Visa Assistance Made Easy
Smooth visa guidance for Canada and New Zealand.
Visa Application
Australia provides multiple pathways for international students and skilled professionals to study, work, and build long-term opportunities. With one of the most adaptable immigration systems in the world, visa requirements and policies evolve regularly. Our team stays updated on these changes to offer accurate, reliable guidance across a broad range of Australian visa options.
Understanding eligibility criteria, preparing documentation, and selecting the right visa stream are crucial steps. Our experienced consultants can help you assess your goals and identify the most suitable pathway.
Key Visa Categories
Student Visa – Subclass 500
A temporary visa that allows you to study and work in Australia for up to five years.
Post Study Work Visa – Subclass 485
Enables graduates to live, work, or study in Australia for two to four years after completing an eligible course.
Temporary Activity Visa – Subclass 408
Allows short-term, temporary stays in Australia for specific types of work or activities.
COVID-19 Pandemic Event Visa – Subclass 408
Provides temporary stay options for individuals unable to depart Australia due to COVID-19 travel disruptions.
Skilled Independent Visa – Subclass 189
A permanent visa for highly skilled applicants. Includes Points-Tested and New Zealand streams.
Skilled Nominated Visa – Subclass 190
A permanent visa available to applicants nominated by an Australian state or territory government.
Skilled Regional Visa – Subclass 887
Grants permanent residency to eligible applicants who have lived and worked in regional Australia.
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 491
Allows skilled workers to live, work, and study in designated regional areas for up to five years.
Student Visa — Subclass 500
If you’ve chosen a study program in Australia, you will need to apply for the Student Visa (Subclass 500). Here’s a simplified overview of what this visa offers, who can apply, and what to expect during the process.
Temporary Graduate Visa — Subclass 485
As you approach the completion of your studies in Australia, gaining meaningful work experience becomes an important next step. If you plan to remain in Australia to work, travel, or pursue further study, the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) provides a valuable pathway.
This visa allows eligible graduates to stay in Australia for two to four years after completing their studies. The purpose of this visa is to give you the opportunity to gain workplace experience in your field or explore further study options.
Your period of stay depends on the qualification you complete:
- Doctoral Degree: Up to 4 additional years in Australia
- Master’s Degree (Research or Coursework): Up to 3 additional years
- Other eligible degree-level qualifications: Duration varies based on course type
The visa fee for the primary applicant is AUD 2,300. Fees for secondary applicants (family members) vary by age:
- 18 years and above: AUD 1,115
- Under 18 years: AUD 560
Applicants must also cover potential additional costs such as medical checks, police clearances, and biometrics. There is no subsequent Temporary Application Charge for this visa.
To qualify for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), you must meet several conditions, including:
- Be under 50 years of age
- Hold a valid student visa (excluding those supported by the Defence or Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister)
- Have been granted your first student visa on or after 5 November 2011
- Complete an eligible degree-level qualification (bachelor, master’s, or doctoral)
- Diplomas and trade qualifications alone are not eligible
- Have held a student visa within the last 6 months and currently hold a Bridging Visa A or B, or another substantive visa
- Have completed a CRICOS-registered course
- Provide evidence of adequate health insurance for all applicants
- Provide proof of having applied for an AFP check
- Meet the English language proficiency requirements
- Have no outstanding debt to the Australian Government
- Have no history of visa cancellations or previous application refusals
Subclass 485 itself cannot be extended. However, you may be eligible for a second Post-Study Work stream visa if you have lived, worked, or studied in a designated regional area during your first visa period.
Additional provisions include:
- Holders from Hong Kong may apply for permanent residency after 5 years.
- Graduates impacted by COVID-19 travel restrictions may apply for and be granted this visa from outside Australia.
FAQs
Can I bring my family to Australia on a 485 visa?
Yes, you can bring your family with you on a 485 visa.
Is there a provision for a 485 visa extension?
Except for the Graduate Work Stream, all other 485 subclass visas have a provision for extension based on specific conditions. Also, the applicant can apply only once for an extension. Applicants on the Post-Study Work Stream, the Second Post-Study Work Stream, and the Replacement Stream visa holders are eligible for a two-year extension based on a select degree.
What is the 485 visa processing time?
There is no specific processing time for the 485 visa. You may use the visa processing time guide tool to check on recently decided applications. This specifically acts as a guide, which may not provide answers relevant to your application.
What are the types of 485 visas?
There are four types of Temporary Graduate Subclass 485 Visas, including:
a) Graduate Work Stream
b) Post-Study Work Stream
c) Second Post-Study Work Stream
d) Replacement Stream Visa
Can I apply for permanent residency in Australia as a 485 visa holder?
You may be eligible to apply for a skilled work visa based on a few conditions and criteria. Seek professional counselling from our experts at Rigpa House to know more. Temporary graduate visa holders from Hong Kong can find a pathway to permanent residency after five years.
Is 485 visa approval the same as a green card?
No, the 485 visa approval entails a temporary stay duration in Australia, as opposed to a green card that allows you to live and work indefinitely in the USA.
What is the validity period of the 485 visa?
The stay duration for each stream is different:
a) Graduate Work Stream: 18 months
b) Post-Study Work Stream: 2-4 years after completing studies in Australia
c) Second Post-Study Work Stream: 1-4 years after completing studies based on where the applicant studied, lived, and the pursuing degree
d) Replacement Stream Visa: 18 months to 6 years based on the degree pursued
Temporary Activity Visa
Subclass 408
The Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408) allows individuals to come to Australia for specific short-term work or activities. The length of stay depends on the stream you apply for and the nature of the event or program.
COVID-19 Pandemic Event Visa
Subclass 408
The COVID-19 Pandemic Event Visa (Subclass 408) allows eligible individuals to remain in Australia if they have no other visa options or cannot leave due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. It also enables work in approved critical sectors during the pandemic.
You may stay in Australia:
- If you cannot depart due to COVID-19 travel restrictions
- If you have no alternative visa options
You may work in the following critical sectors during the pandemic:
- Agriculture
- Food processing
- Health care
- Aged care
- Disability care
- Child care
- Tourism and hospitality
Note: Visitors who cannot support themselves financially should make arrangements to return home.
- Up to 12 months if working in a critical sector
- Up to 3 months if not working in a critical sector
There is no Visa Application Charge (VAC). When applying, select “Yes” for the visa application charge concession and then choose the “Nil VAC” option.
Health checks and police certificates may incur additional costs.
To apply, you must:
- Lodge your application online while in Australia
- Maintain adequate health insurance for the duration of your stay
If you are working in a critical sector, you must also:
- Provide evidence from your employer (current or future) confirming your role and showing that an Australian citizen or permanent resident cannot fill the position
- Hold a substantive visa expiring within 90 days, or have had one expire within the past 28 days
If you are unable to leave due to travel restrictions, you must:
- Inform the Department of Home Affairs why you cannot depart
- Hold a substantive visa expiring within 90 days, or have had one expire within the past 28 days
Visa processing may be delayed due to increased demand and prioritisation of applications supporting Australia’s COVID-19 response. While waiting for a decision, applicants receive a bridging visa to maintain lawful status if their substantive visa expires.
You cannot extend this visa once granted. However, you may be eligible to apply for another COVID-19 Pandemic Event Visa if:
- You continue working in a critical sector, or
- Ongoing travel restrictions prevent you from leaving Australia
Skilled Visa
Skilled Independent Visa
Subclass 189
The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is a points-tested, skill-based permanent residency visa for individuals who wish to live and work in Australia without requiring employer, state, or family sponsorship. Applicants can apply from within or outside Australia, and once granted, may also sponsor eligible family members for permanent residence. This visa allows full work rights across Australia and provides a pathway to Australian citizenship (if eligible).
Skilled Nominated Visa
Subclass 190
The Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian state or territory government. Eligible applicants can apply from inside or outside Australia. Once granted, this visa provides full work rights, access to public healthcare, and the ability to sponsor eligible family members.
With a Subclass 190 visa, you can:
- Live, work, and study anywhere in Australia
- Enjoy permanent residency with a pathway to Australian citizenship (if eligible)
- Sponsor eligible family members for permanent residence
- Travel freely in and out of Australia for five years from the visa grant date
- Enrol in Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system
Because this visa requires nomination, each state and territory has specific occupation lists and nomination criteria.
To qualify for the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190), you must:
- Be under 45 years of age
- Score a minimum of 65 points on the points test
- Receive a nomination from a state or territory government agency
- Hold an occupation listed on the relevant skilled occupation list
- Obtain a suitable skills assessment for your nominated occupation
- Have at least Competent English
- Meet health and character requirements
- Have no outstanding debts to the Australian Government
- Check your occupation on the Skilled Occupation List for Subclass 190.
- Ensure eligibility based on your points score, age, English level, and skills assessment.
- Obtain a suitable skills assessment before receiving your invitation.
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect.
- If selected, receive a state or territory nomination based on that state’s criteria.
- After nomination, you will receive an invitation to apply for the visa.
- Lodge your visa application and wait for processing (typically 3+ months).
- Once granted, you may live and work in Australia as a permanent resident.
State nomination is the core requirement of the Subclass 190 visa and varies between each region.
No extension is needed. Subclass 190 is a permanent visa, allowing you to stay indefinitely. The visa includes a five-year travel facility. After five years, you may apply for a Resident Return Visa (RRV) if you wish to continue travelling internationally.
Skilled Regional Visa
Subclass 887
The Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 887) is a permanent residency pathway for individuals who have lived and worked in a regional or designated area of Australia on an eligible temporary visa. This visa does not require a points test and must be applied for while you are already in Australia.
It is designed for applicants who have built their lives in regional Australia and now wish to transition from temporary residency to permanent status.
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa
Subclass 491
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) allows skilled workers to live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia for up to five years. After holding this visa for three years, you may become eligible to apply for permanent residency, provided you meet the specific criteria set by the Department of Home Affairs.
Please note: you must receive an invitation to apply for this visa.
What You Get with the Subclass 491 Visa
This visa is available under two main streams:
Main Applicant
The primary applicant can live and work in a designated regional area for up to five years. They may travel in and out of Australia as often as they wish during this period.
After meeting the income and skills criteria for the first three years, the applicant may be eligible to apply for permanent residency.
Subsequent Entrant
This stream is for eligible family members who wish to join the main 491 visa holder in Australia.
Applicants must be a ‘member of the family unit’ and the visa will remain valid for the same period as the main applicant’s 491 visa. Requirements include meeting Australia’s health and character standards.
To apply for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491), you must meet the following requirements:
- You must be nominated by a state or territory government agency, or sponsored by an eligible relative living in a designated regional area.
- You must be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation.
- You must hold a suitable skills assessment, issued no more than three years before your application.
- Your nominated occupation must appear on the Skilled Occupation List.
- You must demonstrate competent English (citizens of the UK, USA, Canada, and New Zealand may be exempt).
- This is a points-tested visa. When submitting your Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect, you will receive an indicative points score. You must score at least 65 points to be considered for an invitation, although a higher score may be required depending on your claims.
- The main applicant and any family members aged 16 and over must meet the character requirement. Even family members not travelling with the applicant may still be required to meet this requirement.
The subclass 491 visa allows you to remain in Australia for up to five years with unlimited travel rights.
If you wish to stay permanently, you may apply for a permanent residence visa after three years, provided you meet all eligibility criteria at that time.
Employer Sponsored Visa
Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa
Subclass 482
The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa – Subclass 482 helps Australian employers fill critical skill shortages when suitable local workers cannot be sourced. This visa allows businesses to recruit skilled talent from overseas through four distinct streams.
Visa Streams & Key Information
This stream allows you to work in Australia for up to two years, or up to four years if an International Trade Obligation applies. Hong Kong passport holders may stay for up to five years.
You may travel in and out of Australia freely while the visa remains valid.
Visa cost: AUD $1,290 (excludes English tests, health checks, police certificates and biometrics).
Eligibility
- Occupation must be on the Short-term Skilled Occupation List.
- Minimum two years of relevant work experience.
- Skills assessment if required for your occupation.
- Must work for your sponsoring employer (unless exempt).
- Must meet the minimum English language requirement (unless exempt).
Pathway to stay longer:
You may apply for a new TSS visa with a new nomination. Your employer may also nominate you for permanent residency through:
- Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
- Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Subclass 187)
Processing time: approx. 8–11 months.
This visa allows you to work in Australia for up to four years, or up to five years for Hong Kong passport holders.
You may study in Australia, but without Government assistance, and travel freely during the visa validity period.
Visa cost: AUD $2,690 (plus English tests, health checks, police certificates and biometrics).
Eligibility
- Occupation must be on the Medium- and Long-term Strategic Skills List.
- At least two years of relevant work experience.
- Skills assessment if required.
- Must work for your sponsor (unless exempt).
- Must meet minimum English requirements (unless exempt).
Pathway to stay longer:
You may apply for a new TSS visa with a new nomination. Permanent residency options may be available through the:
- Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
- Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Subclass 187)
Processing time: approx. 5–8 months.
This stream is for skilled workers sponsored by employers who have a Labour Agreement with the Australian Government.
This visa allows temporary stay for up to four years, or up to five years for Hong Kong passport holders.
You may study (without Government assistance) and travel freely during the visa validity.
Visa cost: AUD $2,690 (additional costs apply).
Eligibility
- Nominated for an occupation specified under the labour agreement.
- At least two years of relevant work experience.
- Skills assessment if required.
- Must work only for the sponsoring employer.
- Must meet minimum English standards (unless exempt).
Pathway to stay longer:
You may reapply with a new nomination. Some employers may sponsor permanent residency via the
- Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186).
Subsequent Entrant
This visa is for family members of Subclass 457 or TSS 482 visa holders who apply separately.
It allows family members to live, work and study in Australia and to travel in and out of the country freely for the duration of the visa.
Employer Nomination Visa
Subclass 186
The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa – Subclass 186 allows skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer to live and work in Australia permanently.
There are three streams available:
What You Need to Know About Subclass 186
The Direct Entry stream allows nominated skilled workers to live, work and study in Australia indefinitely. You may sponsor eligible family members and enrol in Medicare. If eligible, you may also apply for Australian citizenship.
You may travel in and out of Australia for five years.
Visa cost: AUD $4,115 (additional charges apply for family members, including those holding a Subclass 457 or Subclass 482 visa).
Eligibility – Direct Entry stream
- Must be under 45 years of age (exemptions may apply).
- Occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list.
- Minimum three years of relevant work experience, unless exempt.
- Positive skills assessment, unless exempt.
- Must be nominated by an Australian employer.
- Must meet health and character requirements.
- Must demonstrate competent English.
Processing time: approx. 5–8 months, depending on the information supplied.
This stream is for skilled workers nominated by an employer who is party to a Labour Agreement with the Australian Government. It provides permanent residence with the same benefits as the Direct Entry stream, including Medicare access and travel rights.
Visa cost: AUD $4,115 (plus additional family member charges).
Eligibility – Labour Agreement stream
- Must be under 45 years of age, unless the labour agreement specifies otherwise.
- Must be currently employed or contracted to work for the nominating employer under the labour agreement.
- Must meet skills, age and English requirements as outlined in the agreement.
- If applying onshore, must hold a Subclass 457 or TSS visa issued under a labour agreement.
- Must meet all health and character requirements.
Processing time: approx. 15–24 months.
This stream allows workers who have already been employed full-time in Australia under a qualifying employer-sponsored visa to transition to permanent residency.
It provides permanent stay, Medicare access, and travel rights for five years.
Visa cost: AUD $4,115 (additional fees apply for family members).
Eligibility – Temporary Residence Transition stream
- Must be under 45 years of age, unless exempt.
- Must hold a Subclass 457, TSS visa, or a related Bridging visa A, B or C.
- Must have worked for your sponsoring employer for at least three years full time while holding a Subclass 457 or TSS visa.
- Must be nominated by an employer whose nomination was approved within the last six months.
- Must meet health and character requirements.
- Must demonstrate competent English.
Processing time: approx. 9–16 months.
Training Visa
Subclass 407
The Training Visa (Subclass 407) allows individuals to participate in workplace-based occupational training in Australia. This training is designed to help you enhance your professional skills, develop expertise in your field, or undertake structured professional development as part of your career pathway.
Regional Employer Sponsored Visa
Subclass 494
The Regional Employer Sponsored Visa (Subclass 494) allows regional employers to fill genuine labour shortages by sponsoring skilled workers when suitably qualified Australian workers are not available.
There are three visa streams under the Subclass 494 program:
What You Should Know About the 494 Visa
Each stream has specific conditions, eligibility criteria and benefits. Below is a clear breakdown of what each option offers.
This provisional visa allows you to live, work and study only in designated regional areas of Australia for up to five years. You can travel in and out of Australia during this period.
After three years, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residence.
Eligibility
- Be under 45 years of age (unless exempt)
- Be nominated for an occupation on the relevant 494 occupation list
- Have at least 3 years of relevant work experience
- Hold a valid skills assessment (unless exempt)
- Work only for your sponsoring employer or associated entity
- Meet minimum English language requirements
Processing time: Typically 4–7 months, depending on individual circumstances and the information provided.
Get in touch with us to find out more.
This stream is for skilled workers nominated by employers with an approved labour agreement.
It allows you to live and work in designated regional areas for up to five years, with unrestricted travel during the visa validity. You may be eligible for permanent residency after three years.
Visa Charges
- Primary applicant: AUD 4,115
- Dependants under 18: AUD 1,030
- Dependants 18 or over: AUD 2,060
Eligibility
- Be under 45, unless specified otherwise in the labour agreement
- Be nominated for an occupation approved under the labour agreement
- Have at least 3 years of relevant work experience
- Hold a skills assessment, if required by the agreement
- Work only for your sponsor
- Meet minimum English language standards
Processing time: Assessed case-by-case.
This visa is for family members of a primary 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional – Provisional) visa holder who are applying separately to join the primary visa holder in Australia.
It allows you to live, work and study in designated regional areas for the remainder of the visa’s five-year validity.
Eligibility
- Be under 45 years of age
- Be a member of the family unit of the primary 494 visa holder
- The employer of the primary visa holder must agree in writing to include you in the nomination
- Meet minimum English language requirements (or pay the second instalment if you do not have Functional English)
- Meet health and character requirements
Processing time: Determined individually based on the application and supporting documents.
To learn more about the Regional Employer Sponsored Visa – Subclass 494 and which stream suits your situation, contact us today.
Global Talent Independent Program (GTI)
Australia is committed to strengthening its economy by attracting exceptional global talent. To support this vision, the Australian Government has introduced three major programs designed to bring high-value businesses and highly skilled individuals to the country:
Family Visa
Closer to your loved ones as you build your future in Australia
Having your partner or family with you can make life in Australia more fulfilling and grounded. If you’re looking to bring a partner, child or parent to Australia temporarily or permanently, it’s important to understand the visa options available and the eligibility requirements attached to each pathway.
The visa you apply for will depend on your own visa status and your family circumstances.
Partner Visa (Apply in Australia)
Subclass 820 and 801
The onshore Partner Visa allows the partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia. Applicants lodge both the temporary and permanent stages together, with each stage assessed separately.
This pathway includes:
Partner Visa (Apply Overseas)
Subclass 309 and 100
The offshore Partner Visa allows the partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia. Applicants lodge both the temporary (Subclass 309) and permanent (Subclass 100) visas together, with each assessed in two distinct stages.
This visa pathway includes:
This provisional visa allows you to live, work and study only in designated regional areas of Australia for up to five years. You can travel in and out of Australia during this period.
After three years, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residence.
Eligibility
- Be under 45 years of age (unless exempt)
- Be nominated for an occupation on the relevant 494 occupation list
- Have at least 3 years of relevant work experience
- Hold a valid skills assessment (unless exempt)
- Work only for your sponsoring employer or associated entity
- Meet minimum English language requirements
Processing time: Typically 4–7 months, depending on individual circumstances and the information provided.
Get in touch with us to find out more.
The Subclass 100 visa is the permanent stage of the partner visa process. It is assessed after the Subclass 309 visa has been granted and allows the applicant to live in Australia permanently as the partner of an eligible Australian.
With this visa, you may:
- Live, work and study in Australia permanently
- Sponsor eligible family members to migrate to Australia
- Travel to and from Australia for five years from the date the visa is granted
- Access the Adult Migrant English Program (if eligible)
- Enrol in Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system
Eligibility
To qualify for the Subclass 100 visa, you must:
- Hold a valid Subclass 309 Partner (Provisional) visa
- Continue to be in a genuine, ongoing relationship with your sponsoring partner
- Typically wait two years from the date of your combined Subclass 309/100 application before assessment for permanent residence
- Meet requirements that ensure the visa is in the best interests of any applicant under 18
Processing generally takes 12 to 18 months from the time you become eligible.
Parent Visa
Subclass 103
Being far from your parents can make it difficult to support their wellbeing while you build a life in Australia. The Parent Visa (Subclass 103) may offer a pathway for your parents to join you permanently, provided you meet the required eligibility criteria.
Child Visa
Subclass 101
If you have a dependent child living overseas who you wish to join you in Australia as a permanent resident, the Child Visa (Subclass 101) may be the right pathway. This visa allows an eligible child outside Australia to move and live with their parent permanently.
Once granted, the child becomes a permanent resident and is able to access Australia’s public healthcare system. The visa also allows for travel to and from Australia for up to five years from the date of grant. In certain cases, this visa may also allow sponsorship of additional eligible relatives.
If you are seeking to bring an adopted child to Australia, the adoption must have occurred before the child turned 18, and must have been arranged by someone who was not an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen at the time.
Tourist Visa
Subclass 600
The Tourist Stream Visa (Subclass 600) is designed for individuals who wish to visit Australia for tourism, to see family and friends, or to enjoy a cruise. This is a temporary visa, and your permitted stay will be outlined in your visa grant letter. The duration of stay is assessed based on:
Your visa may be granted with single entry or multiple entry conditions. A multiple-entry visa allows you to leave and re-enter Australia as long as the visa remains valid.
You may study or undertake training for up to 3 months, but you are not permitted to work on this visa. While you can apply either inside or outside Australia, you cannot extend your stay by lengthening this visa—you will need to apply for another visa if you wish to remain longer.
Tourist Visa – Subclass 600
You must be outside Australia both when you apply and when a decision is made on your application.
Eligibility Criteria
- You must be a genuine temporary visitor.
- You must have sufficient funds to cover your stay.
- You must meet all health requirements.
- You must meet all character requirements.
- You must not work while in Australia on this visa.
The visa application charge is $145, and processing times vary depending on the applicant’s age and volume of applications.
You must be in Australia both when applying for this visa and when the decision is made.
Eligibility Criteria
- You must be a genuine temporary visitor.
- You must have adequate financial capacity to support your stay.
- You must meet the health requirements.
- You must meet the character requirements.
- You cannot work while holding this visa.
The visa application charge is $370, with processing times typically ranging from 15 days to 11 months depending on application volumes.
If you need guidance with lodging your Tourist Visa application, feel free to reach out for assistance.
Working Holiday Visa
Subclass 417
The Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) is designed for young adults who wish to extend their stay in Australia while working to fund their holiday. This visa allows you to travel, work, and study in Australia temporarily.
The visa is categorized into three types depending on your stay and work extensions:
Canada Permanent Residency
A fulfilling career awaits you in Canada
Canada offers high-paying and promising career opportunities for skilled professionals. At Rigpa House, we provide expert guidance to help you explore Canada Permanent Residency (PR) options tailored to your goals.
There are multiple pathways to secure Canadian PR. The two main programs include:
- Federal Skilled Worker (Express Entry)
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Understanding the eligibility requirements of each program is key to a successful application.
The Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Program allows skilled professionals to apply for Canadian PR through the Express Entry system.
Basic Requirements:
- Skilled work experience
- English or French language proficiency
- Education equivalent to a Canadian certificate, diploma, or degree
Your profile is assessed based on a 100-point grid, considering:
- Age
- Education
- Work experience
- Valid job offer (if any)
- Language proficiency
- Adaptability to Canada
Applicants who meet the minimum points (currently 67) may be invited to apply for PR.
Skilled Work Experience
Eligible work categories include:
- Managerial jobs (Skill Type 0)
- Professional jobs (Skill Type A)
- Technical jobs (Skill Type B)
- Skilled trades (Skill Type B)
Work experience requirements:
- Must be in your primary occupation listed under the National Occupational Classification (NOC)
- Minimum 1 year of continuous paid work (or 1,560 hours) in the last 10 years
- Volunteer or unpaid internships are not counted
- Part-time or student work may count if all other criteria are met
Language Skills
- Approved English or French language test is required
- Minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 in all four abilities
- Test results must be recent (within 2 years)
Education
- If studied in Canada: Canadian certificate, diploma, or degree from a recognized institution
- If studied outside Canada: must obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to confirm equivalency
Proof of Funds
- Must show sufficient funds to support yourself and family members unless employed in Canada or holding a valid Canadian job offer
Once eligible, applicants can submit documents and create a profile in the Express Entry pool. CRS scores will determine your ranking and potential invitation to apply for PR.
The PNP is ideal for applicants who:
- Have skills, education, and work experience beneficial to a specific province or territory
- Wish to live in a particular province
- Seek Canadian permanent residency
Each province/territory has its own streams for:
- Students
- Business owners
- Skilled or semi-skilled workers
Application Options:
Paper-based Process
- Apply directly to the province/territory under a non-Express Entry stream
- Meet provincial eligibility criteria
- Submit a PR application to IRCC after nomination
- Complete medical exams and police checks
Online Express Entry Process
- Apply for a provincial nomination through an Express Entry stream
- Provinces may send a “notification of interest” to eligible candidates
- Submit an electronic PR application to IRCC if nominated
Expert guidance is recommended to select the right province and ensure eligibility.
At Rigpa House, our Canadian immigration consultants in Australia provide:
- Personalised assessment of eligibility for Express Entry or PNP
- Step-by-step guidance on document preparation
- Support in selecting the most suitable program and province for your application
Contact us today to explore your Canada Permanent Residency options and start your journey to a fulfilling career in Canada.
Start Your Visa Journey
Have questions about the right visa for you, eligibility, or the application process? Our expert consultants are here to guide you every step of the way.