Introduction
Australia is one of the most multicultural and multilingual countries in the world as this country is the destination of millions of migrants from all over the world. Typically, immigrants start with a Permanent Residency (PR) visa before becoming Australian citizens. After living in Australia for four consecutive years (including one year as a PR holder), they are eligible to apply for citizenship.
While PR holders enjoy many of the same benefits as Australian citizens, there are certain privileges and responsibilities that are exclusive to citizens. This article explores the key benefits shared by PR holders and citizens and highlights the differences that set citizenship apart.
Benefits for both Australia citizen and Permanent Residency
Both Australian citizens and PR holders share many rights and benefits, including:
- Travel Rights
PR holders and citizens can both travel freely in and out of Australia. However, PR holders must renew their travel facility every five years, while citizens have unrestricted travel rights with an Australian passport.
- Health Care Access
Both PR and citizen can receive government subsidised medical services through the Medicare system. This means that they can be treated in the public hospital without any fees. In some cases, they still need to pay the out-of-pocket fee which is the gap between the actual medical costs and the government support amount, but generally, Australia has been delivering a subsidised and high-quality healthcare system for both PR and citizens.
- Social Security Benefits
PR holders and citizens have access to various social security benefits, including Family Tax Benefits, Childcare Subsidy, Parenting Payment, JobSeeker Payment, Youth Allowance, Rent Assistance, Age Pension, and the Energy Supplement.
- Schooling and Education
Both PR and citizens can go to public schooling systems without any charge. They also qualify for domestic tuition fees at universities and colleges, significantly lower than fees for international students.
- Bank Loans
PR holders and citizens are eligible to apply for bank loans to purchase property in Australia. This is a significant benefit for PR holders seeking home ownership compared to temporary residents in Australia.
Differences between Australian and Permanent Residency
Despite these shared benefits, there are notable distinctions between PR and citizenship.
- Legal Status and Travel Rights
PR holders have the right to stay and work in Australia indefinitely. They receive a visa with a five-year travel facility, which means they can travel freely in and out of Australia for five years from the grant of the PR visa. However, PR holders will need to apply for a Resident Return Visa (RRV) to re-enter Australia after every 5 years.
Different from PR holders, Australia citizens can enter freely to the country without any restrictions. Citizens don’t require a visa to enter Australia. This right is particularly beneficial for those who travel often, as it avoids the need to renew or maintain a visa.
- Voting and Political Participation
Citizens enjoy full voting rights and can participate in federal, state, and local elections.
PR holders do not have voting rights in federal elections. A few states may allow PR holders to vote in local elections, but this is rare.
- Government and Public Sector Jobs
Citizens can work in all government and public sector roles whereas PR holders are ineligible for some government positions that require security clearance or citizenship. For example, PR holders are not allowed to join the Australia Defence Force, and they can’t apply for on-going work in the Australian Government.
- Social Security Access
While an Australian can immediately receive social benefits from Centerlink, PR holders need to wait for one or two years in order to receive the full benefits.
- Educational Benefits and Government Loans
PR holders can receive domestic tuition fee while studying in Australia, but they have very limited access to government loans. However, Australian citizens can have full access to the Government Loans, including Higher Education Loan Program, and additional scholarship opportunities, providing enhanced financial support for higher education.
- Deportation and Loss of Status
PR holders’ status can be revoked if they commit certain crime or fail to meet residency obligations (e.g., not renewing a Resident Return Visa). As PR status is visa-based, it can be cancelled.
Australian citizens cannot be deported or lose their citizenship based on residency or criminal offenses (with some extreme exceptions for individuals with dual citizenship involved in terrorism-related activities). This level of security is a significant advantage of citizenship, especially for those who wish to secure their future in Australia indefinitely.
The table below summarises the key differences between PR holders and Australian citizens
| Aspect | Permanent Residency (PR) | Citizenship |
| Travel Rights | Five-year travel facility; RRV required after expiry | Free, unrestricted travel with an Australian passport |
| Voting Rights | No voting rights in federal elections | Full voting rights in all elections |
| Government Jobs | Limited public sector opportunities | Full access to public sector and government jobs |
| Social Security | Limited; two-year waiting period for full benefits | Immediate access to social security benefits |
| Healthcare | Access to Medicare | Full access to Medicare |
| Educational Benefits | Domestic fees, limited government loans | Additional scholarships and HECS-HELP |
| Security of Status | PR status can be revoked | Citizenship is lifelong (with few exceptions) |
Conclusion
While PR holders don’t receive the full benefits and security afforded to Australian citizens, they can still live and work in Australia permanently and access essential Australian welfare benefits. After holding PR status for one year (and living in Australia for a total of four consecutive years), they become eligible to apply for Australian citizenship.
Wish to obtain a PR in Australia? Contact our experienced Migration Agents today at 07 3003 1899 or hello@solmigration.com to make your dream come true.