Since Australian citizenship was first introduced in 1949, more than 5 million people have become citizens. Indeed, the appeal of Australian citizenship shows no sign of abating, with more than 132,000 people from at least 190 different countries being approved to become Australian citizens by conferral at 1 July 2019.
The majority of recent new citizens came from India, the UK, with the Philippines and China following close behind.
So, what makes Australian citizenship so appealing? And, how does it differ from permanent residency?
Those with permanent Australian residency already reap the benefits of living in a stable, peaceful and economically prosperous country. What makes these permanent residents take the leap to become Australian citizens? Here, we’ll highlight 12 benefits that citizens have over permanent residents....
1. You can get an Australian passport
Citizenship means you are entitled to an Australian passport. According to the Henley Visa Restrictions Index, this is one of the best passports in the world to travel under.
Ranking 9th on the Henley Index, an Australian passport enables you to visit 183 countries without a visa.
2. Your kids can become Australian citizens too
When you become an Australian citizen, your overseas-born child can become an Australian citizen by descent. They’ll have exactly the same rights as a child born in Australia.
3. You can vote
This is actually mandatory for Australian citizens aged 18+. You’ll be called up to vote in local, state and federal government elections and referendums. Failing to do so can result in a fine and potentially a day in court.
Although voting is (controversially perhaps) compulsory in Australia, unlike some countries, you at least have the freedom to vote for your chosen candidate. Plus, you’re actively taking part in the democratic process and helping to shape Australia’s future.
4. You can undertake jury service
As an Australian citizen, you could be called to sit on a jury. If you’re contacted for jury service, you’ll receive a token payment (this varies by state) and your employer will be legally obliged to provide the difference between jury pay and your regular salary for 10 days.
Whether you see jury service as an interesting diversion or a chore to be completed is up to you!
5. You can get consular help overseas
Australia has many embassies and consulates overseas and while travelling as an Australian citizen, you can ask an Aussie embassy or consulate for help in the case of an emergency.
Consular assistance isn’t guaranteed and depends on the circumstances, but Australian consulates or embassies can issue replacement passports, assist with medical emergencies or provide help if you’re the victim of crime. They can offer help and advice if a loved one dies overseas or issue emergency loans in exceptional circumstances.
6. You can join the Australian Defence Force
The Australian army requires all recruits to be Australian citizens. Permanent residents can access many public sector jobs in Australia, but certain divisions, such as the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Border Force also require citizenship.
7. You can play the political game
All Australian citizens over the age of 18 have the right to stand for election as a local councillor, state or federal MP or senator.
You can’t hold dual citizenship (unless a pending High Court decision rules otherwise) if you plan to serve in federal parliament. Before political nomination, you would need to renounce your home country citizenship.
8. You can adopt
Some Australian states or territories require one or both adoptive parents to be an Australian citizen.
9. You can defer study costs with HELP
As an Australian citizen you can access HELP – the government’s Higher Education Loan Programme, to enable you to defer study costs until you’re earning enough to repay the loan.
Permanent residents don’t have access to HELP, but they can enrol in University as a domestic student, rather than an international student, which means much lower fees.
10. You can move to New Zealand permanently
As an Australian citizen, you have the right to move to New Zealand permanently. (But, Australia’s better, of course!)
11. You can represent Australia in sport
If you’re the active type, you could represent Australia at international sporting events, many of which require participants representing Australia to be Australian citizens.
12. You can leave and re-enter Australia freely and avoid deportation
Finally, citizenship enables you to stay outside Australia as long as you want, without the need for a Resident Return Visa. Plus, you can’t be deported for crimes committed after becoming a citizen.
Permanent residents can be deported if they commit a crime or cause concern on character grounds.
Tempted to go for citizenship?
If you’re thinking about Australian citizenship or considering routes to permanent residence, please contact FastVisa Australia to find out more. Our expert team can talk you through your options and answer any questions you may have.