Australia is, and has been for some time now, one of the most sought-after destinations for studying abroad by students across the globe. As a result, the country has become a melting pot of cultures with some of the best minds from all over the world, driving it forward into the 21st century.
If you are keen on studying in Australia or if you are in fact currently studying there, becoming a Permanent Resident in Australia is something you might want to consider. Now, let's take a look at the benefits one can gain from becoming a Permanent Resident in Australia.
Wait. Not a big reader? Why don't you head over to our podcast and give this a listen!
Australia PR | What are it's benefits? - Pathfinder by AECC Global | Podcast on Spotify
1. The Ultimate Freedom To Travel And Explore
If you have fallen in love with the sun, the sand, the beaches, the quality of living, and the generally laid-back nature of life in Australia, look no further! Applying for a Permanent Residency here is the best thing you can do.
Initially, your PR is only valid for 5 years but you can always extend your visa after this period. As a permanent resident in Australia, you can choose any occupation you are interested in and work in any industry with absolutely no restrictions. Although, there are some exceptions like public service and the armed forces, which are off-limits for non-citizens.
2. The Ultimate Freedom To Travel And Explore
Imagine, one day, you are suddenly bitten by the travel bug and you've decided to explore Fiji or any of the myriad variety of beautiful nations surrounding Australia. But then you realize you are on a work visa, and we all know how travelling in and out of the country on a work visa comes with a lot of constraints. You eventually end up giving up on your desire to travel because it's too much of a hassle.
That's where a PR visa comes in. Unlike other visas, the permanent residence visa allows the holder to travel in and out of the country without any constraints.
However, if you end up loving the travelling nomad lifestyle a bit too much, and if your visa expires during the time you are out of the country, you will have to apply for a 5-year Resident Return Visa (RRV) to renew your permanent residency.
Also, the PR visa puts you on the path towards Australian citizenship. According to the latest Henley Passport Index, the Australian passport is said to be the 9th strongest in the world with visa-free access to 185 countries.
3. Entitlement To Better Healthcare
Healthcare should be a top priority when you are thinking about settling down in a new country. The Australian healthcare system is considered to be one of the best in the world, with world-class facilities and highly skilled healthcare professionals. Australia was one of the few countries that managed to keep the disastrous Covid-19 virus at bay, with its citizens enjoying a relatively normal life compared to the rest of the world today.
In general, hospital bills & treatments in Australia can be a little expensive however, as a Permanent resident in Australia, you are entitled to free healthcare services with the help of Medicare. But what exactly is Medicare?
Medicare is an all-inclusive public healthcare scheme that allows the Australian public to avail of healthcare services at low or almost no cost.
Medicare policy typically covers the following:
- Seeing a GP or specialist
- Tests and scans, like x-rays
- Most surgeries and medical procedures
- Eye tests by optometrists
Additionally, as a PR, you get to choose between having Medicare cover or going for a more inclusive private health insurance policy as well.
4. Keep Your Family Closer With Benefits
Two years after emigrating to Australia, you will get the ability to sponsor your family members for the acquisition of a Permanent Residency in the country. However, you have to remember this is contingent on whether you meet the prerequisite conditions set by the Australian government.
Perhaps the best part about being a Permanent Resident in Australia is that if you end up having children in the country, they will naturally become Australian citizens by birth, receiving a lot more benefits from the government.
5. Encouraging Social Security Benefits
This one's important and is eligible for only those who have been a PR in Aus for at least two years. The Australian government extends its support to those in difficult situations with a range of social security benefits to keep them afloat until they find a solid financial base for themselves in the country.
Under the Australian Social Security System, the eligibility for the benefits is based on the individual's health, employment, education, and financial needs.
A master program by Australia's Social Security Department, widely known as Centrelink, will provide you with social welfare aids associated with education, sickness, and unemployment which can also be extended to your family.
6. A Big Boost To Your Credit Rating
As a permanent resident in Australia, your credit rating will promptly rise to enable you to gain easy approval on personal loans, car loans, home loans, and credit cards. Not only will you get faster approvals, but the interest rates also go down as your credit rating goes up, so you pay a lot less out of your pocket when you back your loans.
7. Easier and Better Access To Student Loans
If you are an Australian PR, you will be considered a domestic student. As per the "HIGHER EDUCATION SUPPORT ACT 2003", Australian citizens and permanent visa holders are given the privilege of receiving financial assistance for their studies by the government through the Higher Education Loans Program called 'HELP'.
This is particularly beneficial if you ever face a financial crunch while applying for your higher studies as an Australian PR student. As the international student fees are much higher than the domestic fees, the PR visa helps you save a lot of money. Through 'HELP', it is much easier for students to apply for student loans and pay them back only after graduating and getting a job.
There you have it!
The above mentioned are the ultimate reasons why you should most definitely apply for a PR in Australia if you wish to live a life filled with experiences that are truly fulfilling. For further assistance on this, you can always contact our team of experts at AECC Global. We'll be more than happy to guide you through the entire process.