A Presentation By Visa Guide Mudassar Lone

The Information produced was up to date at the time of the Program that may have changed. Please consult the official webites of Australian Immigration for

recent informationwww.immi.gov.au

AUSTRALIA

AUSTRALIA

•Australia is a natural wonderland of beautiful beaches, crystal blue waters, amazing ancient rock formations and pristine rainforests.

•Australia is the sixth largest country in the world and has the lowest population density per square kilometre.

•Australia has 16 world heritage listed properties with its historic townships, bustling cities, vivid landscapes and exotic flora and fauna all adding to its unique appeal.

•Much of Australia's exotic flora and fauna cannot be found anywhere else in the world and the lifestyle is one second to none.

AUSTRALIA• Culture and Customs• The culture and customs consists of a rich tapestry of nationalities including traditions, legends,

myths and folklore. The indigenous 'Dream time' forms the base of tens of thousands of years of spiritual aboriginal art and culture.

• Language• In Australia over 200 different languages and dialects are spoken, including 45 indigenous

languages. The most commonly spoken languages (other than English) are Italian, Greek, Cantonese, Arabic, Vietnamese and Mandarin.

• Business Opportunities• Australia offers a wealth of opportunity for businesses to succeed. Businesses can expect a stable

and efficient regulatory environment, a highly skilled and multi-lingual workforce and a culture of innovation. Our unparalleled economic record, world-class industry capabilities and unique cultural and geographic advantages in the world’s fastest growing region all form part of Australia's impressive reputation as an investment destination.

• Work Visas• Skilled Independent Visa• Skilled Sponsored Visa• Skilled Regional Sponsored Visa• 457 (Temporary Business) Visa• Working Holiday Visa• Employer Nomination Scheme• Work and Holiday Visa

• Business Visas• Business Owner Visa• Investor Visa• Senior Executive Visa• Business Talent Visa

• Retirement Visa

• Family Visas• Spouse Visa• Prospective Marriage Visa• Aged Parent Visa• Remaining Relative Visa• Parent Visa

• Student Visas• English Language Study Visa• School Student Visa• Vocational Training Visa• Higher Education Visa• Postgraduate Research Visa• Non-Award Student Visa

• Travel Visas• Short Travel Visas• Electronic Travel Authority• Business Visitor Visa

VISA TYPES

WORK VISA • The Australian Skilled or Work visa program is specifically tailored to encourage individuals

with specific skills and capabilities to migrate to Australia to improve Australia's economy and work force.

• Australian Work visa applicants who are able to obtain sponsorship through an employer or be nominated under one of the participating State Migration Plans are given priority processing.

WORK VISAAustralian Skilled Independent Visa

•The Skilled Independent visa is a permanent work visa for individuals who have the qualifications and skills required to fill Australia's skill shortages.

•Skilled Independent visa applicants are required to obtain a minimum of 65 points on a point assessment. The assessment is such that applicants are required to be under 50 years of age and be able demonstrate that they have a qualification and/or skills in an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL).

•Applicants for the Skilled Independent visa do not require sponsorship.

WORK VISA• Australian Skilled Independent Visa

• Basic Requirements

• The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) has set specific basic requirements that all applicants must meet in order to apply for a visa in the General Skilled Migration program.

• To qualify for a Skilled visa, applicants (or their partner) must be able to satisfy the basic visa requirements related to age, English language ability, occupation, skills, qualification, recent work experience, health and character.

• In addition, applicants for a Skilled visa must also pass a points test. Points can be claimed in areas related to age, English language ability, specific work experience, spouse skills and other bonus categories.

• The current pass mark for the Skilled Independent visa is 65 points.

WORK VISA• Australian Skilled Independent Visa

• Visa Entitlements

• Successful applicants and holders of an Australian Skilled Independent visa become permanent residents of Australia.

• Australian permanent residents are entitled to live, work and study in Australia on a permanent basis.

• Additional benefits of Australian permanent residence include access to government-subsidized healthcare (Medicare), certain social security benefits and the ability to apply for Australian citizenship.

WORK VISA

• Australian Skilled Sponsored Visa

• The Skilled Sponsored visa is a permanent work visa for individuals who have the qualifications or skills that are needed by the Australian economy, but cannot meet the pass mark required to obtain a Skilled Independent visa.

• Skilled Sponsored visa applicants are required to obtain a minimum of 65 points on a points assessment and must either obtain sponsorship from an eligible relative living in Australia or nomination from a participating State or Territory government.

• The assessment is such that applicants are required to be under 50 years of age and be able to demonstrate that they have a qualification or the skills of an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL).

WORK VISA

• Australian Skilled Sponsored Visa

• Basic Requirements

• The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) has set specific basic requirements that all applicants must meet in order to apply for a visa in the General Skilled Migration program.

• To qualify for a Skilled visa, applicants (or their partner) must be able to satisfy the basic visa requirements related to age, English language ability, occupation, skills, qualification, recent work experience, health and character.

• In addition, applicants must also pass a points test. Points can be claimed in areas related to age, English language ability, specific work experience, spouse skills and other bonus categories.

• The current pass mark for the Skilled Sponsored visa is 65 points.

WORK VISA• Australian Skilled Sponsored Visa

• To be sponsored by a relative, an applicant's relative must live in Australia* and be either:• an Australian citizen;• an Australian permanent resident; or• an eligible New Zealand citizen.• The applicant (or their spouse) must be related their sponsor as either:• a non-dependent child - including a natural, adoptive or step-child;• a parent - including adoptive or step-parent;• a brother or sister - including adoptive or step-siblings;• a niece or nephew - including adoptive or step-niece or nephew; or• an aunt or uncle - including adoptive or step-aunt or uncle.• * Additional requirements must be met if an applicant's relative lives in Sydney, Gosford, Newcastle

or Wollongong.

WORK VISA• Australian Skilled Sponsored Visa

• To be nominated by a State or Territory government, applicants must satisfy specific criteria, as set by the particular State or Territory. These may include:

• having an occupation on the skills shortage list in that State or Territory; or• demonstrating specialized skills in a particular region of that State or Territory.

• Visa Entitlements

• Successful applicants and holders of an Australian Skilled Sponsored visa become permanent residents of Australia. Australian permanent residents are entitled to live, work and study in Australia on a permanent basis. Additional benefits of Australian permanent residence include access to government-subsidized healthcare (Medicare), certain social security benefits and the ability to apply for Australian citizenship.

WORK VISA• Australian Skilled Regional Sponsored Visa

• The Skilled Regional Sponsored visa is a provisional work visa for individuals who have the qualifications and skills required to address Australia's skill shortage, but cannot meet the pass mark required to obtain a Skilled Independent visa.

• Skilled Regional Sponsored visa applicants are required to obtain a minimum of 65 points on a points assessment and must either obtain sponsorship from an eligible relative living in a Specified Regional Area of Australia or nomination from a participating State or Territory government.

• The assessment is such that applicants are required to be under 50 years of age and be able to demonstrate that they possess a qualification or the skills of an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL).

• Applicants for an Australian Skilled Regional Sponsored visa must be prepared to live for two years and work for at least twelve months in a Specified Regional Area of Australia. A Skilled Regional Sponsored visa is valid for up to three years and provides a pathway to permanent residence.

WORK VISA• Australian Skilled Regional Sponsored Visa

• Basic Requirements

• In order to satisfy labor market shortages, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) has set specific basic requirements for people who are interested in applying under the Skilled Migration Stream.

• To qualify for skilled migration, applicants (or their partner) must be able to satisfy the basic visa requirements related to age, English language ability, occupation, skills, qualification, recent work experience, health and character. In addition, applicants for a Skilled Regional Sponsored visa must obtain sponsorship from a participating State or Territory government and pass a points test. Points can be claimed in areas related to age, English language ability, specific work experience, spouse skills and other bonus categories.

• The current pass mark for the Skilled Regional Sponsored visa is 65 points.

WORK VISA• Australian Skilled Regional Sponsored Visa

• To be sponsored by a relative, an applicant's relative must live in a Specified Regional Area of Australia* and be either:

• an Australian citizen;

• an Australian permanent resident; or

• an eligible New Zealand citizen.

• The applicant (or their spouse) must be related to their sponsor as either:

• a non-dependent child - including a natural, adoptive or step-child;

• a parent - including adoptive or step-parent;

• a brother or sister - including adoptive or step-siblings;

• a niece or nephew - including adoptive or step-niece or nephew; or

• an aunt or uncle - including adoptive or step-aunt or uncle.

WORK VISA• Australian Skilled Regional Sponsored Visa

• To be sponsored by a relative,

• *The definition of Specified Regional Area of Australia depends on whether the applicant is sponsored by a relative or nominated by a State or Territory government. As a general indication, the following areas are considered regional:

• New South Wales - everywhere except Sydney, Newcastle, the Central Coast and Wollongong;• Northern Territory - everywhere;• Queensland - everywhere except the greater Brisbane area and the Gold Coast;• South Australia - everywhere;• Tasmania - everywhere;• Victoria - everywhere except the Melbourne metropolitan area; and• Western Australia - everywhere.

WORK VISA• Australian Skilled Regional Sponsored Visa

• To be nominated by a State or Territory government,

• applicants must satisfy specific criteria, as set by the particular State or Territory. These may include:

• having an occupation on the skills shortage list in that State or Territory; or• demonstrating specialized skills in an area of need.

• Visa Entitlements

• The Australian Skilled Regional Sponsored Visa is a temporary (provisional) visa which entitles the holder and their accompanying family to live and work or study in a Specified Regional Area of Australia for up to three years. This visa also provides a pathway to permanent residence.

WORK VISA• Australian 457 Visa

• The Australian 457 visa (Temporary Business Long Stay) is a temporary work visa that allows employers to sponsor overseas workers to fill nominated skilled positions. The 457 visa is currently the most common pathway of business sponsorship for overseas workers.

• 457 visa applicants must have an employer willing to sponsor them as part of the visa application process. Employers must meet specific sponsorship and nomination steps before the prospective employee can apply for a 457 visa.

• A 457 visa is valid for up to four (4) years and work experience gained in Australia on this visa may lead to permanent residence either through sponsorship by an eligible employer or the skilled migration program.

AUSTRALIAN 457 VISA

• Basic Requirements

• In order to qualify for a 457 visa, applicants must have an employer who is willing to sponsor them. There are three steps in the visa application process:

• 1. Sponsorship

• Employers must seek and obtain approval to sponsor and recruit overseas workers. A business will be approved for a specified number of overseas workers over a 2 year period.

• 2. Nomination

• Employers must nominate each of the positions they wish to fill with an overseas worker. The nomination must relate to an occupation which meets a minimum skills threshold covering managerial, professional, associate professional and trade occupations. The nominated position must also be paid a minimum salary level as specified in a Gazette Notice.

• 3. Visa Application

• The overseas workers identified to fill the vacancy must apply for a 457 visa to enter and remain in Australia. The applicant must demonstrate they have skills to match the nominated position and must be offered employment at not less than the salary indicated in the nomination application.

• The applicant is also required to satisfy certain health and character requirements to meet the 457 visa criteria.

WORK VISA• Australian 457 Visa

• Visa Entitlements

• The 457 visa is a temporary visa valid for up to four (4) years and permits the holder to live and work in Australia with a sponsoring employer.

• Immediate family members (such as a partner and dependent children) included on the application are also entitled to live and work on this visa type.

WORK VISA• Australian Employer Nomination Scheme

• The Australian Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) grants permanent residence to overseas workers who are sponsored by their Australian employer.

• The Employer Nomination Scheme is specifically designed to enhance Australia's ability to compete globally while satisfying genuine shortages in the Australian skilled labor market.

WORK VISA• Australian Employer Nomination Scheme

• Basic Requirements• The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) allows overseas workers or temporary workers in Australia to be sponsored

for permanent positions that the employer has been unable to fill from within the Australian labor market or through their own training efforts.

• The Employer Nomination Scheme visa application process is made up of two important stages:

• 1. Nomination by the employer• The Australian employer must obtain sponsorship status. To obtain sponsorship, the employer must:• demonstrate that they are actively and lawfully operating in Australia• have a commitment to training existing employees• Once the employer has demonstrated they satisfy the sponsorship criteria, the position to be filled (or nominated) must

also meet certain requirements. For example, the position must be full time for at least 3 years and be on the gazette list of approved occupations for this category.

• 2. Visa application• Once the nomination has been approved, the visa application must be lodged within six (6) months. The visa application

must be lodged at the same Business Centre of DIAC as the corresponding nomination, even if the nominee is outside Australia. Applicants are also required to satisfy certain health and character requirements in order to meet the visa criteria.

WORK VISA

• Australian Employer Nomination Scheme

• Visa Entitlements

• Successful visa applicants under the Employer Nomination Scheme become permanent residents of Australia. Australian permanent residents are entitled to live, work and study in Australia on a permanent basis.

• Additional benefits of Australian permanent residence include access to government-subsidized healthcare (Medicare), certain social security benefits and the ability to apply for Australian citizenship.

WORK VISA• Australian Working Holiday Visa

• The Australian Working Holiday visa program provides a once in a lifetime opportunity for people between 18 and 30 from reciprocating countries to holiday in Australia while undertaking short term and casual employment to supplement their travel.

BelgiumCanadathe Republic of CyprusDenmarkEstoniaFinlandFranceGermanyHong Kong Special Administrative Regionthe Republic of Ireland

ItalyJapanthe Republic of KoreaMaltathe NetherlandsNorwaySwedenTaiwanUnited Kingdom

WORK VISA• Australian Working Holiday Visa

• Visa Basic Requirements

• In order to qualify for an Australian Working Holiday visa, applicants must be between 18-30 years of age and hold a passport from a country which has a reciprocal working holiday program arrangement with Australia. Applicants are also required to satisfy certain health and character requirements in order to meet the visa criteria.

• A Working Holiday visa allows the holder to supplement their holiday through incidental short term and casual work. Those wishing to travel to Australia primarily to work should consider an Australian Work Visa.

• Visa Entitlements

• An Australian Working Holiday visa is valid for 12 months from the date of first entry and holders are permitted to travel freely to and from Australia during this period.

• Working Holliday visa holders are permitted to work for up to 6 months with each employer and undertake up to 4 months of study or training. It may also be possible to apply for another 12 months Working Holiday visa if at least 3 months of seasonal work has been undertaken in regional Australia.

WORK VISA• Australian Work and Holiday Visa

• The Australian Work and Holiday visa program provides young people between 18 and 30 from reciprocating countries to holiday in Australia and support their travel with incidental, short term employment.

• Work and Holiday Visa Reciprocating Countries

• Bangladesh• Chile• Indonesia• Malaysia• Thailand• Turkey• United States of America

WORK VISA• Basic Requirements

• In order to qualify for a Work and Holiday visa, applicants must be between 18-30 years of age and hold a passport from a country which has a reciprocal arrangement with Australia. Applicants are also required to satisfy certain health and character requirements in order to meet the visa criteria.

• A Work and Holiday visa allows the holder to supplement their holiday through incidental short term and casual work. Those wishing to travel to Australia primarily to work should consider an Australian Work Visa.

• Australian Work and Holiday Visa Entitlements

• An Australian Work and Holiday visa is valid for 12 months from the date of first entry and holders are permitted to leave and re-enter Australia any number of times during this period.

• Work and Holiday visa holders are entitled to work for up to 6 months with each employer and undertake up to 4 months of study or training.

AUSTRALIAN BUSINESS VISAS• An Australian Business visa provides business people the opportunity of investing or

establishing and managing a business in Australia with their family.

• To travel to Australia for business purposes you will need a valid travel visa, such as an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). Apply online for a Business ETA if you have a passport from an ETA eligible country.

BUSINESS VISA• Business Visitor Visa

• An Australian Business Visitor visa is required for business people who wish to make business visits to Australia. A Business Visitor visa is suitable for those wishing to attend conferences, negotiate business or make an exploratory business visit.

• Business travellers from ETA eligible countries can apply online for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). There are two different types of Business Visitor ETAs:

• Short Stay - suitable to make infrequent business visits to Australia of up to three months in a one year period;

• Long Stay - suitable to make regular business visits to Australia of up to three months at a time within a ten year period or for the life of the passport (whichever is shorter).

• Business visitors from non-ETA eligible countries are required to make a paper-based visa application. Our Short Travel Visa Application Guide will provide these business visitors with all of the information and advice required to make a valid Business Visitor visa application.

• Business owners, investors or executives who want to migrate to Australia should apply for one of the Australian Business Visas.

BUSINESS VISA

• Business Owner Visa

• The Australian Business Owner (Provisional) visa is a temporary business skills visa that allows successful business people to own a new or existing business in Australia.

• The Australian Business Owner (Provisional) visa is valid for four (4) years and visa holders may be eligible to apply for permanent residence after meeting the obligations of their provisional visa for at least two (2) years.

• Basic Requirements

• The Australian Business Owner (Provisional) visa is a temporary visa for successful business owners who are under the age of 45. Applicants are required to demonstrate a successful business career with significant turnover and a commitment to owning a business in Australia. Applicants are required to submit a detailed business proposal with their visa application and demonstrate that they have sufficient assets to settle in Australia.

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

BUSINESS VISA• Business Owner Visa• Visa Entitlements• The Australian Business Owner (Provisional) visa is a temporary visa valid for up to four (4) years

and permits the holder to own (or part own) an Australian business. Immediate family members (such as a partner and dependent children) included on the application are also entitled to live, work and study in Australia.

• Upon satisfying certain requirements, Business Owner (Provisional) visa holders may apply for permanent residence under the Business Skills (Residence) visa category which may require sponsorship from a participating State or Territory government.

BUSINESS VISA• Senior Executive Visa

• The Senior Executive (Provisional) visa is a temporary business skills visa that allows senior executive employees of major overseas businesses to manage a new or existing business in Australia.

• The Australian Senior Executive (Provisional) visa is valid for four (4) years and visa holders may be eligible to apply for permanent residence after meeting the obligations of their provisional visa for at least two (2) years.

• Visa Basic Requirements

• The Australian Senior Executive (Provisional) visa is a temporary visa for successful senior executive employees of a major business who are under the age of 45. Applicants must demonstrate that they have been employed by a business that has had a minimum turnover of AUD$50,000,000 in any two of the preceding four years. Applicants are required to submit a detailed business proposal to demonstrate their commitment to managing an Australian business and demonstrate that they have sufficient assets to settle in Australia.

• Applicants over 45 years of age, but less than 55, may qualify for the State/Territory Sponsored Senior Executive (Provisional) visa, which has a lower financial threshold.

BUSINESS VISA• Senior Executive Visa

• Visa Entitlements

• The Australian Senior Executive (Provisional) visa is a temporary visa valid for up to four (4) years and permits the holder to contribute to the success of an Australian business. Immediate family members (such as a partner and dependent children) included on the application are also entitled to live, work and study in Australia.

• Upon satisfying certain requirements, Senior Executive (Provisional) visa holders may apply for permanent residence under the Business Skills (Residence) visa category which may require sponsorship from a participating State or Territory government.

BUSINESS VISA• Business Talent Visa

• The Australian Business Talent visa is a permanent business skills visa that allows the highest caliber of business owners to contribute to the success of a new or existing Australian business. This visa requires State or Territory government sponsorship.

• Basic Requirements

• The Business Talent (Migrant) visa is a permanent visa for the highest caliber of business people who are under the age of 55 (unless exceptional circumstances exist) and have sponsorship from a State or Territory government.

• Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they have a successful business career and that their main business generated a minimum turnover of AUD$3,000,000 for at least two (2) of the preceding four (4) years.

• Applicants are required to submit a detailed business proposal with their visa application and demonstrate that they have sufficient assets to settle in Australia.

BUSINESS VISA• Business Talent Visa

• Visa Entitlements

• Successful applicants and holders of an Australian Business Talent visa become permanent residents of Australia. Permanent residents are entitled to live, work and study in Australia on a permanent basis.

• Additional benefits of Australian permanent residence include access to government-subsidized healthcare (Medicare), certain social security benefits and the ability to apply for Australian citizenship.

RETIREMENT VISA• The Australian Investor Retirement visa is a temporary visa that allows self-funded retirees to invest and spend

up to four (4) years in Australia.

• Basic Requirements

• applicants must be over 55 years of age and have no dependents other than a spouse. Applicants must be self-supporting and be willing to make a significant long-term financial investment in Australia.

• Applicants require sponsorship from a participating State or Territory government and will be required to make a designated investment in that sponsoring State or Territory. The investment amount varies depending on where the applicant settles and a reduced investment is available to applicants who settle in a regional area of Australia.

• All Australian visa applicants must satisfy health and character requirements.

RETIREMENT VISA• Visa Entitlements

• Applicants who are granted an Investor Retirement visa will become temporary residents of Australia for up to four (4) years. The Australian Investor Retirement visa is not an avenue to permanent residence or citizenship in Australia. Investor Retirement visa holders who continue to satisfy the visa requirements are entitled to apply for subsequent Investor Retirement visas.

• Successful applicants are entitled to work up to twenty (20) hours per week and are required to pay taxes on any income earned. Temporary residents cannot access social welfare benefits or government subsidized health care (Medicare) and are required to obtain adequate health insurance cover for the duration of their stay in Australia. Citizens of countries with which Australia has Reciprocal Health Care Agreements (RHCA) are entitled to emergency medical cover in Australia.

• RHCA countries include Finland, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

FAMILY VISAS• Family Visas

• The Australian Family migration stream aims to reunite immediate and extended family members with their eligible Australian relatives.

• Applicants wishing to migrate under the Family migration scheme must be sponsored by a close family relative who is an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen and at least 18 years of age.

• There are 54, 550 Australian Family visas available to partners, parents, children and other close relatives for 2010 - 11.

FAMILY VISAS• Spouse Visa

• An Australian Spouse visa entitles married and de facto (opposite and same-sex) partners of Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens to enter and/or remain in Australia.

• Applicants can apply for a Spouse visa from either inside or outside Australia and are required to meet specific requirements before the visa can be granted. An Australian Spouse visa is initially granted as a temporary visa. After two (2) years, the relationship is reassessed and if deemed genuine a permanent visa will be granted.

• Basic Requirements• To be eligible to apply for a Spouse visa, the applicant must be either married to or in a de facto relationship with:• an Australian citizen; or• an Australian permanent resident; or• an eligible New Zealand citizen.• All Spouse visa applicants must be sponsored by their partner who must be at least 18 years of age.

FAMILY VISAS• Spouse Visa

• Marriage

• To be eligible to apply for a Spouse visa as a married partner, the marriage must be legal under Australian law.

• De facto

• To be eligible to apply for a Spouse visa as a de facto partner, the applicant must have been in the relationship for at least 12 months and the applicant is required to demonstrate a genuine commitment to their partner. The definition of a de facto partner extends to opposite and same-sex couples.

• Onshore Spouse visa applicants are required to hold a valid substantive visa and be in Australia at the time that the visa is granted.• Offshore Spouse visa applicants are required to be outside of Australia at the time that the visa is granted.• All Australian visa applicants are required to satisfy health and character requirements.

FAMILY VISAS• Spouse Visa

• Visa Entitlements

• An application for an Australian Spouse visa is a two stage process. Initially a temporary Spouse visa will be granted and will be valid for two years from the date of application. After this time, the applicant's relationship with their partner must be continual and if assessed to be genuine, a permanent Spouse visa will be granted.

• Successful applicants and holders of an Australian Spouse (Permanent) visa become permanent residents of Australia. Australian permanent residents are entitled to live, work and study in Australia on a permanent basis. Additional benefits of Australian permanent residence include access to government-subsidized healthcare (Medicare), certain social security benefits and the ability to apply for Australian citizenship.

FAMILY VISAS• Prospective Marriage Visa

• An Australian Prospective Marriage visa is a temporary visa valid for nine (9) months that enables fiancé(e)s of Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens to enter Australia to marry their fiancé(e).

• Prospective Marriage visa holders must marry their fiancé(e) within the visa's validity period and are required to apply for an Australian Spouse visa if they wish to remain in Australia permanently with their spouse.

FAMILY VISAS• Prospective Marriage Visa

• Basic Requirements

• To be eligible to apply for a Prospective Marriage visa, the applicant must be engaged to:• an Australian citizen; or• an Australian permanent resident; or• an eligible New Zealand citizen.• All Prospective Marriage visa applicants must be sponsored by their fiance(e) who must be at least 18 years of age.• Prospective Marriage visa applicants are required to demonstrate that they:• personally know and have physically met their fiance(e); and• are engaged to marry their fiance(e); and• will marry their fiance(e) within the visa validity period; and• intend to live in a genuine spousal relationship with their fiance(e).• A Prospective Marriage visa must be applied for offshore and applicants are required to be outside of Australia at the time that the visa is granted.• All Australian visa applicants are required to satisfy health and character requirements.

FAMILY VISAS• Prospective Marriage Visa

• Visa Entitlements

• Successful applicants and holders of an Australian Prospective Marriage visa are permitted to work, study and travel freely in and out of Australia during the 9 month validity period. Prospective Marriage visa holders are entitled to apply for a Spouse visa in Australia after they have married their fiancé(e).

FAMILY VISAS• Parent Visa

• The Parent visa allows parents to migrate to Australia permanently to join their children living in Australia. The Parent visa requires sponsorship from an eligible child in Australia.

• The government limits the number of available Parent visas available each program year. Therefore, applicants who apply and meet core criteria for this visa are placed in a global queue. Whilst the Australian Government recently added 4000 Parent places in the Family Migration stream, applicants are still experiencing substantial waits before being granted a visa.

• Applicants may choose to apply for a Contributory Parent visa where applicants, or their sponsor, pay a larger application fee and an Assurance of Support bond. The waiting period for the grant of a Contributory Parent visa is much shorter.

FAMILY VISAS• Parent Visa

• Basic Requirements

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

• Applications for the Parent visa must usually be lodged outside Australia.

• Applicants are also required to satisfy health and character requirements.

• Visa Entitlements

• Successful applicants and holders of a Parent visa become permanent residents of Australia. As a permanent resident, you are entitled to live, work and study in Australia on a permanent basis. When you are granted permanent residence, a visa label is placed in your passport as proof of your permanent residence status.

• Additional benefits of Australian permanent residence include access to government-subsidized healthcare (Medicare), certain social security benefits and the ability to apply for Australian citizenship.

• Successful applicants and holders of a Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa will hold a two year temporary residence visa. During this period, you will have access to government-subsidized healthcare (Medicare), work and study rights.

FAMILY VISAS• Aged Parent Visa

• The Australian Aged Parent visa allows aged parents who are already in Australia on a valid temporary visa to remain permanently through sponsorship from an eligible Australian or New Zealand child settled in Australia.

• The number of Aged Parent visas is capped each year and current applicants are experiencing significant waiting times despite an additional 4000 Parent visas being recently announced in the Family Migration stream.

• Eligible applicants may choose to apply for a Contributory Aged Parent visa where a larger application fee and an Assurance of Support bond is required but the waiting period is much shorter.

FAMILY VISAS• Aged Parent Visa

• Basic Requirements

• To be eligible to apply for an Aged Parent visa, applicants must meet the age requirement, pass the 'balance of family‘ test and be sponsored by their child who must be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen settled in Australia.

• Aged

• An aged parent is one who is old enough to be granted an Australian age pension. For male applicants, the qualifying age is currently 65 years and for female applicants, the qualifying age ranges from 63 to 65 depending on the applicant's date of birth.

• Balance of Family

• The 'balance of family' test applies to all Parent visa applicants and the applicant must demonstrate that they have:

• at least half of their children living lawfully and permanently in Australia; or

• more children living lawfully and permanently in Australia than in any one single country overseas.

• An Aged Parent visa must be applied for onshore and applicants are required to be in Australia at the time that the visa is granted.

• All Australian visa applicants are required to satisfy health and character requirements.

FAMILY VISAS• Aged Parent Visa

• Visa Entitlements

• Successful applicants and holders of an Australian Aged Parent visa become permanent residents of Australia. Australian permanent residents are entitled to live, work and study in Australia on a permanent basis. Additional benefits of Australian permanent residence include access to government-subsidized healthcare (Medicare), certain social security benefits and the ability to apply for Australian citizenship.

• Successful applicants and holders of an Australian Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) visa will be granted a two year temporary residence visa.

FAMILY VISAS• Remaining Relative Visa

• An Australian Remaining Relative visa entitles siblings and children of Australian citizens, permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens who do not have any other near relatives than those living in Australia to be reunited with their families. A near relative is a parent, sibling, non-dependent child or step equivalent.

• Basic Requirements

• To be eligible to apply for a Remaining Relative visa, applicants must be sponsored by a brother, sister or parent who is settled in Australia and is:

• an Australian citizen; or

• an Australian permanent resident; or

• an eligible New Zealand citizen.

• Remaining Relative visa applicants and their partner cannot have any other siblings or non-dependent children other than those settled and living in Australia to be able to apply for a Remaining Relative visa.

• An Assurance of Support (including a financial bond) must be provided before a Remaining Relative visa will be granted.

• Onshore Remaining Relative visa applicants are required to hold a valid substantive visa and be in Australia at the time that the visa is granted.

• Offshore Remaining Relative visa applicants are required to be outside of Australia at the time that the visa is granted.

• All Australian visa applicants are also required to satisfy health and character requirements.

FAMILY VISAS• Remaining Relative Visa

• Visa Entitlements

• Successful applicants and holders of an Australian Remaining Relative visa become permanent residents of Australia.

• Australian permanent residents are entitled to live, work and study in Australia on a permanent basis.

• Additional benefits of Australian permanents residence include access to government-subsidized healthcare (Medicare), certain social security benefits (after a waiting period) and the ability to apply for Australian citizenship.

STUDENT VISA• Student Visa

• International students who have been accepted to study in a registered bachelor degree, associate degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma or masters by coursework are required to hold an Australian Higher Education Student visa.

• The Australian higher education system offers a wide range of highly regarded and internationally recognized graduate and post-graduate courses. With 38 public (government funded) universities and 2 private universities, Australia is a popular destination for international students seeking a quality education.

STUDENT VISA• Student Visa

• Basic Requirements

• To be eligible to apply for a Higher Education Student visa, applicants are required to:• be enrolled in a registered higher education course;• have adequate English language ability;• have financial means to support themselves; and• obtain overseas student health insurance cover for the duration of their stay in Australia.

• Visa Entitlements

• An Australian Higher Education Student visa is a temporary visa valid for the duration of the higher education course. Successful applicants and holders of an Australian Higher Education Student visa are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during term and unlimitedly during term breaks.

STUDENT VISA• English Language Study Visa

• International students who have been accepted to study in a registered English language course in Australia are required to hold an Australian English Language Study (ELICOS) visa.

• Basic Requirements

• To be eligible to apply for an English Language Study (ELICOS) visa, applicants are required to:• be enrolled in a registered English language course as their main course of study;• have adequate English language ability;• have financial means to support themselves; and• obtain overseas student health insurance cover for the duration of their stay in Australia.

STUDENT VISA• English Language Study Visa

• Visa Entitlements

• An Australian English Language Study (ELICOS) visa is a temporary visa valid for the duration of the English language course. Successful applicants and holders of an Australian English Language Study (ELICOS) visa are permitted to work a maximum of 20 hours per week during term and unlimitedly during term breaks.

STUDENT VISA• School Student Visa

• International primary and secondary school aged students who have been accepted to study in a primary school course, a secondary school course or an approved secondary school exchange program are required to hold an Australian School Student visa.

• The Australian school system comprises both public (government funded) and private schools. Schooling in Australia begins with a preparatory year followed by six years of primary school and six years of secondary school.

STUDENT VISA• School Student Visa

• Basic Requirements

• To be eligible to apply for an Australian School Student visa, applicants are required to:• be enrolled in a registered Primary or Secondary school course or exchange program;• have adequate English language ability;• have financial means to support themselves; and• have overseas student health insurance cover for the duration of their stay in Australia.• Applicants under the age of 18, must also demonstrate that they have:• parental permission to study in Australia; and• suitable arrangements for their accommodation, support and general welfare

STUDENT VISA• School Student Visa

• Visa Entitlements

• An Australian School Student visa is a temporary visa valid for the duration of the school course. Successful applicants and holders of an Australian School Student visa who meet the minimum age for employment (which differs in each State and Territory) may also be permitted to work in Australia.

STUDENT VISA• Vocational Training Student Visa

• International students who have been accepted to study in a registered Certificate I-IV (except ELICOS) course, diploma, advanced diploma, vocational graduate certificate or a vocational graduate diploma are required to hold an Australian Vocational Training Student visa.

• Australia's Vocational Education and Training (VET) system provides training to students that is both practical and career-oriented. Students studying in Australia can develop their own career path through a mix of study and practical work.

STUDENT VISA

• Vocational Training Student Visa

• Basic Requirements

• To be eligible to apply for a Vocational Training Student visa, applicants are required to:

• be enrolled in a registered Vocational Education and Training (VET) course;

• have adequate English language ability;

• have financial means to support themselves; and

• obtain overseas student health insurance cover for the duration of their stay in Australia.

• Visa Entitlements

• An Australian Vocational Training Student visa is a temporary visa valid for the duration of the Vocational Education and Training (VET) course. Successful applicants and holders of an Australian Vocational Training Student visa are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during term and unlimitedly during term breaks.

STUDENT VISA

• Research Student Visa• International students who have been accepted to study in a registered master degree by research or a doctoral degree are required to

hold an Australian Postgraduate Research Student visa.

• Basic Requirements• To be eligible to apply for an Australian Postgraduate Research Student visa, applicants are required to:• be enrolled in a registered postgraduate research course;• have adequate English language ability;• have financial means to support themselves; and• obtain overseas student health insurance cover for the duration of their stay in Australia.

• Visa Entitlements• An Australian Postgraduate Research Student visa is a temporary visa valid for the duration of the postgraduate research course.

Successful applicants and holders of an Australian Postgraduate Research Student visa are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during term and unlimitedly during term breaks.

STUDENT VISA• Non-Award Student Visa

• International students who have been accepted to study in a registered foundation, bridging or other course that does not lead to the award of an Australian degree, diploma or other formal award are required to hold an Australian Non-award Student visa.

• Australian Non-award Student Visa Basic Requirements

• To be eligible to apply for a Non-Award Student visa, applicants are required to:• be enrolled in a registered non-award course;• have adequate English language ability;• have financial means to support themselves; and• obtain overseas student health insurance cover for the duration of their stay in Australia.

TRAVEL VISAS• An Australian Travel visa is required to visit Australia for a holiday, to see family and friends or to

conduct a short business trip. There are a number of different travel visas types, depending on the purpose and duration of a visit.

• Travellers from ETA eligible countries can apply online for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). Alternatively, travellers from non-ETA countries or tourists already in Australia wishing to extend their stay are required to make a paper-based tourist visa application and our Short Travel Visa Application Guide provides all of the information required to assist with the visa application process.

TRAVEL VISAS• Tourist Visas

• A Tourist visa is required for people who wish to come to Australia to travel or visit friends and family.• Travellers from non-ETA eligible countries, those wishing to stay in Australia for more than three (3) months or tourists already in Australia wishing to extend their stay are required

to make a paper-based tourist visa application.

• Travellers from ETA eligible countries can apply online for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA).

• Australian Short Travel Visa Basic Requirements

• To be eligible for a tourist visa, the applicant must have a genuine intention to visit Australia as a tourist, for recreation or to visit family and friends.• Applicants are required to satisfy health and character requirements and may be required to demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to support their travels in Australia.• Applicants who apply for a tourist visa whilst outside of Australia must be outside of Australia at the time of grant. Similarly, applicants who are in Australia (applying for a visa

extension) must be inside Australia at the time of grant.

TRAVEL VISAS• Electronic Travel Authority

• An Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) is an electronic travel visa linked to the applicant's passport permitting travel to Australia for tourism and business purposes. As an ETA is an electronic travel visa, there is no stamp or label in the passport and passport holders from ETA-eligible countries can apply online.

• An ETA is a travel visa that is valid for one year and successful applicants are permitted to travel to Australia and stay for up to three months per visit.

• Australian Electronic Travel Authority Basic Requirements

• To be eligible to apply for an ETA, applicants must hold a passport from one of the following ETA eligible countries.

TRAVEL VISAS• Business Visitor Visa

• An Australian Business Visitor visa is required for business people who wish to make business visits to Australia. A Business Visitor visa is suitable for those wishing to attend conferences, negotiate business or make an exploratory business visit.

• Business travellers from ETA eligible countries can apply online for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). There are two different types of Business Visitor ETAs:

• Short Stay - suitable to make infrequent business visits to Australia of up to three months in a one year period;

• Long Stay - suitable to make regular business visits to Australia of up to three months at a time within a ten year period or for the life of the passport (whichever is shorter).

• Business visitors from non-ETA eligible countries are required to make a paper-based visa application.

• Business owners, investors or executives who want to migrate to Australia should apply for one of the Australian Business Visas.

• Basic Requirements

• To be eligible to apply for an ETA, applicants must hold a passport from one of the following ETA eligible countries.