Hodophiles Xplore Visas provides a comprehensive guide for those seeking Permanent Residency (PR) in Australia from India. This blog covers PR visa fees, the PR process, eligibility, the student visa pathway, and choosing the right consultants to make your dream of settling in Australia a reality.

1. Australia PR Visa Fees

The cost of applying for Australia PR depends on the type of visa and the number of applicants. Below is a breakdown:

• Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): AUD 4,115 for the primary applicant, AUD 2,060 for the secondary applicant, and AUD 1,030 for each dependent child.
• Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): Similar to Subclass 189, the fees are AUD 4,115 for the primary applicant, AUD 2,060 for a secondary applicant, and AUD 1,030 per dependent child.
• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491): The same fee structure as above applies.

In addition to the visa fees, other costs include:

• Skills Assessment Fee: AUD 300 – AUD 1,500 depending on your occupation and assessing authority.
• English Test Fee (IELTS/PTE): Around INR 15,000 – 16,000.
• Medical Examination Fee: Approximately INR 5,000 – 10,000 per person.
• Police Clearance Certificate: INR 1,000 – 2,000 per person.

2. PR Visa for Australia from India

Applying for an Australian PR visa from India involves several steps:

• Step 1: Skills Assessment: Ensure that your occupation is listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL). You’ll need a skills assessment by a relevant authority (e.g., ACS for IT professionals).
• Step 2: English Language Test: Take an approved English test like IELTS or PTE to demonstrate your proficiency. A higher score increases your points for PR eligibility.
• Step 3: Expression of Interest (EOI): Submit an EOI through the SkillSelect system, providing details about your skills, work experience, and other qualifications.
• Step 4: State Nomination (Optional): For Subclass 190 or Subclass 491 visas, apply for state nomination, which grants additional points and improves your chances of selection.
• Step 5: Invitation to Apply (ITA): If your EOI is selected, you’ll receive an ITA. You must then submit your PR application with supporting documents.
• Step 6: Visa Grant: If your application meets the criteria, you’ll receive your PR visa, allowing you to live and work in Australia permanently.

3. Australia Student Visa and Pathway to PR

For those seeking an alternative route, a student visa is an effective pathway to Australia PR:

• Step 1: Apply for a Student Visa (Subclass 500): Choose a course aligned with the PR occupation lists. Completing a degree in Australia enhances your chances of securing PR later.
• Step 2: Post-Study Work Visa (Subclass 485): After completing your studies, apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) to gain relevant work experience in Australia.
• Step 3: Apply for PR: With Australian work experience, your points increase, making you eligible for the PR process under the skilled visa categories.

4. Australia PR Process

Australia’s PR process is primarily points-based, evaluating applicants based on age, education, work experience, English proficiency, and other factors. The process generally follows these steps:

• Skills Assessment: Get your skills assessed by an authorized body. This assessment confirms that your qualifications and work experience align with Australian standards.
• Language Proficiency Test: Achieving a good score (preferably CLB 8 or above) in IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL is crucial as it directly impacts your points.
• Expression of Interest (EOI): Submit your EOI through SkillSelect, stating your details and chosen visa subclass (e.g., Subclass 189, 190, or 491).
• State Nomination: For those opting for Subclass 190 or 491, apply for state nomination to boost your points.
• ITA: If selected, submit your PR application with required documents like skills assessment results, language test scores, work experience, and identity proofs.
• Medical and Police Checks: Undergo medical examinations and obtain police clearance certificates.
• Visa Decision: After processing, if all criteria are met, your PR visa will be granted.

5. How to Get PR in Australia

To secure PR in Australia, you need to focus on meeting the eligibility requirements and improving your points score. Here’s how you can enhance your profile:

• Choose an Occupation in Demand: Ensure your occupation is on the MLTSSL or STSOL list.
• Improve English Scores: Aim for higher scores in IELTS or PTE to increase your points.
• Gain Work Experience: Accumulating relevant work experience in your field can significantly boost your score.
• Study in Australia: Pursuing an education in Australia adds extra points and opens up post-study work visas.
• Seek State Sponsorship: Applying for state nomination for Subclass 190 or Subclass 491 visas can grant you additional points.

6. Australia PR Eligibility

To be eligible for PR in Australia, you need to meet specific criteria:

• Age: You must be under 45 years of age.
• Occupation: Your occupation must be listed on the eligible skilled occupation lists (MLTSSL or STSOL).
• Skills Assessment: A positive skills assessment result is necessary for your occupation.
• English Proficiency: You must score well in an English test (IELTS/PTE).
• Points Requirement: A minimum of 65 points is required; however, higher scores increase your chances of receiving an ITA.
• Health and Character Requirements: Pass medical examinations and obtain a police clearance certificate.

7. Australia PR Process from India

Applying for Australia PR from India involves:

• Checking Occupation Lists: Ensure your occupation is listed and meets Australian standards.
• Gathering Documents: Collect educational certificates, work experience letters, and identification documents for the EOI submission.
• EOI Submission: Submit your EOI via SkillSelect, detailing your qualifications and preferences.
• State Nomination (If Required): Apply for state sponsorship to increase your points.
• PR Application: After receiving an ITA, submit your PR application with all relevant documents and complete medical and police checks.

8. Australia PR Consultant

Choosing the right PR consultant is crucial for simplifying the complex PR process. Hodophiles Xplore Visas is one of the trusted consultants in India, providing step-by-step guidance for individuals aiming for Australian PR.

Why Work with a PR Consultant?

• Professional Guidance: Consultants offer expert advice on visa options and improving your profile.
• Documentation Assistance: They ensure all documents are complete and submitted correctly.
• Increased Success Rate: Experienced consultants can increase your chances of a successful PR application.
• Post-Landing Services: Some consultants provide additional support like job search assistance and accommodation guidance after your arrival in Australia.

Conclusion

Achieving Australia PR from India is a structured process that requires strategic planning, a strong profile, and sometimes professional help. Whether you choose the student visa pathway or apply directly through the skilled visa categories, Hodophiles Xplore Visas is here to guide you every step of the way.

FAQs about Australia PR for Indian Applicants

1. What is the minimum score required for Australia PR?
   1. To be eligible for Australia PR, you need a minimum of 65 points in the points-based system. However, higher scores significantly increase your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Points are awarded based on factors such as age, English language proficiency, education, work experience, and state nomination.
2. How much does it cost to apply for Australia PR from India?
   1. The cost varies based on the visa subclass. For the primary applicant, the fee for Subclass 189, 190, or 491 visas is AUD 4,115, while additional fees apply for dependents. Other costs include skills assessment fees (AUD 300 – 1,500), English tests (approx. INR 15,000), and medical exams (INR 5,000 – 10,000 per person).
3. Can I apply for Australia PR directly from India?
   1. Yes, you can apply directly for Australia PR from India through the online SkillSelect system. You need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) with your details and documents, such as skills assessment results, English test scores, and work experience. If your profile meets the criteria, you may receive an ITA.
4. Is a student visa a good pathway to PR in Australia?
   1. Yes, a student visa is an effective pathway to PR. By studying a course aligned with Australia’s occupation lists, you can later apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) to gain work experience in Australia. This enhances your PR eligibility and boosts your points for a skilled visa application.
5. What are the eligibility criteria for Australia PR?
   1. The basic eligibility criteria include being under 45 years of age, having an occupation on the MLTSSL or STSOL list, a positive skills assessment for your occupation, and proficiency in English (with IELTS or PTE scores). You must also meet the minimum points requirement of 65 and fulfill health and character checks.
6. How can a PR consultant help with the application process?
   1. A PR consultant provides expert guidance on selecting the right visa pathway and helps maximize your points score. They assist with documentation, state nomination applications, and managing timelines to ensure a smooth process. Consultants can also provide post-landing services like job search support and settlement assistance.