Visa Classes in the Australian Migration System
There are numerous visa categories and sub categories available to onshore and offshore migrants, via application to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (‘DIAC’). Since there is a considerable degree of complexity regarding the requirements of different visas, strategies need to be devised for specific cases to ensure that an optimum outcome may be obtained. Carlos and Nanae, from the Elringtons Migration Law Team, have extensive experience in deciding which strategy is best suited to a particular case.
The main categories of visas include:
Business Sponsorship
An Australian or overseas business can sponsor prospective employees to fill positions in Australia. The sponsorship can either be for a temporary visa lasting up to four years, or for a permanent visa. There are significant concessions for positions in regional areas, if the positions are certified by the state and territory governments. Currently, the entire Australian Capital Territory is designated as a regional area for this purpose, and our territory government facilitates business and skills migration to the Australian Capital Territory.
Business Migration
Business migration is a pathway for senior executives, business owners and people with significant investment portfolios to migrate to Australia. This option is in general a two-stage process, with a four-year provisional visa granted initially, followed by a permanent visa once business interests are established in Australia.
Distinguished Talent
This type of visa is for individuals with an international reputation in a profession, sport, academia or the arts. The range of occupations is broader than the general skilled stream, but the level of skill and reputation must be very high.
General Skilled Migration
This is the most common form of migration to Australia. The applicant needs to be under 45 years old, have good English skills and qualifications and/or significant work experience in skilled employment. Sponsorship by close family members who are citizens, permanent residents will assist the application.
Partner Visa
A partner visa may be an option if you are in a relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen. This includes spouses, fiancés, de facto spouses and same-sex partners. This is a two-stage process, with a temporary partner visa being granted initially, and a permanent partner visa being granted two years after the initial application. More info….
Family Sponsorship
If you have close family living in Australia, they may sponsor you for migration to Australia.
Temporary Residence Visas
There is a range of temporary visas available if you wish to visit Australia on a temporary basis for a holiday or to visit relatives in Australia, working holiday, study in Australia, or if you need to travel to Australia frequently for business purposes. It is also possible to apply for a retirement visa, which applicants over 55 to settle in Australia.
Our team represents clients in all dealings regarding visa applications including preparing the application and supporting materials, lodging the application and handling all communication with DIAC. Our team also offers an email inquiry service for questions on visa options.
Our service includes the following:
- Providing an overall application strategy
- Project managing the stages of the application to ensure that critical deadlines are met
- Advice on required documentation for the application
- Certification of all copies of documents to be submitted with the application
- Where necessary, advice on required employer references
- Preparation of necessary forms for the application
- Assistance with skills assessment
- Arranging sponsorship/nomination by State or Territory Government where appropriate
- Lodgement of visa application with the appropriate DIAC office
- Maintaining correspondence with DIAC until a decision is made on your case
- Giving you updates on the progress of your case during processing
- Where an appeal is sought, legal advice and representation is available
| Carlos Turini Migration Agent (MARN 1069474) Telephone: +61 2 6206 1300 Email: cturini@elringtons.com.au Facsimilie: +61 2 6229 9233 |
Nanae Yoshiwara Migration Agent (MARN 0964316) Telephone: +61 2 6206 1300 Email: nyoshiwara@elringtons.com.au Facsimilie: +61 2 6229 9233 |
See:
Migration Agent Registration Authority (MARA) – Code of Conduct
