Residence in Australia: permits and requirements
Living legally in Australia is possible through 7 permit types: permanent, work, investment, family, retiree. Each program has its own requirements; below are the duration, renewal, costs and documentation according to the country's official sources.
Permanent Residency Through Skilled Migration (Subclass 189/190/491)
Residence type #1 of 7
Residency for skilled workers in in-demand occupations, with no sponsor needed (189) or with state nomination (190/491)
Requirements
- Be under 45 years old
- Occupation on the skilled occupations list
- Positive skills assessment
- Score a minimum of 65 points in the Points Test
- English proficiency (IELTS 6.0 minimum, 7.0+ preferred)
- Good health and character
Documentation
- In-force passport
- Skills assessment from the competent authority
- Proof of English proficiency
- Criminal record certificates
- Medical examinations
- Certificates of degree/educational level
- Evidence of work experience
Frequently asked questions about residence in Australia
How many types of residence permits are there in Australia?
Australia offers 7 residence permit types, grouped into the categories permanent, work, investment, family, retiree. Each permit has its own requirements, duration and documentation, detailed in this fact sheet according to the country's official sources.
How long do residence permits in Australia last?
Durations vary by permit type: Indefinite (Permanent); Up to 4 years (2 years for the short-term stream); 5 years (with the possibility of permanent residency via Subclass 888); 5 years (renewable up to permanent residency). The exact details of each type appear in the corresponding fact sheet.
Can residence permits in Australia be renewed?
Yes. All residence permit types of Australia (7 in total) are renewable before their expiration, according to the rules of each program.
What documentation is usually required to reside in Australia?
Although each permit requires its own file, the most recurrent documents are: In-force passport; Certificado de antecedentes penales; Medical examinations. The complete list by residence type appears in each fact sheet, together with the corresponding official link.
Does residence in Australia lead to nationality?
Yes, through the Naturalization by residence pathway, which requires 4 years (including 1 year as a permanent resident) of legal residence. The complete requirements are in the nationality fact sheet of Australia.
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Anything to correct or add about Australia?
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