What does a skilled visa entitle me to?

For most skilled visas, if your application is successful, you will be granted permanent residency in Australia. As a permanent resident, you have a right to live, work and study in Australia indefinitely.

 

You will receive immediate entitlement to public healthcare, administered through a Government scheme called Medicare. Children aged 6-18 will be eligible to participate in public (government-funded) schools in Australia. There is a two-year waiting period before you are entitled to receive social security payments, including sickness and unemployment benefits.

 

Generally, permanent residents can work for any employer in any occupation. However, employment in the Australian Public Service or Defence Force is usually restricted to Australian citizens.

 

After living in Australia for at least four years as a lawful resident, you may decide to apply for Australian citizenship, or you can continue to retain your current citizenship. As an Australian citizen, you can vote in Federal, State or local government elections or stand for election as a candidate in these elections.

 

When you first migrate to Australia, there is a two-year waiting period before you are entitled to receive social security payments including sickness, unemployment and student benefits from Centrelink (Australia's Social Security Department).

 

It is therefore important that you have sufficient funds to support yourself (and your family) for at least your first 2 years in Australia. If you are being sponsored by a relative in Australia, you should ensure they are fully aware of their obligations over this two year period.