Why Australia?

One of the most popular travel destinations for medical professionals globally is Australia. With its thriving economy, top-notch healthcare system, and high demand for qualified nurses, the nation provides unparalleled career security and advancement.

In Australia, registered nurses benefit from competitive pay, first-rate working conditions, and access to cutting-edge medical facilities that foster both professional and personal growth. Beyond work, Australia is a great destination to establish a fulfilling life and career because of its high quality of living, safe environment, and lively multicultural community.

Types of PR Visa in Australia

Skilled Visa

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

For skilled workers not sponsored by an employer, state, or family member.
Based on a points test (age, qualifications, work experience, English proficiency, etc.).
Allows you to live and work anywhere in Australia permanently.

Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

For skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory government.
Requires your occupation to be on the State Skilled Occupation List.
Grants permanent residency with the condition that you live and work in the nominating state for a specific period.

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)

A temporary pathway to PR for skilled workers sponsored by a regional employer or family member.
You must live and work in a designated regional area for at least 3 years before applying for PR (Subclass 191).

Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)

For skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer for a permanent position.
Requires relevant qualifications, work experience, and English skills.
Offers direct PR through employer sponsorship.

Partner Visa (Subclasses 820 & 801 / 309 & 100)

For individuals married to or in a de facto relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
Leads to PR once eligibility criteria are met.

Who are Eligible for Skilled Independent Visa

The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is intended for qualified professionals who desire to live and work continuously in Australia without employer, state, or family sponsorship. Candidates must fulfill the following requirements to be eligible:

Occupation Requirement: Your occupation must be on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL). You must have received a positive skills assessment from the appropriate certifying authority for your occupation.
Points Test: You must score at least 65 points on the Skilled Migration Points Test, which considers:

Age (must be under 45 when invited)
English language proficiency
Skilled work experience (in and outside Australia)
Educational qualifications
Australian study or work experience
Other factors like partner skills or regional study

Expression of Interest (EOI): Submit an EOI using SkillSelect to be considered for an invitation. You can only apply for a visa after getting an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs.
English Language Proficiency: You must demonstrate proficiency in English, which is typically demonstrated by IELTS, PTE, or other recognized assessments.
Health and Character Requirements: You must meet Australia’s health and character standards, including medical exams and police checks.

Employer-Sponsored Visa

An Employer-Sponsored Visa enables talented professionals to live and work permanently or temporarily in Australia after being sponsored by an Australian employer. These visas are excellent for professionals with in-demand talents and employment offers in Australia.

Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482 – TSS): Allows skilled workers to fill temporary positions when employers cannot find local talent. Usually granted for 2 to 4 years. It can provide a pathway to permanent residency.

Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186 – ENS): Permanent visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer. Requires relevant qualifications, work experience, and English proficiency. Provides direct permanent residency.

Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme Visa (Subclass 187 – RSMS): Similar to Subclass 186 but specifically for regional employers. Encourages skilled workers to move to and work in regional Australia

Family Migration

Family Migration visas enable qualifying family members of Australian citizens, permanent residents, and New Zealand citizens to join their loved ones in Australia. These visas are intended to improve family relationships while providing legal residency and employment opportunities.

Partner Visa (Subclasses 820 & 801 / 309 & 100): For individuals married to or in a de facto relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident. Leads to permanent residency once eligibility requirements are met.
Parent Visa (Subclasses 103 & 143): Allows parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents to live permanently in Australia.
Child Visa (Subclasses 101 & 802): For dependent children of Australian citizens or permanent residents to join their parents.
Other Family Visas: Includes Carer visas, Remaining Relative visas, and other pathways for family reunification.

Eligibility for Getting PR Visa in Australia

Australia provides multiple pathways to permanent residency for skilled professionals, family members, and business migrants. Eligibility for a PR visa in Australia is determined by skills, occupation, sponsorship, or family links, as well as meeting age, English, health, and character criteria.

Documents Required to Apply for PR Visa

The documentation you need varies depending on the type of PR visa you are applying for (skilled, employer-sponsored, or family), but typical demands include:

Identity and Personal Documents

Passport (valid and current)
Birth certificate
National ID or other government-issued identification
Marriage certificate (if applicable)
Divorce or death certificate (if previously married)

Skills and Qualification Documents (For Skilled Visas)

Academic transcripts and degree certificates
Skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority
Professional licenses or registrations (e.g., nursing license)
Resume / CV detailing work experience
Reference letters from employers

English Language Proficiency

IELTS, PTE, or other recognized English test results
Proof of English proficiency exemptions (if applicable)

Health and Character Documents

Medical examination reports from an approved panel doctor
Police clearance certificates from countries you have lived in for a specified period

Sponsorship or Nomination Documents (If Applicable)

Employer nomination or sponsorship letters (for employer-sponsored visas)
State or territory nomination approval (for Subclass 190 or 491 visas)
Sponsorship forms for family PR visas

Other Supporting Documents

Evidence of financial capacity or business ownership (for investor/business visas)
Proof of relationship (for partner, dependent, or family visas)

How to Apply for PR Visa

Determine the right PR visa
Check eligibility
Skills assessment (For Skilled Visas)
Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)
Receive an invitation to apply
Prepare and submit documents
Health and character checks
Wait for processing and outcome
Receive PR visa grant

Expenses for Getting PR Visa in Australia

A Permanent Residency (PR) visa application in Australia entails a number of fees, which differ based on the type of visa, the applicant’s nation, and any extra services needed. The expenses include government fees for visa application, skills assessment fees, English language test fees, health and medical examinations, police clearance certificates, migration agent or consultancy fees, and other expenses like translation of documents and travel or courier charges.

Benefits of Australian PR Visa

PR holders can live anywhere in Australia indefinitely.
Work in any job, change employers freely, and pursue career growth without sponsorship restrictions.
Enjoy world-class education for yourself and your children.
Access Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system, for free or subsidized medical care.
PR holders can apply for Australian citizenship after fulfilling residency requirements (typically 4 years).
Gain voting rights and an Australian passport.
Include spouse/partner and dependent children in your PR application.
Provide your family with access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities.
PR holders are eligible for certain social security benefits and financial assistance, depending on residency duration.
Live in a safe, multicultural, and economically stable country with access to modern infrastructure, a clean environment, and an excellent work-life balance.

How Long Does It Take to Get a PR Visa?

The processing time for a Permanent Residency (PR) visa in Australia varies based on the type of visa, applicant profile, and application completeness.

Skilled PR Visas

Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent): ~ 8–12 months
Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated): ~ 8–12 months
Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional, pathway to PR): ~ 6–12 months

Employer-Sponsored PR Visas

Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme): ~ 5–8 months
Subclass 187 (Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme): ~ 6–9 months

Family PR Visas

Partner Visa (Subclasses 820 & 801 / 309 & 100):
Temporary stage: ~ 12–14 months
Permanent stage: An additional 2 years after the temporary visa grant
Parent Visas: Can take several years due to high demand.

FAQs:

Can I apply for citizenship without PR visa?

No, you cannot apply for Australian citizenship unless you first have a Permanent Residency (PR) visa. You must meet specific qualifying requirements and possess a PR visa in order to become an Australian citizen. PR status proves that you have the right to live, work, and settle permanently in Australia, which is a necessary condition for citizenship.

How hard is it to get a skilled independent visa in Australia?

Obtaining a Skilled Independent Visa can be difficult, but it is possible for skilled professionals with in-demand talents. The difficulty mainly depends on your occupation, points score, and the accuracy of your application.

What is the easiest occupation to get PR in Australia?

Australia grants Permanent Residency (PR) based on occupation eligibility, points, and in-demand skills. While no profession ensures permanent residence, some are typically simpler to obtain because of their high demand and ranking on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL). Healthcare professionals, notably nurses and allied health workers, presently have some of the simplest paths to Australian PR because of strong demand and government priority.

What is the best visa to move to Australia?

The “best” visa is determined by your profession, skills, long-term objectives, and specific circumstances. In general, skilled migration and employer-sponsored visas are recommended for professionals seeking Permanent Residency (PR).