Become a Permanent Resident of Australia

What is Permanent Residence (PR)?

In Australia, Permanent Residency (PR) is an immigration status granted to individuals who hold a permanent visa. This status allows non-citizens to live, work, and study in Australia without restrictions and offers a clear pathway to Australian citizenship.

Becoming a permanent resident unlocks a wide range of privileges, many of which are similar to those enjoyed by Australian citizens. As a PR visa holder, you can:

Live and stay in Australia indefinitely, with the freedom to build your life, career, and future here.

Work and study anywhere in Australia, across any industry or institution, without limitations.

Access Medicare, Australia’s publicly funded health care system, giving you essential medical support.

Travel in and out of Australia freely for up to five years from the date your visa is granted.

Sponsor eligible family members to join you in Australia under various visa streams.

Enroll in social security programs, subject to eligibility and waiting periods.

Apply for Australian citizenship once you meet the residency and eligibility criteria.

At Wings International, we help make this journey clear and achievable—guiding you step-by-step toward the freedom and security of permanent residency in Australia.

Australia offers a wide range of permanent visa options for those who wish to call this beautiful country home. Whether you’re planning to migrate for work, family, or other personal reasons, understanding the pathway to permanent residency (PR) is the first step.

Here, you’ll learn what it means to be a permanent resident of Australia, how to apply, the eligibility requirements set by the Australian Government, expected processing times, and the benefits available to permanent visa holders.

At Wings International, we simplify the complex. Let us help you take the next step toward securing your future in Australia.

How to get PR in Australia

There are five streams available to those seeking permanent residence in Australia.

Family Stream

Family visas in Australia are for partners, children, parents or dependent relatives of Australian citizens or permanent residents.

Refugee Stream

The refugee stream is for those seeking asylum in Australia.

Skilled Stream

The skilled migration program is for migrants with the skills required in Australia to fill positions where there are no local workers available.

Employer Nomination Stream

The Employer Nomination stream is for skilled foreign workers who are nominated by their employer.

Business Owner / High Wealth Stream

The business owner / high wealth stream enables high wealth individuals to make a significant investment or own or operate a business in Australia.

Permanent Residency Requirements

In order to be successful with any of these pathways, you will need to meet the standard permanent residency requirements, as well as any specific eligibility criteria assigned with the permanent visa you are applying for.

Applying for PR the Right Way

Gaining permanent residency in Australia is a life-changing milestone—but the process can be complex and demanding. From navigating eligibility requirements to preparing the right documentation, even minor errors or missing information can lead to costly delays or visa refusals.

That’s why it’s essential to approach your application with expert guidance. At Wings International, our experienced registered migration agents are here to ensure every step of your PR application is handled with precision and care. We’ll assess your individual circumstances, determine the most suitable PR pathway, and help you compile the strong, compliant documentation needed to lodge a compelling application.

Whether you're planning your move or already in Australia and exploring your permanent residency options, we’re here to help. Let us make your journey smoother, faster, and stress-free.

Ready to take the next step? Get in touch with our team today and discover how we can assist you in making Australia your permanent home

Australia’s Permanent Resident Program

For the 2024-2025 permanent Migration Program, the Australian Government has set a target of 185,000 places, with 70 percent of places (approx.132,200 places) allocated to the skills stream.

What are the requirements for PR?

While each visa subclass has its own specific eligibility criteria, all visa applicants must meet the following requirements.

Meet health requirements

Applicants must meet minimum health standards to protect the Australian community from public health and safety risks

Meet character requirements

You must be of good character. Applicants with a substantial criminal record or who have been convicted of a crime listed on the Department of Home Affairs website may not be considered of good character.

Meet all individual visa conditions and obey Australian laws.

You must comply with the specific conditions of your visa and abide by Australian laws.

What are the processing times for Permanent Visas

Processing times for permanent visas vary depending on the visa subclass, stream and demand at the time of application as well as the complexity of the application.

The following factors can impact processing times.

• Missing supporting documentation

• Whether the application has been submitted online or using a paper application

• How quickly you respond to requests for more information

• How long it takes the Department of Home Affairs to perform the required checks

• How long it takes to receive information from external agencies, particularly those that relate to health, character and national security

• How many places are available in the migration program for permanent visa applications

Entitlements of permanent visa holders

There are many benefits to being an Australian permanent resident.

• Work and study in Australia

• Enrol in Medicare (our national health care scheme)

• Apply for bank loans to buy property

• Travel to and from Australia as long as the travel facility on your visa remains valid

• Attend free English language classes provided by the Adult Migrant English Program

• Work in New Zealand

• Apply for Australian citizenship after 4 years, if eligible