Permanent Resident Return Visa and Australian Citizenship

Australia offers pathways for permanent residents to maintain their status or transition to Australian citizenship, allowing you to enjoy the full benefits of living in Australia. The PR Return visa allows Australian permanent residents to maintain their permanent residency status while travelling outside Australia.

Key Features:

• Allows you to return to Australia as a permanent resident after travelling abroad.
• Valid for up to 5 years (Subclass 155) or 3 months (Subclass 157), depending on the time spent in Australia before applying.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Were present in Australia for a total of at least 2 years in the last 5 years as a permanent visa holder or Australian citizen, then you meet what is known as the ‘residence requirement’ and will be given a 5-year travel facility on your RRV.
• Have not met the ‘residence requirement’ but have demonstrated you have substantial ties with Australia that benefit Australia, then you can only be given a maximum of 12 months travel facility on your RRV. See ‘eligibility’ for the requirements.
• Have applied as a member of the family unit of a person who already holds an RRV, or who has lodged a separate application for an RRV and meets the time of application criteria for grant, then you can only be given a maximum of 12 months travel facility on your RRV.
• Have not met any of the above requirements, but have compelling and compassionate reasons for departure, then you can only be given 3 months travel facility on your RRV (subclass 157) if you have not been absent from Australia in the 5 years prior to making an application.

Australian citizenship is the final step in becoming a full member of Australian society, allowing you to vote, apply for an Australian passport, and enjoy other rights.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must have been a permanent resident for at least 12 months.
• Must have lived in Australia for a total of 4 years immediately before the day you apply.
• Must not spend more than 12 months outside Australia within the 4 years, including no more than 90 days in total in the 12 months immediately before applying.
• Meet the good character requirement and pass the citizenship test (if required).

Steps to Apply:

1. Check your eligibility: Ensure you meet the residence, character, and other requirements.
2. Submit your Application: Lodge your citizenship application online, providing all necessary documents (passport, identity proof, etc.).
3. Citizenship Test: If applicable, pass the citizenship test, which assesses your knowledge of Australia’s history, values, and responsibilities as a citizen.
4. Attend the Citizenship Ceremony: After your application is approved, attend a ceremony to make the Pledge of Commitment and officially become an Australian citizen.

 Benefits of Australian Citizenship

• Right to Vote: Participate in Australian federal, state, and local elections.
• Australian Passport: Travel more freely with an Australian passport.
• Full Access to Government Services: Access all social security and welfare benefits.
• Unrestricted Travel: No need for PR return visas, and you have the right to return to Australia at any time.