frequently asked questions
General
Do I need a visa to enter Australia?
Yes, you do. Unless you are an Australian Citizen or Permanent resident you need a visa to enter Australia.
Do I have to use a Registered Migration Agent?
No, you do not have to use a Registered Migration Agent to apply for an Australian visa. However, using a Registered Migration Agent can make the process less stressful for you.
Can a Registered Migration Agent fast-track the processing period?
No, we cannot fast-track the processing period. However, we can minimise the processing time by ensuring your application is complete, by responding promptly to any request of further information and by following-up on the status of your visa application.
Can a Registered Migration Agent guarantee a successful outcome of my application?
No, Registered Migration Agents cannot guarantee a successful outcome of you visa application. However, Registered Migration Agents are required by law to have a sound working knowledge and understanding of the Migration Act, Migration Regulations, and other legislations related to migration procedures. Therefore, we can help you to prepare a complete application, prevent problems, reduce the risk of refusal, save you time and alleviate the stress of the process. Let us make this process as easy as possible for you!
Can I extend my visa in Australia?
No, Australian visas cannot be extended. However, if your current visa does not state otherwise you may be eligible to apply for another visa in Australia to extend your stay. If you want to stay longer, we can help you to check your options and to apply for another visa.
Visit Australia
I am travelling with my family. Can we apply for a group visitor visa?
No, every person visiting Australia will require a visitor visa to enter Australia. Everyone in your family, including minors will have to lodge a separate visa application.
Can I work with a visitor visa in Australia?
No, unless you have one of the visas within the working holiday maker program it is illegal to work in Australia with a visitor visa. If your intention is to work in Australia contact us to find a suitable visa for you.
How long does it take to process a visitor visa?
Processing times vary from case by case. I recommend applying for a visitor visa at least two months before your planned trip.
How long can I stay in Australia with a visitor visa?
The Department of Home Affairs will decide this on a case by case basis. Generally, the visas are granted for 3, 6, or 12 months.
WORKING HOLIDAY MAKER PROGRAM
What are the requirements for this visa?
There are two main requirements to apply for this visa:
- Age: You must be between 18 and 30 years old.
- Citizenship: These types of visas are negotiated between Australian and other countries; therefore, they are just available to citizens of certain countries.
Which visa: Working Holiday visa and Work & Holiday visa?
Depending on your nationality. Please contact us to review your eligibility and the right option for you.
How long can I stay in Australia with a holiday maker visa?
This type of visa is generally granted for 12 months.
Can I extend my holiday maker visa in Australia?
No, you cannot extend this visa. However, if you comply with the “three months work in regional area” requirement you may be eligible to apply for a second year in Australia.
Can bring my family?
No, holiday maker visa applicants cannot include family members in their application.
STUDY IN AUSTRALIA
Do I need a student visa to study in Australia?
It all depends, if your intended course of study is for up to three months you can just apply for a visitor visa. However, if you are planning to study for more than three months then you must apply for a student visa.
Can I work in Australia with a student visa?
Of course! It is one of the advantages of studying in Australia. As an international student, you can work for up to 40 hours every two weeks while your course is in session and full-time during holiday breaks.
Can I take my family with me on a student visa.
Yes, spouses and children of International Students can join them in Australia during the whole duration of their visa.
Can my spouse work in Australia on a student Visa?
Yes, your spouse can work up to 40 hours every two weeks or full time if you are studying a master’s or a doctoral degree.
Can I leave Australia during school breaks?
Yes, you can leave and return to Australia at any time while the validity of your visa. Please be aware that to avoid visa cancelation you must attend school.
PARTNER VISA
What is the difference between Prospective Marriage Visa and Spouse or de facto visa?
Prospective Marriage visa is for the fiancé of an Australian citizen or permanent resident that wants to enter Australia to marry the fiancé. Once the visa is granted the couple must get married within 9 months.
The spouse or de facto visa is for the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen or permanent resident that wishes to enter Australia to live with the spouse.
I have not met my fiancé in person. Can we still apply for a Prospective Marriage Visa?
No, to obtain a prospective marriage visa you have to provide evidence that you and your fiancé have met in person.
Do we need to be married to apply for a partner visa?
No, Australia recognizes de facto relationships. As long as you meet the eligibility criteria and have strong evidence to prove that you are in a genuine relationship and that you share your life together you may qualify for a partner visa.
Do I become permanent resident, as soon as my visa is granted?
No, initially you will receive a provisional partner visa. To become a permanent resident, you will have to provide evidence, that after two years, you are still in the relationship with your Australian partner.
I am in a same-sex relationship. Can I apply for a partner visa?
Yes, Australia recognizes same-sex relationships. Therefore, same-sex couples that meet the eligibility criteria can apply for any of the visas in the partner visa program.
How long does it take for an Australian visa to be granted?
It depends on the type of visa you apply for, but it could take anywhere between 6 to 22 months. Therefore, to minimize any delays, it is crucial to submit a complete and well-prepared application. If you have any questions, contact us for an initial consultation.
PARENT VISA
Can I bring my parents to live with me in Australia?
If you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident your parents may be eligible to apply for a migrant parent visa to reside in Australia.
As well, there are options for parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents that want to stay, temporarily, in Australia for an extended period of time.
What is the Balance of Family Test?
To be eligible to apply for a migrant parent visa you need to provide evidence that at least half of your children are Australian citizens or permanent residents residing in Australia.
Will my parents have access to Medicare if they are granted a parent visa?
Yes, your parents will be eligible to apply for Medicare once they are granted a migrant parent visa.
Can my parents apply for Australian citizenship?
Yes, if your parents were granted the permanent resident visa, they may be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship after a certain period of residing in Australia.
WORK VISA
Can I apply for a visa to work in Australia before securing a job?
No, to obtain a work visa you need a sponsoring employer that has been approved by the Department of Home Affairs. In addition, you are required to meet additional criteria. Please contact us to discuss your case.
The above information does not apply to people applying to one of the visas available in the working holidaymaker program.
My friend has a business and he is offering me a job. Can I apply for a visa to work in Australia?
It is not as simple as that. Employers wanting to sponsor foreign workers must meet certain criteria to be approved by the Department of Home Affairs as “approved employer”. In addition, the applicant must have a qualification and experience in one of the occupations in the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL). Please contact us to assess your options.
GENERAL SKILLED MIGRATION VISAS
Is there an age limit to migrate to Australia as a skilled migrant?
Yes, to be eligible for any of this visa you must be under 45 years old.
Do I need to speak English to apply for a skilled migrant visa?
Yes, you are required to provide evidence of at least Competent English. Unless you are a citizen of Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, United States or Ireland.
I have a university degree; can I apply for a skilled visa?
It depends on your qualification. To be eligible for a General skilled migrant visa your occupation must be in the list of occupations required in Australia for the specific visa.
Can I include my family in the application?
Yes, you can include your spouse and children in your visa application.
What is an Expression of Interest (EOI)?
It is a method of showing your interest in applying for a skilled visa to migrate to Australia. It is used to calculate your ability to meet the points test for certain visas.
Any further questions?
Let us know! We’re pleased to help you and keep you informed.