There are many social, economic, health, and academic benefits of Australia permanent resident visa. Because of this, thousands of Indians immigrate to Australia and make it their home home every year. In the year 2021-2023, as many as 41,145 Indians settled in Australia as permanent residents.
What makes Australia such a popular destination to settle in? Some of the popular and lesser-known benefits of Australian Permanent Resident visa are listed below.
Freedom to Work
One of the most popular benefits of Australia Permanent Resident visa is that you have the right to live and work anywhere in in the country without any restrictions. The country has a strong job market across many sectors like healthcare, engineering, information technology, and education. PR holders enjoy the same work rights as citizens, including fair work conditions and protections under Australian labor laws. This means you can freely switch jobs or start your own business.
Economic Benefits of Australian Permanent Residence
Australia’s stable and growing economy offers a secure environment for financial growth. Permanent residents can access social security benefits through Centrelink after meeting certain residency requirements. These benefits include unemployment support, family assistance payments, and other financial aids designed to help during tough times. Additionally, PR holders can apply for bank loans and mortgages, making it easier to invest in property and secure their financial future.
Freedom to Study anywhere in Australia
Among the significant benefits of Australia permanent resident visa is the freedom of education within the country. The Australian education system is globally popular for its quality. Permanent residents have access to free or subsidized education at public primary and secondary schools. For higher education, PR holders are considered domestic students, which means significantly lower tuition fees compared to international students. They are also eligible for government-supported student loans like the Higher Education Loan Program (HELP), making tertiary education more accessible.
Access to Affordable Healthcare
One of the major benefits of Australia Permanent Resident visa is access to Medicare, the country’s public healthcare system. Medicare provides free or subsidized medical services, including visits to doctors, specialists, and public hospital treatment. This ensures that you and your family receive essential healthcare without the burden of huge medical bills.
Beyond Medicare, PR holders can access additional public health programs, such as immunization programs and mental health services funded by the government.
High Quality of Life
Australia is known for its high standard of living, clean environment, and multicultural society. Permanent residents can enjoy a safe and friendly community with access to excellent public facilities like parks, libraries, and community centers. They also have the right to sponsor eligible family members for permanent residency, allowing families to reunite and build a life together in Australia.
Political Rights
While permanent residents cannot vote in federal elections, some states and territories allow them to vote in state and local elections after fulfilling certain residency conditions. This gives PR holders a voice in local matters that affect their communities. They can also join political parties and participate in political activities, contributing to the democratic process.
Pathway to Australian Citizenship
Holding PR status is the first step toward becoming an Australian citizen. After meeting residency requirements and demonstrating good character, permanent residents can apply for citizenship. This grants them full political rights, including the right to vote in all elections and obtain an Australian passport. This is among the most important benefits of Australia permanent resident visa.
Some Lesser-known benefits of an Australia Permanent Resident visa
Besides the popular advantages, there are some lesser-known benefits of Australia Permanent resident visa that make it a popular country among immigrants.
Access to the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG)
Permanent residents may be eligible for the FHOG, a one-time payment to assist first-time home buyers with purchasing or building a new home. This grant varies by state and territory but can significantly reduce the cost of your first property. This might not be one of the popular benefits of Australia Permanent Resident visa, but might be useful for you.
Eligibility for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
PR holders with permanent and significant disabilities can access support services through the NDIS. This program provides funding for necessary care, therapies, and equipment to improve quality of life.
Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP)
Permanent residents are entitled to free English language courses under the AMEP. This includes up to 510 hours of English tuition to help improve language skills for better integration into Australian society and the workforce.
Access to Social Security Benefits
After meeting the Newly Arrived Resident’s Waiting Period (usually four years), PR holders can access certain social security benefits through Centrelink. These may include unemployment benefits, family tax benefits, and parenting payments.
Workers’ Rights and Protections
Permanent residents enjoy full work rights, including access to workers’ compensation and protection under Australian labor laws. This ensures fair wages, safe working conditions, and protection against workplace discrimination.
Child Care Subsidies
PR holders can receive government subsidies for child care, making early childhood education more affordable. Programs like the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) reduce out-of-pocket expenses for families.
Sponsoring Eligible Relatives
Permanent residents can sponsor certain family members for visas, including partners, dependent children, and parents. This facilitates family reunification under various family visa categories.
Travel to New Zealand
Under the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement, Australian permanent residents may travel to New Zealand and apply for specific visas to live, work, or study there, subject to New Zealand immigration policies.
Access to Legal Aid
Permanent residents may be eligible for legal aid services, providing free or low-cost legal assistance in areas like family law, criminal law, and civil matters, ensuring access to justice.
Participation in Cultural and Community Programs
Permanent residents can engage in various government-funded community programs, including cultural festivals, community development projects, and volunteer initiatives.
Voting in Local Elections (Certain States)
In some states and territories, permanent residents are allowed to vote in local government elections after meeting residency requirements, giving them a say in community matters.
Protection Under Australian Consumer Law
PR holders have the same rights as citizens under consumer protection laws, ensuring fair treatment in transactions, warranties, and dispute resolutions.
Limitations of Australian Permanent Residence
Although there are many benefits of Australia Permanent Resident visa, there are some limitations as well. An Australian permanent resident cannot:
- Permanent residents cannot vote in federal elections, limiting their influence on national policies.
- Certain government jobs, especially in defense and national security, are reserved exclusively for Australian citizens.
- PR visas have travel validity periods. If you wish to travel outside Australia after this period, you need to apply for a Resident Return Visa to re-enter the country.
- While abroad, permanent residents do not receive the same level of consular assistance from Australian embassies as citizens do.
- Permanent residency can be revoked if a person commits serious crimes or fails to comply with certain visa conditions.
How to become an Australian Permanent Resident?
In order to avail the benefits of Australia Permanent Resident visa, you will need to apply to the DoHA. The Australian Department of Home Affairs offers many options for skilled workers and business persons to get an Australian PR. Visa options that are currently accepting applications are listed below.
| Australia PR for Skilled Workers | Australia PR options for businesspersons | Australia PR for family (apply from outside Australia) |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Independent Visa – Subclass 189 | The Business Innovation and Investment Visa – Subclass 888 | The Aged Dependent Relative Visa – Subclass 114 |
| Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme visa – Subclass 187 | Business Owner visa – Subclass 890 | The Aged Parent visa- subclass 804 |
| Employer Nomination Scheme Visa – Subclass 186 | Investor visa – Subclass 891 | Carer Visa- Subclass 116 |
| Skilled Nominated Visa – Subclass 190 | State or Territory Sponsored Business Owner Visa – Subclass 892 | Partner Visa- subclass 100 |
| Skilled Regional Visa – Subclass 887 | State or Territory Sponsored Investor Visa – Subclass 893 | Parent Visa- subclass 103 |
| Global Talent Visa – Subclass 858 | Aged Parent Visa – Subclass 804 | |
| Child Visa (Subclass 101) | ||
| Remaining Relative Visa (Subclass 115) |
If you are eligible for any one of the visa options, you can begin by creating an Expression of Interest (applicable in most cases). An EOI notifies the Australian DoHA that you want to apply for a PR visa. If you are suitable, the authorities will invite you to apply for Australia PR.
If you get an invitation to apply, you can initiate a PR visa application, upload all mandatory documents and apply for an Australian PR visa. If your application is approved, you will get a PR visa grant number and the starting date of your visa.
Once you get your visa, you can study, work, live, and enjoy all the benefits of Australia Permanent Resident visa.
Can’t wait to experience all the amazing benefits of Australia Permanent Resident Visa? Contact Talent Connected Worldwide now and jet-start your exciting journey.
