Australian Registered Migration Agents Specialising in Australian Visas
Australian Registered Migration Agents Specialising in Australian Visas
Contact us to discuss your visa requirements today!
Contact us to discuss your visa requirements today!

I have heard that permanent residency visas are only valid for 5 years. I thought I could live in Australia indefinitely as the holder of such a visa?

Yes, a permanent residency visa is only valid for the purpose of entering Australia for 5 years from the date it is granted. You can remain in Australia indefinitely, but if you want to travel outside Australia and to return to Australia more than 5 years after the grant of your visa you will have to apply for what is called a Resident Return visa.
A Resident Return visa usually allows a further 5 years for entering Australia, and should be available so long as you have lived in Australia for 2 years in the last 5.
Of course visas become a non-issue if you are granted Australian citizenship, when you will have an Australian passport.

More FAQs

Ask a question

If you have any questions or need help choosing the right visa, please call us or complete the form below and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.