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Australia Residency
Residency
Australian residents are allowed to live in the country permanently but are not citizens. Five year visas are granted allowing the resident to leave and return to Australia. Upon expiration, the foreigner applies for a Resident Return Visa which allows free movement in and out of Australia. This is an easy visa to apply for which needs to be applied before leaving the country. Not gaining approval before leaving Australia will result in difficulty returning to the country.
A permanent resident can lose his visa if he stays outside Australia for too much time. If the permanent resident is convicted of a major crime he can lose his visa. The Department of Immigration has sole discretion to revoke a resident visa for serial offenders and deport them back to their home country.
A very popular method to gain residency is through the Skilled Migration visa. This is a limited program with only a set number granted each year. To apply for this visa the foreigner will be assessed on a point system considering age, language skills, prior work record, and qualifications for the specific job.
Applicants must be between 18 years and 44 years, recently employed in the position's field, in good health, with proof of good character. Work skills and qualifications will be assessed to ensure suitable qualifications and experience. Once approved, the foreigner can apply for the immigration visa. Documents required include passport, birth certificate, proof of qualifications, and references.
The level of qualifications will be assessed by the points system. The type of work is considered as some positions require a university degree. If the job position is on the Skilled Occupation List it garners more points as skills which are in short supply are given higher points. A study of two years can replace previous work experience in some job categories.
Spouses and domestic partners of permanent residents can apply to become residents. They can get a temporary residency visa while waiting to be approved as permanent residents. A lot of documents are required proving the relationship is true.
The benefits of permanent residency will include free or part subsidized education and health care. After a certain number of years as permanent residents they can apply for citizenship. Children born in Australia can claim citizenship by birth. Social security benefits are available for permanent residents after a set time period. New Zealand allows Australian permanent residents to go there, live, work, and attend schools with no need for a visa.
There is a difference between citizenship and residency. Residents cannot vote although some states have exceptions for Commonwealth countries citizens to vote in local elections. Contact the local election officials for clarification.
Skilled migrant program applicants do not have to already have a job waiting for them. However, they will have to prove they can support themselves and their family until finding a job. However, most will already have a job lined up with a company sponsoring his visa before moving to Australia.
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