In Australia, permanent resident (PR) and citizenship allow indefinite residency. The primary difference between Australia PR and citizenship is their rights and duties. International individuals with Australian PR status can reside, study, and work in Australia without restrictions, but they cannot participate in federal elections, apply for an Australian passport or avail of specific government jobs that an Australian citizen can apply for. However, an Australian citizen can participate in the elections, have an Australian passport, and work in governmental job roles.
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What is Australia PR vs. Australia citizenship?
Detailed information about the differences between Australia PR and Australian citizenship is given in the table below.
|
Factor |
Australia PR |
Australia citizenship |
|
Travel Rights |
Australian permanent residents have the freedom to travel in and out of Australia. After the expiry of PR status, an RRV or Resident Return Visa is required. |
Australian citizens have the freedom to travel with an Australian passport. |
|
Voting Rights |
Australian PRs cannot vote in Australia's federal elections. |
Australian citizens have full voting rights in the federal elections |
|
Government Jobs |
Permanent residents have limited opportunities in the Australian public sector. |
Australian citizens get complete access to public sector and government jobs. |
|
Social Security |
Australian permanent residents have limited access to social security benefits. They must wait two years for full benefits. |
Australian citizens have complete access to social security benefits |
|
Healthcare |
Australia PR holders can access to Medicare |
Citizens of Australia have full access to Medicare |
|
Educational Benefits |
Australian permanent residents can avail of domestic tuition fees. |
Australian citizens cn avail of additional scholarships and HECS-HELP |
|
Security of Status |
Australian PR status can be revoked |
Australian citizenship is lifelong. |
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What is an Australian PR?
Gaining Australian PR or Permanent Residency implies that you have the right to reside and work in Australia indefinitely. It is a permanent Australian visa that allows you to live legally in Australia for an indefinite time. You can enjoy most of the rights and benefits an Australian citizen enjoys.
As an Australia PR visa holder, you can:
- Indefinitely stay in Australia.
- Live, work, and study in Australia without restrictions.
- Avail public services and social welfare benefits.
- Pathway to Australian citizenship after 12 months.
- Travel without restriction as long the Australia PR status is valid.
Also read…
Australia plans to welcome 185,000 PRs in 2025. Apply now!
Eligibility requirements for Australia PR
To be eligible for Australia PR, you must fulfill certain conditions. You must:
- Be below 45 years old.
- Have the required proficiency in the English language.
- Have a positive report of the Australian Skills Assessment
- Have at least 65 points in SkillSelect, a point based system used for Australian immigration.
- Be employed in a job role mentioned in Australia's Skilled Occupation List (SOL).
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
- Be issued an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
- Have Medical and Police Clearances certificate
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