If you have been contemplating the possibility of applying for Permanent Residency in Australia, here are some of the benefits you get as a permanent resident:
You Can Stay In Australia Indefinitely
Once you have obtained a permanent visa, you are now entitled to stay in Australia indefinitely and travel in and out of the country for 5 years (in line with the permanent visa). The permanent visa expires every 5 years, which you can renew as long as you accumulate 2 years of stay in Australia during the 5-year period of your permanent visa.
You Can Apply for Australian Citizenship
Obtaining a permanent Australian citizenship is the main goal for most people who started on a temporary visa. It is not easy and it demands many requirements but getting your permanent residency visa is one of the most important steps towards Australian Citizenship. In order to be eligible for Australian Citizenship, you must accumulate 4 years of stay in Australia, of which 1 year of that has to be as a Permanent Resident. You are also required to ensure that during the 12 months before you apply for Australian Citizenship, you have not been absent from the country for more than 90 days.
You Will Be Entitled to Medicare (Public Health Care)
Medicare is the public health care system administered by the Australian government. It has an extensive coverage which encompasses a wide range of aspects of health care possible for citizens and permanent residents. With Medicare, you could be eligible for free treatment at a public hospital, as well as subsidized medicine.
To find out more how Medicare works, check our blog here.
You Can Get The First Home Owner’s Grant
On 1 July 2000, First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) scheme was introduced to counterbalance the effect of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on home ownership. This national scheme is funded by the states and territories and administered under their own legislation.
Permanent Visa holders who have not owned a home prior to July 2000 may be eligible to receive a grant for building or buying their first home. Do note that the amount differs in every state.
For more information, you may check the FHOG website here.
You Gain Increased Opportunity for Employment
Once you have become a permanent resident, you are eligible to work for any employer in any occupation. However, one thing to note is that if you intend to work for the Public Service or Armed forces, you may need to be an Australian citizen first.
Your Children Will Be Australian Citizens (If They Are Born In Australia)
If you are a permanent resident visa holder and your children are born in Australia, they are automatically considered Australian citizens by birth, which means they are entitled to all the benefits of an Australian citizen and can apply for an Australian passport.
Interesting!