Due to its excellent human development index and leading quality of life, Australia consistently ranks as one of the most desirable and livable countries in the world. Australia is a country for opportunities, both personal and professional, offering a universal healthcare system, a high-quality educational system, world renowned scenery and a pleasant climate. It comes as no surprise that Australia attracts many migrants and skilled workers alike in pursuit of one of the most multicultural and open-minded countries in the world.
Below listed are the top 8 benefits of a Australia PR:
1. The right to live in Australia indefinitely
Obtaining Australian permanent residence allows you to remain in the country indefinitely, as the initial 5-year grant period can be renewed an unlimited number of times. If you are overseas and your 5-year grant period has expired, you may still apply for and return on a resident return visa as a method of renewing your permanent residence.
2. Sponsor family members
As a permanent resident, you may sponsor family members to enter Australia on certain types of visas or for an acquisition of permanent residence. This may be subject to meeting certain prescribed residence and income requirements so you must first ensure that you are eligible to sponsor.
3. Enrol in Medicare
Upon the lodgement of your permanent visa application, you become eligible to enrol in Medicare and gain access to the all-inclusive Medicare health coverage. Medicare provides free treatment at public hospitals, access to subsidised services and medicine, cheaper health insurance and bulk billing.
4. Centrelink
Permanent residents of 2 years will be eligible to access Australia’s social welfare system, Centrelink, providing social security payments and other aids associated with sickness, unemployment and study.
5. First Home Owner Grant
Permanent residents will be eligible for the First Home Owners Grant of $10,000 which can be applied to purchase your first house, apartment, unit or townhouse if its value is $750,000 or less.
6. Higher education student loans
Unlike international students and temporary visa holders, permanent residents have access to financial support through the Higher Educations Loans Programs (HELP).
7. Pathway to citizenship
Permanent residency provides a clear pathway to Australian citizenship for those who have resided in Australia for four years with at least one of those years as a permanent resident. This comes with additional benefits to permanent residency such as the right to vote, easy travel and re-entry, government and defence jobs, protection from deportation and access to one of the strongest passports in the world. The Australian passport allows visa-free travel to approximately 181 countries, ranking it as one of the most powerful passports you can own
8. Australian children
Children born to permanent residents will automatically acquire Australian citizenship by birth, providing them with immediate access to all the above benefits and more.