PR VS Australian Citizenship
Australia stands out as a multicultural and multilingual nation, attracting millions of migrants from around the world. Most immigrants start their journey with a temporary visa, followed by a Permanent Residency (PR) visa, which paves the way to citizenship. After living in Australia for 4 years and holding PR status for a minimum of 1 year, individuals may be eligible to apply for citizenship.
While both PR holders and Australian citizens enjoy numerous benefits, some privileges and responsibilities are exclusive to citizenship. We have broken this down for you in the table below.
What are the shared benefits of citizenship and permanent residency (PR)?
| Aspect | Permanent Residency (PR) | Citizenship |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Rights | Must renew travel facility every 5 years; RRV (Subclass 155) needed after expiry | Unrestricted travel with an Australian passport |
| Healthcare Access | Access to Medicare | Full access to Medicare |
| Social Security Benefits | Eligible for various benefits (e.g., Family Tax Benefits) | Immediate access to social security benefits |
| Education and Schooling | Free public schooling; domestic tuition fees at universities | Free public schooling; domestic tuition fees at universities; enhanced access to scholarships |
| Bank Loans | Eligible to apply for loans | Eligible to apply for loans |
What are the Differences Between Permanent Residency (PR) and Citizenship?
| Aspect | Permanent Residency (PR) | Citizenship |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Status and Travel Rights | Right to stay and work indefinitely with a five-year travel facility; needs RRV to re-enter after five years | Free entry to Australia without a visa |
| Voting Rights | No voting rights in federal elections | Full voting rights in federal, state, and local elections |
| Government Jobs | Limited access to government jobs | Full eligibility to work in public sector roles |
| Social Security Access | Two-year waiting period for full benefits | Immediate access to social security |
| Educational Benefits | Limited access to government loans | Complete access to government loans and scholarships |
| Security of Status | Status can be revoked for certain offenses | Citizenship cannot be revoked except under extreme circumstances |
How Can Agape Henry Crux Help
Knowing your objective can assist the team of immigration lawyers to give you tailored and better advice for your visa pathway. Reach out to one of our immigration lawyers at Agape Henry Crux for a strategy planning session. Our team works with 2 of our Accredited Specialists Immigration Lawyers (s) who specialise in handling highly complex matters. You can schedule an appointment with one of our lawyers or agents to seek professional advice by calling 02-8310 5230 or emailing us at info@ahclawyers.com.
We speak fluent English, Mandarin and Cantonese. We can also help you arrange an interpreter if this isn't your language.
This article/presentation (“publication”) does not deal extensively with important topics or changes in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you find this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances, please contact our office.
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