rubbeldiekatz

I never really got an answer to that question, what happens after the permanent resident visa is granted ? Is it valid for life ? 5 years ? Whats the go ? Thanks guys, you´ve been really helpful over the last 2 years...

wmoore

Essentially it's valid for life - it is a permanent residency visa after all. However, you only get a limited time to activate it (usually 6 or 12 months). If you don't activate it in that time then it can become invalid. The 5 years you refer to is that the visa sticker in your passport will entitle you move freely in and out of Australia until that expiry date - 5 years after the visa is granted. After that time, although the residency component of the visa may be still valid, you will need another visa (Resident Return Visa - RRV) to re-enter Australia.

There are quite a few variables to consider too. One example is that if you haven't spent much of those first five years in Australia, you may not be eligible for a Resident Return Visa.

Pollyana

You have permanent resident status and need do no more for life if you don't leave Aus again. You can come and go on your PR visa for 5 years, after that you need to look at the requirements for citizenship or for a Residents Return Visa if you wish to travel outside Australia.

rubbeldiekatz

ok, cool....thanks guys, I would like to apply for citizenship asap anyway...

khoardiroy

Only two years residency needed still.

I don't get why people don't. You live in the country but can have joint nationality with UK so everything is cool.

esperanza

Does any one know if there is any limit to the number of citizenships someone can hold, provided each country is ok with each of the other countries?
Eg could someone hold US & GB & Oz citizenship and have all three passports?

khoardiroy

Why not?

JAJ

No limit.

onepearlyb

Ok, here's a question - no jibes or heckling from the back please.
What's the point of citizenship?? Are there any benefits to it and do I have to part with hard cash to get it once I've done my time as a PR??

*pearly*

Bexie

Good questions pearly!! You must be reading my mind!
Bexie

Speargun

PERSONALLY Id be delighted and honoured to be an Aussie citizen...and if the need arose would gladly give up the UK one...when you go to a Country I think you should do everything possible to show your commitment to that Country! So if Mr Case Officer is watching ...ppppplease get a move on!!

JAJ

It's been discussed many times before. Download and read form 1027i if you want to see the privileges of Australian citizenship - you'll need to know them anyway if you apply for citizenship.

There are lots of sad stories where people live in Australia for many years as PRs then blindly leave without citizenship - and can't come back after a few years. Other tales of young adults getting into a little trouble with the law and being deported. Plus the fact you can't vote etc as a PR.

As for the "hard cash" - it costs AUD120 to apply for citizenship. If you choose not to become a citizen you will pay AUD120 every five years for a Resident Return Visa. So do the maths.

onepearlyb

It's ok, I wasn't slating citizenship at all, infact I know nothing whatsoever about it. I haven't looked that far ahead. The $120 is nothing.

Cheers,
*pearly*

Nerine

Citizenship there is a lot cheaper than it is for NZ, it makes sense to apply for it rather than going through the hassle and expense of RRV's.

andrew63

One plus of being a citizen v. PR is when going to college. As a PR, my daughter will have to pay full fees up front; as a citizen, she is able to get the HECS grant (whatever). Something like that. Sure I am right and it is my main motivator to get citizenship ASAP for her.

Andrew