Common Q&A if You Want to Settle in Australia

Australia is one of the countries with great job opportunities, a stable economy, and a diverse culture — no wonder, it’s one of the most preferred countries to migrate to. If you want to move to Australia, you could apply to become a permanent resident.  Beyond that, you could also apply for citizenship if you meet the criteria.

Of course, you probably have a few questions if you want to settle in Australia. In this article, we will answer some of the most common questions asked by immigrants who wish to work in Australia. Let’s get down to it!

How can I become a permanent resident of Australia?

There are various pathways you can take to become a permanent resident of Australia. However, the most common program is the workstream visa, which includes: Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 189), Skilled Independent visa (subclass 190), and Skilled Regional visa (subclass 491).

Suppose you apply for any Workstream visa. In that case, you have a higher chance of gaining permanent residency if you’re between the ages of 25 and 33 years — especially if your profession is on the Skilled Occupation list, and you have enough work experience.  In addition, you should be fluent in English with a minimum IELTS score of 6.

Apart from that, you could also become a permanent resident through a Family stream visa. This means you need to be invited by a close or immediate relative. For instance, this could be your partner, your parents, your children, or your dependent relatives. Beyond that, if you’re an investor, you could gain permanent residency through a Business stream visa.

Does Australia have a point-based immigration system?

Australia has a point-based immigration system that determines whether you will be granted permanent residency. The point test considers factors such as age, proficiency in English, work experience, educational background, and additional languages. To be granted permanent residency, you need to gain a minimum of 65 points. However, if you score more than 85 points, you can obtain permanent residency more quickly. You can find out your chances of becoming an Australian permanent resident by using a point calculator.

I have a temporary work visa — how do I become a permanent resident of Australia?

If you hold a temporary work visa and have been working for the same employer for more than 2 years, you can apply for permanent residency through the Transitional stream. However, your employer should be willing to sponsor you so that you can benefit from the Employment Direct Entry stream.  Nevertheless, if your employer is not willing to sponsor you, you could still apply for permanent residency through the Skilled Independent visa.

How much money do I need to settle in Australia?

To begin with, you will spend a significant amount on visa fees. If you’re applying for subclass 189, 190, or 491 visas, you will be required to pay AUD 4,240. However, if you’re bringing another person aged 18 or older, you will pay an additional AUD 2,120. Similarly, if you have kids under 18 years, you will be required to pay an additional AUD 1060.  Nevertheless, since prices change frequently, it’s essential to contact a visa immigration expert before applying.

You should also budget for the skills assessment cost — unless you’re migrating on a family visa. The skill assessment cost ranges from $ 150 to $ 1,500, depending on the skill and assessment provider. 

Beyond that, you could be required to consider Solicitor or Notary Public fees since some assessment providers require certified copies of your documents. This could cost you up to $150 if you look for an affordable provider to stamp and sign the papers. You will also need to pay for the medical report — this could cost you between $200 and $450.

In total, you might need an average of $15,000 if you’re single and $30,000 if you have a family of 4. This could be enough money to see you through from applying for the visa until three months after you’ve migrated to Australia.  Then again, the average cost of the money you need is based on your living expenses.

What are the requirements to become an Australian citizen?

For starters, to become an Australian citizen, you need to have lived in Australia for at least 4 years. Beyond that, you need to have been a permanent resident for at least 1 year. Another criterion is that you should not have spent more than 12 months of the 4 years outside Australia. 

Also, if you’re between 18 and 59 years, you’re required to take a citizenship test. The test consists of 20 questions, and you must pass with a score of at least 75% to become a citizen.  Not to mention, you will need to prove your English competency.