Australian permanent residents are residents of Australia who hold permanent residency visas but are not citizens of the Commonwealth of Australia.
Holders of permanent residency visas may remain in Australia indefinitely. These visas last up to five years from the date of grant. Until the permanent resident visa expires, the visa holder may leave and re-enter Australia freely. A notable feature of the permanent residency visa is that, even after the initial visa expires, the holder is entitled to stay in Australia indefinitely without breaching immigration regulations.[1]
After the initial visa has expired, if the holder wishes to continue to travel to and from Australia as a permanent resident, he/she must obtain a Resident Return Visa (RRV). [2]However those who live for too long outside Australia may lose their permanent resident status.