Permanent Residency

Many people who study or work in Australia like the option of becoming Permanent Residents. Individuals on Study Visas, Employer Sponsored Visas, a General Skills visa, or anybody working as a doctor or nurse can usually apply for a Permanent Residency visa, at least after some time in the country.

An Australian Permanent Resident is not a citizen, but actually, a non-citizen who holds a Permanent Visa. This grants them many of the rights and entitlements of actual citizenship.

Permanent Residents (PR) have access to Medicare, and after spending two years in the country they are eligible for Social Security benefits. They can live, work and travel in Australia as they choose. They can hold most Government jobs. If studying they may be eligible for some (not all) education loans.

Children born in Australia to Permanent Residents will automatically acquire full Australian Citizenship. Relatives of the Permanent Resident who are overseas can often be sponsored for an Australian Visa.

A PR Visa is applicable for 5 years. After this time it must be renewed. But it is a simple matter to renew this while remaining in the country. And it is still possible to have a new PR visa granted even if you are overseas when the precious visa expires. PR Visa can be renewed an infinite number of times.

Circumstances When Individuals May Apply For PR?

Overseas students studying in Australia often apply when they graduate. Language (IELTS) and skill assessments will apply.

Individuals can improve their chances of gaining PR if they improve their English language skills (IELTS of 6 is the minimum) and increase their work experience. Increased education (perhaps a more advanced degree) or other qualification increase is also an advantage.

Immigration Lawyer Sydney

Are you eligible for Permanent Residency or Australian Citizenship? Our immigration lawyers can advise the best Visa application path.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is provided for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. No individual should take, or refrain from taking, any action solely based on the material contained in this article. While we aim to offer accurate and timely information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on the date of receipt or in the future. If you require more information or seek relevant legal advice specific to your circumstances, please contact our office.