Last year, Australia claimed four of the world’s top ten most liveable cities. Three Australian cities are regularly ranked among the world’s top 10 most liveable because of its global education standard, spectacular landscapes, dynamic cities, and an inclusive professional culture with enormous personal and professional opportunities.
There is also an increasing number of international students, migrants and skilled workers from all over the world applying for permanent residence in Australia, increased 17.1 per cent from 157,989 in 2020-21 to 185,030 in 2021-22.
Let’s explore the benefits of becoming a Permanent Resident in Australia and why so many people call Australia a great place to live.
Live in Australia permanently
If you come to Australia on a temporary visa, such as student or visitor visa, you can only stay in the country within the specified period mentioned on your visa. However, as a permanent resident of Australia, you can remain in the country indefinitely.
When you are granted with a permanent visa, you are usually permitted to travel (leave and re-enter) Australia as many times as you like in the 5 years from the date your permanent visa was granted, as long as your visa remains valid. After 5 years, you can apply to re-enter Australia as a permanent resident by applying for a resident return visa or as an Australian citizen.
Unlimited rights to work in Australia
As a permanent resident in Australia, you have unrestricted rights to work and study in the country. You can choose to work in any regions of Australia and pursue any course of study that you are interested in.
Only exception are specific organisations such as Australian Public Service or Defence Forces where you need to be a citizen of Australia to apply for their jobs.
Access to student subsidy when studying in Australia
You will also be able to access to a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) where the government pays part of your school fees. This part is a subsidy, not a loan, and you don’t have to pay it back.
Most CSPs are for undergraduate study. Only some providers offer CSPs at the postgraduate level.
If you are a postgraduate student, you should check with your provider to see if they offer CSPs in your course.
Just being eligible for a CSP does not mean that you will be offered one. You must meet the academic entry requirements set by your provider to get into the course.
Medicare
You can enrol in Australia’s national health scheme, Medicare, as an Australian permanent resident. Medicare is Australia’s universal health care system and provides you with the access to a range of health care services for free or at a lower cost, including: medical services by doctors, specialists and other health professionals. hospital treatment. prescription medicines (Department of Health and Aged Care).
Bank loans to buy property
Australian permanent residents have the same rights as Australian citizens when it comes to buying property, and there are no Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) restrictions for permanent residents compared to temporary residents.
Permanent residents can apply for the First Home Owner’s Grant (New Homes) scheme designed to help new homeowners. Each Australian state has different qualifiers for grants, ranging from $10,000 to $20,000. The grants are awarded to first-time homeowners for new homes or other qualified residential properties that cost between $550,000 to $750,000 depending on your state.
Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence
According to The Australian Bureau of Statistics over 50% of Australians have at least one parent who is born overseas. So if you are Australian permanent resident, you would be able to bring your parents or eligible relatives to Australia if you and your relatives meet the specific requirements from the Department of Home Affairs.
You can book an appointment with our Registered Migration Agents and Lawyers to find more about suitable visa options. There are many visa types, Partner visas (spouse), Parent and Child visas and we at VisaEnvoy have agents who are specialised in Family migration. Whether inside or outside Australia we can assist you in a range of family migration including Carer and remaining relative visas.
Become an Australian citizen
Australian citizenship may be conferred upon permanent residents of Australia who have resided in Australia for the required period of time, and meet all other criteria. Those who have been conferred citizenship have the same rights and privileges as any other Australian citizen, including the right to vote, to work for the Australian Public Service or Defence Force, and to obtain and use an Australian passport.
According to PassportIndex, The passport of Australia is ranked 4 in the world by the 2022 Passport Index. Citizens can visit 171 countries visa-free.
Australian children
A baby born in Australia is automatically an Australian citizen if at least one parent was an Australian citizen or permanent resident at the time of birth, providing them with immediate access to all the above benefits and more.
The baby might also be a citizen of their parents’ home country (dual citizenship).
Australian citizens may also hold the citizenship of another country or countries if the laws of those countries allow. This is known as dual, or multiple, citizenship.
Attend free English language classes
Permanent residents can attend free English language classes provided by the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) to improve their English language skills and settle into Australia. When you are in an AMEP class, free childcare is available for children under school age.
The Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) is delivered at around 300 locations across Australia in major cities as well as regional and remote areas. To find out if you are eligible or to find your nearest class, contact your nearest AMEP service.
Work in New Zealand
When you are an Australian permanent resident, you can visit, work and live in New Zealand. You will need to hold an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) before you travel. You do not pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL).
You can also buy house in New Zealand on Australia PR while you are working in New Zealand. Most Australian citizens don’t need a visa to enter unless you have a criminal record or if you’ve been deported from any country.
Benefits for Australian citizens only
Unlike Australian citizens, a permanent resident generally cannot:
- have an Australian passport
- vote in Australian Government elections unless you enrolled (as a British subject) before 26 January 1984
- access student loans
- join the Australian Defence Force
- obtain ongoing work in the Australian Government
- return to Australia from overseas without a valid travel facility (you do not have automatic right of entry to Australia).
If you would like a comprehensive consultation which includes assessing you for permanent visa options (Skilled visas, Employer Sponsored, Partner, etc.), we recommend our standard 45 minute to 1 hour consultation which can be scheduled here:
https://visaenvoy.as.me/video (45 min)
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