Are you looking forward to become an Australian Permanent Resident (PR)? If your answer is ‘yes’, then, frankly speaking, you are not alone. A rough estimate shows that almost 200,000 people every year become Permanent Residents of the ‘Land of Kangaroos’. Most of the migrants wish to obtain the Australian PR Visa so that they can apply for Australian citizenship and its passport.

Down Under is a hot immigration destination and the best country to make a home away from home. The country of mesmerizing natural beauty provides well balanced life style and a high standard of living, not only to its citizens but also to migrants. Annually, the Department of Immigration and Boarder Protection (DIBP) receives 100s of 1000s of applications for Permanent Residence Visa (PRV) from almost every corner of the world.

‘Oz’ welcomes not only skilled workers but also those who have close family relations within the country. The process of acquiring the Australian PR Visa can be complex, yet at the same time straight forward process depending on the applicant’s specific qualifications.

Permanent Residence signifies that your visa status allows you to live and work in the country indefinitely. With slight difference Permanent Residents enjoy most of the benefits and rights at par with the nation‘s citizens.

There are many immigration programmes and pathways under which an applicant can get an Australia PR Visa. With various subclass PR visa categories, it’s difficult to choose one which is best as per your particular needs.

Here below are given some the common options used by the potential immigrants:

General Skilled Migration (GSM): The best bet for those without an employer to sponsor your visa. It is a point-based category, and to meet the basic criteria, it is mandatory to score 60 points. Some of the most popular visa sub categories under the GSM are Subclass 489, Subclass 189, and Subclass 190.

Under the category, an ideal applicant must be between the age group of 18 and 50, should have cleared the IELTS. The applicant’s nominated profession must fall under the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) and should have received an Invitation to Apply, post lodging Expression of Interest (EoI).

Sponsorship from Spouse or Partner: Those who are already either the citizen or permanent resident of the country have to give a legal undertaking in written that they will fully support your stay in the country during the first two years. Close relatives, children and parents can be covered.

Beside there are many other pathways through which one can get a Australia PR Visa. One becomes eligible to apply for PR only once he has lived and worked for at least two years in the specified regional area. This may include being self-employed in the same area for at least one year, or else obtain a sponsorship under the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS).