Understanding the Process and Timeframe for Permanent Residency in Australia and India

The journey to obtaining permanent residency (PR) in both Australia and India can vary greatly depending on various factors such as the specific visa categories and individual circumstances. In this article, we will explore the processing times and requirements for PR in both countries, providing a comprehensive guide to help potential immigrants make an informed decision.

Australia's Path to Permanent Residency

In Australia, the processing times for permanent residency can vary significantly based on the visa subclass. Here are some common options:

Skilled Migration Visas (e.g. Subclass 189, 190)

The processing times for skilled migration visas can range from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the complexity of the application and the applicant’s qualifications. Applicants with higher points scores and less competitive skills sets may have a faster processing time.

Family Visas (e.g. Partner Visa)

The processing times for family visas can range from 12 months to 2 years or more. The completeness of the application and the number of applications being processed significantly affect the processing time.

Business and Investor Visas

The processing times for business and investor visas can range from 1 to 2 years. The specific visa and the applicant’s business background play crucial roles in determining the processing time.

India's Path to Permanent Residency

In India, the process for obtaining permanent residency is generally more straightforward but can still vary depending on the visa type:

Employment-Based Visas (Leading to Permanent Residency)

The processing time for employment-based visas can range from 6 months to a few years. This is heavily influenced by the employer's processing time and the applicant's qualifications.

Investor Visas

If applying under the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) route, the processing time can be around 6 months to 1 year.

Family-Based Visas

The processing time for family-based visas can vary, typically ranging from 1 to 2 years.

Summary: The processing times for permanent residency in Australia generally range from 6 months to 2 years, whereas in India, the range is from 6 months to a few years, depending on the specific visa type.

Note: Always check the latest information from the respective immigration authorities, as processing times can change based on policy updates and application volumes.

Personal Experiences and Insights

A common experience shared by many is the time it can take to secure a permanent residency. It took exactly 18 months for one applicant to receive their state-sponsored PR after applying their Expression of Interest (EOI), with a total of 75 points. This indicates that larger points scores and less competitive skill sets can expedite the process.

Another perspective shared by another individual indicates that, on average, it takes approximately 8-10 months to get Australia PR from India. The processing time can be shorter or longer based on the profile and the number of points out of 100. Profiles with 80 points or more are usually processed in about 8 months.

These personal insights highlight the fluctuating nature of visa processing times, emphasizing the importance of thorough preparation and staying informed of updates from relevant immigration authorities.

Conclusion

Obtaining permanent residency in either Australia or India is a significant milestone that requires careful planning and consideration. Understanding the specific requirements, processing times, and individual circumstances can help guide your application process and potentially expedite the journey towards becoming a permanent resident in these countries.