The general residence requirement is based on the amount of time the applicant has lived in Australia. He must meet all of the following:
has lived in Australia on a valid Australian visa for four years immediately before applying;
must have been a permanent resident for the 12 months immediately before making an application and not have been absent from Australia for more than one year in total, during the four-year period, including no more than 90 days in the 12 months before applying.