Australia Green Card & Permanent Residency – How to Settle Permanently

Australia continues to attract thousands of immigrants every year who are seeking a better life, stable employment, and a secure future. If you’re dreaming of making Australia your permanent home, obtaining permanent residency (PR)—sometimes referred to informally as the Australian Green Card—is your ultimate goal.

Australia does not issue an actual “Green Card” like the United States, but Permanent Residency offers the same benefits and opportunities. 

This article will guide you through everything you need to know about settling permanently in Australia.

Why Choose Australia for Permanent Residency?

Australia offers a unique blend of economic stability, world-class healthcare, high-quality education, and an inclusive multicultural society. It is an ideal destination for individuals and families who want to build long-term futures.

Quality of Life

Australia consistently ranks high for quality of life, offering:

• Clean cities and beautiful landscapes
  
• Safe neighborhoods and low crime rates
  
• Work-life balance and employment opportunities

Access to Benefits as a Permanent Resident

Once you obtain PR, you can enjoy:

• Unrestricted work and study rights
  
• Access to Medicare (Australia’s public health system)
  
• Eligibility for social security benefits after a waiting period
  
• Pathway to Australian citizenship

Pathways to Permanent Residency in Australia

There are several visa options that lead to PR. Your path depends on your background—whether you’re a skilled worker, businessperson, student, or relative of an Australian citizen or resident.

Skilled Migration Visas

Skilled workers are in high demand in Australia, and the government offers several programs to attract qualified professionals.

Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa

This is a points-tested visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer or family member.

Key Features:

• Permanent residency from day one
  
• No state or employer nomination needed
  
• Requires an invitation to apply through SkillSelect
  
• Must meet the minimum points threshold (currently 65+)

Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa

This visa requires nomination by an Australian state or territory.

Benefits Include:

• Direct path to PR
  
• Extra points for nomination
  
• Commitment to living in the nominating state for at least 2 years

Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa

A 5-year visa that leads to permanent residency via the Subclass 191 Visa.

Key Points:

• Requires living and working in regional Australia
  
• Sponsored by a state or eligible family member
  
• Must meet income requirements for PR eligibility

Employer-Sponsored PR Visas

If you have a job offer from an approved Australian employer, you may be eligible for employer nomination.

Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa

This allows skilled workers to live and work permanently in Australia if nominated by an employer.

Streams Include:

• Direct Entry Stream – For skilled workers applying outside Australia
  
• Temporary Residence Transition Stream – For holders of a Subclass 482 (TSS) visa

Business and Investor Visas

Entrepreneurs and investors can also gain PR through the Business Innovation and Investment Program.

Subclass 888 – Business Innovation and Investment Visa

A permanent visa for those who have held the Subclass 188 provisional visa and met the investment or business criteria.

Family-Based Permanent Residency

Australian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor family members.

Partner Visas

For spouses or de facto partners of Australian citizens or PR holders.

• Subclass 820/801 (Onshore)
  
• Subclass 309/100 (Offshore)

Parent and Child Visas

Available for parents and dependent children of Australian residents.

How to Apply for Permanent Residency

Applying for PR involves multiple steps, and each visa has its own eligibility and documentation requirements.

Step-by-Step PR Application Process

1. Determine the Right Visa

Choose the visa pathway that best matches your situation—skilled, employer-sponsored, business, or family.

2. Check Eligibility

Each visa subclass has specific requirements such as:

• Age (usually under 45 for skilled migration)
  
• English language proficiency
  
• Skills assessment for your occupation
  
• Health and character requirements

3. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)

For skilled visas, submit an EOI through SkillSelect, an online system used to assess your qualifications and invite applicants.

4. Receive an Invitation to Apply

If you meet the points requirement and are ranked competitively, you will receive an invitation to lodge your PR application.

5. Lodge the Visa Application

Apply online through the Department of Home Affairs portal. Include required documents like:

• Identity and passport
  
• English test results
  
• Skills assessment report
  
• Police certificates and health checks

6. Wait for Decision and Grant Notification

Processing times vary, but once granted, your permanent residency allows you to live and work in Australia indefinitely.

Points System for Skilled Visas

Australia uses a points-based system to evaluate skilled migrants. Points are awarded based on:

Key Criteria:

• Age: Younger applicants get more points
  
• English Proficiency: Higher scores on IELTS/PTE bring more points
  
• Skilled Employment: Points for work experience in your field
  
• Educational Qualifications: Higher education equals more points
  
• State Nomination or Family Sponsorship: Additional points
  
• Partner Skills: If your partner has qualifications, you earn extra points

You need a minimum of 65 points to be eligible, though higher scores increase your chances of receiving an invitation.

Benefits of Becoming a Permanent Resident

Achieving PR status unlocks a wide range of benefits and rights in Australia.

Work and Study

• No restrictions on where you work or study
  
• Eligible for most university funding options
  
• Greater job security and protection under Australian law
  

Access to Public Services

• Medicare (Australia’s universal healthcare system)
  
• Social security and family assistance (after a waiting period)

Pathway to Citizenship

After 4 years of lawful residence (with at least 1 year as a permanent resident), you may apply for Australian citizenship.

Tips for a Successful PR Application

Navigating the PR process can be complex, but these tips can help improve your chances:

1. Prepare Your Documents Early

Start gathering your documents like transcripts, employment letters, and police clearances early.

2. Get a Positive Skills Assessment

For skilled visas, a Skills Assessment by the relevant assessing authority is mandatory.

3. Improve Your English Score

A higher English test score (IELTS, PTE, etc.) gives you more points.

4. Seek State Nomination

Applying through a state nomination (Subclass 190) increases your points and chances of selection.

5. Consult a Registered Migration Agent

If you’re unsure, a MARA-registered agent can help assess your profile and guide you through the process.

Obtaining permanent residency in Australia is a major milestone for immigrants seeking long-term security, employment opportunities, and a high standard of living. 

Whether you’re applying as a skilled worker, businessperson, or family member, Australia offers clear and structured pathways to help you settle permanently.

Start planning your PR journey today by choosing the right visa pathway, preparing your documents, and positioning yourself as a strong candidate. Your dream of calling Australia home is just a few steps away.