The visa will expire on the date mentioned in 2006 *except* if you are in Australia on that day. If so, it will be extended for as long as you stay physically in Australia.
So if you want to keep your status what you need to do is:
- move to Australia before the visa expires - make sure you are in Australia on the expiry date - do not leave Australia for *any* reason after that date (not even a short holiday in New Zealand) unless you get a Resident Return Visa (RRV) before you leave.
You won't find it that easy to get an RRV immediately as you won't have 2 years residence in Australia. However once you can show you are *living* in Australia and not just visiting you may be able to get a 5 year RRV based on 'substantial ties'. Read form 968i:
If you can't get a 5 year RRV, you may be able to get a 3 month single entry RRV allowing travel in emergencies.
After 2 years as a PR you can apply for citizenship -
It's your choice as to decide what to do. If you let your visa expire without moving to Australia you'll have to re-qualify to migrate, which could be much harder than in 2001.
And be aware that there is zero flexibility on the expiry date so don't leave it to the last minute.
Jeremy
-- This is not intended to be legal or professional advice in any jurisdiction
