AUSTRALIAN VISA INFORMATION
You need a visa to visit or live in Australia. All the information you need is available on the Department of Immigration website www.immi.gov.au.
Knowing which visa applies to your circumstances is a priority since there are 150 different visa categories.
A good place to is: Australia’s Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) online Visa Wizard.
www.immi.gov.au/visawizard/
VISA CATEGORIES OUTLINE
Skilled Visas – For workers who have an occupation that is on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List.
Information on Skilled Migration Visas.
Information on State and Territory Sponsorship
Employer Sponsored Visas – An Australian employer may sponsor you to live and work in Australia for up to four years. During this time you may be eligible for permanent residency.
Information on Employered Sponsored Visas.
Business Visas – For individuals who wish to invest, establish or purchase a business in Australia.
Information on Business Visas.
Partner Visas – For individuals who have a partner who is an Australian permanent resident or citizen or an eligible New Zealand citizen and want to move to Australia.
Information on Partner Visas.
Parent Visas – For the parents of children who have migrated to Australia and whose children are Australian citizens or permanent residents.
Other Family Visa – For children, carers, last remaining relatives and other family.
Information on Family Visas.
Retirement Visas – For investors who are financially independent and want to retire to Australia.
Information on Retirement Visas.
Student Visa – For people who want to study in Australia.
Information on Student Visas.
Working Holiday Visa – Available for individuals from certain countries and it allows them to travel and work in Australia for up to one year.
Information on Working Holiday Visas.
Visitor Visa – If you are coming to Australia on holiday you need to apply for an electronic travel authority visa (ETA).
Information on Tourist Visas.
You can now apply online for an Australian visa.
AUSTRALIAN VISA APPLICATION PROCESSING TIMEFRAMES
Australian Visa applications can take from one day to two years to approve. For more information on processing times check the DIAC website www.immi.gov.au or click on this Visa Processing Times search result link.
USING A MIGRATION AGENT
Many people choose to use te services of a migration agent to help with their visa application. You do not have to use a migration agent to apply for an Australian visa this is purely down to personal choice.
Contact a registered migration agent who can do an assessment for you and handle your application.
Costs to employ a migration agent vary depending on your circumstances. For a guide to fees and information about registered migration agents visit The Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA) website www.themara.com.au.
More information on using migration agents is available on the Government website.
www.immi.gov.au/visas/migration-agents/
The 2008-09 Migration Program is set at 190,300 places, That is an increase of 19.8 % on the 2007-08 program. The figure includes 56,500 places for family migrants sponsored by people already in Australia and 133,500 places for those with special skills.
Information on the latest DIAC upadate on the Changes to the 2008/2009 Skilled Migration Program.
AUSTRALIAN CITIZENSHIP
For information on becoming an Australian Citizen, visit the website.
www.citizenship.gov.au
Information on the citizenship test can be found here.
