What are the Differences between Australian Permanent Residency & Australian Citizenship?

If you are considering migrating to Australia as a permanent resident, it does not imply that you automatically become a citizen of the country. Yes, you will enjoy certain rights, but there will be still a line of difference between Australian Permanent Residency & Citizenship. 

Specific laws in the country differentiate a citizen of Australia from a person holding permanent residency. An Australian citizen acquires the right to represent the country which a permanent residency does not enjoy. 

What is Australian Permanent Residency & Citizenship?

An Australian citizen has a birthright over the country. However, if you are from a different country, you can become a permanent resident of Australia, provided you fulfill all the formalities and skills. A permanent resident cannot become a citizen of Australia but can enjoy certain rights within the country. 

A permanent resident of Australia has most of the rights within the country, but there are some differences if you compare them with Australian citizenship. Therefore, regarding rights, the following are the differences between Australian Permanent Residency & Citizenship.

Differences between Australian Permanent Residency & Australian Citizenship

• Travel  

One of the fundamental rights Australian citizens enjoys is that they can travel in and out of the country at their convenience. There are no restrictions to their entry and exit from the country. Moreover, since fewer documents exist, Australian citizen can quickly get their visa. 

However, if you hold a permanent residency in Australia, there is a bar on entry and exit from the country. Therefore, if you want to travel out of Australia, you must have a permanent visa and a valid travel authority. If you possess it, you may find it easier to return to Australia as a permanent resident. 

• Voting

If you are a citizen of Australia, you will have the authority to vote for the country during elections. It is because a person holding a permanent visa in Australia may possess citizenship in another country. Hence, Australia debars the voting rights of permanent residents and limits them to the country’s citizens only. 

• Benefits and Services from the Government

If you are a citizen of Australia, there are specific rules and regulations for obtaining benefits and services from the Government. On the other hand, a permanent resident of Australia to enjoys certain benefits and services from the Government but with a difference.

Rights enjoyed by an Australian citizen

If you are a citizen of Australia, you will enjoy certain rights over Australian permanent residents. 

• You will be allowed to live and work in Australia permanently.
• Once you become a citizen of Australia, you will be able to apply for an Australian passport. It will help you enter and exit the country at your convenience. Moreover, you will not lose your permanent residency.
• Suppose you are in a different country for some specific purpose, being an Australian citizen. In that case, you can take the help and services of the Australian Embassy in the country.
• As an Australian citizen, you can join the Australian army.
• You can become a member of the Parliament and stand as a candidate in the elections.
• You will have the right to vote at times of elections.

All the above rights are solely for the citizens of Australia. You must hold a permanent residence Australian visa to enjoy the rights.

Therefore, to become an Australian citizen, you need to have the following:

• You were born in Australia. Therefore, even if your parents are from a different country, you will automatically become an Australian citizen.
• If any of your parents is an Australian citizen, you can become a citizen of the country.
• If you are an adopted child of an Australian citizen, you will automatically become a citizen of the country.

Conclusion

Therefore, if you, too, want to become a citizen of Australia and enjoy the country’s rights, you need first to become a permanent resident. There are various options to obtain citizenship in Australia, and you need to apply for the ideal one that is apt for you.