Australian Permanent Residency (PR) status grants you the ability to reside in Australia indefinitely, with numerous benefits, such as access to healthcare, employment opportunities, and eligibility to apply for citizenship. However, to maintain your PR status and ensure eligibility for citizenship, it is crucial to comply with immigration laws and maintain strong ties to Australia. This guide provides key tips on how to preserve your permanent residency status.
What Permanent Residency (PR) Really Means in Australia
Australian permanent residency status permits a permanent resident to live and work in the country for an indefinite period. You may become eligible to apply for Australian citizenship once you meet the eligibility criteria, including being a permanent visa holder and living in Australia for a certain number of years.
Your first Australian PR approval includes a fixed travel facility of five years. This means you can travel unlimited times in and out of the country as long as your PR visa remains valid. Once the travel facility expires, you need to apply for a Resident Return Visa to re-enter Australia as a permanent resident.
While the Australian PR visa is granted permanently, the government maintains the authority to cancel it if there are breaches in migration laws, incomplete documentation, or failure to meet the required good character standards. By following residence requirements and visa conditions and demonstrating substantial ties to Australia, you can protect your PR visa and increase your chances of getting Australian citizenship.
To maintain your permanent resident status and strengthen your eligibility for Australian citizenship, follow these tips:
Tip 1: Check Your Initial Entry Date If PR Was Granted Offshore
Most applicants who receive their offshore PR visa grant receive an initial entry date within which they must enter the country to activate their Australian PR status. Missing this date or entering Australia without a valid visa can affect permanent resident entitlements and their ability to meet PR visa requirements for Australian citizenship or another Resident Return visa (RRV).
If you have missed the initial entry date, contact the Department of Home Affairs or a dependable migration agent with the supporting documents, including grant notices, Australia PR visa application letters and police clearances, to clarify your options. Stay proactive at this stage to show your compliance with Australia PR residency requirements.
Tip 2: Keep Your Travel Facility Active Before Leaving Australia
Before leaving the country, always check if the travel facility is within the validity period. Consider applying for a Resident Return Visa (RRV) (subclass 155/157) if the validity is close to expiry to get a new travel facility. Consult the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) system or a qualified migration agent to verify your visa’s expiry and travel facility status. This ensures compliance with re-entry regulations as a permanent resident.
Tip 3: What To Do If You Left Australia Without a Valid Travel Facility
If you travel outside Australia without a valid travel facility or if it expires while you are overseas, you need to apply for an RRV to return to Australia as a permanent resident. For visa approval, gather documents and explain clearly why you left Australia and how you maintain strong ties to the Australian community, including family members in Australia, an ongoing job in an Australian company, investments, and bank loans.
Tip 4: Qualifying for a Resident Return Visa While Living Overseas
To qualify for an RRV, you must be either:
- An Australian permanent resident
- A former Australian permanent resident whose last permanent visa was not cancelled.
- A former Australian citizen who renounced or lost their citizenship.
- Have been present in Australia for at least 2 years in the 5 years of a permanent entry permit
- Have substantial ties and meet character requirements
- Have a clean immigration history
- Not hold an Authority to Return or Return Endorsement
Tip 5: Maintaining PR to Stay on Track for Australian Citizenship
Any applicant planning to apply for Australian citizenship should meet residence requirements, satisfy character standards, have up-to-date police clearances, show continuous lawful residence, and meet the minimum timeframe as a PR. Applicants often need to show their compliance with immigration laws and that officials never cancelled their Australia PR visa approval. Maintaining valid travel records, preserving substantial ties, and renewing your RRV on time may help strengthen your eligibility for citizenship.
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Book a Consultation
If you are interested in getting more information about a visa, get in touch with Australian Migration Agents for a consultation.
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How to Track Your PR and Travel Records
A PR visa holder can track their Australia PR status through the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) system managed by the Department of Home Affairs, as long as their visa is linked to their passport or ImmiCard. To request international travel records, the applicant can fill out the online form.
Summary of Key Requirements for Maintaining PR
To maintain permanent residence after approval, the visa holder should always check the validity and current travel facility and renew it through an RRV before an international trip. Demonstrating substantial ties, such as long-term employment, family members in Australia, or property ownership and compliance with state or territory government requirements, reassures the Australian government of their commitment to the country.
Finally, seeking assistance from experienced professionals at Australian Migration Agents can provide detailed advice on maintaining Australian PR status. Their expertise can help you navigate complex regulations and ensure compliance. Schedule a call for tailored guidance.
Maintaining PR & Citizenship Eligibility at a Glance
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Lose My PR if I Live Outside Australia for Long Periods?
Yes, you can lose your PR if you stay outside Australia beyond 5 years without an RRV and delay the citizenship process.
Can I Renew My Resident Return Visa From Overseas?
Yes, you can lodge an RRV (subclass 155/157) from overseas through your ImmiAccount. However, you need to meet the residency and character requirements, prove substantial ties, or not have a previous application or visa cancelled.
What Counts as Substantial Ties for an RRV?
The following factors count towards an RRV:
- An ongoing job
- An active Australian business
- Significant investments
- Family members
- Owning a property
- Strong links with the Australian communities
What Happens If I Miss My Initial Entry Date?
If you miss the entry date, contact the Department of Home Affairs office to request a visa extension and avoid visa cancellation or re-entry bans.
Will a Temporary Visa Affect My PR or Citizenship Eligibility?
Yes, a temporary visa builds towards PR and citizenship eligibility, as it contributes to your overall time in Australia and helps to meet the 4-year residency requirement.
Can My PR Be Cancelled After Approval?
Yes, the Department can cancel one’s visa approval for incomplete documentation, breach of migration laws, or a failure to meet good character requirements.
How Long Must I Live in Australia Before Applying for Citizenship?
You need to have lived lawfully in Australia for four years on a valid visa, including the last 12 months as a permanent resident. You also should not be outside the country for 12 months in those four years and not over 90 days in the final year before the citizenship application.
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