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The Australian green card (also known as the permanent residency card) is your gateway to the opportunity to live and work in this highly desirable country. The following article provides the most comprehensive and up-to-date information about the Australian government’s green card, including its types, eligibility requirements, application process, and the benefits it offers.
The Australian green card is a commonly used term referring to the permanent resident visa in Australia. Contrary to popular belief, it is not a physical card, but a status granted through various types of visas with different codes. Holders of an Australian green card are allowed to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely and enjoy most of the rights and privileges similar to those of Australian citizens.
Australian green card is just the permanent resident visa in Australia
This is the most common pathway to obtaining an Australian green card, including:
Visa 189 (Skilled Independent Visa): No sponsorship required, entirely based on the applicant’s skills assessment points.
Visa 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa): Requires sponsorship from a state or territory government.
Visa 491 (Skilled Work Regional Visa): For those who want to live and work in rural areas of Australia.
In 2025, the Australian government adjusted the points system for this category, with a minimum score of 65. However, in practice, around 80–90 points are usually needed to have a chance of receiving an invitation.
Visa 801/820 (Partner Visa): For spouses or de facto partners of Australian citizens or permanent residents.
Visa 101 (Child Visa): For children of Australian citizens or permanent residents.
Visa 103 (Parent Visa): For parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents.
Visa 188 (Business Innovation and Investment Visa): For investors and entrepreneurs who want to do business in Australia.
Visa 132 (Business Talent Visa): For successful entrepreneurs with substantial revenue and assets.
Currently, the minimum investment threshold has increased to 2.5 million AUD for the standard investment program and 5 million AUD for the premium investment program.
Minimum investment has increased to 2.5 million AUD for the standard investment program
Meet health requirements
Meet character requirements
Have no criminal record
Have sufficient financial capacity to settle
Comply with previous visa conditions (if currently living in Australia)
Under 45 years old at the time of application
Occupation must be on the accepted list (MLTSSL or STSOL)
Achieve a minimum skills assessment score of 65 points
Have a skills assessment certificate from an authorized Australian body
Meet the minimum English proficiency (usually IELTS 6.0 or equivalent)
Genuine and ongoing relationship with the sponsor
Meet the "balance of family test" for parent visas (at least 50% of children are Australian citizens or permanent residents)
Have successful business experience
Meet requirements for revenue and net assets
Commit to investing the minimum amount as required
Research carefully and choose the visa type suitable for your personal situation.
Use the points calculator on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website to calculate your score.
Apply through the Australian government’s SkillSelect system (for skilled category).
If you reach the required points, you will receive an invitation to submit the official visa application.
Submit all required documents and pay the visa fee (approximately 4,000–8,000 AUD depending on the visa type).
Undergo a medical examination and submit a police clearance certificate
In some cases, a direct interview may be required.
Processing time ranges from 6 to 24 months depending on the visa type.
Australian green card application process consists of 8 steps
The Australian green card allows you to live in Australia indefinitely
Travel rights: usually valid for 5 years, after which it needs to be renewed to maintain international travel privileges
To retain permanent residency status, you must live in Australia for at least 2 years in every 5-year period
Live and work in Australia indefinitely
Access the Medicare healthcare system
Access public education at the same fees as citizens
Enjoy most social welfare benefits (after a waiting period of 2–4 years)
Buy and own real estate without restrictions
Sponsor family members
Children born in Australia are granted Australian citizenship
Eligible to apply for Australian citizenship after 4 years of residence (including at least 1 year as a permanent resident)
Owning an Australian green card allows you to live in Australia indefinitely
Government fees
Skilled category visa: 4,240–4,800 AUD
Family category visa: 7,850–9,800 AUD (partner visa)
Investment category visa: 6,240–8,800 AUD
Additional costs
Medical examination: 300–500 AUD per person
Police clearance certificate: 50–150 AUD
Document translation: 80–120 AUD per page
Immigration consulting services (if applicable): 3,000–8,000 AUD
Processing time depends on the visa type and application volume:
Skilled category visa: 9–18 months
Partner visa: 18–24 months
Parent visa: 30+ months
Investment visa: 12–18 months
Priority for shortage occupations: The Australian government has updated the shortage occupation list, with particular focus on healthcare, IT, construction, and agriculture.
Adjustment of skill points: Additional points are awarded to applicants with STEM skills and work experience in regional Australia.
Increased visa quotas: The Australian government has raised the permanent residency visa quota to 210,000, the highest in history.
New EOI system: The SkillSelect system has been improved for faster and more transparent application processing.
Changes to temporary visas leading to permanent residency: Many temporary visas now have a clearer pathway to transition to a green card.
There have been many changes in Australian green card policies
High competition: Especially for the skilled independent category, with a large number of applications but limited quotas.
High costs: Total expenses can reach tens of thousands of Australian dollars.
Long waiting times: Some visas take 2–3 years for approval.
Strict requirements: Standards for health, character, and financial capacity are increasingly high.
Policy changes: Australian immigration laws change frequently, which may affect applications under review.
The Australian green card offers an excellent opportunity for those who wish to build a new life in this beautiful and prosperous country. However, the application process requires careful preparation, patience, and strict compliance with the Australian government’s regulations.
If you are seeking in-depth information and comprehensive support for the Australian green card application process, contact the experts at Quốc Tịch Thứ Hai for detailed guidance and a tailored plan to achieve Australian citizenship according to your personal circumstances.
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