[fortnum]

Hi,

I have a 175 Independent Migrant PR that expires in Feb 2013. I haven't made my move to Aus yet due to timing, work, family, etc. I'm looking to move to Sydney in Jan 2013, that's one month before my PR expires. Will I have difficulties finding a job in Australia with an expired PR? I mean will employer turn me down, simply because my PR has expired, even though I'm there living in Australia? Or am I worrying for no reason?

I'm also glad that the RRV rules have changed. I guess I can now apply for RRV after my PR expires even though I haven't met the minimum 2 years rule. Correct?

Not sure if this should be under the Visa thread - happy for you to move it there if needed.

Cheers.

[itshim]

Hi, The way I understand it is that your PR never expires, you have that for life unless you do something stupid and illegal or let it lapse by staying away from the country. Asw far as employers are concerned you are a PR holder.

What does expire is your right to leave and return to the country, That is why you will need an RRV if you intend to leave Australia and re-enter at a later date.

[JAJ]

Originally Posted by fortnum I'm also glad that the RRV rules have changed. I guess I can now apply for RRV after my PR expires even though I haven't met the minimum 2 years rule. Correct?

You could always get an RRV based on substantial ties if you didn't meet the 2 year rule. That has not changed. What has changed is that you'll only get a 1 year RRV rather than a 5 year one.

Once your PR visa expires, then you need an RRV to get back in for any reason - even if you have left the country on vacation. So you really do need to keep the visa valid. It may be hard to get one at short notice.

As you may need to travel anytime you will simply have to apply for the RRV and pay the A$300 fee. Once you've got 2 years residence, you will then get the 5 year RRV.

It's not all that smart to leave it until the last minute to get back to Australia, in case something happens to delay you again.