Subclass 186 Granted: Rights and Obligations After PR
The day a subclass 186 is granted is one of the biggest milestones in a migration journey. But many people do not realise that specific obligations remain after getting PR — and some rights do not arrive immediately.
Rights as a Permanent Resident
With a subclass 186 granted, you are a Permanent Resident (PR) of Australia. This allows you to:
Live and work indefinitely: no more worrying about a visa expiry date or changing employer. You can work for any employer in Australia.
Medicare: register for Medicare right after getting PR. Medicare provides free public health cover (with limits) similar to Australian citizens.
Centrelink and social benefits: after a mandatory waiting period (usually the two-year “Newly Arrived Resident’s Waiting Period”), you can access some social benefits.
Sponsor family: you can sponsor a spouse, children and parents to migrate to Australia under PR.
Study in Australia: some tuition support and HECS/HELP arrangements may apply.
Pathway to citizenship: after four years (including one year as a PR), you may apply for Australian citizenship.
Rights You Do Not Have Immediately
A PR is not a citizen — some rights are only available to an Australian citizen:
- You cannot vote in Australian elections
- You cannot hold an Australian passport
- You cannot work in some government positions that require “Australian Citizen Only”
- You cannot obtain certain higher-level security clearances
Obligations That Remain After the 186
Requirement to Continue Working With the Sponsoring Employer
If granted under the TRT stream (Temporary Residence Transition): the 186 visa conditions usually require you to continue working with the sponsoring employer for a further two years from the date the visa is granted (or to complete the full 2 years measured from the start). See the article on the TRT 186 work conditions.
If granted under the Direct Entry stream: there is usually no similar requirement about a period of work.
Comply With Australian Law
Like everyone in Australia — you must comply with the law. A serious offence can lead to PR being cancelled and removal, even after being a permanent resident for many years.
Things to Do Right After Getting the 186
- Register for Medicare at the nearest Centrelink/Medicare office
- Update your address with the Department (if it has changed)
- Apply for a tax file number (TFN) if you do not have one
- Update your superannuation details with your employer
- Check your visa records — confirm on VEVO that the visa has been granted correctly
- Plan re-entry travel if you need to leave and re-enter (see the article on re-entry travel after the 186)
How Long PR Lasts
PR does not expire like a temporary visa — but the travel facility (the right to enter Australia on the PR) usually has a five-year limit. After five years, if you want to continue entering as a PR while overseas, you need a Resident Return Visa (RRV).
See the article on re-entry travel after getting the 186.