Australian Permanent Resident - Benefits

Benefits

Benefits of permanent resident status include:

• Few limitations on employment in Australia. Some job opportunities, largely state or federal governmental work, require citizenship as opposed to permanent residence.
• The right to apply for Australian citizenship after fulfilling some criteria.
• The right to apply for a Commonwealth supported place at approved higher education institutions.
• For permanent residents accepted under the humanitarian program and enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place, the right to defer payment of their student contribution under the HECS-HELP scheme.
• The right to sponsor relatives for permanent residence, subject to fulfilling residence criteria and assurance of support requirements.
• Children born inside Australia will be Australian citizens by birth.
• The right to access medical and social security benefits, though there is a 2-year waiting period for some benefits.
• The right to apply for Australian consular assistance overseas. (Although this right maybe subject to restrictions)
• The right to travel to New Zealand without applying for a New Zealand visa. (This right is granted by the New Zealand government.)
• Unrestricted rights to live, work and study in New Zealand. (This right is granted by the New Zealand government.)