Overview
In order to establish residency, it must first be decided if a person is an Australian resident. One definition of an Australian resident is a person who resides in Australia and is the holder of a permanent visa. Below are details of what constitutes a permanent visa and temporary visa.
Permanent Visa
Permanent visas do satisfy the requirements for Australian residence. A permanent visa is permission to travel to, enter and stay in Australia for an indefinite period of time.
Temporary Visa
Temporary visas don't satisfy the requirements for Australian residence, except if issued as a special category or special purpose visa.
A temporary visa is permission to travel to, enter and stay in Australia
- for a specified period; or
- until a specified event happens; or
- while the holder has a specified status.
Once a person has entered Australia under a temporary visa they can apply for a change of visa status to permanent residence.