By Interlace Studies Bali
At a glance they seem the same — but they’re actually very different.
Let’s break it down so you don’t get confused!
A Permanent Resident (PR) is the person.
Someone who has successfully obtained the right to live permanently in Australia is called a Permanent Resident.
Example: “She has been a Permanent Resident in Australia since 2022.”
Meaning: That person already holds a permanent visa, even though they are not an Australian citizen.
👉 In short: Permanent Resident = the person holding PR status.
Permanent Residency is the status.
It refers to the legal right granted by the Australian government that allows someone to live, work, and settle in Australia permanently.
Example: “I’m currently applying for Permanent Residency in Australia.”
Meaning: The person is in the process of obtaining PR status — they are not a Permanent Resident yet.
👉 In short: Permanent Residency = the permanent visa status itself.
Imagine you’re playing a game:
Permanent Residency = the VIP badge that grants full access
Permanent Resident = the player who owns that VIP badge
You can’t swap the two. You earn the status first (Permanent Residency), and then you become the person who holds it (Permanent Resident).
To make things clearer, here are the rights of a Permanent Resident:
Live, work, and study in Australia without time limits
Access Medicare (Australia’s healthcare system)
Sponsor eligible family members to come to Australia
Apply for Australian citizenship once eligibility requirements are met
Not an Australian citizen → cannot hold an Australian passport
Cannot vote in federal elections (with some special exceptions)
May lose PR status if staying outside Australia too long without a valid Resident Return Visa
Both matter — but in different contexts:
Permanent Residency = the goal, the status you want to obtain
Permanent Resident = the result, the person who already holds that status
So make sure you use the correct term, especially when preparing visa documents or official statements. Using the wrong term can change the meaning entirely!
Permanent Resident = the person
Permanent Residency = the status
Simple — but extremely important, especially if you’re planning to study, work, or migrate to Australia.
No worries — Interlace Studies Bali can help you understand the pathway that best fits your goals.
📱 WhatsApp: wa.me/6285847419359 📘 Facebook: Interlace Bali 📸 Instagram: @interlacestudies.bali ▶️ YouTube: Interlace Studies Bali
Get personalized visa strategy guidance, budget simulation, and a complete list of study & work pathways that can help you move toward Permanent Residency in Australia.