After You Apply

After submitting your Subclass 190 application, there's a waiting period while your application is assessed. This guide explains what to expect during processing, your visa grant, and beginning your permanent residence journey in Australia.

Processing Times

Official Processing Times (Department of Home Affairs)

Factors Affecting Processing Time

• Application completeness: Front-loading all documents = faster processing
• Document quality: Clear, certified, complete documents reduce delays
• Verification requirements: Employment and qualification checks take time
• Health examinations: Delays in completing health checks slow processing
• Police certificates: Overseas authorities may take time to respond
• Response time: Quick responses to information requests speed processing
• Case officer workload: Department capacity affects all applications
• Location: Onshore applications sometimes process slightly faster

What Happens During Processing

Processing Stages

1. Application received (Day 0): Acknowledgement email sent
2. Preliminary checks (Weeks 1-4): Initial assessment of documents
3. Case officer assigned (Weeks 4-12): Detailed review begins
4. Health examinations (Weeks 8-24): Request issued if not already completed
5. Document verification (Weeks 12-32): Employment, education verified
6. Character checks (Weeks 16-36): Police certificates reviewed
7. Final assessment (Weeks 20-40): Case officer makes decision
8. Visa grant or refusal (Weeks 24-48): Final decision communicated

?? Communication from Department

How You'll Be Contacted

• ImmiAccount messages: Primary communication method - check daily!
• Email notifications: Alerts when new messages available in ImmiAccount
• No phone calls: Department rarely calls applicants directly
• No SMS: Beware of scams - department doesn't text

Types of Communication You May Receive

• Acknowledgement of receipt: Confirms application received and TRN assigned
• Health examination request: Instructions to undergo health checks at panel physician
• Request for information (RFI): Additional documents, clarifications, or explanations needed
• Employment verification: Confirmation that employer has been contacted
• Decision notification: Final decision on your permanent residence application

Responding to Requests

• Read carefully: Understand exactly what's being requested
• Respond promptly: Don't wait until the deadline - respond within days
• Provide everything: Supply all requested information comprehensively
• Use correct format: Follow specified file types and sizes
• Confirm receipt: Check ImmiAccount to ensure upload successful

?? Health Examinations

When to Complete

• Usually 2-6 months after lodgement: Wait for official request via ImmiAccount
• 28-day deadline: Must be completed within specified timeframe
• Book immediately: Panel physicians get busy - don't delay booking
• Can do earlier: Some applicants complete before lodging (valid 12 months)

Finding a Panel Physician

• Use the official Panel Physician Finder on Department of Home Affairs website
• Only panel physicians approved by Home Affairs can conduct immigration medicals
• Results are submitted electronically directly to the department
• You receive a copy for your records

Examinations Required

Standard for All Applicants:

• Medical examination (eMedical or Form 26)
• Chest X-ray (for applicants 11+ years, not pregnant women)
• HIV test (for applicants 15+ years)
• Full physical examination
• Medical history review

Additional If Required:

• Hepatitis B and C tests (for certain occupations)
• TB screening or sputum tests
• Specialist examinations (referrals if health concerns)

Health Examination Costs

• Adult: AUD $300-500 per person (varies by physician)
• Child under 11: AUD $150-300 per person
• Chest X-ray: AUD $85-150 (if separate)
• Payable directly to panel physician (not refundable)

What Happens After Health Checks

• Results submitted: Physician uploads directly to Home Affairs
• Review by Medical Officer of Commonwealth: 2-8 weeks typically
• Further requirements: Additional tests if concerns identified
• Health undertakings: May be required to sign if certain conditions exist

?? Character Assessment

Police Certificates Required

• Every country lived 12+ months: Since age 16, in last 10 years
• Must be recent: Issued within 12 months of application lodgement
• Include translations: NAATI-certified translation if not in English
• Upload to ImmiAccount: As soon as obtained

Australian Federal Police Check

If you've lived in Australia for 12+ months:

• Apply online at AFP website
• Cost: AUD $42 (online) or $70 (paper)
• Processing: 1-2 weeks typically
• Purpose: "Commonwealth purposes (includes immigration)"

Form 80 - Personal Particulars

Many case officers request Form 80:

• What it is: Detailed personal history form
• When to submit: Proactively with initial application or when requested
• Includes: 10 years of addresses, employment, travel history
• Time to complete: 2-4 hours - be thorough

? Verification Checks

Employment Verification

Department may contact your current/previous employers:

• What they verify: Job title, duties, dates, hours, salary
• How they contact: Phone, email, or written request
• Your preparation: Inform employers they may be contacted
• Response required: Employers should respond promptly

Education Verification

• Department may contact universities/institutions
• Verifies degrees, transcripts, completion dates
• Ensure institutions have correct contact details

Skills Assessment Verification

• Department verifies skills assessment directly with assessing authority
• Confirms assessment is genuine and current
• Checks claimed work experience against assessment outcome

?? Visa Grant - Permanent Residence!

Grant Notification

What you receive:

• Grant notification email: Sent to registered email address
• Grant letter: PDF in ImmiAccount with visa details
• VEVO access: Visa Entitlement Verification Online shows your status
• Visa grant number: For reference and verification
• Travel facility: 5 years from grant date

What Your PR Visa Includes

• Permanent residence: Live in Australia indefinitely
• 5-year travel facility: Enter Australia anytime within 5 years
• Unlimited work rights: Work for any employer, any occupation, anywhere in Australia
• Unlimited study rights: Enroll in any course at domestic rates
• Medicare access: Full public healthcare from day one
• Social security access: After waiting periods (2-4 years typically)
• Family included: Partner and children get same PR status
• Pathway to citizenship: Eligible after 4 years of residence

Visa Conditions

While 190 is permanent residence with full legal freedom, remember:

• Moral commitment: You should genuinely settle in nominating state initially
• Recommended period: 2+ years in the nominating state
• No legal restriction: PR allows you to live anywhere in Australia legally
• Future implications: Moving immediately may affect citizenship/sponsorship applications

?? Starting Your PR Life in Australia

First Steps After Grant

1. Activate your visa: Must enter Australia before "initial entry date" on grant letter
2. Move to nominating state: Relocate to the state that nominated you
3. Find accommodation: Rent or buy property (PR makes financing easier)
4. Secure employment: Start working in your field or any occupation
5. Enroll in Medicare: Register for healthcare card at Medicare office
6. Apply for Tax File Number: Essential for employment and banking
7. Open bank accounts: Easier as PR than on temporary visa
8. Get driver's license: Convert overseas license or obtain Australian one
9. Register children for school: If applicable, enroll at local schools
10. Build credit history: Start establishing Australian credit

Settling in Your Nominating State

Building genuine ties to your nominating state:

• Employment: Find stable work in your nominated occupation or any field
• Community: Join local groups, sports clubs, professional associations
• Services: Register with local GP, dentist, optometrist
• Banking: Use local branch for banking needs
• Utilities: Set up electricity, gas, internet in your name
• Social networks: Make friends, attend community events

?? Travel and Re-entry

5-Year Travel Facility

• Duration: 5 years from visa grant date (not arrival in Australia)
• Unlimited travel: Leave and re-enter Australia as many times as you want
• No reporting: Don't need to notify department of travel
• VEVO check: Airlines verify your visa electronically

After 5 Years - Resident Return Visa (RRV)

To maintain travel rights after 5 years:

• Apply for RRV: Subclass 155 (5-year) or 157 (3-month)
• Cost: Around AUD $445
• Requirements: Show ties to Australia or compelling reasons for absence
• Processing: Usually 2-4 months

Important Notes on Travel Facility

• PR itself never expires - you can stay in Australia forever
• Travel facility expiry only affects re-entry, not residence status
• If overseas when travel facility expires, need RRV to return
• Apply for RRV before leaving if travel facility about to expire

Pathway to Australian Citizenship

Eligibility for Citizenship

After 4 years as permanent resident:

• Residence requirement: Lived in Australia for 4 years (can include temporary visa time)
• PR requirement: Held PR for at least 12 months
• Physical presence: Been in Australia for 12 months in last 4 years
• Absence limit: Not been absent more than 12 months total in last 4 years
• Recent absence limit: Not been absent more than 90 days in last 12 months
• Character: Good character (no serious criminal record)
• English: Adequate knowledge of English language
• Citizenship test: Pass test on Australian values, history, and responsibilities

Benefits of Australian Citizenship

• Australian passport: Travel visa-free to 180+ countries
• Voting rights: Vote in federal and state elections (compulsory)
• Political participation: Run for political office
• Government employment: Access jobs requiring citizenship (defense, intelligence)
• No travel facility renewals: Never need RRV again
• Cannot be deported: Citizenship can't be cancelled (except fraud cases)
• Full social security: Immediate access to all benefits
• Australian identity: Official recognition as Australian citizen

Tips for Successful PR Life

• Build community ties: Get involved locally - makes settling easier
• Network professionally: Join industry groups, attend events
• Upskill if needed: Australian qualifications may help career
• Understand workplace culture: Australian work culture may differ from home country
• Learn local customs: Embrace Australian lifestyle and values
• Stay compliant: Follow all Australian laws
• Keep records: Save tax returns, proof of residence for future citizenship
• Update details: Notify Home Affairs of any name/address changes
• Be patient: Settlement takes time - give yourself 6-12 months to adjust

?? Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Moving states immediately: Stay in nominating state for 2+ years as committed
• Not enrolling in Medicare: Register as soon as you arrive
• Forgetting TFN: Apply immediately - essential for employment
• Not updating details: Notify Home Affairs of address changes
• Travel facility expiry: Apply for RRV before 5 years expire if planning travel
• Criminal activity: Serious crimes can lead to visa cancellation
• Working illegally before arrival: Don't work until after first entry
• Not keeping records: Keep everything for citizenship application

?? Congratulations on Your Journey!

Your Next Milestones:

• Settle in nominating state (first 2 years)
• Build career and community ties
• After 4 years: Apply for Australian citizenship
• Become a full Australian citizen!

Final Words

This guide has walked you through the entire Subclass 190 journey from overview to permanent residence. Now it's time to live it! Welcome to Australia, and best wishes for your new life as a permanent resident.