You can become a permanent resident of Australia by applying for and being granted a permanent visa that allows you to remain in Australia indefinitely. The most common permanent visas include some skilled work and family visas. To find a visa that suits your needs explore visa options.
They are difficult to get for the same reason that it is difficult to get permanent residence in Canada and Australia -- the number of applicants far exceeds the number of relevant visas issued each year. Recipients of ``work'' visas have almost the same rights and privileges as do citizens.
5 Options for Australian Citizens to Get Green Cards
Other than marriage, someone can get a Green Card by being sponsored by an American relative (parent, sibling or child), by requesting and being approved for asylum, by being sponsored by an American employer or by being selected in the Diversity Visa lottery.
The total permanent residency Australia cost for a single applicant through skilled migration can range from AUD 7,000 to AUD 10,000.
The Australian Government has announced changes that will allow short-term 457 or 482 visa holders to have a pathway to permanent residency in Australia after 2 years. If you have held and worked on a 482 visa for at least 2 years, you can apply for your PR. from November 25, 2023.
The total cost to apply for a green card can range from $1,700 (government fees + medical exam) to over $10,000 if you include attorney fees and related expenses. Your final cost depends on the type of case, whether you are applying inside or outside the U.S., and how complicated your immigration history is.
You can become a permanent resident via investments, marriage, naturalisation, etc. Some easiest countries to get citizenship to include Canada, New Zealand, Portugal, Thailand, Australia and Ireland.
(Form I-551), are photo-identification documents given to lawful permanent residents as proof of legal status in the United States. Most green cards are valid for ten (10) years. Not all green cards have an expiration date. This can vary depending on when and at what age someone received a green card.
Immediate relatives include: Spouse: Your legally married spouse is eligible for a green card. Children: Unmarried children under the age of 21. Parents: If you are at least 21 years old, you can sponsor your parents.
Australian citizens will require a US visa for any stays over 90 days and a US working visa/study visa if they plan to work or study in America. At the time of writing, the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) permits many Australians to enter the country without a visa for a stay of up to 90 days.
Documents You Need Before You Apply for a Green Card
Some of the easiest PR pathways come through high-demand study areas such as nursing, teaching, IT, engineering, social work, and trade courses like cookery and carpentry. Many students search for easy PR courses in Australia to increase their chances of meeting migration requirements.
What Are the U.S. Green Card Options for Australians?
For the vast majority of adults, moving to Australia is only really a possibility if you practice a skilled occupation that is in demand by the Australian government, or if your partner or child is Australian.
Limitations of Green Card Holders
What is a ten-year green card? A ten-year green card is issued for anyone who has gained residency through an employer or your spouse (been married longer than 2 years, parent, or relative has been issued a green card. You can also receive a green card by filing a self-petition through VAWA.
Update Oct 31, 2024: The Diversity Visa Program 2026 (DV-2026) entry period has been extended by two days and will close on November 7, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. (noon), Eastern Standard Time (EST) (GMT–5). The U.S. Embassy announces the opening of the 2026 Diversity Visa Lottery Program (DV-2026).
One of the fastest ways to get a U.S. Green Card is via the EB-5 Visa program. While the EB-5 Visa is technically employment-based, it does not require a job offer. Instead, this type of visa is focused on making a qualifying investment to create jobs.
Switzerland. If you've always wanted to live in a small town nestled in the mountains, there is a program that will pay you to move to Albinen, Switzerland. This program pays individuals up to 20,000 Swiss Francs to relocate to the small town to help with repopulation.
Cheapest Countries to Buy Citizenship
Employer-sponsored green card fees are usually the responsibility of the employer.
Many U.S. employers and H-1B workers panicked when the Trump administration issued a proclamation on September 19, 2025, that appeared to require a $100,000 payment for a noncitizen to enter the United States with an H-1B visa after 12:01 am Eastern Time on September 21.
Purchasing a home in the U.S. is considered passive investment and would not qualify for the EB-5. There are proposals in the immigration reform legislation, but currently there is no visa that results in a green card based on the purchase of a home.