Living Abroad as a PR: What You Need to Know About Residency & Re-entry

For many people looking to settle abroad, obtaining permanent residency (PR) is a crucial milestone.
However, the rules surrounding PR status, including travel restrictions, renewal requirements, and pathways to citizenship, vary significantly by country.

In Australia, PR holders must obtain a Resident Return Visa (RRV) to re-enter the country.
Korea’s PR system requires a re-entry permit for extended stays abroad.
New Zealand citizens enjoy unique privileges in Australia, while the USA has a 10-year Green Card renewal system with strict residency conditions.

This article compares PR policies in Australia, Korea, New Zealand, and the USA, helping you understand visa costs, renewal requirements, and travel limitations across these regions.


Australia’s Permanent Residency: Visa Requirements & Costs

In Australia, permanent residents (PR) do not have automatic unlimited re-entry rights. To return after traveling abroad, they must obtain a Resident Return Visa (RRV).

  • Visa Type: Resident Return Visa (Subclass 155/157)
  • Validity: Usually 5 years (1 year if residency requirements are not met)
  • Cost: AUD $465 (online application), AUD $505 (paper application)
  • Eligibility: A 5-year RRV is granted if the applicant has lived in Australia for at least 2 of the last 5 years
  • If Renewal Fails: Leaving Australia without a valid RRV may result in losing PR status, requiring a new visa for re-entry


Korea’s Permanent Residency: Key Information for Foreigners

Korea offers an F-5 Permanent Resident Visa, allowing long-term residence but with specific conditions.

  • Eligibility: Requires a minimum residency period, financial stability, and, in some cases, Korean language proficiency
  • Re-entry Requirements: Staying abroad for over 1 year requires re-entry permission; failure to obtain it may result in PR cancellation
  • Visa Renewal: Unlike Australia, Korean PR is not indefinite and must be maintained through valid documentation
  • Costs: Varies by country but is generally cheaper than Australia’s PR renewal fees


New Zealand Citizens' Benefits in Australia

New Zealand citizens enjoy residency and work rights in Australia under the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement, though some restrictions apply.

  • Special Category Visa (SCV, Subclass 444): Automatically granted upon arrival in Australia
  • Limitations: Certain social benefits, such as student loans and disability pensions, are not available (PR or citizenship is required)
  • Pathway to PR/Citizenship: Since 2023, NZ citizens meeting specific income and residency criteria can apply for Australian citizenship without needing PR first


Comparison: Australia, Korea, and the USA

Country

PR Renewal Requirements

Travel Restrictions

Citizenship Eligibility

Australia

RRV renewal every 5 years
(if eligible)

Must have valid RRV

After 4 years
(1 year as PR)

Korea

Re-entry permit required for stays abroad over 1 year

Risk of PR loss


Possible but with strict requirements

USAGreen card renewal
every 10 years		Must maintain residencyAfter 5 years
(3 years for spouses)



Key Takeaways

  • Australian PR holders must maintain an RRV to travel freely
  • Korean PR holders need re-entry permission for long-term stays abroad
  • New Zealand citizens can easily live in Australia but face benefit restrictions
  • US green cards last longer but require continuous residency


Understanding these PR policies helps expats and immigrants make informed decisions about their residency and travel plans.

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