Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about Australian immigration, visa applications, and our services. Can't find what you're looking for? Contact us directly.
General Immigration
Required documents vary by visa type but commonly include passport, proof of identity, health examinations, police clearances, financial evidence, and English language test results. We provide a comprehensive checklist tailored to your specific visa category during consultation.
Processing times vary significantly depending on the visa type, completeness of application, and current Department of Home Affairs workload. Tourist visas may take days to weeks, while permanent residence applications can take 6-24 months. We provide current processing time estimates during consultation.
Most temporary visa holders require Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for students or Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) for other temporary visas. Permanent residents are eligible for Medicare. We can advise on the appropriate health cover for your visa type.
This depends on your current visa status and the type of application being processed. If you hold a valid visa with work rights, you can continue working. Some applications may grant bridging visas with work rights. We can clarify your work entitlements during the application process.
Student Visas
Most student visa applications require proof of English proficiency through tests like IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic, or Cambridge English. Minimum scores vary by education level and institution. Some exemptions apply for passport holders from certain countries or previous study in English.
Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. Work related to your course (such as internships or work experience) may not count toward these limits. Always check your visa conditions.
You may include your spouse/partner and dependent children in your student visa application. Family members will receive the same visa with their own conditions. You must demonstrate sufficient financial capacity to support all family members during your stay.
You must maintain satisfactory academic progress and attendance. If you fail or want to change institutions, you may need to apply for a new visa or get approval from your current provider. We can help navigate these situations and ensure compliance with visa conditions.
Skilled Migration
A skills assessment evaluates whether your qualifications and experience meet Australian standards for your nominated occupation. It's required for most skilled migration visas. Different assessing authorities handle different occupations, and the process can take several months.
The points test awards points for factors like age, English proficiency, education, work experience, and other criteria. You need a minimum of 65 points to be eligible, but higher scores improve your chances of receiving an invitation to apply. We can help calculate and optimize your points score.
SkillSelect is the government's online system where you submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). State nomination involves being nominated by an Australian state or territory government, which can provide additional points and pathway options. Both routes can lead to permanent residence.
Yes, you can include your spouse/partner and dependent children under 23 in your skilled migration application. All family members must meet health and character requirements. Your spouse may also contribute points to your application through their skills and qualifications.
Partner & Family Visas
Evidence includes joint financial commitments, shared living arrangements, social recognition of your relationship, and commitment to a long-term relationship. This can include joint bank accounts, lease agreements, photos, statutory declarations from friends and family, and communication records.
Generally, you must be in a genuine relationship for at least 12 months before applying, unless you're married or registered in a civil union. Exceptions may apply in compelling circumstances. The relationship must be ongoing and genuine at the time of application.
Partner visas typically involve a temporary stage (subclass 820/309) followed by a permanent stage (subclass 801/100) approximately two years later. This allows the Department to assess the ongoing nature of your relationship before granting permanent residence.
Yes, you can sponsor your partner if you're an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. As a sponsor, you must be 18 or older, meet character requirements, and provide financial support if needed. Previous sponsorship history may affect eligibility.
Business & Investment Visas
Investment requirements vary by visa type. Business Innovation visas may require AUD $800,000+ in assets and business investment, while Significant Investor visas require AUD $5 million+ investment. Each visa has specific asset, turnover, and investment thresholds that we can detail during consultation.
Most business visas require demonstrated business or investment experience. You must show successful management of qualifying businesses or investments over specified periods. The requirements vary by visa subclass, and we can assess your experience against the criteria.
Investment must be in complying investments as defined by the Department. These include Australian government or state government bonds, managed funds, listed companies, and qualifying businesses. Residential real estate and indirect investments typically don't qualify.
Maintenance periods vary by visa type. Temporary business visas typically require 2-4 years of business activity or investment maintenance before being eligible for permanent residence. Specific requirements include business turnover, employment targets, and residence obligations.
Australian Citizenship
You generally need to be a permanent resident for at least 12 months and have lived in Australia for at least 4 years (including the 12 months as a permanent resident). You cannot be absent for more than 12 months in total during the 4-year period, including no more than 90 days in the year before applying.
Most applicants aged 18-59 must pass the Australian citizenship test, which covers Australian history, culture, values, and government. The test is in English and consists of 20 questions. Exemptions may apply for those with significant hearing, speech, or sight impairment, or certain other circumstances.
Australia allows dual citizenship, so you can keep your original citizenship in most cases. However, some countries don't allow dual citizenship, so you should check your home country's laws. We can provide guidance on dual citizenship implications during consultation.
Children under 16 can be included in your citizenship application if they're permanent residents and meet residence requirements. Children born in Australia to permanent residents or citizens automatically acquire Australian citizenship. Children over 16 must apply separately.
Our Services
Our consultation includes assessment of your circumstances, discussion of visa options, eligibility requirements, processing times, costs, and risks. We provide personalised advice on the best immigration strategy for your situation and can develop a step-by-step plan to achieve your goals.
Our fees vary depending on the complexity and type of application. We provide transparent fee quotes after initial consultation, with no hidden charges. Payment plans may be available for complex applications. Government fees are additional and payable directly to the Department of Home Affairs.
No migration agent can guarantee visa approval as the final decision rests with the Department of Home Affairs. However, we maximize your chances of success through thorough preparation, comprehensive documentation, and expert application management. We provide honest assessments of your prospects.
We provide regular updates via email and phone, maintain open communication throughout the process, and promptly inform you of any developments or requests from the Department. You can contact us anytime with questions, and we respond to all queries promptly.
Yes, we provide professional document certification services and can arrange NAATI-certified translations when required. We ensure all documents meet Department of Home Affairs standards and can guide you through the document preparation process from start to finish.
Still Have Questions?
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