Check visa status and absences across two nested periods.

01

Four years on valid Australian visas

Immediately before applying, the person generally must have lived in Australia on valid Australian visas for four years. Visa gaps and periods without lawful status can affect the calculation.

02

Permanent status in the final 12 months

The applicant generally must hold a permanent visa or qualifying New Zealand Special Category visa throughout the 12 months immediately before applying. Home Affairs has special commencement rules for some New Zealand citizens and subclass 189 New Zealand-stream holders.

03

Two absence caps

Total absence from Australia must normally be no more than 12 months across the four-year period, including no more than 90 days in the final 12 months.

Both caps must be met. Passing the four-year total does not cure an excess in the final year.

04

Special residence and discretions

Different treatment can apply to Australian Defence Force service, certain Commonwealth employment, work requiring regular overseas travel, elite sport, ships and resource installations, and some spouses or partners. The statutory criteria and evidence are specific.

Children under 16 do not meet the general residence requirement but normally need permanent-resident status for conferral.

05

Use the official calculator, then verify the output

Enter accurate arrival, visa and travel dates in the Home Affairs residence calculator. A calculator result is guidance: the Department decides residence using immigration records and the law.

Apply with time to resolve date discrepancies. Do not purchase travel or assume approval from a preliminary calculation.