Each year, Australia welcomes thousands of candidates to the country, allowing them to study, work or live in the country depending on the type of visa. The good news is that most Australian visas allow visa holders to apply for permanent residency after residing in the country for a specified period.
According to the data provided by the Australian Bureau of Data (ABS), more than 55% of the population of 3 million permanent visa holders who migrated to the country from January 2000 to August 2021 are now designated as permanent residents.
However, the criteria to gain permanent residency are measured through a point-based test system that evaluates the eligibility of candidates. The points system is based on several factors, including age, qualification, work experience, and language proficiency. Therefore, you must understand the process of the PR points system as there are a large number of candidates applying for permanent residency.
Therefore, you must follow the below-mentioned tips to increase PR points, as these tips are according to the current points test system of the Australian immigration scheme for visa subclasses 189 and 190.
Common Ways of Obtaining Permanent Residency
Before heading to the tips to increase PR points for Australia, Let’s gain insights into three main ways of getting permanent residency in Australia. Here is the list of the most common pathways to becoming a permanent resident in Australia;
1. Work-stream Permanent Visa
This visa stream is applicable to those skilled workers who are sponsored by an Australian employer. Under this permanent visa, three subclasses fall, including skilled independent visa (subclass 189), skilled nominated visa (subclass 190) and skilled regional or provisional visa (subclass 491). Subclass 189 is for applicants who want to study and work in Australia; subclass 190 is for individuals nominated by the Australian territory, and subclass 491 is designated to skilled workers to study or work in regional Australia.
2. Family-stream Permanent Visa
Under this visa stream, you can gain permanent residency in Australia and can also bring your partner or a family member. However, you must be aware of the eligibility criteria if you want to apply for a family stream permanent visa.
3. Investor Stream Permanent Visa
This visa stream provides entrepreneurs and investors with an opportunity to set up a business in Australia. Moreover, you can get permanent residency in the country after spending a specified time period.
Want to Apply for Permanent Residency in Australia?
Here is a piece of advice for you: It is better to seek professional help in this matter. Believe me, it will save you a lot of trouble as the Australian immigration process is very challenging and difficult to understand for beginners. You can also contact us at The Migration to get affordable consultation and evaluation of your visa application.
Essential Tips to Increase PR Points for Australia
The first and foremost thing to do when applying for PR in Australia is to check the ANZSCO skilled occupation list. It implies that if you want to move to Australia as a skilled worker, make sure that your selected occupation is on the occupation list.
Remember that your first will be a temporary visa, and if you want to continue working further in Australia, you need to renew it. Once you get the second visa, you must try to score high points for permanent residency. Here are some of the top tips to increase PR points for Australia you must know.
- Improve your English language proficiency
- Gain valuable work experience
- Choose a course from skilled occupation list
- Language Accreditation
- Fulfill the age requirements
- Apply for a regional visa
- Meet the educational requirements
- Receive nomination from state or territory
- Partner skills assessment
- Apply for a professional year program
Let’s discuss them step by step to have a better understanding.
1. Improve Your English Language Proficiency
Getting good scores in English language tests will help you to improve your PR points on the points test system. It doesn’t matter if you are a native English speaker or not; scoring well on the language test is compulsory. It is a great way to improve your PR points. Let’s have a look at the summary of the PR points you will gain based on your IELTS score;
- You will gain twenty points if your score is eight or above on the IELTS test for exceptional English.
- You will obtain ten points if you score seven or more on the IELTS test for English proficiency.
- You will gain zero points if you score six or more on the IELTS exam for competent English.
It is important to comprehend that preparing for the IELTS test before the visa application deadline is the best strategy to earn these points.
2. Gain Valuable Work Experience
You can improve your PR points by gaining work experience in the relevant field mentioned on the skilled occupation list. You can get five additional points for one year of work experience and a maximum of twenty points for more than one year of work experience. Remember, you can count on both domestic and international work experience while submitting an application for permanent residence.
Work Experience (Years) | PR Points |
Eight to ten years work experience | Fifteen points |
Five to seven years work experience | Ten points |
Three to four years work experience | Five points |
3. Choose a Course from the Skilled Occupation List
Chances of getting PR are increased if your course of interest is mentioned in the Australian Skilled Occupation list. Once you have completed two years of study in an authorized Australian university, college, or vocational school, you can apply for an Australian post-study work visa.
With this visa, students can stay in Australia for two to four years while working temporarily, depending on their qualifications. For your PR application, you will have two to four years to earn additional Australia immigration points.
4. Language Accreditation
You can receive another five points toward your Australian Permanent Resident (PR) visa if you obtain accreditation in one of the country’s community languages. The National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) is a famous institute for becoming an authorized translator. They provide tests and courses that can aid in your accreditation.
5. Fulfill the Age Requirements
You must meet the age criteria for increasing PR points for Australia. You can score a maximum of thirty PR points if you are between 25 and 32 years of age. However, if your age is 45 years or above, you will not be eligible to get any points. Have a look at the following table to gain a quick and summarized view of age requirements to increase PR points for Australia.
Age (Years) | PR Points |
18 – 24 | Twenty five |
25 – 32 | Thirty |
33 – 39 | Twenty five |
40 – 44 | Fifteen |
45 – 49 | Zero |
6. Receive State or Territory Nomination
One of the best tips to increase PR points is to obtain a nomination from a state or territory Government. It guarantees you additional PR points. However, you need to acquire specific skills or work experience in the high-demand occupations in that specific territory or state. So, if you meet the criteria for getting a state nomination, you should apply for these positions.
7. Apply for A Regional Area
You can add five extra points to your PR if you choose regional areas to work or study in Australia. You must complete your qualification (or a combination of courses) that demands at least two years of academic study (16 calendar months) in order to gain these five extra points. Keep in mind that you must reside and complete your education in a designated regional area. Furthermore, your course of study must be mentioned on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).
You should also read this: Discover the Top 10 Regional Areas for PR in Australia
8. Partner Skills Assessment
You will receive ten PR points more if your spouse or de facto partner applies for the same skilled visa as you do. Nonetheless, remember that your tour partner cannot be a citizen or permanent resident of Australia. You and your spouse/partner must also have appropriate skills assessment results and be under 45 years of age to gain these additional points.
9. Meet the Education Requirements
Meeting the educational requirements is one of the most important tips to increase PR points for Australia. Moreover, the level of education is also important in this regard. In case you have an Australian educational background, there are chances that you may get additional PR points. Your points increase with your level of education. Here is the table providing an analysis of PR points you will gain according to the level of your qualification.
Education Qualification | PR Points |
Doctorate Degree | Twenty points |
Master’s or Bachelor Degree | Fifteen points |
Advanced Diploma | Ten points |
Skills Assessment Certificate | Ten points |
10. Join A Professional Year Program
Enrollment in the professional year program allows you to gain practical experience in your relevant field to enhance your career prospects. After completing the program, you can secure five extra points in an eligible skilled occupation, as mentioned by the Department of Home Affairs.
So, now you’ve understood the points-based test system, you can determine your PR score by utilizing the Australian PR points calculator.
A word of Advice Here: You must consult an immigration lawyer or an expert to assist you in the PR visa application process, as there are higher chances of visa rejection in Australia. Each case is different and demands individualized solutions, and no one can provide these solutions better than experienced immigration lawyers.
How Can The Migration Help You?
The Migration is a registered company that offers authentic and affordable consultation services to its clients. The company has MARA-certified agents in Australia who have been dealing with visa-related services for years. From providing authentic consultation to gathering necessary documents, The Migration has got you covered. Schedule an appointment now, and don’t miss out on the opportunity to enjoy seamless, smooth and streamlined visa services. Your journey towards Australian Permanent residency starts today.
Related Article
Read this blog post to know more about Australian permanent visa cancellation:
Explore the Grounds for Australian Permanent Visa Cancellation
FAQs
How long does it take to get PR in Australia?
It depends on the kind of skilled visa you are applying for. However, the average processing time for the application of PR ranges from six months to one year.
Is seeking professional help from immigration lawyers worth it?
Yes, one of the greatest ways to handle issues that come up while immigrating to Australia is through registered migration agents. They are very skilled and knowledgeable about the rules that need to be followed while applying for a specific visa type.
Does a skilled independent visa require work experience in Australia?
Indeed, you need to have at least 20 hours a week of paid job experience in the relevant field. Remember, it shouldn’t be a volunteer work.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it-tips to increase PR points for Australia. So, you must follow these tips to increase PR points for Australia, including meeting the age, education, language proficiency and work experience. Following these tips will increase your chances of getting PR in Australia. If you have any difficulty with your visa application, contact us at The Migration. Have a wonderful journey ahead.
I, Samavia Shahid, am a researcher and content writer at The Migration. I create easy-to-understand and informative content for people who want to move to Australia. My goal is to make the migration process simpler and less stressful for everyone.