@danish

Hi Gregor,

I’m on 485 visa which is ending in March 2026. I know we cant apply student visa after 485, but some consultants are proposing that if I go overseas 2 months ago of expiring visa and get back here. I will work and I can lodge student visa offshore but not onshore after 485.

Could you please assist if it looks possible!

Thanks

Hi,

I was granted a 189 visa and arrived in Australia on 12 July 2021. After that, I spent 2 continuous years in Australia, after which I was granted an RRV (Resident Return Visa) for another 5 years.

Since then, I have travelled off and on using the RRV while maintaining my PR status. On 16 December 2023, I completed 3 years of residency. Due to my previous travel history, I am now in the process of completing my 4th year, which will be completed in 4 months.

However, I need to leave Australia on 3 August for personal reasons, which will affect the “no more than 90 days overseas in the past year” condition required to apply for citizenship. I do not plan to return this year and may come back sometime next year.

⸻

My Questions: 1. How can I maintain my PR status while being overseas? 2. When I return, will I need to restart the 4-year residency requirement for citizenship, or just complete the remaining time (the 4th year)? 3. Is there any way to apply early for Australian citizenship in my case?