Guide to Residency in Australia

Obtaining a residency visa in Australia is not always easy, but our Guide to Residency in Australia gives newcomers an overview of the steps involved and advice from others who have already navigated the process.

Obtaining Residency Status in Australia

• Check Eligibility
  • Visit the official Department of Home Affairs website to check your eligibility for an Australian visa:
  • Consider your circumstances and choose the appropriate visa pathway (e.g., skilled migration, family visa, study-to-residence, etc.)
• Choose the Appropriate Visa
  • Some common permanent residency visas include:
    • Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189) - Points-tested stream
    • Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190)
    • Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 489)
    • Partner (Provisional) visa (Subclass 309) and Partner (Migrant) visa (Subclass 100)
  • Review the requirements and conditions for your chosen visa on the Department of Home Affairs website.
• Prepare Your Documents
  • Gather essential documents such as your passport, birth certificate, language test results, skill assessments, and other relevant documents.
  • Obtain official translations for any non-English documents.
• Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) (if applicable)
  • If you are applying for a points-tested visa, submit an EOI through the SkillSelect system:
  • Wait for an invitation to apply for the visa.
• Apply for the Visa
  • Create an ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website:
  • Complete the online visa application form and attach the required documents.
  • Pay the application fee and submit your application.
• Health and Character Requirements
  • Undergo a health examination by a panel doctor approved by the Department of Home Affairs.
  • Provide a police clearance certificate from each country you have lived in for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
• Wait for a Decision
  • Processing times vary depending on the visa type and individual circumstances.
  • You can check the status of your application through your ImmiAccount.
• After Approval
  • Once your visa is granted, you will receive a visa grant notification.
  • You may need to be in Australia by a specific date and comply with certain conditions as per your visa grant.
• Apply for a Tax File Number (TFN)
  • Visit the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website to apply for a TFN:
  • You can apply online, by post, or at an Australia Post outlet.
  • Provide the required identity documents and your Australian address.
• Open an Australian Bank Account
  • Choose an Australian bank and visit their website or a local branch to open an account.
  • Provide the required identity documents, your Australian address, and your TFN (if available).
• Register with Medicare (if eligible)
  • Visit the Services Australia website to enroll in Medicare, Australia's public system:
  • Provide the required documents, such as your passport, visa grant notification, and Australian address.

Moving to Australia involves careful planning and understanding of the visa process. It is essential to stay informed about any changes to immigration policies and requirements. Consider consulting a registered migration agent or seeking professional advice for complex cases.

What tips do expats have about residency and visas in Australia?

"In order to visit, work, and/or reside in Australia, visitors need to obtain a visa. Depending on the purpose of the traveller’s visit - such as working, studying, retiring or joining family already in Australia - different types of visas can be applied for. Generally, a visa application will include documenting a valid passport, completing an application form and submitting supporting documents, such as proof of identity, a CV, and a letter of offer from an employer if relevant. Travellers may also need to provide evidence of payment of visa fees. To apply for a permanent residency visa in Australia, applicants must demonstrate that they meet certain criteria. They must have been granted an eligible visa and should have met their associated visa conditions. Additionally, they will need to meet health requirements, as well as a character test, and provide police checks from any country where they have lived for 12 months or more. Documentation such as identity documents, qualifications, evidence of English language ability, employment history and particulars of any family members who will accompany the applicant must also be provided. If the visa application is successful, permanent residency is then granted, and the applicant is able to make Australia their permanent or long-term home," commented one member living in Australia.