December 18th, 2023 at 02:23 am
Australian Citizenship Vs Permanent Residency: All You Need to Know
Australia is one of the wealthiest countries in the world, providing its inhabitants with higher living standards, better education, and health care. It attracts visitors from all over the world due to its clean environment, beautiful scenery, and low human density. So, do you intend to relocate to Australia in 2024 to make use of all of these amenities? Or are you unsure about the distinction between Australian citizenship and permanent residence before applying for a visa? There is no need to look any further.
This blog post will help you. Prepare to embark on an adventure to learn about the distinctions between Australian citizenship and permanent residence. After reading it, you will understand the distinction between the two, as well as their respective responsibilities and advantages. So, before delving into the differences between Australian citizenship and permanent residence, let’s first clarify who is a permanent resident and who is a citizen.
Who is a Permanent Resident?
A permanent resident is someone who has a valid visa and can stay in Australia for an extended period of time. Australia permits permanent residents to work and study in the country, travel to and from the country frequently, and access national healthcare facilities such as Medicare. They can also sponsor relatives for permanent residency.
Responsibilities of Permanent Residents
The following is a list of the responsibilities of a permanent resident:
- You must notify the Department of Home Affairs if you intend to relocate.
- Before the visa expires, a permanent resident must renew the relevant documentation.
- A permanent resident is required to abide by all Australian laws and regulations.
- As a PR, you must pay Australian taxes.
Who is an Australian Citizen?
The legal status of belonging to the Australian community is referred to as citizenship. It entitles you to vote in elections, live and work in Australia indefinitely, travel with an Australian passport, and get consular assistance while traveling abroad.
Responsibilities of Australian Citizens
Citizenship entails specific responsibilities, which include the following:
- As an Australian citizen, you are required to follow all Australian laws.
- You must protect Australia wherever it is required.
- If a jury summons you, you must serve it.
- When summoned, you must serve on a jury.
- As an Australian citizen, you must register to vote on both the federal and state levels.
Now that you’ve learned about the different obligations that come with Australian citizenship and permanent residency, let’s look at the other major distinctions between these two statuses.
Comparison of Citizenship and Permanent Residence in Australia
Each journey is unique, and picking between residency and citizenship is an important step toward making Australia your permanent home. When deciding between permanent residency and citizenship, the benefits and cons of each must be thoroughly considered.
Whether you want the security of permanent residency or the full range of Australian citizenship privileges, you must examine the following factors:
The distinction between Australian citizenship and permanent residence
| Privilege | Australian Citizen | Australian Permanent Resident |
| Voting | Australia is a democracy, therefore voting is your right and required if you’re above 18. Australian citizens must vote in municipal, state, federal, and referendums. | Most permanent residents cannot vote. However, British subjects who were enrolled to vote before January 26, 1984, can vote in Australian government elections. |
| Run for election in local, state or federal government | Yes | No |
| Work in the Australian army, navy or air force | Yes | Permanent residents may be considered for roles that cannot be filled by an Australian citizen if they have applied for citizenship and provided the necessary documents. |
| Travel to and from Australia | Travelers can enter other countries with a valid visa, however re-entry into Australia does not require a visa. | Permanent visas allow unlimited re-entry into Australia for five years after the visa is issued. After that date, you will need a resident return visa or to apply for a new 5-year travel facility. |
| Hold an Australian Passport | Yes | No, your permanent residency status will be digitally linked to your current passport |
| Children’s Citizenship | Yes
If your child is born in Australia they are automatically an Australian citizen
if your child is born outside Australia they are entitled to citizenship by descent |
If your child is born in Australia or adopted in Australia, they are eligible for citizenship.
A child born outside Australia but migrates to Australia with you should be added to the permanent residency application.
Inform the government and apply for a subsequent child (subclass 101) visa if your child was born outside Australia and one parent is a permanent resident. |
| Government loans for studying | Yes | No |
| Government benefits | Yes, If you qualify, you may earn government assistance. Departments regulate government services and perks. | Yes, Government benefits may be available to those who qualify. The appropriate departments set government service and benefit rules. |
| ask Australian diplomats for help abroad | Yes | No |
| Jury duty | Yes, if called, you must serve on a jury. Unless you have a valid excuse (you may be called again), | No |
| Follow Australian law | Yes | Yes |
Conditions for Becoming an Australian Permanent Resident
The main route to permanent residency is via numerous visa programs, each with its own set of conditions. To apply for permanent residency in Australia, you must obtain at least 65 points on the PR visa test. Points are assigned based on a variety of characteristics, including age, employment experience, and English ability.
- You must be under the age of 45.
- To demonstrate English language proficiency, your IELTS score must be more than 5.
- You must provide positive skill evaluation certifications in your specified occupation to apply for PR in Australia.
- Please provide proof of health insurance and a police verification certificate.
- Permanent residents in Australia must stay in the country for at least two years out of every five. If they leave Australia for an extended period of time, their PR status may be removed.
Requirements for Obtaining Australian Citizenship
You must meet these prerequisites before applying for citizenship.
- Apply if you are a permanent resident for a set period of time.
- Pass the citizenship exam
- Comply with residency regulations.
- Keep your moral integrity.
After becoming an Australian citizen, a person has the same rights and obligations as other citizens. I understand what you’re thinking, so let me tell you about the citizenship test.
What exactly is a Citizenship Test?
If you meet the general qualifying conditions, you must pass a test before applying for Australian citizenship. This citizenship exam assesses your knowledge of Australian values, history, culture, and national symbols. Individuals under the age of 18 or over the age of 60, as well as those with a significant handicap or loss of speech, hearing, or vision, are not permitted to take this test.
The test is an important aspect of ensuring that you can make the most of your opportunities in Australia and actively participate in the community as a citizen. It promotes peaceful social interactions and effective community integration.
Travel Options for Permanent Residents vs. Citizens
Permanent residents enjoy a 5-year travel visa that allows them to enter and depart the nation as frequently as they wish. However, they must renew their PR visa after five years.
Depending on the individual legislation, Australian nationals can travel to different countries with valid visas. However, unlike permanent residents, they do not require a visa to re-enter Australia.
Permanent Residents’ Medical Benefits vs. Citizens’
Medicare provides complete coverage for Australian citizens. This means that individuals will not have to pay out of pocket for any medical services or treatments that Medicare covers. Residents are also entitled to free medical care at public hospitals and drugs through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
Permanent residents are only eligible for Medicare benefits. They do not have the same level of protection as Australian citizens. In public hospitals, PR holders are eligible to free care and medical services. Furthermore, to meet Medicare eligibility criteria, PR holders must have lived in Australia for at least two years.
Dual Citizenship for Permanent Residents and Citizens
Dual citizenship is authorized for PR holders in Australia, which means they can continue to reside as citizens of two countries while remaining eligible for PR status in Australia. However, if their country of origin prohibits dual citizenship, Australian nationals must renounce previous citizenship.
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