How Can I Convert My Australian Work Visa to a PR Visa?

Migrating to Australia is a dream for many, and obtaining a Permanent Residency (PR) visa is often the ultimate goal. If you are currently holding an Australian work visa and wish to convert it to a PR visa, this guide will provide you with detailed information on the process, eligibility criteria, and the best pathways to achieve your dream of permanent residency in Australia.

Understanding the Australian PR Visa

An Australian PR visa gives one the permission to permanently reside, work, and study in Australia. It also gives you the right to access health care, social security and, right to apply for Australian citizenship. The primary benefit of changing your work visa to a PR visa is that it offers stability and work possibilities for oneself and dependents.

Pathways to Convert Your Australian Work Visa to a PR Visa

1. Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa – (subclass 186)

The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) (Subclass 186) enables employees accompanied by their employers to be granted PR visa. This visa is for skilled migrants with work experience in Australia for at least three years on a skilled work visa. The ENS visa has three streams:

· Temporary Residence Transition Stream: For employees holding 457, TSS or any other related bridging visa and have served the employer for over three years continuously.

· Direct Entry Stream: For candidates who have not previously worked for the nominating employer for three years but satisfy the skills assessment criteria.

· Agreement Stream: For applicant with employer sponsorship through labor market.

2. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is a general skilled worker visa for those who do not have an employer or state sponsorship. This visa permits you to reside and work in any part of the country. To be eligible, you must:

· Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through Skill Select.

· Receive an invitation to apply.

· Meet the points requirement (currently 65 points).

· Have a relevant occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

· Undergo a skills assessment for your occupation.

3. Australia Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) resembles Subclass 189 visa, but the applicant must be nominated by an Australian state or territory. This visa is also points-based and requires:

· Submission of an EOI through Skill Select.

· Nomination by a state or territory government.

· Meeting the points requirement.

· Having a relevant occupation on the MLTSSL or the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL).

4. RSMS (Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme) (subclass 187)

The RSMS (Subclass 187) visa is for workers who want to build a life and career in regional Australia. Similar to the ENS, the RSMS has three streams:

· Temporary Residence Transition Stream: For applicants that have been working for the employer in regional area on 457 or TSS visa for over three years.

· Direct Entry Stream: The 457 visa is available to the applicants with a valid skills assessment and who meet the English language requirements.

· Agreement Stream: For those sponsored by the employer through a labor market contract.

5. Partner Visa (Subclass 820 and 801)

If you are married to or in a de facto relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you can apply for a Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801). The Subclass 820 is a temporary visa and applicant can migrate to Subclass 801 PR visa. You need to prove your relationship and compliant with health and character.

Steps to Apply for an Australian PR Visa

1. Assess Your Eligibility
Use the following guidelines to check your eligibility against the visa subclass before applying for a PR visa. Other aspects that will help include occupation, work experience, English proficiency, points score etc.

2. Gather Required Documents
Procure all the documents such as passport, skills assessment, English language test reports, employment references and health and character certificates.

3. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
To apply for point-based visas such as the Subclass 189 and Subclass 190, you have to lodge an EOI through Skill Select. Make sure to include detailed information in order to improve our chances of being invited to apply.

4. Receive an Invitation or Nomination
For eligibility in Subclass 190 or 187 visas, it is mandatory to get nominated by an Australian state, territory or an Australian employer. To apply for this Subclass 189 visa, wait for an invitation to apply.

5. Lodge Your Visa Application
If you get a nomination or invitation, then, apply for a visa online. Make sure that all relevant documents are processed and pay the visa application fee.

6. Complete Health and Character Checks
Get health check-ups and police clearance certificates to satisfy the medical and character requirements of your PR visa.

7. Await Visa Decision
PR visas take different processing times depending on the subclass of the visa and the situation of the applicant. Check your application status and be sure to respond to any request for additional information quickly.

Tips for a Successful PR Visa Application

· Choose the Right Visa Pathway: Choose the subclass of the visa, which would be appropriate for your skills, experience, and situation.

· Accurate Documentation: Make all of your documents accurate, complete and up-to-date so that you do not get rejected or delayed.

· Improve Your Points Score: Increase your points score by practicing English, getting more work experience, or updating your education level.

· Seek Professional Advice: When applying for a visa, consider seeking the assistance of a registered migration agent to help you with a correct approach.

Conclusion

The process of changing your work visa to PR is an important step towards building a great and prosperous future in Australia. All the visa programs such as Employer Nomination Scheme, Skilled Independent Visa, Skilled Nominated Visa, Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme and Partner Visa have their own requirements and qualifications. If you follow these guidelines found in this guide and consult with a professional immigration lawyer, if necessary, then your chances of acquiring an Australian PR visa to permanently live and work in Australia will be much higher.