This permanent resident visa allows the candidate to remain in Australia indefinitely and also to enter and travel to Australia for five years from the date the visa is granted. On fulfilling the residency eligibility criteria the candidate and accompanying dependant/s are eligible for Australian citizenship. Any secondary applicants included in the visa application can live and work in any part of Australia. The visa can be applied for by individuals who are already in Australia on a valid visa. They must also be in Australia when the visa is granted.

The applicant must hold one of the following visas when they apply:

• an overseas student or former overseas student
• a holder of a Skilled – Graduate (subclass 485) visa or
• Skilled – Recognised Graduate (subclass 476) visa
• a holder of a Trade Skills Training (subclass 471) visa

Other Requirements:

• Be under 45 years of age
• Have good English language skills
• Must have skills and qualifications to nominate a 50 point or 60 point occupation listed on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL).
• Must have applied for a skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for the applicant's nominated occupation.
• Meet the points test threshold of 120 points.
• Pass all health and character requirements.