Invitation to Apply for Australia PR Visa from Pakistan: A Complete Guide

Australia is one of the most sought-after destinations for individuals looking to build a successful career, enjoy high standards of living, and experience a diverse culture. For skilled professionals in Pakistan, the pathway to Australia’s Permanent Residency (PR) is an enticing prospect. The “Invitation to Apply” (ITA) plays a critical role in the process of applying for Australian PR. This article will guide you through the entire process, explain how to receive an ITA, and provide answers to some frequently asked questions.

What is an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Australia PR?

An Invitation to Apply (ITA) is a formal invitation extended by the Australian government to eligible candidates to apply for a Permanent Residency (PR) visa. However, before you can receive an ITA, you must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect, an online system managed by the Australian Department of Home Affairs. Once you submit your EOI, if you meet the eligibility criteria, the government may invite you to apply for a visa, often based on factors like your age, qualifications, work experience, and English proficiency.

Receiving an ITA is a significant milestone, as it marks the transition from being a candidate in the skilled migration pool to being able to submit a formal application for a PR visa.

Pathways for Australia PR for Pakistani Applicants

The Australian immigration system offers multiple visa categories under the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program that lead to PR. The most common visa subclasses for Pakistani applicants are:

1. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

• Eligibility: For individuals who are not sponsored by an employer, family member, or nominated by an Australian state or territory government.
• Features: The Subclass 189 visa allows you to live and work anywhere in Australia as a permanent resident.
• Process: You need to submit an EOI and wait for an ITA. Once invited, you can apply for permanent residency.

2. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

• Eligibility: This visa requires state or territory nomination. You must be nominated by an Australian state or territory government to apply.
• Features: You must live and work in the nominating state or territory for at least two years.
• Process: Submit an EOI, receive a state or territory nomination, and then apply for PR through the subclass 190 visa.

3. Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)

• Eligibility: For those nominated by a state or territory government or sponsored by a family member in a regional area.
• Features: The Subclass 491 visa allows you to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia for up to five years.
• Process: Submit an EOI, receive a nomination, and apply for the visa. This visa is a pathway to permanent residency under Subclass 191 after three years of working in regional areas.

4. Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)

• Eligibility: If an Australian employer nominates you to work in a skilled position.
• Features: This visa allows you to live and work in Australia permanently and can be a pathway to citizenship.
• Process: The employer must nominate you for a specific position, and you need to meet the skills and health requirements.

How Does the Invitation to Apply (ITA) Process Work?

The ITA process begins when you submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect. Once submitted, your profile is evaluated based on various factors like age, qualifications, English proficiency, and work experience. You will be assigned points under the points-based system, which helps determine your eligibility for PR.

1. Create an EOI (Expression of Interest)

• Visit the Australian Department of Home Affairs website and create a SkillSelect account.
• Fill out your profile with details about your qualifications, work experience, English language proficiency, and other relevant information.
• Points are awarded for age, education, English language skills, work experience, and other factors like Australian study and partner skills.

2. Submit the EOI

• Once you submit your EOI, you enter the pool of applicants for various skilled migration visas.
• Your EOI remains in the pool until you receive an invitation or it expires (usually after 2 years).

3. Wait for the Invitation

• Invitations are issued periodically through rounds of invitations, with invitations typically issued to candidates with the highest points in the pool.
• The minimum points required to receive an ITA vary from round to round based on demand, occupation lists, and other factors.
• If your EOI is selected, you will receive an ITA to apply for a PR visa.

4. Submit Your Visa Application

• After receiving an ITA, you have 60 days to submit your PR visa application.
• Ensure that you have all necessary documents such as your educational qualifications, work experience certificates, English proficiency results, and police clearance certificates.
• Once your application is submitted, it will be processed, and you will receive a decision within several months, depending on the visa subclass.

5. Receive Your PR Visa

• If your application is successful, you will receive your PR visa. This allows you to live and work in Australia permanently.

Eligibility Requirements for the ITA

To receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for a PR visa, you must meet certain eligibility criteria:

1. Age: You must be under 45 years of age when submitting your EOI.

2. Skills Assessment: You must undergo a skills assessment for your nominated occupation by an assessing authority.

3. English Language Proficiency: You must prove your English language skills through an approved test like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE.

4. Points Test: You must score enough points under the points-based system. The minimum score required typically varies depending on the visa subclass and the demand for particular skills. A score of 65 points is often the baseline for the Subclass 189 visa, but higher points may be required.

5. Health and Character Requirements: You must pass a medical examination and provide police clearance certificates from Pakistan to meet the health and character criteria.

Advantages of the Invitation to Apply (ITA)

• Pathway to Permanent Residency: Once you receive an ITA and submit your PR visa application, you are on the path to becoming a permanent resident in Australia.
• Work and Live in Australia: PR holders enjoy the right to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia.
• Access to Benefits: Permanent residents are eligible for various social benefits, including healthcare (Medicare), and are able to apply for Australian citizenship after a certain period.
• Family Inclusion: You can include your immediate family members in your PR application, allowing your spouse and dependent children to join you in Australia.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long does it take to get an Invitation to Apply (ITA)?
   The time taken to receive an ITA can vary based on the demand for your occupation and the points score you have. Typically, it may take a few months, but some applicants may receive an ITA sooner, while others may have to wait longer.
2. What happens if I don’t receive an ITA after submitting my EOI?
   If you do not receive an ITA, you can continue to update your EOI with improved information (e.g., updated English test scores or additional work experience). You can also re-submit your EOI after it expires.
3. Can I apply for PR without an ITA?
   No, you must first receive an ITA before you can apply for a PR visa through the skilled migration program.
4. How do I improve my chances of receiving an ITA?
   To improve your chances, you should aim for a high points score. You can achieve this by improving your English proficiency, gaining more work experience, or increasing your qualifications.
5. Can I apply for PR if I am already in Australia on a temporary visa?
   Yes, you can apply for PR if you are in Australia on a temporary visa, such as a student visa or a temporary work visa. Your eligibility for PR depends on your skills, qualifications, and work experience.
6. Can my family join me on a PR visa?
   Yes, you can include your spouse, dependent children, and sometimes other dependent relatives in your PR application.

Conclusion

Receiving an Invitation to Apply for an Australian PR visa is a significant step toward securing a future in Australia. For Pakistani professionals, Australia offers numerous opportunities for growth, both personally and professionally. By submitting an EOI and meeting the eligibility criteria, you can increase your chances of receiving an ITA and embarking on the journey to permanent residency.

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