Changing from a 457visa to Permanent Residency

[christyvpl]

Hi all,

New to the forum.

I currently live in Queensland and am on a 457visa. I want to apply for permanent residency and I have enough points to do so. I may have to return to my home country for a period of 4-6months later this year(possibly). How does this affect my application. What are the requirements as regards being in Australia during the processing? Is there a probationary period after the granting of PR?
I have looked around and can't seem to find the answer. I'm probably being really thick and not looking in the right place, but any help that you can give would be very much appreciated.

Cheers

[Jeff Albright]

I may have to return to my home country for a period of 4-6months later this year(possibly). How does this affect my application.

It won't affect your PR application.
But you need to bear in mind that in order to qualify for Australian Citizenship in future you must not be absent in total more than 12 months in 4 years and must not be absent longer than 3 months in the last year immediately before applying.
Secondly, while being on a 457 visa you must continue to be employed by the employer your visa was issued for.

What are the requirements as regards being in Australia during the processing?

You can remain in Australia whilst it is considered. You can apply for onshore or offshore class visa. However, if you apply offshore, you will have to leave Australia at the time your PR visa is about to be granted.

Is there a probationary period after the granting of PR?

No.

I have looked around and can't seem to find the answer. I'm probably being really thick and not looking in the right place, but any help that you can give would be very much appreciated.

www.immi.gov.au is very helpful and informative. You can find all the answers there but feel free to post anything that remains unclear.