Know Your Rights as a Permanent Resident of Australia

 

As a permanent resident of Australia, you have many rights and responsibilities. Some of your rights include the ability to live and work in Australia indefinitely, access to healthcare, social services and the right to participate in political and civic life.

 

The rights you have as an Australian Permanent Resident

 

Right to live and work in Australia indefinitely

 

One of the main benefits of being a permanent resident in Australia is that you have the right to live and work in Australia indefinitely. This means that you can stay in the country as long as you like and you have the freedom to work in any field or industry. However, it is important to note that you must meet certain residency requirements to maintain your permanent residency status. This includes residing in Australia for a certain amount of time each year and ensuring that you do not commit any criminal offenses.

 

Access to healthcare

 

As a permanent resident of Australia you have access to the country’s healthcare system which is known as Medicare. Medicare provides affordable healthcare to all Australian citizens and permanent residents. However there may be some services that are not covered by Medicare and you may need to pay for them out of pocket or through private health insurance.

 

Access to education

 

As a permanent resident of Australia you get access to the country’s education system. This means you can enroll your children in public schools and you can attend university paying the same fees as Australian citizens.

 

Right to social services

 

In addition to healthcare and education permanent residents of Australia also have access to other social services, including welfare, housing assistance and aged care. These services are designed to help individuals and families who are struggling financially or who need assistance with housing or care.

 

Right to participate in political and civic life

 

As a permanent resident of Australia you get the right to participate in political and civic life. This includes the right to vote in federal and state elections, the right to join political parties and organizations and the right to express your opinions and ideas freely.

 

Right to own property

 

As a permanent resident you have the right to own property. This means that you can invest in the country and establish a long term financial future for yourself and your family.

 

Right to travel

 

You have the right to travel freely in and out of the country. You can leave and re enter Australia as many times as you like without needing a visa.

 

Right to sponsor family members

 

You have the right to sponsor family members for permanent residency or temporary visas.

 

Right to join the armed forces

 

As a permanent resident of Australia you have the right to join the Australian armed forces. Obviously you still have to pass the entry exams and fitness requirements!

 

Right to legal protection

 

You have the right to legal protection and representation in case of disputes or legal issues. You can access legal services and seek legal advice just like any other Australian citizen.

 

Right to religious freedom

 

You get the right to practice any religion or belief system as long as it does not violate Australian laws or the rights of others.

Australia Permanent Residence vs Citizenship

 

Australia offers two main pathways for immigrants to legally live and work in the country: permanent residency and citizenship. While both options offer a range of benefits and rights there are some important differences between them.

 

Permanent Residence in Australia

 

A permanent resident in Australia is a foreign national who has been granted the right to live and work in the country indefinitely. This is granted through a visa which allows the holder to remain in Australia for an indefinite period of time.

 

Benefits of Permanent Residency in Australia

 

  • The right to live and work in Australia indefinitely.
  • Access to certain government services and benefits, such as Medicare and public education
  • The ability to travel freely in and out of the country
  • The ability to sponsor certain family members for permanent residency or temporary visas
  • The right to apply for Australian citizenship after meeting certain residency and other criteria

 

Limitations of Permanent Residency in Australia

 

  • Cannot vote in Australian federal elections
  • Cannot work in certain government jobs that require Australian citizenship
  • Must comply with certain residency requirements to maintain permanent residency status

 

Australian Citizenship

 

Australian citizenship is the ultimate goal for many permanent residents as it offers a range of additional rights and privileges. To become an Australian citizen you must first meet certain residency requirements which include living in Australia for at least four years (with no more than 12 months spent outside the country) and passing  the Australian Values citizenship test.

 

Benefits of Australian Citizenship

 

  • The right to vote in Australian federal elections
  • The ability to work in certain government jobs that require Australian citizenship
  • Access to government services and benefit
  • The right to apply for an Australian passport and travel more easily internationally
  • The ability to participate in Australian culture and society as a fully fledged up member of the community

 

Limitations of Australian Citizenship

 

  • Must comply with Australian laws
  • Must pay taxes on income earned in Australia and overseas
  • Can be stripped of citizenship if you obtained it fraudulently

 

Both permanent residency and citizenship offer a range of benefits and opportunities for those wishing to live and work in Australia. Permanent residency provides a solid foundation for your life and future in Australia and full citizenship gives holders additional rights and privileges.

Can I stay as a Australian permanent resident forever?

 

As a permanent resident of Australia you are not required or placed under any obligation to become an Australian citizen. Permanent residency gives holders the right to live and work in Australia indefinitely and you can maintain this status for as long as you meet the necessary requirements. There are however a number of good benefits to becoming an Australian citizen and these include the right to vote in federal elections and the ability to obtain an Australian passport.

Subject Matter Expert at Visa Bureau | Website | + posts

Jacqueline Chow is an international immigration and visa expert with over 15 years of experience in the field. With a background in law and a passion for helping people, Jacqueline has built a reputation as a trusted and reliable source of information and advice on all aspects of immigration and visas. She has worked with clients from all over the world, including high-net-worth individuals, professionals, skilled workers and families. As a sought-after speaker and commentator Jacqueline has been featured in various media outlets and has given talks on immigration and visas at conferences and events around the world.

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