Acquiring Australian PR now comes with a host of challenges. Australian Government released figures indicate the quantum of visas granted has drastically reduced as compared to previous years. In fact, it touched the lowest number of 160,323 in 2018-19.
The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) saw a spike in the number of visas allotted. Under the RSMS, Australian employers sponsor skilled workforce for permanent settlement in Australia.
Why is the number of Visas Granted for Australia Reducing?
The population load is becoming a severe problem for various economies day by day. Bigger cities under economies like Australia are facing the challenge of overcrowding which, resultantly puts pressure on public services such as education and transport.
The low scale grant of visas somewhere relates to the Australian Government’s rationalization of the population programme. The plan aims to achieve and support the growth of smaller regions and cities.
Consequently, the Australian Government capped the ceiling limit of immigration programme to 160,000 in 2019-20, showing a drastic reduction of 30,000 from the earlier ceiling cap of 190,000. Also, the ceiling cap of 160,000 shall continue for the next four years.
Australia as a booming economy and facing such issues has therefore capped the entry of immigrants.
Amendments in Australian PR Process
For restraining excess immigration, the Australian government has stepped towards making necessary changes in the visa policies. As a result, the visa process for Australian PR has become more challenging these days. Let’s understand some significant changes in the PR process.
Introduction of 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa for Australia
In March 2018, the Australian authority introduced a 482 Temporary Skill Shortage Visa in place of the 457 Employee Sponsored Visa. This new visa comes up with more condensed and complicated criteria for the applicants that become a hard nut to crack for them.
Meanwhile, it is stiff to find an Australian employer intending to sponsor an immigrant through the TSS visa pathway.
Increase in Eligibility Points for GSM Australia
The General Skilled Migration(GSM) Program allows skilled immigrants to crack the minimum eligibility points for getting the visas that fall under the GSM program. Such permit include the following-
- Independent permanent visa (subclass 189)
- State nominated permanent visa (subclass 190)
- Provisional visa (subclass 489)
To qualify for the above visas, the Australian government has increased the eligibility of points from 60 to 65, ( w.e.f. the year 2019).
Introduction of New Parent Visa for Australia
Australia has introduced a temporary sponsored parent visa that allows the parents of immigrants to stay in Australia for up to a maximum of five years.
Eligibility for the Australian PR
As a skilled worker applicant, you are required to meet the following competency for getting Australia PR-
- A minimum score of 65 points as per the point’s grid is a must.
- You should have an age below 45 years.
- You must prove competent level proficiency in the English language.
- You should possess sound health and character. Further, you must submit the medical and character certificate.
- Australian authorities assess the skills and occupation. Therefore, you must have a skills assessment. In fact, it is a fundamental step in your application process.
Application Costs for Different Visas
The processing charge for an Australian PR visa is of many types. For example, base application charges for a few types of visa is mentioned below.
- For Employer-sponsored migration (Employer Nomination Scheme and RSMS), it is AUD 4,045.
- For the Business Talent visa, it is AUD 7,855.
- For Temporary Parent visa, it is AUD 1,000.
However, one must note that the fee gets changed from time to time. Therefore, please confirm with the authorized department before applying.
The Takeaway
Migrating to Australia has become challenging. Nonetheless, applicants have the chances of turning the table. The key is to take measurable moves and seek professional advice while applying for Australian PR.