190 Visa: State Sponsored Skilled Nominated Visa
The 190 visa, also known as the Skilled Nominated Visa, is a popular choice for skilled workers who have been nominated by an Australian state or territory. This visa provides a pathway to permanent residency (PR) and is designed for individuals with skills in demand across various regions in Australia.
Key Points:
- Eligibility: To apply, you must be invited and have your occupation listed on the relevant state’s skilled occupation list.
- Points-Based System: Applicants must meet the points test requirements, which assess factors such as age, education, work experience, and English proficiency.
- State Nomination: Different states have unique lists of in-demand occupations and additional criteria for nomination.
Benefits:
- Permanent Residency: The 190 visa offers a direct route to PR.
- Work Rights: Full work rights in Australia, allowing you to work in any occupation and region.
- Access to Benefits: Eligibility for Medicare and other social services, enhancing your quality of life.
491 Visa: Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa
The 491 visa is a provisional visa aimed at skilled workers who wish to live and work in regional Australia. This visa is a step towards obtaining permanent residency through the 191 visa.
Key Points:
- Eligibility: Requires nomination by a state or territory government or sponsorship by an eligible family member living in a designated regional area.
- Points-Based System: Applicants must meet the points test requirements.
- Regional Requirement: Visa holders must live, work, and study in regional areas of Australia.
Pathway to PR:
- 191 Visa Transition: After residing and working in a regional area on a 491 visa for at least three years, you may be eligible to apply for the 191 visa, which grants permanent residency.
Benefits:
- Regional Incentives: Extra points are awarded for living in regional areas, making this visa attractive for those willing to work in less populated regions.
- PR Pathway: Provides a direct pathway to permanent residency through the 191 visa after three years of regional living and working.
Work Visas: 482 Visa and 494 Visa
Work visas are essential for pharmacists who wish to enter Australia temporarily and later transition to permanent residency. The two prominent work visas for this purpose are the 482 and 494 visas.
482 Visa: Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa
The 482 visa allows Australian employers to address labour shortages by hiring skilled workers from overseas when local candidates are unavailable.
Key Points:
- Short-Term and Medium-Term Streams: Depending on your occupation, you may be eligible for either a short-term (up to two years) or medium-term (up to four years) visa.
- Work Experience: Requires at least one year of work experience in your nominated occupation.
Benefits:
- Work in Australia: Full-time work rights for the duration of the visa.
- Pathway to PR: Possibility to transition to permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) or other PR pathways.
494 Visa: Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa
The 494 visa is tailored for skilled workers who are sponsored by an employer in regional Australia. This visa supports regional employers in addressing skill shortages and provides a pathway to permanent residency.
Key Points:
- Eligibility: Requires a job offer from an employer in a designated regional area.
- Work Experience: At least three years of relevant work experience is required.
- Regional Requirement: Visa holders must live and work in regional areas.
Pathway to PR:
- 191 Visa Transition: After living and working in a regional area on a 494 visa for at least three years, you may be eligible to apply for the 191 visa, leading to permanent residency.
Benefits:
- Regional Incentives: Additional points for living and working in regional areas.
- PR Pathway: Provides a direct route to permanent residency after three years of regional employment.
Student Visa: Studying and Working in Australia
Australia offers excellent educational opportunities for international students, including the chance to gain work experience while studying. Pursuing a pharmacy degree in Australia can be a strategic step towards permanent residency.
Key Points:
- Eligibility: Must be enrolled in a full-time course at an accredited Australian educational institution.
- Work Rights: Allows up to 24 hours of work per week during term time and unlimited hours during vacation periods.
Pathway to PR:
- Internship Opportunities: Gain relevant work experience through internships while studying.
- KAPS Exam: Pharmacy students can take the Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences (KAPS) exam as part of the process to become a registered pharmacist in Australia.
- PR Pathway: After graduation, you can apply for work visas (such as the 482 visa) and eventually transition to permanent residency.
Benefits:
- Quality Education: Access to top-notch education and training in your field.
- Work Experience: Valuable work experience gained during your studies.
- PR Pathway: Multiple pathways to transition from a student visa to permanent residency.
Pursuing a Master’s Degree: Enhancing PR Opportunities in Regional Areas
Completing a master’s degree in Australia, especially in regional areas, can significantly improve your chances of securing permanent residency. This option provides additional benefits and incentives.
Key Points:
- Duration: Master’s programs typically last for two years.
- Regional Incentives: Studying and living in regional areas offer extra points for PR applications.
Pathway to PR:
- Work Visa: After graduation, apply for work visas such as the 482 or 494 visas.
- PR Transition: Gain relevant work experience in regional areas and apply for PR through the 190 or 491 visas.
Benefits:
- Advanced Education: Gain higher-level qualifications and skills.
- Regional Living: Additional points and incentives for residing in regional areas.
- Clear PR Pathway: A well-defined pathway to permanent residency through educational and work experience.
Visa Type | Pathway to PR |
| 190 Visa | Direct route to PR |
| 491 Visa | Transition to 191 visa after 3 years of regional living and working |
| 482 & 494 Visas | Transition to 191 visa after 3 years of regional living and working |
| Student Visa | Transition to PR through work visas and experience |
| Master’s Degree | Transition to 190 or 491 visas and gain PR |
Conclusion
Securing permanent residency in Australia requires a thorough understanding of various visa options and eligibility criteria. Whether you opt for the 190 visa for direct PR, the 491 visa leading to the 191 visa, work visas like the 482 or 494, or pursue higher education, each pathway offers unique advantages and opportunities.
For personalised guidance and a smooth application process, consider consulting with experts. At Academically, we provide comprehensive support and expert mentorship to help you achieve a PR in Australia. Get in touch with us today for a consultation and take the first step towards making Australia your new home.
