Benefit of Obtaining PR in Australia

Permanent residency (PR) in Australia offers a range of benefits for Nepalese citizens looking to live, work, or study in Australia on a long-term basis.

As a Nepalese citizen, obtaining Australian PR provides increased stability and certainty compared to other temporary visas, allowing you to access many of the same services as Australian citizens.

Also read; Australia Student Visa Requirements

With an established and growing Nepalese community already in Australia, moving to Australia with PR can be attractive.

This article will outline the eligibility pathways for Nepalese citizens looking to obtain Australian PR, compare life in Nepal and Australia, summarize the key benefits, and guide Nepalese applicants’ considerations.

➤ Understanding Permanent Residency in Australia

Australian permanent residency allows non-citizens to remain in Australia indefinitely, with access to healthcare, education, social services, and benefits. As a permanent resident, you can also sponsor eligible relatives to join you in Australia.

While PRs do not have exactly the same entitlements as Australian citizens, such as consular assistance overseas or eligibility to work in certain government jobs, PR provides a pathway to citizenship after meeting residency and other eligibility requirements.

Eligibility pathways:

There are a few main pathways for Nepalese citizens to be eligible for Australian PR, including skilled and family-sponsored migration streams.

Each program has its own criteria around qualifications, work experience, language skills, and other requirements. Using a registered migration agent can help navigate the complex visa options.

Also read; Working Hours for Students in Australia in 2024

Nepalese community in Australia:

According to the 2022 data, there were 151,140 Nepal-born people residing in Australia, with Victoria and New South Wales home to the largest Nepali communities. This existing Nepalese community can provide social and family connections, cultural familiarity, and support services to assist new Nepalese migrants with their transition and settlement.

Comparing Nepal and Australia:

While Australia may seem vastly different from Nepal in terms of climate, environment, and culture, it consistently ranks amongst the best countries globally for quality of life, economic prosperity, human development, and peacefulness. Key points of comparison between the two countries include:

Economy and Income – Australia has a much higher GDP per capita than Nepal ($60k vs $1.2k), allowing better access to goods and services. However, the cost of living is also much higher.
Social Services – Australia has a high-quality universal healthcare system, social welfare support, and world-class education options.
Lifestyle – Australia offers more space with lower population density, clean environments, and accessibility. Issues like frequent strikes, petrol shortages, and daily power outages are less common.

➤ Key Benefits of PR for Nepalese Citizens

Obtaining Australian PR delivers a range of advantages for Nepalese citizens wanting to relocate on a long-term basis:

As a permanent resident in Australia, you have increased certainty about your future in the country without ongoing visa renewal requirements. PR allows you to plan and build a stable life in Australia through access to:

Employment Opportunities:

PR removes barriers to gainful employment in Australia. You can work in any role, industry, or location in Australia without requiring employer sponsorship. Self-employment options are also open to you as a resident.

Education and Training:

You can access education and training in Australia as a domestic student rather than paying international student fees. PR also makes it easier to finance tertiary education through HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP loans.

Social Security and Healthcare:

Permanent residents can access Medicare health services, reduce costs on medication, and be eligible for welfare assistance programs if needed. Excellent healthcare and social services provide peace of mind.

Family Reunification:

As the holder of a permanent visa, you can add eligible family members to your application or sponsor them once you become usually resident in Australia. This makes migrating or visiting family easier.

Travel and Lifestyle:

PR allows greater freedom to travel to and from Australia. You also gain access to privileges reserved for citizens and permanent residents, like owning property and applying for government jobs. Living permanently in Australia also opens up lifestyle benefits that come with our stable economy and society.

Access to Government Services

As a permanent resident, you can access essential government services such as healthcare, education, social security, and legal aid on par with citizens. You also gain voting rights for local and state/territory government elections.

Also read; Scholarship for Nepalese Students in Australia in 2024

➤ Specific Considerations for Nepalese Applicants

While obtaining Australian PR can be hugely beneficial, Nepalese applicants should be prepared in areas like:

Language Skills:

Sufficient English language skills are required for most PR visa subclasses, so this is essential. IELTS coaching or similar may be needed if your English skills require improvement.

Qualifications and Experience:

Having suitable qualifications and skills assessments to match Australian standards will strengthen your visa eligibility. Recognition of prior learning options could assist applicants without formal degrees or diplomas.

Cultural Adjustment:

Adapting to Australian culture and lifestyle can take time, from differences in social conduct and norms to variations in food or faith. Connecting with Nepalese community groups can ease the transition.

Financial Resources:

PR applicants must demonstrate enough financial capacity to support living costs after arrival. Significant savings could be necessary depending on income earning capacity in Australia initially.

Also read; How To Apply to Study MBA In Australia From Nepal: A Step By Step Guide

➤ Additional Resources and Support

Navigating migration pathways and settling into life in Australia can be assisted through:

Australian Department of Home Affairs:

The central government agency managing visa applications and immigration has helpful information online regarding visas and arrival.

Nepal Ministry of Foreign Affairs:

This government department back in Nepal can provide documentation like birth certificates and passports and facilitates emigration.

Nepalese Association of Australia:

This non-profit organization supports Nepali migrants with settlement services, multicultural events, and community information.

Registered Migration Agents:

Hiring a qualified RMA provides guidance on visa eligibility and processes, ensures complete application submissions, and is authorized to deal with the government.

➤ Conclusion

Obtaining permanent resident status in Australia can be highly worthwhile for eligible Nepalese citizens seeking enhanced economic opportunities, education access, lifestyle benefits, and family reunions compared to remaining in Nepal or temporarily visiting Australia.

Also read; Nepalese Students In Australia

With multiple PR pathways and an established Nepalese community to provide ethnic solidarity and fellowship, the Australian migration journey presents both the comforts of the familiar and the promise of stability and prosperity through a permanent home in Australia.

Thorough preparation regarding visa eligibility requirements, cultural adjustment challenges, and financial costs related to relocating should all be undertaken by prospective applicants to make for a smooth transition to becoming a permanent resident of Australia.

Also read; Study in Australia from Nepal – Frequently Asked Questions

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Benefits of obtaining Permanent Residency (PR) in Australia for Nepalese Citizens