actively participate in its management. They must also score a set number of points in the qualification test.
- Startup entrepreneurs with innovative ideas who need to secure €620,000 in venture capital funding from Australians and participate in the newly created company’s operations.
Both types of entrepreneurs must have a nomination from the state, territory, or Australian Trade Commission. They will receive immediate permanent residency but must engage in the activity they came for immediately.
Education
By strange logic, the Australian government is not interested in attracting students who dream of staying in the country. In the process of obtaining a student visa, you will have to demonstrate a desire to return home after obtaining a diploma. The student visa allows you to work part-time, you can bring your spouse and minor children with you. The spouse visa also allows you to work. After obtaining a diploma, it is easy to find a job and obtain a permanent residence visa in Australia on this new basis.
Employment
There are 2 ways to move to Australia through employment. The first method is for holders of in-demand professions. The list of these professions periodically changes. There is a nationwide program and state programs. The state programs have a broader list of professions. If the profession is on the lists, you need to pass the IELTS test, collect documents confirming your qualification, make a notarized translation of them into English and send electronic copies of the documents to the Australian qualification assessment authorities. When they confirm it, you need to apply to participate in the government or state program. Then pass a special test and score at least 60 points. An electronic visa will soon arrive. Then you need to enter the country and look for a job on your own. Not everyone can score 60 points on the test. For example, being over 40 significantly reduces your chances of success. For those who could not move to Australia through the first method, there is an opportunity to find a specific position, conclude an employment contract, and obtain a work visa based on it.
Good to know:
Guide to obtaining a Work Visa in Australia and finding in-demand jobs
28 High-Demand Occupations of Australia
Family reunion
Close relatives of Australians, as well as foreigners who have the right to long-term residence in the country, have the right to reunite their families. Most often, such relatives receive an Australian visa together with the main applicant. Usually, the program is used for immigration to the country through marriage to its citizens. There are no problems with moving, but Australia closely monitors that the marriage is entered into with the intention of creating a family. If it turns out that it is a fake marriage, the foreign partner will be deported with a ban on re-entry.
Refugee status
You need to arrive in the country by any means and declare a desire to acquire this status. Refugees receive many benefits, and their support is provided by the government. Therefore, you will have to prove that the applicant fought against the regime and now his life, health, and freedom are in danger. If it is not possible to prove this, the status will be denied, and the immigrant will be deported from the country.
Requirements for obtaining a permanent residency visa in Australia
Requirements for obtaining a permanent residency visa in Australia involve applying to the country’s diplomatic representation in your home country. An appointment must be made in advance through the internet. The processing time for the application depends on the reason for the visa, with the response typically taking around one month.
The following documents must be submitted to the Australian consulate:
- A completed application form
- Passport
- Photographs
- Certificate of no criminal record
- Medical certificate attesting to the absence of HIV, active tuberculosis, drug addiction, and dangerous mental illnesses. For work-related immigration, a certificate of overall health is also required, as those in need of urgent or expensive treatment will not be granted a work visa.
- Documents proving eligibility for permanent residency
- Evidence of financial means to support oneself in Australia
- Proof of accommodation in Australia
- Receipt of payment for the consular fee
The list of required documents may change, and all papers must have an authorized translation into English.
The most common reasons for refusal of a permanent residency visa
The most common reasons for refusal of a permanent residency visa are incomplete documentation or submission of fake documents. Additionally, applicants suspected of criminal activity, radicalism, or extremism will be denied. Refusals based on not adhering to democratic values may also occur. All potential immigrants should be mindful of their public statements on the internet, as social media accounts are often checked. A previously granted permanent residency visa may be revoked if the immigrant violates the law in Australia or abroad. The same applies if fake documents are detected after the visa is granted.
Goog to know: Guide to acquiring Australian Citizenship: Process and 6 Requirements
Australia is one of the highly developed wealthy countries where obtaining permanent residency is relatively straightforward. If you have a desire to improve your life, Australia is a good place to consider for immigration.
