FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. How does a qualified person apply to live and work in Australia?

The first step to take is to decide if you intend to relocate to Australia temporarily or on a permanent basis. This will determine which visa class or classes apply to you.

Applicants for Permanent Residence can apply under the following:

Family Migration :- For those with close family ties to Australia

General Skilled Migration :- For qualified trades-people and professionals

Business Skills Migration :- For Entrepreneurs, Senior Executives and Investors

Employer Nomination :- People with specialist skills who are sponsored by Australian employers.

2. What is the difference between permanent residence and migration?

People wishing to live permanently in Australia must apply and be granted a permanent visa. If you apply outside Australia, you are applying to migrate. If you apply in Australia, you are applying for permanent residence.

3. How long does it take to get a permanent residence visa?

Processing times largely depend on the type of visa being applied for. However it takes most applicants for permanent residence in Australia 12 to 16 months to receive a final decision from the Australian immigration authorities.

4. Once approved when must I move to Australia?

Your arrival must be within one year from the date of your medical tests, which occur during the processing of your residence visa application.

5. How long is my permanent visa valid for? Will I need to obtain another visa in the future?

The initial permanent visa that you receive will allow you to remain in Australia for all your life. But if you remain out of Australia after the permanent visa has expired, the initial visa cannot be used to re-enter Australia. For re-entering Australia you will have to apply for a Resident Return visa.

6. Can I move to Australia before I obtain a permanent residency visa?

You can, but you will need a valid visa to be able to live in Australia. However, when you visa is ready to be granted you must be outside Australia.

7. Will having a family in Australia help me to immigrate?

Family sponsorship can assist you in making an application, but it is not the only relevant issue. There are many different types of visa classes. A number of General Skilled Migration visa classes operate on points test system. Family relationships are just one of the factor points that are awarded. There are also Family Migration Visa classes where the relationship and sponsorship will be the deciding factor.

8. Is there an age limit to applying for immigration?

There are maximum age limits set and they vary depending on which visa class you apply.

9. If I apply to immigrate to Australia what is the status of my spouse? If we both qualify who should apply?

The person who best meets the immigration criteria should apply as the principal applicant. If you are successful in obtaining Permanent Residence you spouse will have exactly the same rights and obligations as you do.

10. Are health examinations needed for permanent residence?

All applicants for permanent visas are required to undergo health examinations. You and all dependant family members must meet strict health standards designed to protect Australia from high health risks and costs. If an applicant cannot meet the health requirement, the visa application must be refused under the Migration Regulations.

11. What medical examinations do I have to undergo to qualify?

A medical test is the standard procedure to qualify and you need to pass the blood test and X-rays of your chest.

12. How do I become an Australian citizen?

You may be eligible for grant of Australian citizenship if you:

• Are a permanent resident of Australia
  
• Have been present in Australia as a permanent resident for a total of Four years.
  
• Are able to speak and understand basic English
  
• Understand the privileges and responsibilities of Australian citizenship
  
• Are of good character
  

13. If I want to set up a business in Australia, what visa will I require?

If you are seeking short-term entry to Australia for a stay of up to three months to undertake business activities, you will need to obtain a short stay business visa. If you are seeking long-term entry into Australia for a stay of over three months to establish a business, you will need to obtain a Business Skills visa.

14. What are the basic requirements for a Skilled-Independent category visa?

To apply for a Skilled-Independent category visa, you or your spouse must satisfy the following basic requirements:

• Be under 45 years of age
  
• Have sufficient English language ability for working in Australia
  
• Have post-secondary qualifications (such as university or trade qualifications)
  
• Have your skills assessed by the relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation before you apply
  
• Nominate an occupation, which fits your skills and qualifications when you apply. Your nominated occupation must be on the Skills Occupation List
• (SOL). If your nominated occupation is not on the list you cannot apply.
  

15. What is the points test?

For some categories you must pass a points test. The pass mark changes from time to time. Points can be awarded for:

• Skill
  
• Age
  
• English language ability
  
• Specific work experience
  
• Occupation in demand (and job offer)
  
• Australian qualifications
  
• Spouse skills
  
• Foreign language skills or Australian work experience or capital to invest in Australia
  
• Relationship
  

You must gain sufficient points to reach the pass mark applicable to your application at the time it is assessed.

16. What is pool mark?

If you do not achieve the pass mark, the pool mark is the total points you must score if your application is to be held in reserve for up to 2 years after it has been assessed.

17. How do I have my skills assessed?

We must have your skills and qualifications assessed by the relevant Australian assessing authority for your nominated occupation. No other assessing body's assessment is acceptable. Your skills must be assessed as suitable for you occupation.