When most people think of Australia a particular image comes to mind. It might be the Sydney Harbor Bridge, Ayers Rock, or a kangaroo hopping down a main street. Such imagery may not be particularly representative, but it does highlight the fact that in many ways Australia is different to anywhere you have been before.

Australia is the world's sixth largest country. Its area is 7,682,300 sq km, about the same size as 48 mainland states of the USA. Lying between the Indian and Pacific oceans, Australia is about 4000km from east to west and 3200km from north to south, with a coastline 36,735 km long.

Australia is a federation of six states and two territories. Under the written Constitution, which came into force on 1st January 1901 when the colonies joined to form the Commonwealth of Australia, the Federal government is mainly responsible for the national economy and Reserve Bank, customs and excise, immigration, defense, foreign policy and the postal system. The state governments are chiefly responsible for health, education, housing, transport and justice. There are both Federal and State police forces.

Australia has a parliamentary system of government based on that of the United Kingdom, and the state and Federal structures are broadly similar. Australia's population is about 19.2 million. The most populous cities are Sydney, with 4 million people, and Melbourne with 3.3 million. Australian democracy guarantees civic freedoms and fundamental rights and equality, and it is the institutions of Australian democracy that enable diversity in our society to flourish.

The democratic foundations of Australian society contain a balance of rights and obligations. Within this broad framework, each individual and group is welcome to make a contribution to the common good.

Australia is a relatively affluent and industrialized nation but much of its wealth still comes from agriculture and mining. An increasingly important source of income is the tourism industry, with the numbers of visitors rising each year and projections for even greater numbers in the future. Japan is Australia's biggest trading partner, with China, Korea and Vietnam becoming increasingly important. Regionally, Australia has initiated the establishment of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) group, a body aimed at furthering the economic interests of the Pacific nations. The Australian economy is growing at a rate of around 4per year and inflation is low, at around 2.

Here are some categories to facilitate you for the immigration to Australia. Click any of the following to know the details of the specified category. For more help contact us.  

1. Occupational Earnings in Australia

2. Cost of Living in Australia

3. Age Limit for Applicants

4. Australia Skilled Migration - Designated Area Sponsored

5. Partner Migration

6. Skilled Australian Sponsored Visas

7. Skilled Worker Visa

8. Australia Business Migration Visa

9. Business Owner Visa

10. Senior Executive Visa

11. Investment-Linked Visa

12. Existing Business in Australia

13. Business Visa

14. The Business Owner Provisional Visa

15. Retirement Visa to Australia

16. Prospective Marriage Visa to Australia

17. Interdependent Visa to Australia

18. Remaining Relative Visa to Australia

19. Family Visas to Australia

20. Parent Visas

21. Family Sponsorship Migration Visa

22. Australian Family Migration Visa Entitlements

23. Applying for a Family Migration Visa to Australia

24. Australian Spouse / Partner Visa
     

     

1. Occupational Earnings in Australia:

2. Cost of Living:

PSydney
As the largest city in Australia, Sydney has been described as the New York of "down-under". The port of Sydney is a world famous harbor and the major distribution centre for Australia's import goods. The Sydney Opera House is widely known around the world for its innovative and fascinating architecture and has become the landmark of Sydney. The Sydney Harbor Bridge and Sydney's Centre point Tower are also famous features. At the top of Centre point Tower you can see the whole of the city of Sydney.

Sydney is an important cultural centre. It has the oldest university in Australia, the University of Sydney, and the Australian Museum. It is also the economic centre of Australia. It has advanced railways, roads and air links to the centre of Australia and is easily linked to the rest of the world through air and sea.

The success of the 2000 Sydney Olympics and the widely acclaimed architecture of the sports venues have added new glamour to the city. This has also led to an increase in tourism and generated a lot of revenue for Australia as a whole

PMelbourne
As the second largest city in Australia, Melbourne is an important economic, trade and transportation centre. With a temperate climate, the temperature in Melbourne is above 10°C in winter and reaches 30°C in summer. In addition, it is the capital city of the state of Victoria.

Melbourne has also been named one of the top three cities for living and is reputed as the Garden City. The city is surrounded by parks and has picturesque landscapes and gardens. In addition, Melbourne is also the hub of sea, land and air traffic to Australia.
 

The purpose of the Australia skilled migration scheme is to attract people with skills which would be of benefit to Australia. If successful in applying for skilled migration visa, you will be granted permanent residence in Australia. In order to be eligible for skilled migration, you or your spouse must be able to satisfy the following basic requirements

3. Age Limit for Applicants

Although qualifications are obviously very important, it is no longer the primary criteria for skills based applications. Your occupation must be on the list of approved occupations for migration to Australia.

You are then assessed in Australia by the relevant authorities for your occupation i.e. your skills, experience, and importantly qualifications are assessed against the Australian standards for that specific occupation i.e. you need X experience, Y skills and Z qualifications to be assessed as equivalent to the Australian standards for a specific occupation.

Only after you pass the occupations assessment can you lodge the actual visa application. This cannot be done prior to receipt of the successful outcome of the occupations assessment. Occupations assessments take anywhere from1 to 4 months and is conducted by the relevant authority in Australia responsible for settings the standards for a specific occupation.

Your occupation, experience, age, English language abilities and eligibility for bonus points all contribute towards your points - and you need 120 points to meet the criteria for Independent Skilled migration. (Note: meeting the pass mark does not mean you meet all the criteria for the visa).

If you have eligible family members resident in Australia as permanent residents (for at least 2 years) they may potentially sponsor you in this visa stream if you need the additional points.
 

4. Australia Skilled Migration - Designated Area Sponsored

If you have a relative living in a designated area, you may qualify for skilled migration even you do not pass the points test. Designated areas include the whole of Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, ACT, NT, and areas in other states outside capital cities.
 

5. Partner Migration
 

If you are married to, intend to marry or live in a de-facto relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident or New Zealand citizen living in Australia, your partner may sponsor you for permanent residence visa in Australia.
 

6. Skilled Australian Sponsored Visas
 

If you have relatives living in Australia, this may greatly enhance your chances of qualifying for skilled migration. You would need to be aged under 45, and be a manager, professional, associate professional or tradesperson to qualify.
 

7. Skilled Worker Visa

1. Skilled Visa Application Cost & Processing Time

2. Australian Skilled Visa Entitlements

3. Applying for Skilled Visa to Australia

This Government initiative is specifically designed to target individuals who have skills or outstanding abilities to fill the skilled workers shortage in the Australian Workforce and who can contribute to the Australian economy.

In recent months over 150,000 jobs have been advertised weekly, and unemployment is at the lowest level in the last 10 years. Australian Government statistics confirm 89% of Skilled Independent visa holders gain employment within the first six months and 92% within 18 months of arrival in Australia.

If you are a skilled professional, tradesperson or student graduating from an Australian university, you can qualify for unrestricted Australian working rights for you and your partner, allowing you to secure employment without the requirement of sponsorship.

The Australian Government has made over 97,500 Skilled Visas available between July 2005-June 2006In order to satisfy labour market shortages, the Department of Immigration & Multicultural & Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA) has set specific basic requirements for people who are interested in applying under the Skilled Migration Stream.

To qualify for skilled migration, you (or your partner) must be able to satisfy the basic visa requirements and meet the current pass mark. The basic visa criteria require you to meet specific age requirements, English language ability, minimum qualifications level, selection of a nominated occupation and recent work experience.

In addition to meeting the basic visa requirements, you are also required to satisfy the current points test. Points can be claimed for several items including skill, age, English language ability, specific work experience, spouse skills and other bonus categories.
 

PSkilled Visa Application Cost & Processing Time

As part of the migration application, there are several government and assessing authority charges which must be paid in order to process a visa application. Our counselor will give you a summary of the costs you should anticipate as part of the process.
Currently, the processing time for skilled visa applications lodged outside of Australia is approximately 12-18 months. This of course varies from case to case and delays will occur if the application is incomplete or missing supporting documentation.
When your visa is granted, a letter from DIMIA is issued, which will state a date by which you must enter Australia. Generally, this will be within 6-12 months of obtaining the visa. Once you have made first.

P Australian Skilled Visa Entitlements
 

As a permanent resident, you have the right to live, work and study in Australia indefinitely. When you are granted permanent residence, a visa label is placed in your passport as proof of your permanent residency.

 Other benefits of holding permanent residence including access to Medicare (government-subsidised health care) and ability to apply for citizenship once you satisfy the relevant residency requirements.

 The Australian Government has made over 200,000 Skilled Visa available between 2003-2006.
 

PApplying for Skilled Visa to Australia

 Applications must be submitted using the correct visa application form, accompanied by the relevant lodging visa and lodged with the appropriate visa office. Often many procedural steps must be completed prior to lodging. In addition, there are different subclasses within the skilled stream, so the entire process can be a little confusing.
 

8. Australia Business Migration Visa
 

 If you have a background in business management or high-level investment activities and are interested in investing in Australia, starting up a new business in Australia or purchasing an ownership interest in an existing Australian business, you and your family may be eligible for permanent residence status under Australia's business migration program.
 

9. Business Owner Visa

Business owner visas allow people with a significant ownership interest in a medium to large size business overseas to migrate to Australia and establish or invest in a business there.
 

10. Senior Executive Visa

Senior executives with management experience in a large overseas corporation may be granted permanent residence in Australia under this visa category. Once in Australia, they are expected to establish or make a significant investment in an Australian business.
 

11. Investment-Linked Visa
 

Investment-Linked visas are granted to applicants who are experienced in making business investments, have access to substantial capital, and willing to make a substantial investment in an Australian Government Security for a fixed term. Once they have migrated to Australia, visa holders are expected to engage in some form of business or investment activity.
 

12. Existing Business in Australia

If you already have a significant ownership interest in an Australian business, and would be willing to take-up residence in Australia for at least nine months in order to take an active role in the management of that business. This category of business migration requires the least capital outlay.
 

13. Business Visa
 

The Business Migration program encourages successful business people to settle permanently in Australia and develop new or existing businesses.

On 1 March 2003, a new two-stage Business Migration scheme was introduced for Australia. Under this new arrangement, business migrants are granted a Provisional Visa for four years, and after establishing the required level of business or maintaining their eligible investment, they can apply for a Business Skills Residence Visa.

A positive aspect behind these changes is that it gives prospective business migrants the opportunity to trial their intentions in Australia rather than making a permanent decision. They can gain a firsthand perspective on business opportunities available in Australia, liaise with Australian State/Territory Government agencies and local businesses on the type of business that may be favorably viewed, conduct market research, meet local citizens, and examine the settlement and education prospects for their families as well as experience the Australian lifestyle.

Business Migration program is divided into four main categories:

• Business Owner category: for owners or part-owners of a business.

• Senior Executive category: for senior executive employees of major businesses.

• Investor category: for investors/business people willing to invest in Australia.

• Business Talent category: for high-caliber business people who have sponsorship from a State/Territory government.
   

14. The Business Owner Provisional Visa

1. Senior Executive Provisional Visa to Australia

2. Australian Investor Provisional Visa to Australia

3. Australian Business Talent Permanent Visa

4. Australian Business Visa Entitlements

5. Application Cost & Processing Time

6. Applying for a Business Visa to Australia

7. Application Cost & Processing Time

    
The Business Owner Provisional Visa is for applicants who are owners or part owners of a business and are under 45 years of age at the time of lodging the application. Applicants are required to demonstrate that they have had an overall successful career with significant turnover in their nominated business for at least two out of the last four years before applying. Applicants must also demonstrate that they have at least vocational-level English.

In addition to satisfying the business turnover level, applicants must demonstrate that they have significant business and personal assets of a sufficient net value to settle in Australia. As part of the process, applicants should also prepare a detailed business proposal in order to demonstrate a realistic commitment to establish or participate in a qualifying business in Australia, and to maintain a substantial ownership and direct and continuous involvement in the management of that business.

Applicants over 45 years of age, but less than 55, may qualify for the State/Territory Sponsored Business Owner Provisional Visa that has a lower financial threshold.
 

P Senior Executive Provisional Visa to Australia
 

The Senior Executive Provisional Visa is for applicants who are under 45 years of age and are senior executive employees of a major business that has a turnover of at least AUD$50,000,000 in any two of the last four years before applying. Applicants must also demonstrate that they have at least vocational-level English.

In addition to satisfying the business turnover level, applicants must demonstrate that they have significant business and personal assets of a sufficient net value to settle in Australia. As part of the process, applicants should also prepare a detailed business proposal in order to demonstrate a realistic commitment to establish or participate in a qualifying business in Australia and to maintain a substantial ownership and direct and continuous involvement in the management of that business.

 Applicants over 45 years of age, but less than 55, may qualify for the State/Territory Sponsored Senior Executive Provisional Visa that has a lower financial threshold
 

P Australian Investor Provisional Visa to Australia
 

The Investor Provisional Visa is for applicants who are under 45 years of age and have an overall successful record of investment or business activity with a total of at least three years experience of direct involvement in managing one ore more qualifying businesses or investments. Applicants must also demonstrate that they have at least vocational-level English. In addition to providing evidence of involvement in managing a business or investment, applicants must demonstrate that they have significant business and personal assets of a sufficient net value to settle in Australia. Prior to visa being granted, applicants must make a designated investment of AUD$1,500,000.

As part of the process, applicants must also demonstrate a realistic commitment to maintain a business or investment activity in Australia once the designated investment has matured.

Applicants over 45 years of age, but less than 55, may qualify for the State/Territory Sponsored Investor Provisional Visa that has a lower financial threshold
 

P Australian Business Talent Permanent Visa

The Business Talent Permanent Visa is for high-caliber business people who have sponsorship from a State/Territory government. In order to qualify for this visa type, applicants have demonstrated that they have an overall successful business career and that they hold significant personal and business assets. In particular, applicants are required to provide evidence of a significant annual turnover (of at least AUD$3,000,000) for at least two of the last four years before lodging the application.
In addition to satisfying the business turnover level, applicants must demonstrate that they have significant business and personal assets of a sufficient net value to settle in Australia. As part of the process, applicants should also prepare a detailed business proposal in order to demonstrate a realistic commitment to establish or participate in a qualifying business in Australia and to maintain a substantial ownership and direct and continuous involvement in the management of that business.

*Applicants must be under 55 years of age unless exceptional circumstances.
 

P Australian Business Visa Entitlements

Upon being granted a Provisional Business Visa, you are a temporary resident of Australia. During this period of temporary residence, you are generally not entitled to access Australia's national health insurance scheme (Medicare).

As the holder of a Provisional Business Visa, you are eligible to make an application for a Business Skills (Residence) visa after establishing the requisite level of business or maintaining an eligible investment for a specified period.

*Benefits of permanent residence include access to Medicare
 

P Application Cost & Processing Time

 As part of the migration application process, there are several government charges that must be paid. The information set out in your Personalised Visa Application Guide includes a summary of the costs you should anticipate as part of the process.

Currently, the processing time for business visa applications lodged outside of Australia is approximately 3-6 months. This of course varies from case to case and delays will occur if the application is incomplete or missing supporting documentation.

When your visa is granted, a letter from DIMIA is issued, which will state a date by which you enter Australia. Generally, this will be within 6-12 months of obtaining the visa. Once you have made first entry, you are then free to travel around Australia or internationally as you please.
 

P Applying for a Business Visa to Australia
 

Applications must be submitted using the correct visa application form, accompanied by the relevant lodging visa and lodged with the appropriate visa office. Often many procedural steps must be completed prior to lodging. In addition, there are different subclasses within the business migration stream, so the entire process can be a little confusing.

All business visa applications are process by a business center located in Perth, Australia (except for applicants who usually live in China, Hong Kong, Macau or Taiwan). You may send your application by post or by courier. It is also important to include evidence of your ability to satisfy the basic visa requirements at the time of lodging your application. Failure to do so will result in the application being deemed as "invalid" and all documentation will be returned to you.

Utilizing one of the following migrationexpert.com services you can easily manage the visa application process or simply handover your business visa application to one of our in-house migration agents by acquiring the Premium Migration Service.
 

15. Retirement Visa to Australia
 

The Retirement Visa is a temporary visa for people over 55 years of age with significant assets to support themselves in Australia. While the initial retirement visa allows for a four-year period of stay, it is possible to obtain further stays of two years at a time.

In order to qualify for a Retirement Visa, applicants must meet the age requirement, have no dependents (other than a spouse) and have sufficient capital for transfer to Australia. Prior to visa being granted, retirees must hold comprehensive health insurance provided by an Australian company for the duration of the visa.

*Following changes introduced in early 2004, retirees are now permitted to work a maximum of 20 Australian.
 

16. Retirement Visa Entitlements
 

Upon being granted a Retirement Visa, you are a temporary resident of Australia. During this period of temporary residence, you are generally not entitled to access Australia's national health insurance scheme (Medicare).

Temporary residents in Australia are required to pay taxes on income earned and they cannot access social welfare benefits while holding a temporary visa. However, citizens of countries where Australia has Reciprocal Health Care Agreements (RHCA) are entitled to emergency medical cover in Australia. This cover does not extend to pre-existing medical conditions. RHCA countries include Finland, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, Sweden and the United Kingdom. hours per week.
 

17. Prospective Marriage Visa to Australia

Fiancé (e) s of Australian citizens or permanent residents can apply for the prospective marriage visa, which, if granted, will be valid for nine (9) months. The applicant must enter Australia, marry their sponsor and apply for the spouse visa all within this nine-month period. This visa, commonly known as the fiancé (e) visa, is for persons wishing to come to Australia to marry their sponsor.

To be eligible to apply for a Prospective Marriage visa you must demonstrate you:

• have personally known, i.e. met with, the Australian sponsor physically; AND,

• are engaged to be married to the Australian sponsor in Australia; AND,

• will marry the Australian sponsor in Australia within the visa period; AND,

• after marriage, intend to live together in a genuine spousal relationship; AND,

• will apply for the spouse visa in Australia within the visa period.

*The Prospective Marriage Visa must be applied for from outside Australia and the applicant must be outside Australia at the time the visa is grant.
 

18. Interdependent Visa to Australia

In order to apply as a parent, applicants must pass the "balance of family" test. In addition, their child who must be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen must sponsor all parent migrants.

Applications for the Working Age parent visa must be lodged outside Australia. However, applications for the Aged parent visa can be made in Australia.

An aged parent is one who is old enough to be granted an Australian age pension. For male applicants, the qualifying age is 65 and for female applicants the qualifying age is gradually being increased from 60 to 65.

The number of places available for the Parent visa class in the current program year (2003-04) is 1500. Therefore, applications under the existing Parent visa class are experiencing a substantial wait for their applications to be finalized.

However, a new "Contributory Parent" category was introduced on 5 March 2003, aimed at speeding up the processing time for parents. The changes enable applicants to take up one of the following options:

• apply directly for permanent residence and pay a substantial second visa application charge; OR

• apply for temporary residence (with access to work rights and Medicare) and pay a lesser second visa application charge.

         *This new category provides an additional 4000 parent places in the migration program.
 

19. Remaining Relative Visa to Australia
 

 A person with all relatives settled in Australia may be considered for the "remaining relative" visa in Australia. To be eligible to apply for a Remaining Relative visa you must be able to demonstrate:

• you have all parents, siblings, and non-dependant children (including step-relationships) settled in Australia; AND,

• if you do have a spouse, that all their parents, siblings and non-dependent children (including step-relationships) are also settled in Australia; AND,

• you will obtain a mandatory assurance of support and pay the required bond and health charge.

        *The Remaining Relative Visa may be applied for from inside or outside Australia. If you are applying while you are inside Australia you must also hold a valid substantive visa and be in Australia at the time the visa is granted.
 

20. Family Visas to Australia

Of the 110,000 visas on offer in 2002-03, just over 43,000 visas have been allocated to the Family Migration Program.

Family stream migrants are selected on the basis of their family relationship with their Australian relative. All family migrants must be either sponsored or nominated by a close family member, partner, or fiancé(e) living in Australia.
 

21. Parent Visas

A Parent Visa enables a person with children who are Australian citizens or permanent residents to be sponsored for migration to Australia. In some circumstances, the visa may be applied for while the parent in Australia. Eligibility depends on how many children the applicant has, and how many of them are living permanently in Australia.
 

22. Australia Family Sponsorship Migration Visa

If you have close family living in Australia, they may be able to sponsor you for migration visa or permanent residence. If you are in a permanent relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residence on spouse grounds.

23. Australian Family Migration Visa Entitlements

    
All family visas - except those in the spouse, prospective marriage and interdependent subclasses - result in the grant of permanent residence. These visa types initially result in a 'provisional' two-year visa. Once this two-year period expires, DIMIA requires evidence that the relationship is still genuine and ongoing. Applicants who are able to provide this information then receive full permanent residence. Note that during this provisional period, you have full work rights and access to Medicare.

Benefits of permanent residence include access to Medicare and the ability to seek employment without any restrictions. Once the permanent residence visa is granted, it is evidenced by way of a visa label, which is placed in your passport. This visa is valid for a period of five years and entitles you to enter and stay in Australia. After the initial visa has expired, if you wish to continue to travel to and from Australia as a permanent resident, you must obtain a Resident Return Visa (RRV). In order to qualify for a RRV, you must meet certain periods of residence in Australia or alternatively you may opt to apply for Australian citizenship if you can satisfy the relevant residency requirements
 

24. Applying for a Family Migration Visa to Australia
 

Applications must be submitted using the correct visa application form, accompanied by the relevant lodging visa, and lodged with the appropriate visa office. Often there are many procedural steps, which must be completed prior to lodging. In addition, there are various visa types in the Family Migration Program, so the entire process can be a little confusing.

Applicants who are overseas must lodge their family visa application with their closest Australian visa office. People who are in Australia must lodge their application with the nearest visa office in their state. It is also important to include evidence of your ability to satisfy the basic visa requirements at the time of lodging your application. Failure to do so will result in the application being deemed, as "invalid" and all documentation will be returned to you.
 

Australian Spouse / Partner Visa

 To be eligible to apply for a Spouse Visa you must be able to demonstrate you:

• Are married to an Australian in a marriage valid under Australian law OR,

• Are in a de facto relationship with an Australian for at least 12 months prior to making application OR,

• Have personally known, i.e. met with your Australian partner physically, and will be married to the sponsor in a marriage valid under Australian law by the time the visa is granted (available to offshore applicants only).

An application for the spouse visa is in two stages (temporary and permanent), and an applicant actually applies for both visas using one single application form and paying only one application fee. These temporary visas, once granted, are valid for two (2) years from date of application, and then if the relationship is assessed to be still genuine and ongoing at the end of the two years, applicants will be granted a permanent visa.

The Spouse Visa may be applied for from inside or outside Australia. If you are applying while you are in Australia you must also hold a valid substantive visa and be in Australia at the time the visa is granted.

If you are applying from outside Australia then you must also be outside of Australia at the time the visa is granted.

• For applications made in Australia, the main applicant and any dependents included in the application must be nominated.

• For applications made outside Australia, the main applicant and any dependents included in the application must be sponsored. The Family Migration Program is divided into several visa subclasses which include:

  • Spouse Visa (de facto and married couples).

  • Prospective (Fiancé) Marriage Visa.

  • Interdependent Visa.

  • Parent Visa.

  • Remaining Relative Visa.
     

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