The process of migrating to Australia is a lifelong choice to many people and households. Having a good economy, high standard of living, and a multicultural society, it is not surprising that thousands of people want to make Australia their home.
Most people begin with the acquisition of permanent residency (PR) and later graduate to citizenship. But
What does PR do to bring about citizenship in Australia?
We will guide you through the process of transitioning to the permanent residency and citizenship in this article, along with their relationship and the requirements to qualify for them and the procedure to complete it.
Permanent Residency in Australia –
The permanent residency allows non-citizens to reside, work and study in Australia forever. Although PR holders are not Australian citizens, many of the same benefits are enjoyed by them, including:
- The freedom to work and study without limit.
- Medicare (public healthcare system in Australia).
- Eligibility to some social security benefits once they have met the residency criteria.
- The discretion to sponsor qualified members of the family to live permanently.
- The right to travel in and out of Australia (with an authentic travelling facility appended to their visa).
But PR holders are not allowed to vote in federal elections, to possess an Australian passport or to participate in some types of government employment that demand Australian citizenship. It is at this point that the citizenship track becomes attractive.
The Link Between Permanent Residency and Citizenship
The second milestone after permanent residency in Australia is Australian citizenship. It gives people complete rights as well as responsibilities, which include:
- The participation in elections and referenda.
- Running for public office.
- Application of Australian passport.
- Being under the Australian government protection in foreign countries.
- Complete involvement in Australian civil life.
- To a majority of migrants, having permanent residency status is one of the conditions of applying citizenship by conferral as the most popular route to citizenship.
General Eligibility to become an Australian citizen –
In order to change a permanent residency status to that of a citizen, the applicant must satisfy some conditions of the Department of Home Affairs. The most important eligibility requirements are:
1. Residency Requirement
An application shall require applicants to be legally residing in Australia within a period of four years.
During the four years, no less than 12 months have to be spent as a permanent resident.
The applicant should not have spent over 12 months in total out of Australia during the four years, or 90 days in the last 12 months.
2. Good Character Requirement
The applicants who are above the age of 18 years should show that they are of good character. This is determined through a record of crime, affiliations, and behavior in Australia and abroad.
3. English Knowledge and Language Australia
The vast majority of applicants undergo the citizenship test, evaluating the knowledge of Australian expectations and values, history, and citizenship responsibility. This is an English test which requires a basic level of the language.
4. Commitment to Australia
Applicants should have an intention to reside in Australia or have a close and continuing relationship with Australia.
Application to become a citizen
This is the way permanent residents can step by step become citizens:
1. Confirm Eligibility
Visit the Department of Home Affairs website or visit a visa lawyers Perth to confirm you have satisfied the character and residency requirements.
2. Prepare Documents
You will be required to bring along with you identity documents (passport, birth certificate, driver license, etc.), evidence of residence (visas, travel records) and any other evidence of good character.
3. Lodge Application
The applications are made online through the portal of Department of Home Affairs. There is a fee that is charged depending on the applicant and their situation.
4. Attend Citizenship Test/Interview
Citizenship test will be offered to the qualified applicants. Children and some applicants can be excused.
5. Receive Decision
Should you pass, you will be sent an invitation to a citizenship ceremony, during which you will take the Pledge of Commitment.
6. Become an Australian Citizen
Once you take the pledge, you are technically considered an Australian citizen and all the benefits of that title come your way.
Special Pathways to Citizenship
Most applicants switch to permanent status, however there are other, more expedited paths:
1. Citizenship by Descent –
Open to children born abroad of parents who are Australian citizens.
2. Citizenship of Children –
Children born in Australia Thousands of children born in Australia automatically gain citizenship provided they reside in the country before age 10.
3. Spouse or Partner of an Australian Citizen –
Even though citizenship is not necessarily acquired through marriage, it can be expedited by facilitated residency.
Why Become a Citizen, when you already have PR?
Other permanent residents question whether they need to be citizens when they already have received many of the same benefits. But the benefits of citizenship are immense:
1. Status security:
PR visas are renewable with a five-year travel facility every five years, but citizens do not.
2. Global Mobility:
Australian passport provides visa on arrival entry to more than 180 countries.
3. Full Civic Rights:
Citizens are the only people who can elect and contest parliament.
4. Australian Protection Overseas:
Australian citizens can be confident of the help of Australian embassies and consulates wherever they are.
Due to these reasons, citizenship is considered to be the goal of migration by many PR holders.
Final Thoughts
There is more than just a legal process to becoming an Australian citizen: becoming an Australian citizen is a commitment to becoming a member of the Australian democratic community. Permanent residency gives stability and access to opportunity, and citizenship opens the entire range of rights, duties and privileges.
When you have permanent residency and are planning on becoming a citizen, you should be familiar with the eligibility requirements, gather the necessary documents, and consult an expert whenever necessary. With the right guidance, you can confidently take the next step toward making Australia not just your home, but your nation.