What does the 5-year PR that you often hear about in Australia's permanent residency visa mean? It refers to a visa that allows you to enter and leave Australia freely within 5 years after obtaining permanent residency. As long as you do not leave the country, you are still a permanent resident. Even if the 5-year visa expires, you are still a permanent resident. If you still want to enter and leave Australia after more than 5 years, you need to apply for an Australian Resident Return Visa (RRV)