What is the difference between Australian permanent residence and Australian citizenship?

Obtaining permanent residence and obtaining nationality for Australian immigrants are two different concepts, with a big difference. So let’s take a look at what is the difference between Australian permanent residence and Australian citizenship?

1. Naturalization, the real “permanent residence” in Australia

Australian permanent residence is valid for 5 years , after 5 years, you need to change to an RRV (resident return visa) before you can continue to enter and exit; you can renew the RRV after it expires, and you must live in Australia for 2 years in every 5 years before you can renew.

But it’s different after naturalization: no visa is required, you can leave anytime, anywhere.

In addition, if you have a criminal record or fail a character test, your Australian permanent residence visa may be canceled and you may be deported. Citizens will only be punished and not deported, no matter how serious the crime they commit.

2. Visa-free access to many countries around the world

Currently, Australian passport holders can freely enter and exit 171 countries and regions, including most developed countries and well-known tourist attractions. Only after naturalization can you get an Australian passport, and you can truly go at your own pace!

Now when entering customs from Australia’s eight major international airports, holders of passports from Australia or a few countries can go through customs intelligently, saving money. I went through a series of tedious procedures such as queuing for manual review.

3. Convenience of naturalization for children

If the parents only live permanently in Australia, then only the children born in Australia can obtain Australian citizenship. Those born abroad need to apply for a visa to come to Australia.

If either spouse is an Australian citizen, even if the child is born overseas, he or she can possess Australian citizenship through inheritance and enjoy the same rights as a child born in Australia.

The tuition fees for Australian permanent residents are the same as those for local students, which are much lower than those for international students. There are also CSP (Commonwealth Supported Place, subsidies for students at Australian public universities and some private universities) subsidies. However, only Australian citizens can apply for student loans. After graduation, your salary reaches a certain threshold before you can start repaying the loan.

For example, in the 2017-2018 fiscal year, the loan repayment threshold is AUD 55,874. If your annual income does not reach this amount, you do not need to repay it this fiscal year. Even if it is achieved, the proportion of repayments you need every year is not high, and it will not cause pressure on life at all!

However, the government proposed in the education reform in May 2017 that Australian permanent residents no longer enjoy CSP Subsidy, local students need to pay the tuition fee in full, but they can apply for student loans. But no matter which way, citizens enjoy much more benefits than Australian permanent residents.

IV. Can work in government departments

Only citizens can apply for some jobs in Australian government departments, especially the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and border departments, such as the Department of Defense and the Federal Police. , border departments, foreign trade committee, etc. In addition, Australian citizens also have the obligation to serve on juries.

5. Enjoy Australian consular services overseas

The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) provides consular services to Australian citizens. If you are in dire straits, suffer an accident or are injured overseas, Australian citizens can obtain round-the-clock consular assistance services from Australia's diplomatic missions in the host country.

In fact, you can enjoy many benefits after obtaining permanent residence in Australia, such as free medical care, free public education, employment assistance, etc. After naturalization, you can enjoy more benefits. No wonder Bill Gates suggested that the government directly grant citizenship to international students instead of PR.