Steps to take if you are planning on moving to Australia

Immigration and the Visa Application Process:

1. You will need a visa – finding the right one and understanding the requirements of each visa can be overwhelming. Consult a professional for advice if you are unsure. A Registered Migration Agent will be able to assist you.
2. A visa is required by the Australian Government to enable a non-citizen to visit or live in Australia whether temporarily or permanently.
3. There are many different visa subclasses depending on your reason for entering the country.
4. The process can take anywhere from 1 day to years depending on which visa type you are applying for – generally, temporary visas are faster to process than permanent visas.
5. You must provide the correct information to the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP). Supplying incorrect or incomplete information can delay your visa application and could result in a visa refusal which will create problems for you should you wish to lodge a new application in the future.
6. Once you lodge a visa application your money is taken by DIBP whether the application is approved or refused and there are no refunds, so it is imperative that you get it right the first time. Visa application charges are high and typically increase every year.
7. When you begin gathering your documentation you must determine that you are actually applying for the correct visa for your situation, ensure you have the required level of English and test results to prove this if necessary, your qualifications are documented and that all relevant supporting documentation and forms are translated, completed and provided at the time of lodgement.
8. You can include your family members on your visa.
9. Once you have your Australian visa (depending on the subclass) you are free to enter Australia. Some visas are granted with single entry only so you can’t leave and return on the same visa). Others will give you the option of leaving and re-entering multiple times for the length of your visa. Subject to your visa conditions, you may have the option of applying for a new visa, either temporary or permanent, before your current visa expires.
10. Holders of permanent visas have the right to remain in Australian indefinitely, however, if they choose to live outside Australia for a long period of time, they must ensure they have the right of re-entry into Australia.
11. Once you are an Australian citizen you can live and work in Australia permanently without having to renew your visa. By law, only Australian citizens have an automatic right of entry to Australia.

For information and consultation on this and other Australian visa types https://www.tssimmigration.com.au/services , contact the Registered Migration Agents https://www.tssimmigration.com.au/migration-agents , at TSS Immigration – www.tssimmigration.com.au , on 1300 877 466