Mr Pants

Hope you guys can help. A friend has just got her PR and is going out to activate in January 2006.

She seems to beof the opinion that she has to physically move and apply for citizenship within the 5 years.

I thought she could move out at any time, ie not within 3 or 5 years and not lose PR so, for instance,she could move out in say 10 years. If that is the case is there any time frame for citizenship.

I used to know all this stuff, but haven't got the time today to research it, she is panicking, and I just know one of you will know the answer instantly.

Thanks

welshtony

Her visa is valid for 5 years from when it was granted. Ideally she should build up the two years within the validity of the visa, if possible. The validity of the visa relates to when she is allowed re-entry to Australia. If she has not built up the 2 years by the time the visa expires, her permanent residency ceases if she is outside Australia. IF she is inside Australia when the visa expires, she will need to stay in Australia to make up her two years before being eligible for another 5 year re-entry visa or possibly Australian Citizenship.

So the furthest she could stretch things (assuming she could not qualify for exemption from the 2 year requirement) after validating the visa, arrive back in Australia just before the visa expires. She then has to remain for two years, continuously to qualify for new visa and maybe citizenship. The main problem is that she will have no facility to leave Australia for this 2 years although a compassionate 3 month return visa can be given if warranted.


Tony

Mr Pants

Thanks Tony