There are various migration pathways available and most of the migration options are related to skilled migration.
The most popular migration options are stated below:
1) General Skilled Migration (GSM): GSM is the most popular pathway to permanent residency in Australia. This one is a point-based migration system. You need to score a minimum of 60 points and your nominated occupation must be listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL). It would be beneficial to have your occupation listed on the MLTSSL as most of the attractive subclass is 189 you can apply for independent migration without relying on the state, relative or employer-provided you meet the required points test and other requirements such as skills assessment, health, and character checks. If your occupation is listed on the STSOL then you would most likely be relying on the Regional State or Designated Areas and need to meet their specific requirements such as live and or working in that state for a certain period. Many of the regional states these days require you to have an employment offer before nominating/sponsoring you. This option is very popular among international students as it helps them gain additional points. For instance, if you study in regional areas for 2 years you would be rewarded with 5 points for studying in Regional Australia on top of the points for State Nomination which are 5 for 190 (PR) and 10 for 489 (4 years TR which off course have pathways to PR after 2 years). International students can also gain additional points in many other ways for example if a student completed a Bachelor or Master degree studying 2 years will be awarded 15 points for the Australian degree and will have the option to apply for Post-study work visa for 2 years right after the graduation. Many students choose to go for Professional Year (PY) to gain 5 points whereas others may choose to work on the nominated occupation for one year to gain 5 points. Therefore, studying in Australia is the best pathway to achieve migration goals if you are not skilled yet or do not have enough points yet to apply for PR with the GSM pathways. It is important to note that people with the age bracket 25-33 and English level of 7-7-7-7 in IELTS or above would benefit the most from the Points-based migration system.
2) Employer-Sponsored Migration: This one is the second most popular pathway to permanent residency in Australia. Subclass 482 is a very popular migration pathway to apply for PR (subclass 186) after being sponsored by an eligible employer and working with the employer for 3 years. It is popular because your occupation can be listed on MLTSSL or STSOL and you do not need to meet the points test. It is easy to meet the minimum English requirements and the maximum age requirements. However, with the recent migration law changes you would be unable to apply for PR if your Occupation is listed on the STSOL list and will have the opportunity to apply for 2 years visa and renew for a maximum of 2 more years without having the opportunity to apply for PR.
3)Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme: subclass 494 is gaining popularity since GSM pathways getting harder and on top of that, the pathways to permanent residency in Australia are even more difficult after the significant changes to the ENS rules on 18th April 2017.
It is often easier to apply for PR (494) with Australian relevant qualifications provided you are being sponsored by an employer from a Regional state/area. The employer needs to offer you 2 years full-time employment and the occupation must be listed on the RSMS occupation list. This migration pathway does not have any points test however you must be below 45 years old and have competent English (e.g.6-6-6-6 in IELTS).
The Business Innovation and Investment Migration pathways: These pathways did not gain popularity as most of them require a large amount to meet the requirements. For example, the Investor stream requires a designated investment of at least AUD1.5million in an Australian state or territory whereas the Significant Investor stream requires at least AUD5million into complying with significant investments in Australia.
Family Migration: Most popular family migrations are Partner visas and Parent Migration.
Partner visa: To apply for a partner visa, you must either be married, in a de facto relationship or have a registered relationship with an Australian partner. Your marriage must be valid under Australian law. This means you must have parental permission if you are 16 or 17 years of age. You must have been in a de facto relationship for at least 12 months.
Parent category visas: A parent Visa (subclass 103) is quite affordable but the waiting period is up to 30 years which is outrageous. Whereas the Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 173) and Contributory Parent (Permanent Residency) Visa (subclass 143) is quick but subject to Capping and queuing. However, visa fees are very expensive.
We understand that the situation of every person is different and there could be various ways that can lead to permanent residency. One of our important tasks as a Registered Migration Agent is to carefully assess your circumstances and come up with a few migration pathways to permanent residency in Australia and discuss with our clients in detail the advantages and disadvantages of the options so that our clients can make an informed decision. Book an appointment with our migration agent and we can ensure you that we would meet and exceed your expectations.
Pace Migration & Education Consultancy
Level 15, Suite 1502, 99 Bathurst Street Sydney, New South Wales, 2000 AustraliaBook an Appointment or Quick Enquiry