Permanent residence & citizenship
Australian Permanent resident status
An overview of becoming and staying an Australian permanent resident, and the travel and entitlement rules that apply.
Important information
On this page
- Official name
- Permanent resident (Australia)
- Route type
- Immigration status held through a permanent visa
- Re-entry
- Resident Return visa (subclass 155/157) to travel after the travel facility ends
- Travel facility
- Usually 5 years from the date the permanent visa is granted
- Re-entry after the facility ends
- A Resident Return visa (subclass 155 or 157) is needed to return as a permanent resident
- Healthcare
- Generally able to enrol in Medicare
- Path to citizenship
- Permanent residence is a prerequisite for citizenship by conferral
What it means
- The right to live in Australia indefinitely on a permanent visa
- The ability to work and study without the limits placed on temporary visas
- Generally, access to Medicare and certain government services
Key things to know
- Permanent visas carry a travel facility, usually five years, allowing travel in and out
- A Resident Return visa is required to return as a permanent resident once the facility expires
- Permanent residence is a prerequisite for applying for citizenship by conferral
How you become a permanent resident
According to the Department of Home Affairs, you become a permanent resident by being granted a permanent visa. These fall into broad groups — skilled visas, family visas, and business or investment visas — each with its own eligibility and application process on the official visa listing.
- Skilled permanent visas (for example points-tested and employer-sponsored routes)
- Family permanent visas (for example partner and parent routes)
- Business and investment permanent visas
Entitlements as a permanent resident
- Live, work and study in Australia without the limits placed on temporary visas
- Generally enrol in Medicare for health cover
- Access free English classes through the Adult Migrant English Program where eligible
- Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence, subject to the rules
- Apply for Australian citizenship once you meet the residence and other requirements
Travelling and returning
A permanent visa lets you travel in and out of Australia only while its travel facility is valid — usually for five years. If you are overseas, or want to travel, after the facility ends, you need a Resident Return visa (subclass 155 or 157) to re-enter as a permanent resident.
- Check the travel facility dates on your permanent visa before travelling
- Apply for a Resident Return visa (subclass 155/157) before the facility expires if you plan to travel
- Use VEVO or your grant notice as evidence of your permanent residence status
Frequently asked questions
You need one if you want to travel overseas and re-enter Australia as a permanent resident after the travel facility on your permanent visa has expired (usually five years from grant).
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.