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Australian Citizenship or PR: Which Should You Choose As a Nigerian or African?

For many Nigerians and Africans living in Australia, the question eventually arises:
“Should I stay on Permanent Residency (PR) or apply for citizenship?”

While both offer great benefits, they are not the same, and timing your citizenship application is crucial. We help clients decide when and how to make the move from PR to full Australian citizenship.

 

Key Similarities and Differences Between PR and Citizenship

Live and Work in Australia

  • PR Holder: Yes
  • Citizen: Yes

Access Medicare

  • PR Holder: Yes
  • Citizen: Yes

Vote in Elections

  • PR Holder: No
  • Citizen: Yes

Hold Australian Passport

  • PR Holder: No
  • Citizen: Yes

Sponsor More Relatives

  • PR Holder: Some
  • Citizen: Broader scope

Travel Freely Indefinitely

  • PR Holder: 5-year travel facility
  • Citizen: Yes

When to Apply for Citizenship

You can apply for citizenship by conferral if you:

  • Have been in Australia for 4 years on a valid visa

  • Have been a PR for at least 12 months

  • Have not been absent from Australia for more than 12 months total in the last 4 years (including no more than 90 days in the last year)

 

Reasons to Apply for Citizenship

  • Australian passport for visa-free travel to many countries

  • Right to vote and run for office

  • Stronger rights for sponsoring family members

  • Never having to renew a visa again

 

Reasons to Delay Citizenship

  • If you need to first meet residency requirements

  • If you hold a passport from a country that doesn’t allow dual citizenship (not an issue for Nigeria, but relevant for some African countries)

  • If you have ongoing visa compliance issues

 

How Afrovo Helps

  • Check your citizenship eligibility

  • Help prepare and lodge your application

  • Provide resources to pass the citizenship test

  • Advise on dual citizenship implications for your country

 

“Afrovo confirmed I was eligible for citizenship earlier than I thought. Now I have my Australian passport and travel freely.”
— Aminat, Former PR Holder from Lagos

 

🎯 Ready to become an Australian citizen?
👉 Book a Citizenship Eligibility Check

📋 Not sure if you should apply yet?
👉 Get a PR vs Citizenship Consultation

 

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