in

Australian Permanent Residency Vs Australian Citizenship

Australian Permanent Residency Vs Australian Citizenship

PR or Citizenship? Are you confused as what to choose?

Well, you are not alone. People often use these terms interchangeably, but they’re not the same.

In this blog, we’ll break down the distinctions to help you make the right choice.

Dive in, and let’s clear up those confusions together!

What is an Australian Permanent Residency?

Let’s start from the basics.

Australian Permanent Residency (PR) is a status granted to foreign nationals allowing them to live and work in Australia permanently.

Holders of PR enjoy multiple benefits, including the right to enter and leave Australia freely, work, study, and access healthcare.

Benefits of PR

Freedom to Roam: PR gives you the power to come and go from Australia whenever you like. It’s like having a pass to your favourite place.

Work and Study: You can work and study without any restrictions. It’s your chance to build a career and learn new things.

Healthcare Access: Need a doctor? PR holders can use Australia’s healthcare system, known as Medicare. It’s like having a health buddy.
Family Sponsorship: You can even bring your family along. PR lets you sponsor your family members to join you in Australia.

General Eligibility Criteria for Australian Permanent Residency (PR)

Not everyone can apply for Permanent Residency.

Following are some of the several key criteria you need to meet in order to be eligible for an Australian Permanent Residency (PR)

Points-Based System: Australia operates on a points-based system, where applicants are assessed on factors like age, education, work experience,

English language proficiency, and even sponsored skills. You need to score at least 65 points to be eligible for most skilled visas.

Visa Categories:
Various visa categories cater for different entry paths, each with specific requirements.
Popular options include Skilled Independent (189) visa for independent professionals,
Skilled Nominated (190) visa sponsored by states, and Employer-Sponsored (186, 187) visas.

Health and Character Checks:
You’ll need to pass health and character checks to show good standing and ability to contribute positively to Australian society.

Financial Requirements:
You must demonstrate sufficient funds to support yourself and any dependent in Australia while your visa application is processed.

Other Considerations:
Additional factors like criminal history, family sponsorship, and skills in demand may also play a role in your eligibility.

Tip: PR itself is a significant achievement, offering the right to live, work, and enjoy many benefits in Australia. Citizenship takes it a step further, granting full privileges and responsibilities as an Aussie citizen.

How to Get an Australian Permanent Residency?

It is not that easy to avail Australian Permanent Residency. You have to follow a proper procedure for the same.

However, there are different types of visas (like entry tickets) you can choose from. For every visa there is a different process.

Here’s a sneak peek:

How to Get an Australian Permanent Residency?

These are the basic things that you need to know about permanent residency. We will look into the benefits attached to it. But, first let’s discuss the basics for Australian Citizenship.

What is Australian Citizenship?

Australian Citizenship is like getting VIP access to everything Australia has to offer. It’s not just a status, it’s a sense of belonging.

As an Australian citizen, you can live and work in Australia indefinitely, vote in elections, travel with an Australian passport, and be part of Australia.

How to Gain Australian Citizenship?

Becoming an Australian citizen involves a few steps.

Here’s a simplified guide:
Be a Permanent Resident for at Least 1 Year:
Before you can become a citizen, you need to be a permanent resident for at least a year.

Live on a Valid Visa for the Last 4 Years:
Australia wants to make sure you’re committed. Living here for four years on a valid visa shows that you’re in for the long haul.

Demonstrate Good Character:
Being a good citizen means following the rules. So, you need to show that you’re a law-abiding and respectful member of the community.

Pass a Citizenship Test:
It’s like a quiz about Australia. Questions cover the country’s values, traditions, history, and symbols. Don’t worry, it’s a way to make sure you know your Aussie stuff.

What is the General Eligibility Criteria for Citizenship?

Being an adult applying for Australian citizenship involves meeting some general criteria:

Over 18 Years Old (Unless over 60): Age is just a number, but citizenship has some age rules.

Permanent Resident at the Time of Application and Decision: You can’t skip the PR phase. Citizenship comes after being a permanent resident.

Satisfy the Residence Requirement: Living in Australia for the required time is crucial.

Likely to Reside in Australia or Maintain a Close Association: Australia wants citizens who stick around or keep close ties.

Good Character: No one’s perfect, but being a good citizen means following the rules and being respectful.

Privileges of Australian Citizens

Being an Australian citizen comes with some privileges which are as follows:

Live in Australia: It’s your home, and you can stay as long as you want.

Apply for an Australian Passport: Get ready to travel with a passport that opens doors worldwide.

Seek Assistance from Aussie Diplomats: If you’re in trouble overseas, the Australian government has your back.

Work in the Public Service: Want a job in government? Citizenship unlocks those doors.

Serve in the Armed Forces: Feeling patriotic? Citizens can join the armed forces.

Register Children Born Overseas as Aussie Citizens: Your kids get the Aussie tag, even if they’re born overseas.

Stand for Parliament: Ever dreamt of being a politician? Citizens can run for office.

Vote in Elections: Your voice matters. Citizens can vote in federal and state elections.

Responsibilities of Australian Citizens

Being a citizen isn’t just about perks. It comes with some duties:

Obey Australian Laws: It’s a rule – citizens need to follow the laws.

Defend Australia if Needed: In times of trouble, citizens may be called to defend their country.

Serve on a Jury: Your civic duty might include serving on a jury if called.

Enrol and Vote in Elections: Democracy needs your voice. Citizens must enrol and vote.

This is the things that comes with Citizenship and Permanent residency.

But, to make the right choice and know what permanent residency has to offer similar to citizenship let’s dive into the differences between the two.

What’s the Key Difference Between Australian Permanent Residency & Citizenship?

Residency Requirements

Eligibility Criteria Comparison

PR Eligibility:
Score enough points based on factors like age, work experience, education, and language proficiency.
Various visa categories cater for different entry paths.

Citizenship Eligibility:
Must be a PR for at least one year.
Residency requirements, good character, and passing a citizenship test are key criteria.

Residency Requirements

PR Residency:
Live in Australia for at least two years out of every five.
Extended absences may risk losing PR status.

Citizenship Residency:
12 months as a PR, specific absence criteria apply.
Stricter rules on absences compared to PR.

Medical benefits

Medical benefits

While both PR and Citizenship offer access to Australia’s world-class healthcare system, the type and level of medical benefits you receive differ significantly. Here’s a clear picture to help you understand the medical benefits:

PR Medical Benefits

Medicare Entitlement: PR holders qualify for some Medicare benefits, including public hospital care, subsidised doctor visits, and some diagnostic tests. However, coverage often comes with co-payments and may not cover specialised treatments.

Waiting Periods: The access to certain benefits, like the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for subsidised medications, has waiting periods. Generally, you need to be a PR for two years before accessing the PBS fully.

Private Health Insurance: Many PR holders choose to supplement Medicare with private health insurance for more overall coverage and reduced out-of-pocket costs. This is highly recommended if you require specialised treatments or prefer more choice in hospitals and doctors.

Citizenship Medical Benefits

Full Medicare Coverage: As an Australian citizen, you get full access to Medicare benefits, including free public hospital treatment, subsidised doctor visits, and most diagnostic tests. You also benefit from reduced out-of-pocket costs for medications through the PBS.

No Waiting Periods: Citizens don’t face any waiting periods for Medicare or PBS benefits. You’re allowed to have full coverage from the moment you become a citizen.

No Need for Private Health Insurance (Optional): While still an option, private health insurance becomes less crucial for citizens thanks to comprehensive Medicare coverage. However, it can still offer additional benefits like private rooms in hospitals or faster access to specialists.

It’s time for the real comparison. Here you will get to know the privileges attached to permanent residency when compared with citizenship.

Rights and Privileges Comparison

Features Aussie Citizen Aussie Permanent Citizen
Voting & Politics Shape Australia’s future through voting and running for office. No say in who governs the country.
Government Jobs Secure exciting opportunities in public service and beyond. Private sector career paths only.
Consular Support Aussie embassies are your global support network. Help from other embassies, but not Australia’s.
Student Loans Access affordable education with government assistance. Student loans might require repayment, unless eligible for specific programs.
Travel Freedom Explore the world with unlimited trips on your Aussie passport. Five-year travel limit with PR, so plan your adventures strategically.
Deportation Concerns Rest assured, your Aussie home is secure. Breaching laws or regulations could lead to deportation.
Government Benefits Access programs like Jobseeker and Jobkeeper, depending on specific eligibility criteria. Eligibility for certain benefits might be limited compared to citizens.
New Zealand Residency Live and work in both Australia and New Zealand with ease. Same PR rules apply to access New Zealand residency.
Children’s Citizenship Your children automatically become Aussies if you are a citizen. Children born under PR follow the same PR rules as you.

See the difference? Citizenship offers the full menu of rights and privileges, while PR gives you a generous taste-test.
Wait-wait there is more to it.

Passport & Consular Assistance
Citizens can apply for an Australian passport.
PR holders are not eligible for an Australian passport or consular assistance.

Dual Citizenship
PR holders can hold dual citizenship.
Citizenship applicants may need to renounce previous citizenship if their country of origin does not allow dual citizenship.

Now, after the detail comparison you must have got the clue that what is the difference between citizenship and permanent residency.

How To Make The Right Choice?

In the end, Citizenship is like ordering the full thali – you get everything!

PR, on the other hand, is like choosing your favourite dishes – delicious, but with limitations.

While both offer significant benefits, citizenship provides additional rights, such as voting, obtaining an Australian passport, and eligibility for certain government positions.

PR gives you a quick taste of Aussie life, while citizenship offers the whole bucket of rights and opportunities. Ultimately, the decision depends on your dreams and goals.

If you’re desiring a temporary adventure, PR might be enough. But if you are longing to integrate fully and become a true Aussie, then set your eyes on citizenship.

For more such information. Stay tuned with us.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings

Upcoming Telugu Movies in February 2024

Upcoming Telugu Movies in February 2024

Difference between NRE and NRO Accounts

NRE vs NRO Accounts