Australia Citizenship After PR: What You Must Know

Getting Australian citizenship after being a permanent resident is a very common aspiration among foreigners wanting to secure their future in Australia. Citizenship after PR in Australia is the next step that most applicants have to take, only after they meet specific character and residency requirements.

Residency Requirements

As a rule of thumb, to qualify, you must have been living in Australia for the last four years at least, with the last 12 months being as a permanent resident. The entire four-year period is mandatory, and the applicants need to comply with physically present regulations — no more than a total of 12 months outside Australia, and during the last 12 months before applying, no more than 90 days outside the country.

What Permanent Residency Offers

The main advantage of permanent residency is the unlimited right to live, work, and study in Australia. Besides, it allows access to Medicare services and the opportunity to sponsor certain family members. However, citizenship grants additional rights such as the right to vote, an Australian passport, and complete participation in civic life.

The Application Process

After you have satisfied the residency requirement, the next step is to proceed with the formal application. The formal application entails submitting proof of identity, proof of residence, undergoing a character check, and, for most applicants in the age group of 18 to 59 years, passing the Australian citizenship test. The time taken for processing may be different from one case to another, and applicants have to maintain their eligibility during the entire assessment phase.

Planning Ahead

Time and presence requirements can be quite demanding, but it is really a matter of patience and planning. Some applicants even keep a record of their stay to ensure that they qualify without any issues. If one prepares properly, moving from Australian PR to citizenship could be a step that brings stability in the long run that is worth taking.

Plan Your Australia Migration with Abhinav

Are you considering Australia PR or citizenship? Then, Abhinav Immigration Services will be your best choice as we can help you throughout the process, from making your PR application to planning citizenship eligibility. Our immigration consultants will work closely to develop the best way for you to achieve your career and settlement goals.

Don’t hesitate to contact us now at your favorable time to begin your Australian journey with the utmost confidence!