If the Covid-19 pandemic has done anything, it’s highlighted just how beneficial it is to hold Australian permanent residency (PR) and citizenship. Australia is often referred to as the “Lucky Country” because of its pulsating economy.
For lots of people, unfortunately, PR simply isn’t an option; they’re not eligible and the only option they have is to live and work as a temporary visa holder. However, this isn’t the case for everyone.
One thing we always stress to our clients and people coming to us for advice is this: apply for PR as soon as you’re eligible and as soon as you can afford it. Don’t stay on a temporary visa for any longer than necessary. If you need social welfare, medical care, or want to access higher education, believe us when we say that you’ll be re-paid the cost of your visa ten times over.
PR during Covid-19 pandemic
If you’re an Australian PR and you’ve been hit hard by the Covid-19 crisis, you’re no doubt thanking your lucky stars that you obtained your residency when you did.
Certain drastic changes were implemented in immigration. The all-program draws that used to be conducted once every 2 weeks, began to be conducted within days or even hours. The draws involved candidates from the streams of:
In contrast, temporary residents are entitled to early access of super in this financial year and various emergency assistance packages put together by state governments. They’re not entitled to regular support payments of any kind.
Benefits of PR
Permanent residency has benefits outside of a global pandemic situation too.
– Remain in Australia indefinitely
– Enrol in Medicare
– Access first homeowner grants
– Buy established residential property
– Work for any employer
– Access childcare rebates
– Pay reduced higher education fees
– Sponsor eligible family members
– Children born in Australia will automatically be granted citizenship
– You can live and work in New Zealand
– Be eligible for most social security benefits after two years
– Access the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG)
– Don’t need to pay foreign citizen stamp duty rates
Sounds pretty good, right? Becoming an Australian citizen is even better. You get everything we listed above, plus the following:
– You can vote
– Stress-free travel and re-entry
– Obtain consular assistance when overseas
– Apply for the federal government and defense jobs
– Enjoy visa-free travel to 183 countries
– Access higher education loans and fee assistance
– Increased protection from deportation
The benefits of citizenship were further highlighted earlier this month when Prime Minister Scott Morrison unveiled the new HomeBuilder scheme, which is open only to citizens. Under the scheme, eligible owner-occupiers can access a grant of up to $25,000 to build a new home or undertake renovations in excess of $150,000.
With HomeBuilder, combined with FHOG and stamp duty relief, you really could save a fortune when buying a home as a citizen.
In Western Australia, first-home buyers can access nearly $70,000 in grants if they’re building a new home. This is because the state Government has also introduced its own $20,000 grant to top up the HomeBuilder grant.
Temporary residents and permanent residents are eligible for parts of that pie, but you’ll only be up for all of it if you’re a fully-fledged citizen. In Australia, immigrants can enjoy free education and free medical maintenance for the entire family of immigrants. Get a permanent residency visa in 6 months with Exxeella. Get Free Counselling Today!