The Difference Between Permanent Residency and Citizenship

Over the next few weeks, we will be answering some of our frequently asked questions. If you

have any questions you would like us to answer, please feel free to add them to the comments.

This week, we will answer some questions about permanent residency. We will start with explaining the different between a Permanent Resident and a Citizen.

A permanent resident of Australia can live, study and work in Australia indefinitely. They can enrol in Medicare and apply for bank loans to buy property. They often have access to free English language classes as well to help them with any language barriers they may face. They are also able to sponsor eligible family members for permanent residence.

Permanent residents of Australia are not citizens of Australia but can apply, if eligible. The pathway to citizenship requires you to hold permanent resident status for at least 12 months immediately before you apply for citizenship. The benefits of citizenship include having an Australian passport and being able to vote in our state and federal elections. Citizens have access to student loans and can join our Australian Defence Force where Permanent Residents are not able to. Permanent Residents can usually travel in and out of Australia for 5 years from the date of their permanent visa grant. They can live in Australia forever, but after 5 years if they want to exit Australia, even for a short time, they need a resident return visa to be able to re-enter Australia.

Contact us if you have any questions about being a permanent resident or a citizen of Australia or jump on our assessment survey on our website www.aboutimmi.com.au and we will contact you.