Are you curious about the differences between Australian citizenship and permanent residency? Australian permanent residency and citizenship are two different immigration statuses and can differ in terms of rights, privileges, and responsibilities.
Australian permanent residency visa
An Australian permanent resident is a person who holds a permanent visa but is not a citizen.
A permanent resident can live, work and study without restrictions (or much fewer restrictions than temporary visa holders) in Australia.
There are several pathways to obtaining permanent residency in Australia, the most common of which are through the skilled migration program and the family migration program.
As a permanent resident, you generally can:
- Remain in Australia indefinitely
- Work and study in Australia
- Enrol in Australia’s national health scheme, Medicare
- Sponsor eligible relatives for temporary or permanent residence
- Apply for Australian citizenship, if eligible
- Travel to and from Australia for as long as your travel facility permits
- Apply for bank loans to buy property
- Attend free English language classes provided by the Adult Migrant English Program
A permanent resident has most of the rights and entitlements of a citizen; however, there are some differences:
| Rights and entitlements | Australian permanent resident | Australian citizen |
| Travelling | Must ensure they have a permanent visa with a valid travel facility if they wish to return to Australia as a permanent resident | Has an automatic right of entry to Australia |
| Voting | Cannot vote in Australian government elections. Note: If a permanent resident was enrolled to vote (as a British subject) prior to 1984, they may remain eligible to vote. | Can vote in Australian government elections |
| Australian passport | Not eligible for Australian passport | Eligible for Australian passport |
| Study loans | Not eligible for Australian Government study loans unless permanent humanitarian or New Zealand Special Category visa holders. | Eligible for Australian Government study loans |
| Ongoing work in the Australian Government | Not eligible for permanent employment with Australian Public Service or in the Australian Defence Force | Eligible for permanent employment with Australian Public Service or in the Australian Defence Force |
| Government benefits and services | Eligibility for Australian Government benefits and services depend on rules set by the relevant government agency | Eligibility for Australian Government benefits and services depend on rules set by the relevant government agency |
Australian citizenship
Citizenship is a legal status that grants a person full privileges and responsibilities of being an Australian. Becoming an Australian citizen means that you are making an ongoing commitment to Australia and its shared values.
Australian citizenship can be acquired by automatic acquisition, descent, conferral, or adoption. In 2021/22, a total of 176,232 people became Australian citizens by conferral, representing over 200 different nationalities.
Generally, those 18 or over who apply for Australian citizenship by conferral must:
- Be a permanent resident of Australia or a eligible New Zealand citizen
- Satisfy the general residence requirement (unless exempt)
- Be of good character
- Have passed the citizenship test (unless over the age of 60)
- Be likely to reside, or to continue to reside, in Australia or to maintain a close and continuing association with Australia
The general residence requirement is satisfied if you have:
- Lived in Australia on a valid visa for the past 4 years
- Been a permanent resident or eligible New Zealand for the past 12 months
- Not been way from Australia for no more than 12 months in total in the past years, including no more than 90 days in total in the past 12 months
Children may also apply for Australian citizenship however different requirements apply. Citizenship applications can be complicated by a multitude of factors, for example, if you have been convicted of a criminal offence (good character requirement) or if you are residing overseas (likely to reside or continue to reside in Australia requirement).
The Department of Home Affairs has a Residence Calculator to help you estimate the number of days you have lived in Australia.
As an Australian citizen, you have additional responsibilities and privileges. As an Australian citizen, you must:
- Obey the laws of Australia
- Vote in federal and state or territory elections, and in a referendum
- Defend Australia should the need arise
- Serve on jury duty if called to do so
While both permanent residency and citizenship provide a person with the right to live and work in Australia there are important distinctions between the two statuses, with citizenship ultimately providing a broader range of rights and privileges.
The process of obtaining Australian permanent residency and citizenship can be complex.
Contact Migrations Affairs to speak with our immigration experts for tailored advice and assistance with your Australian permanent residency and citizenship journey.
