Residence permit of Australia

A residence permit in Australia is a temporary residence and work permit in the country. It allows relocators to stay on the territory for more than 90 days for work, study or other reasons. This status gives important rights and responsibilities, and also serves as the basis for permanent residence and, later, citizenship.

Holders of a residence permit have the right to work legally. Children will be able to receive education in public and private schools. Relaxants move to a country with career prospects and favorable conditions. The registration process is regulated by the Migration Act of 1958 and the 1994 Decree. In accordance with government policy, in 2024, foreigners are offered more than 120 different visa categories.

Australia has vast undeveloped territories, which encourages local authorities at the federal and regional levels to attract immigrants from other countries. The Government considers the influx of foreign citizens as a key element for economic development.

Types of residence permit in Australia

Different categories of foreigners can get a residence permit, including tourists, students, businessmen, and employees. Each type has its own characteristics and requirements. The Government cooperates with many countries around the world to simplify the migration process. To apply, immigrants must meet certain requirements.

A temporary residence permit is issued for a limited period and allows you to subsequently count on permanent resident status. It is important to note that in most cases foreigners will not be able to receive social benefits. A permanent residence permit is provided for an unlimited period. Its holders can claim benefits.

Every year, more than 100,000 people from all over the world come to the country through specialized programs. Attitudes towards immigrants in Australia are generally positive. There are many nationalities living here who successfully interact with each other.

Australians are known for their peaceful nature

There are no manifestations of nationalism, snobbery and disregard for the less well-off segments of the population in society. The Russian community in Australia is actively developing. Most Russian speakers live in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. Most of them are intellectuals with a high level of education.

Visas in Australia differ from standard passport stamps or plastic cards accepted in other countries. In fact, they do not have a physical embodiment.

Student residence permit

This option is optimal for young people who seek to study abroad and stay after graduation. At the same time, students can work up to 24 hours a week.

Justifications

The main requirements of the program include:

• completion of training at the bachelor's, master's or postgraduate level; 
• advanced training; 
• availability of medical insurance; 
• confirmation of language proficiency.

Documents

To form the applicant's dossier, the following set of documents will be required:

• a certificate of admission to an educational institution; 
• confirmation of the right to receive a scholarship or the availability of own funds to cover expenses; 
• a receipt for payment of a fee.

Residence permit for financially independent

In accordance with the law, freelancers traveling around the world can obtain the right to temporary stay in the country with the possibility of subsequent extension. This option is available for digital nomads. However, if a freelancer resides in Australia for more than 183 days during a calendar year, he is subject to taxation as a resident.

Justifications

• Coming of age.
• Availability of stable income and funds in the bank account at the time of application.
• The possession of a medical insurance policy that covers the cost of treatment.

Documents

The package of official documents for personal submission contains:

• a foreign passport with a minimum validity period of 6 months and two blank pages; 
• a photograph that meets the established requirements;
• confirmation of remote work, including an employment agreement or contracts that indicate employment as a remote employee;
• bank statements;
• criminal record certificates.

Residence permit by marriage

A person who does not have citizenship, but is legally married to an Australian, can apply for a status. After approval, a person acquires the opportunity to live and work in the territory without time restrictions, provided that the marital relationship is maintained.

In the case of a marriage outside the country, it is necessary to register it at the consulate before the start of the registration procedure. Permanent partners of Australian citizens will also be able to obtain the status if they intend to legalize their relationship. To do this, you need to submit an application and provide all the required papers to the consulate.

Justifications

• Confirmation of the official registration of marriage.
• The age of majority and full civil legal capacity of the applicant.

Documents

The dossier:

• a photo corresponding to the passport format; 
• a notarized copy of the marriage certificate; 
• proof of cohabitation or ownership of common property.

Family reunion

This type of residence status provides legal grounds for entry, stay and work to family members who are already in the territory of the Australian Union. The goal is to unite separated families.

Justifications

• Availability of finances for living in the country.
• Confirmation of family ties (include spouses, parents, siblings, and guardians).
• Compliance with age criteria.

Documents

• A valid passport.
• A standard-sized photo.
• Evidence of a family relationship.
• Documentation from the receiving relative.

Work permit

The Independent Professional Immigration Program has been operating since 2013 and provides an opportunity for professionals in their field to move to Australia. It is relevant only for specialists in sought-after professions.

Each skill that the participants possess has its own value, expressed in points. Knowledge of the state language is assessed by the system, and the higher the level, the more points a foreigner receives. Points for age are distributed according to the principle – as the age increases, the number decreases.

Justifications:

• valid work permit; 
• higher education in a specialized specialty and 2 years of professional experience;
• availability of appropriate skills;
• knowledge of English.

Documents:

• passport and photo;
• proof of qualification;
• certificate of no criminal record;
• statement of medical examination performed by a licensed specialist; 
• proof of employment; 
• proof of funds for living.

Business residence permit

The program provides ample opportunities for investing in your own business and other projects on the market. It is easier for foreigners with this status to open accounts and interact with commercial organizations.

Justifications:

• age up to 55 years; 
• investments in startups or in an existing business in the amount of 500,000 AUD; 
• approval from the government; 
• proficiency in English; 
• presence in accounts of at least 2,500,000 AUD.

Documents:

• identity documents, certified and translated;
• photo;
• business plan;
• permission from the Ministry of Labor;
• certificate confirming that there are no criminal records; 
• confirmation of payment of individual immigration tax; 
• papers confirming qualifications for doing business or making investments.

Extension of a residence permit

The process of reviewing an application for a residence permit takes on average from several months to one year. If the grounds for immigration remain, the document is subject to renewal. There are various categories of visas that directly grant the right to permanent residence:

• reuniting with relatives; 
• employment; 
• investing.

Holders of a regular residence permit also have the right to apply for a special SCV permit allowing them to move to permanent residence, and the terms of issue vary depending on the category of immigrant. One year after receiving the SCV, candidates can apply for citizenship. The total period of stay in Australia before its registration must be at least 4 years.

How much does the extension cost

The cost of the extension fee for the extension of a work visa is approximately 1,265 AUD. The cost of extending a student visa is about $630. The price of a medical examination is $300 to $600 per person. Fees for the preparation of documents can range from 500 to 3,000 AUD. They usually require professional translation – from 20 to 100 AUD per page.