Frequently Asked Question
Find Answers to Common Questions About Australian Visas and Simplify Your Migration Process with Immi Visa
What types of visas does Immi Visa assist with?
We assist with a wide range of Australian visas, including but not limited to, Skilled Migration Visas, Employer-Sponsored Visas, Family and Partner Visas, Student Visas, Visitor Visas, and Temporary Graduate Visas. We also provide assistance with Permanent Residency and Citizenship applications.
What is the difference between a temporary and a permanent visa?
Temporary visas allow you to stay in Australia for a limited period and often have specific conditions like work, study, or tourism. Permanent visas, on the other hand, grant you the right to live in Australia indefinitely and often lead to eligibility for Australian citizenship.
How long does the visa application process take?
Processing times vary depending on the type of visa, your individual circumstances, and the completeness of your application. Generally, temporary visas can take a few weeks to several months, while permanent visas may take several months to over a year. We advise checking the Department of Home Affairs website for current processing times.
What are the requirements for an Australian skilled migration visa?
To qualify for a skilled migration visa, you generally need to have an occupation listed on the relevant Skilled Occupation List, meet the points requirement based on factors like age, education, work experience, and English language proficiency, and undergo a skills assessment. Specific requirements may vary depending on the visa subclass.
Can I include my family in my visa application?
Yes, many visa types allow you to include your family members, such as your spouse or partner and dependent children, in your application. The eligibility of family members and the documentation required will depend on the visa subclass you are applying for.
What is the Points Test, and how does it work?
The Points Test is used for certain skilled migration visas (e.g., Subclass 189, 190, 491, etc.) to assess eligibility. Points are awarded based on factors like age, English language proficiency, skilled employment experience, educational qualifications, and other criteria. You must meet a minimum points score to be eligible for a visa.
What is a skills assessment, and do I need one?
A skills assessment is an evaluation of your qualifications and work experience by a relevant assessing authority to ensure they meet Australian standards for your nominated occupation. A positive skills assessment is required for most skilled migration visas.
How can I prove my English language proficiency?
You can prove your English language proficiency by taking an approved English language test, such as IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL. The required score depends on the visa subclass and your specific circumstances.
What are the requirements for an Australian partner visa?
To apply for a partner visa, you must be in a genuine and ongoing relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. You’ll need to provide evidence of your relationship, such as joint finances, cohabitation, and social recognition, and meet health and character requirements.
Can I work while on a student visa?
Yes, student visa holders are typically allowed to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during their course and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. However, it’s important to check the specific conditions attached to your visa.
What happens if my visa application is refused?
If your visa application is refused, you may be able to appeal the decision through the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) or apply for a different visa. It’s important to seek professional advice to understand your options and the reasons for refusal.
Can I extend my stay in Australia on a temporary visa?
In many cases, you can apply for a new visa to extend your stay in Australia. The type of visa you can apply for will depend on your current visa, your circumstances, and your future plans in Australia.
What is the Bridging Visa, and when do I need one?
A Bridging Visa allows you to stay in Australia lawfully while your substantive visa application is being processed or if your current visa expires. There are different types of Bridging Visas, each with specific conditions depending on your situation.
How can I apply for Australian citizenship?
To apply for Australian citizenship, you must meet residency requirements, pass a citizenship test (if required), and demonstrate good character. You can apply online through the Department of Home Affairs website or seek assistance from a migration agent
Do I need health insurance to apply for a visa?
For certain visa types, such as student visas and some temporary visas, you are required to have adequate health insurance coverage for the duration of your stay in Australia. It’s advisable to check the specific requirements for your visa subclass.
What are the health and character requirements for an Australian visa?
All visa applicants must meet certain health and character requirements. Health requirements typically involve medical examinations to ensure you do not pose a health risk to the Australian community. Character requirements involve police checks to confirm you do not have a criminal record.
What is the Expression of Interest (EOI), and how do I submit one?
An Expression of Interest (EOI) is a way to express your interest in applying for a skilled migration visa. You submit an EOI through the SkillSelect system, and if you meet the eligibility criteria, you may receive an invitation to apply for a visa.
Can I switch from a temporary visa to a permanent visa?
Yes, in many cases, it is possible to transition from a temporary visa to a permanent visa. The eligibility criteria will depend on the visa subclasses involved and your individual circumstances.
What should I do if my visa is about to expire?
If your visa is about to expire, you should apply for a new visa if you intend to stay in Australia. It’s important to take action before your current visa expires to avoid becoming unlawful in Australia.
What documents are required for my visa application?
The required documents for a visa application vary depending on the visa type and your circumstances. Generally, you will need a valid passport, identity documents, proof of English language proficiency, and a skills assessment (if applying for a skilled visa). Educational qualifications, employment history, and medical examination results are often required as well. You may also need to provide police clearance certificates, financial evidence, and relationship evidence for partner or family visas. Additionally, you must complete the visa-specific forms and provide proof of payment for the application fee. It’s essential to verify the specific document requirements for your chosen visa subclass to ensure your application is complete and accurate.
Why is it recommended to seek a migration agent for my visa application?
Navigating the Australian migration system can be complex and challenging due to the complex legal requirements, constantly changing policies, and strict documentation standards. A registered migration agent brings expert knowledge and experience to the process, helping to ensure that your application is complete, accurate, and submitted correctly. They can provide personalized advice tailored to your specific circumstances, identify potential issues before they arise, and offer solutions to improve your chances of a successful outcome. Additionally, a migration agent can help you understand your visa options, guide you through the process, and manage communication with the Department of Home Affairs on your behalf, saving you time and reducing stress. Seeking professional assistance from a migration agent increases the likelihood of a smooth and successful visa application.
How can Immi Visa help me with my visa application?
At Immi Visa, we provide expert guidance, personalized support, and comprehensive services to help you navigate the complex Australian migration system. We handle everything from initial consultation to application lodgement, ensuring that your application is complete, accurate, and has the best chance of success.
Yes, applicants need to be sponsored by a participating State or Territory Government to be eligible to apply for an Investor Visa.
Your invitation will be based only on the information presented in your EOI. If you lodge a visa application and your points score is less than claimed in your EOI and invitation letter, your visa will be refused even if you are able to pass the points test or meet other threshold criteria. Any visa application charges you have paid will not be refunded.
If you receive an invitation and your points have decreased or your personal information is not accurate, you do not have to proceed to make an application. You should correct the information in your EOI and wait to receive another invitation.
An EOI is not a visa application; it is an indication that you would like to be considered for a skilled visa. You will be asked to provide a range of information in your EOI depending on the visa(s) you want to be considered for. Expression of Interest (EOI) is not a visa application and doesn’t give you a bridging visa.
Once you have completed your EOI, you will receive a notification from SkillSelect. Your EOI will be stored in SkillSelect and is valid for up to two years.Once you have completed your EOI, you will receive a notification from SkillSelect. Your EOI will be stored in SkillSelect and is valid for two years.
You must obtain a minimum of 60 points to lodge an EOI. The higher the points the more likely it is that you will receive an invitation to lodge a visa application for permanent residency.
Invitations are issued on a monthly basis. The results of the invitation rounds are published on the Department of Immigration and Border Protection’s (DIBP) webpage after every round.
Your invitation will be based only on the information presented in your EOI. If you lodge a visa application and your points score is less than claimed in your EOI and invitation letter, your visa will be refused even if you are able to pass the points test or meet other threshold criteria. Any visa application charges you have paid will not be refunded.
If you receive an invitation and your points have decreased or your personal information is not accurate, you do not have to proceed to make an application. You should correct the information in your EOI and wait to receive another invitation.
Yes, applicants need to be sponsored by a participating State or Territory Government to be eligible to apply for an Investor Visa.
Investor Stream applicants have to have a minimum net personal and business assets of AUD2.25 million.
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