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Understand the Australia Visa Requirements

VISAS

Employer Nomination
Scheme (subclass 186)
Application Document Checklist

You must provide documents to support your application for this visa. We can make a decision using the information you provide when you lodge your application. It is in your interest to provide as much information as possible with your application. Provide certified copies of original documents.

Do not include original documents unless we specifically ask for them. Documents not in English must be accompanied by accredited English translations. Use this checklist to make sure your application is complete. Please note, that DIBP may require or change this checklist any time. Upload scans of your documents when you lodge your application online. Do not send us physical copies of documents through the mail unless we ask you to send them.

  • If someone gives you advice or lodges your application for you (Advice by a migration agent/exempt person of providing immigration assistance (133 kB pdf) (the agent or exempt person completes the form and you must sign it): Form 956
  • If you would like someone else to receive correspondence from us on your behalf - (Appointment or withdrawal of an authorised recipient (the recipient completes the form and you must sign it - 116 kB PDF): Form 956a
  • Certified copies of the biographical pages of the current passports or travel documents of all people included in the application (these are the pages with the holder's photo and personal details and the issue/expiry dates).
  • If your name has changed or the name of anyone included in your application has changed: a certified copy of evidence of the name change.
  • A certified copy of your birth certificate showing both parents’ names. If you do not have a birth certificate and are unable to get one, you must provide a certified copy of the identification pages of at least one of the following documents:
    • Family book showing both parents' names
    • Identification document issued by the government
    • Court-issued documents that verify your identity
  • If you are unable to provide one of the above documents, you must provide other acceptable evidence that you are who you claim to be.
  • Certified copies of marriage certificates or relationship registrations for you and anyone else included in your application, even if they are not joining you in Australia.
  • If you are living in a de facto relationship: independent evidence that your relationship is genuine and continuing (for example, joint bank account statements, billing accounts in joint names or joint ownership of major assets).
  • f you or anyone included in the application has been widowed, divorced or permanently separated: a certified copy of the death certificate, divorce documents, or statutory declaration separation documents.
  • Certified copies of birth certificates or the family book showing the names of both parents of all your dependent children.
  • If any dependent child included in the application is adopted: certified copies of the adoption papers.
  • Evidence of financial dependency for all your family members aged 18 or older:
    • A certified copy of their birth certificate and proof of their relationship to you
    • Proof that they live in your household
    • Proof that they have been financially dependent on you for at least the 12 months immediately before you lodge your application.

    You do not need to provide this if your family members currently have a subclass 457 visa that was granted to them on the basis that you are the primary holder of a subclass 457 visa.
  • If you want to bring a child younger than 18 years of age with you to Australia, and that child’s other parent is not included in the application: documentary evidence that you have the legal right to bring that child to Australia, such as:
    Certified copies of official legal documents, such as a court-issued parental responsibility (custody), access or guardianship order

    Statutory declaration
    Form 1229

    If you use Form 1229 or a statutory declaration, you will have to attach a certified copy of the other parent’s government-issued identification document (such as a passport or driver's licence) with their photograph and signature.
  • Police checks for you and everyone included in your application, whether they are migrating or not, who is at least 16 years of age. When required, you must provide a scanned colour copy:
    • Of an Australian national police check for anyone who has spent a total of 12 months or more in Australia since turning 16 years of age
    • Of police certificates from each country in which anyone in your application has spent a total of 12 months or more in the past 10 years since turning 16 years of age.

    If you or anyone included in the application has served in the armed forces of any country, a certified scanned colour copy of military service record or discharge papers.
  • Provide these documents only if you are applying for this visa through the Direct Entry stream. You must provide a skills assessment with your application. A skills assessment provided after you have applied for your visa cannot be accepted. Some skills assessments are issued for the purpose of a subclass 485 visa. Skills assessments which have been obtained for the purposes of the subclass 485 visa are assessed solely on qualifications and do not assess the applicant’s work experience. As a result, these types of skills assessments are not appropriate to demonstrate skills under the ENS programme.
  • Evidence that your skills have been assessed as suitable by the relevant assessing authority for your occupation and this assessment was not obtained for the purposes of a subclass 485 visa as these types of skills assessments are not considered full skills assessments for permanent skilled migration purposes. A relevant skills assessment is different to being registered with an appropriateregulatory body.
  • Your curriculum vitae (CV).
  • Certified copies of all qualifications and work experience (for example, employment references).
  • Registration, licensing or professional membership, if required for your occupation in the state or territory in which you will be working. Documents from the relevant Australian registration and licensing authorities that show you hold, or will be able to meet, necessary registration and licensing requirements. The documents must specify both of the following:
    • The type of registration or licensing held
    • The name and contact details for the registration or licensing authority.
  • If you are exempt from the skill requirement, you must provide evidence that one of the following applies to you:
    • You are a researcher, scientist or technical specialist at ANZSCO skill level 1 or 2 who is going to be employed by an Australian government research agency.
    • You are an academic employed at academic level A, B, C, D or E by a university in Australia.
    • You are someone who will be earning at, or above, the top individual income tax rate as determined by the Australian Taxation Office.
  • If you are a New Zealand citizen or a dependant of a New Zealand citizen, have been in Australia as the holder of a Special Category visa (subclass 444) or a New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship visa (subclass 461) and have been working with your nominator for a period of at least two years before applying:
    • A detailed statement from the employer declaring that you have worked for them for at least two years (the letter should cover employment period, details of paid leave taken, details of unpaid leave taken, details of any overseas trips for training or work)
    • Evidence of tax assessment notices for the two-year period
    • PAYG payment summaries for the period of employment
    • Pay slips
    • Extracts of leave records
  • You must be under 50 years of age at time of application to satisfy the age requirement, or be exempt.
  • If you are exempt from the age requirement, you must provide evidence that one of the following applies to you:
    • You are a researcher, scientist or technical specialist (scientific) at ANZSCO skill level 1 or 2 who is going to be employed by an Australian government research agency.
    • You are an academic employed at academic level A,B,C,D or E by a university in Australia.
    • You are a medical practitioner who has been working in your nominated occupation as the holder of a subclass 422 visa for at least four years immediately before applying and at least two years of that employment was located in regional Australia and the nominated position is located in regional Australia.
    • You are a medical practitioner who has been working in your nominated occupation as the holder of a subclass 422 visa before becoming the holder of a subclass 457 visa for two years in the four years immediately before applying and at least two years of that employment was located in regional Australia and the nominated position is located in regional Australia.
    • You are someone who currently holds a subclass 444 (New Zealand citizen) or subclass 461 (New Zealand citizen’s family member) visa and you have been working for the employer who nominated you in your nominated occupation for at least two years in the three years immediately before applying.
  • The results of a specific English language test that you took less than three years before lodging your application and showing that you have at least competent English. To prove that you have competent English you must provide evidence of one of the following:
    • You hold a valid passport issued by the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada, New Zealand or the Republic of Ireland and you are a citizen of that country.
    • You have achieved a score of at least 6 in each of the four test components (speaking, reading, listening and writing) in an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test that has been undertaken in the three years immediately prior to lodging the visa application.
    • You have achieved a score of at least 'B' in each of the four test components of an Occupational English Test (OET) that has been undertaken in the three years immediately prior to lodging the visa application.
    • You have achieved the following minimum test scores in each of the four test components: 12 for listening, 13 for reading, 21 for writing and 18 for speaking, in a Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based test (TOEFL iBT) test that has been undertaken in the three years immediately prior to lodging the visa application.
    • You have achieved a test score of at least 50 in each of the four test components (speaking, reading, listening and writing) in a Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic that has been undertaken in the three years immediately prior to lodging the visa application.
    • You have achieved a test score of at least 169 in each of the four test components (speaking, reading, listening and writing) in a Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) test that has been undertaken on or after 1 January 2015 and prior to lodging the visa application.
  • If you are exempt from the English language requirement, you must provide evidence that one of the following applies to you:
    • You will be earning at, or above, the top individual income tax rate as determined by the Australian Taxation Office (please note that if you are not able to demonstrate that you have functional English, you will be required to pay the second instalment of the visa application charge).
  • For each of your dependants aged 18 years or older at the time you apply, one of the following (this is not required to be demonstrated at the time you lodge your application; however, your application will not be finalised until this evidence is provided):
    • They have functional English. See How can I prove I have functional English? for more information.
    • If they have less than functional English, a statement indicating that you intend to pay the second visa application charge.

VISAS

Skilled Nominated
Visa (subclass 190)
Document Checklist

You must provide documents to support your application for this visa. As part of the visa application process you or your Registered Migration Agent will need to use ImmiAccount.  You should provide high quality colour scans of the documents supporting your visa application in ImmiAccount. Documents not in English must be accompanied by accredited English translations. Information to help you prepare your application and guidelines on attaching documents to an online visa application may assist you in lodging a complete visa application.

In your visa application you will be asked for information about each member of your family unit even if they do not intend to migrate with you, for example dependent children or a partner.  Information about which family members are considered to be 'members of your family unit' for migration purposes is available by referring to including family members in your application. Use the following checklist to make sure your application is complete.  Lodging a complete application reduces processing times.

Travel documents
Biographical pages (photo pages) of the current passport(s) or travel documents of each visa applicant.  If your name has changed or the name of anyone included in your application has changed, include evidence of the name change.

Birth registration documents
Birth registration documents of each visa applicant, showing the names of both parents. Suitable documents include but are not limited to full birth certificates or family registration books showing both parents’ names.  If any child included in the application is adopted, include adoption papers.

Marriage and relationship documents
Marriage certificates or relationship registrations for you, your partner, or anyone else included in your application, even if they are not joining you in Australia. If you or anyone included in the application has been widowed, divorced or permanently separated, provide the death certificate, divorce decree absolute, or statutory declaration/separation certificate as applicable.

Genuine relationship evidence
If you are married or in a de facto relationship, evidence of a genuine and continuing relationship with your partner to the exclusion of all others. For de facto relationships this should include evidence that you have been in the relationship for at least 12 months at time of application. Evidence can include, but is not limited to, joint bank account statements, billing accounts in joint names, and other evidence of cohabitation.

Details of dependent family member aged 18 years or over
For each dependent family member applicant older than 18 years of age, other than your partner, a Form 47A Details of Child or Other Dependent Family Member Aged 18 Years or Over (205KB PDF) with supporting documentary evidence of their dependency and relationship to you. Evidence of dependency may include, but is not limited to employment, financial, residential and academic documentation for each dependent family member.

Evidence of parental responsibility/custody
Evidence of parental permission to grant an Australian visa for applicants younger than 18 years of age where one of the child’s parents is not an applicant in this visa application. Evidence when the other parent is alive includes a court custody order or Form 1229 Consent to grant an Australian visa to a child under the age of 18 years (242KB PDF) with an official identification document displaying the other parent’s signature. If the other parent is deceased, a death certificate or other official documentation. For assistance with the documentation required you can refer to the “ Parental responsibility (formerly custody)” section of the information about including family members in your application.
You and each “member of your family unit” are required to satisfy health and character requirements.  This requirement applies even if that person is not applying for a visa with you.  In most cases health and character assessments can be undertaken before your application is lodged.

Health requirements
Evidence of each person having undertaken the required health examinations. If you have lodged your application, click on the ‘Organise health examinations’ link in ImmiAccount.

Character requirements
Police certificates for each country each person has lived in for a cumulative period of 12 months or more, over the last 10 years, since turning 16 years of age. Military service record or discharge papers for each person who is/has served in the armed forces of any country. Police certificates are also required for the countries of service.

Additional Character requirements
Each person who is 18 years or older can complete and attach the following documents.  Providing this information with your application can reduce processing times.
Unless otherwise stated these requirements must be met at the time you were invited to apply for this visa.
Skills assessment
A suitable skills assessment for your nominated occupation.  Information is available about Skills assessment and assessing authorities requirements.

Evidence of English language ability – Invited applicant
Evidence that at time of invitation you had at least Competent English. If you are relying on English language testing then provide a copy of your test results from a specified English language test undertaken in the three years immediately before you were invited to apply for this visa.

Evidence of English language ability – dependent applicant(s)
Evidence of Functional English for each dependent applicant who is 18 years or older at the time this application is lodged. Evidence of Functional English can be provided up until the time the application is decided. If you will not be providing evidence a dependent applicant has Functional English, you should advise that you will pay the second instalment of the visa application charge. This charge will be requested when required by the processing office.

You must provide evidence to support the claims you are making against each relevant criterion in the Points Test.  Unless otherwise stated these requirements must be met at the time you were invited to apply for this visa.

Age
Proof of age. This can be the scanned copy of your passport or birth certificate.

Superior or Proficient English language ability
A copy of the test results from a specified English language test undertaken in the three years immediately before you were invited to apply for this visa. Cambridge English tests can only be accepted if the test was taken after 1 January 2015.

Skilled employment
Evidence of any claimed skilled employment or self-employment in the 10 year period immediately before you were invited to apply, such as:
  • employment references
  • contracts, pay slips, tax returns, group certificates
  • evidence that you have been self-employed
  • any other documents that you provided to the relevant assessing authority to obtain your skills assessment, including any documents relating to your employment history.


Employment references must meet the following requirements
  • be written on the official letterhead of the company or government department providing the reference;
  • the letterhead should indicate clearly the full address of the company and any telephone, fax numbers, e-mail and website addresses;
  • the name and position of the person authorised to sign the employment reference should be typed or stamped below that person’s signature;
  • the contact telephone number of the person writing the reference should be included in the letter;
  • the letter should indicate the exact period of employment (including whether permanent or temporary, full or part-time), position(s) held, the duties undertaken and the salary earned - positions should not be described by generic titles (eg. research officer, public servant) but according to the nature of the duties undertaken (eg. research chemist, accounts clerk); and
  • a payslip from your current employment should also be included – this is especially important from applicants working in government departments.


Completion of a recognised professional year in Australia
Evidence of completion of a recognised professional year in Australia in the four years immediately before you were invited to apply for this visa. Professional years are provided by:
  • Australian Computer Society
  • CPA Australia
  • Institute of Chartered Accountants of Australia
  • Institute of Public Accountants (formerly the National Institute of Accountants); or
  • Engineers Australia.


Education qualifications Evidence of any degrees, diplomas, certificates, completion letters and course transcripts and any other documents you provided to the relevant assessing authority that support your education qualification claims.

Australian Study requirement
Evidence of qualification(s) satisfying the Australian Study requirement. You are strongly encouraged to read the relevant information about this criterion before claiming points.

Specialist Education Qualification
Evidence that you have received a Post Graduate Degree by Research through a course or courses taken for at least two academic years at an Australian educational institution.

Study in regional Australia
Evidence of qualifications satisfying the Australian Study requirement while living and studying in regional Australia/low population growth metropolitan areas:
  • Evidence of residence covering the relevant period – examples include documents such as rental agreements and gas, power and telephone bills; and
  • If your academic transcript does not identify the location of the campus which you attended provide evidence that you studied at a campus located in regional Australia or a low population growth metropolitan area.


Credentialled community language
Evidence of accreditation at the paraprofessional level or above for interpreting or translating by the National Accreditation Authority for Translation and Interpreters (NAATI).

Partner skills
Evidence that at the time you were invited to apply for this visa, your partner:
  • was under 50 years of age; and
  • had at least Competent English; and
  • had a suitable skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for their nominated occupation (which must be on the same skilled occupations list as your nominated occupation).

You will not be eligible for these points if your partner is or becomes an Australian permanent resident or an Australian citizen while this claim is being assessed.

Nomination
No evidence of nomination is required.

VISAS

Partner Visa
Document Checklist

The partner visa can be applied for whilst you are in Australia or offshore. It is initially a temporary visa that permits transition to permanent residence. You will be able to apply for the permanent visa 2 years after date of application for the temporary visa. The second application is an application submitting that your relationship is still ongoing.

You must be able to meet the relationship requirement to be eligible for this visa. This requires you to either be married or in a defacto relationship that has existed for 12 months or more. If you have not lived together for 12 months or more, it may still be possible to obtain this visa.

To be eligible for a partner visa, you must:

Be the spouse or defacto partner of an
● Australia citizen
● Australian permanent resident
● Eligible New Zealand citizen

If you are engaged and plan to marry in Australia, there is also the option of applying for a Prospective Marriage visa. This is a nine month visa that will permit you to come to Australia to plan your wedding and marry. You must lodge a partner visa within 9 months of entering Australia.
It is possible to travel to Australia during the processing of your partner visa application. Please speak to our migration agents for further information and assistance.
Complete these forms only if you are lodging a paper application:

  • If someone gives you advice or lodges your application for you:
    • Form 956 Advice by a migration agent/exempt person of providing immigration assistance (133KB PDF) (the agent or exempt person completes the form and you must sign it).
    • If you would like someone else to receive correspondence from us on your behalf:
    • Form 956a Appointment or withdrawal of an authorised recipient (116KB PDF) (the recipient completes the form and you must sign it).
  • Pay the peocessing fee + visa charges directly to Migration Services
    If your sponsor has paid the visa application charge for you then you must provide the original receipt to show they have paid.
    If your sponsor has paid the visa application charge for you then you must lodge your application by post or in person.
Your identity
    • Certified copies of the biographical pages of the current passports or travel documents of all people included in the application (these are the pages with the holder's photo and personal details and the issue/expiry dates).
    • Two recent passport-sized photographs (45 mm x 35 mm) of each person included in the application.
      • These photographs should be of the head and shoulders only against a plain background.
      • Print the name of the person on the back of each photograph.
    • A certified copy of your birth certificate showing both parents' names. If you do not have a birth certificate and are unable to get one, you must provide a certified copy of the identification pages of at least one of the following documents:
      • family book showing both parents' names
      • identification document issued by the government
      • court-issued documents that verify your identity.
    • A national identity card if you have one.
    • If your name has changed or the name of anyone included in your application has changed: a certified copy of evidence of the name change.
    If you are unable to provide any of these documents, you must provide other acceptable evidence that you are who you claim to be.


Your relationships
  • Certified copies of marriage certificates or relationship registrations for you and anyone else included in your application, even if they are not joining you in Australia.
  • If you or anyone included in the application has been widowed, divorced or permanently separated: a certified copy of the death certificate, divorce documents, or statutory declaration separation documents.
Health and character documents
    • You and all dependents, regardless of whether they are in Australia with you, will need to undertake health examinations. The results of a health examination are valid for 12 months. Do not organise your health examinations until you are asked to do so by your case officer.
    • Evidence that everyone included in the visa application has applied for an Australian Federal Police National Police Check if they are at least 16 years of age and have spent a total of 12 months or more in Australia since turning 16 years of age.The AFP National Police Check Application Form is available from the Australian Federal Police website - either an online form or paper form. Visa applicants should tick Code 33 in Section 8 of the form. Fingerprints are not required.You will be issued with a 'National Police Check' certificate which will have 'Complete Disclosure' in the heading if your AFP police check application is successful.

  • Police certificates from each country in which anyone in your application has spent a total of 12 months or more in the past 10 years since turning 16 years of age. Provide the original certificates and keep a copy for yourself.
    • See: Character requirements (513 KB PDF) - How to obtain police certificates
    • If anyone included in the application has served in the armed forces of any country: certified copies of their military service record or discharge papers.


Sponsorship requirements
  • Evidence that the sponsor is a settled Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. Evidence can include a certified copy of:
    • a birth certificate
    • an Australian passport or foreign passport containing evidence of permanent residence
    • an Australian citizenship certificate
    • for New Zealand citizens, evidence of length of residence in Australia and of continuing links with Australia.
  • If your sponsor is not an Australian citizen: evidence your sponsor usually lives in Australia, such as:
    • evidence of ownership or rental of the house in which your sponsor lives
    • utility accounts (electricity, gas, telephone)
    • other bills for day-to-day living expenses.
  • If you or a child you are including in the application is younger than 18 years of age:
    • an AFP National Police Check for your sponsor, if the sponsor has spent a cumulative total of 12 months or more in Australia since turning 16 years of age
    • police certificates from each country in which the sponsor has spent a cumulative total of 12 months or more in the last 10 years since turning 16 years of age.


If you are married and your spouse is younger than 18 years of age, they cannot be your sponsor. In that case, your sponsor’s parent or guardian might be able to sponsor you. If this affects you, contact the nearest Australian Immigration office to find out which documents you need you to provide. If your partner is younger than 18 years of age and you are sponsored by their parent or guardian, then that sponsor’s partner must also provide character references.
Evidence that your relationship is genuine and continuing
You must provide documents to prove that your relationship is genuine and continuing. If statements are provided, they can be written statements or statutory declarations. They must be signed and dated by the authors. A statutory declaration must also be signed by two witnesses. You can attach supporting documents to your online application with our Migration Agent. The below are examples of information you may wish to provide:

  • Form 888 Statutory declaration by a supporting witness in relation to a Partner or a Prospective Marriage visa applicant (to be completed by two Australian citizens or permanent residents who have personal knowledge of your partner relationship).


History of your relationship:
  • Statements from you and your partner about:
    • how, when and where you first met
    • how your relationship developed
    • when you decided to marry or to start a de facto relationship
    • your domestic arrangements (how you support each other financially, physically and emotionally and when this level of commitment began)
    • any periods of separation (when and why the separation occurred, for how long and how you maintained your relationship during the period of separation)
    • your future plans.


Financial evidence of your relationship:
  • Documents to show that you and your partner share financial commitments and responsibilities, such as:
    • evidence of any joint ownership of real estate or other major assets (for example, cars, appliances) and any joint liabilities (for example, loans, insurance)
    • sharing of finances
    • legal commitments that you and your partner have undertaken as a couple
    • evidence that you and your partner have operated joint bank accounts for a reasonable period of time
    • sharing of household bills and expenses.


The nature of the household:
  • Documents to show that you and your partner share responsibilities in your household, such as:
    • your living arrangements
    • a statement about the way housework is distributed
    • joint ownership or joint rental of the house in which you live
    • joint utilities accounts (electricity, gas, telephone)
    • joint responsibility for bills for day-to-day living expenses
    • joint responsibility for children
    • correspondence addressed to both you and your partner at the same address.


Social context of the relationship:
  • Documents to show how your relationship with your partner is seen by your friends and family will be considered, such as:
    • evidence that you and your partner are usually accepted as a couple socially (for example, joint invitations, going out together, friends and acquaintances in common)
    • statutory declarations from your partner’s parents, family members, relatives and other friends about their assessment of the nature of your relationship
    • evidence that you and your partner have declared your relationship to government bodies, commercial or public institutions or authorities, joint membership of organisations or groups
    • evidence of joint participation in sporting, cultural or social activities
    • joint travel.


The nature of your commitment to each other:
  • Documents to show your commitment to each other:
    • knowledge of each other’s personal circumstances (for example, background and family situation, which could be established at interview)
    • intention that your relationship will be long-term (for example, the extent to which you have combined your affairs)
    • the terms of your wills
    • correspondence and itemised phone accounts to show that contact was maintained during any period of separation.
  • If you are living in a de facto relationship, provide one of the following:
    • evidence that you have been in the relationship for at least 12 months before you apply for this visa
    • evidence that of compelling and compassionate reasons for applying before the 12 month period has passed
    • evidence that you have registered your relationship in Australia with the relevant state or territory authority.


For more information relating to authorised witnesses is available on the Who can witness statutory declarations page.

Your children

  • Certified copies of birth certificates or the family book showing the names of both parents of all your dependent children.
  • Evidence of financial dependency for all your family members aged 18 or older (such as evidence of current studies):
    • a certified copy of their birth certificate and proof of their relationship to you
    • proof that they live in your household
    • proof that they have been financially dependent on you for at least the 12 months immediately before you lodge your application.
  • If any dependent child included in the application is adopted: certified copies of the adoption papers.
  • If you want to bring a child younger than 18 years of age with you to Australia, and that child’s other parent is not included in the application, you will need documentary evidence that you have the legal right to bring that child to Australia, such as:
    • certified copies of official legal documents, such as a court-issued parental responsibility (custody), access or guardianship order
    • Statutory Declaration (80KB PDF) giving their permission
    • Form 1229 (125 KB PDF ) Consent form to grant an Australian visa to a child under the age of 18 years If you use Form 1229 or a statutory declaration, you will have to attach a certified copy of the other parent’s government-issued identification document (such as a passport or driver's licence) with their photograph and signature.

VISAS

Resident Return Visa

Your Australian permanent visa is granted with a five year travel facility. After this five year period, you will need to renew your permanent visa if you plan to depart Australia and have not yet obtained your Australian citizenship.

Once granted, you will be given either a five year travel facility or a one year travel facility.

You must have spent two of the last five years in Australia as a permanent resident or citizen.
If you do not meet the residence requirements for the five year travel facility, you will need to evidence that you have substantial ties to Australia in order for your visa to be granted.

Please contact our migration agents for further information and assistance.

VISAS

General Skilled
Migration Visa

These visas are points tested visas available to those with a skilled occupation available for General Skilled Migration. A minimum of 65 points are required to apply.

Points are awarded on a variety of factors including:
● Age
● English Language
● Qualifications
● Work Experience

Those with qualifications and work experience from Australia can often achieve higher points.

Nomination from an Australian state or territory can also provide additional points. You must meet additional eligibility criteria of the nominating state or territory for your nomination to be successful.

To be eligible for General Skilled Migration, you must:

● Be invited to apply
● Be under 45 years of age
● Have competent English
● Have an occupation on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MTSSL) or on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)
● Have a positive skills assessment
● Meet health and character requirements
There are three steps to obtaining a visa under General Skilled Migration.

1) Skills Assessment
2) Expression of Interest
3) Visa Application

You must pass each stage to move on to the next stage.

Skills Assessment
A positive skills assessment is required to lodge an Expression of Interest. A skills assessment is an assessment of your education and employment experience to ascertain if you meet the Australian industry standard in your profession. Each occupation has a dedicated skills assessing body that conducts these assessments.

Expression of Interest
Once you have obtained a positive skills assessment, you are able to lodge an Expression of Interest. This is an indication to the Department of Home Affairs that you would like to be considered for a visa under their skilled program. You must meet a minimum number of points in order to be eligible to lodge an expression of interest. Once your EOI has been lodged, it will be ranked against other candidates in the same occupation. Those with higher points will receive an invitation to apply for a visa faster than those with lower points.
We will try to find some ways to maximise your points on the EOI.

Visa Application
Once you Expression of Interest has been positively assessed, you will be invited to apply for a visa. The visa application is an assessment of the claims you made in the Expression of Interest. If you lodge this application whilst you are in Australia, you will receive a Bridging Visa to remain here during the processing period.

VISAS

Parent Visa

These visas are available to parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents.

The visa applicant must meet the Balance of Family test (BoF). This means that at least half of their children must permanently reside in Australia over any other country.

Offshore parent visas can be temporary or permanent.
The Subclass 173 visa is a temporary visa with a validity period of 2 years. This means that the holder of the Subclass 173 may remain in Australia for up to 2 years. They may then apply for the Subclass 143 Offshore Contributory Parent Visa.

The Subclass 143 Offshore Contributory Parent visa is a permanent visa that permits the holder to remain in Australia indefinitely. It has a travel facility with a validity of up to 5 years. If a holder of the 143 visa wishes to depart and re-enter Australia after these 5 years, they should first obtain Australian citizenship or a visa available to permanent residents that permits re-entry.

It is possible to apply for the permanent visa without applying for the temporary visa. Many applications choose to apply for the permanent visa only, as the process is less demanding. Application fees for this visa are $43,000 per applicant with processing times approximately 3-4 years.
The Subclass 884/864 Onshore parent visas are available to applicants over the age of 65. These are similar to the offshore parent visas, with the benefit that the applicant will be issued with a Bridging Visa to remain in Australia during the processing of the application.

Application fees for this visa are $43,000 per applicant with processing times approximately 3-4 years.
This visa is available to applicants who meet the Balance of Family test and are over the age of 65.

The applicant will also be issued with a Bridging Visa to remain in Australia during processing.

Application fees for this visa are significant less than the other parent visas. The visa application fee is $4035, but has a processing time of 25-30+ years.
Our migration agents are available to discuss your best option for the parent visa subclass.

VISAS

Distinguished Talent Visa

The subclass 858 - Distinguished Talent visa allows individuals with an internationally recognised record of achievement in their field of expertise, or those who have provided specialised assistance to the Australian Government in the matters of security, to migrate permanently to Australia. You must be nominated by an eligible individual or Australian organisation/business, or endorsed by the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for Global Business and Talent Attraction.

The minimum requirements for this visa are set out below:
• be nominated by a nationally recognised Australian Citizen, permanent resident or Eligible New Zealand citizen or Australian organisation/business in your field, endorsing your achievements and international standing, and:
• have an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in a profession, sport, the arts or academia and research (and are still prominent in that field); and
▪ be an asset to the Australian community (if under 18 or over 55 years of age, you must demonstrate that you would be of exceptional benefit to the Australian community); and
▪ have no difficulty in obtaining employment in Australia or establishing yourself independently in your field

OR

• be endorsed by the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for Global Business and Talent Attraction, a taskforce dedicated to attracting high-value global business and exceptional talent in key market sectors

OR

• have provided specialised assistance to the Australian Government in matters of security

AND

• meet relevant health and character criteria

Stage 1: Initial Eligibility Assessment
We will first conduct an initial assessment of your eligibility for this visa. This involves reviewing your qualifications, work experience, English language and other circumstances, to establish whether or not you are likely to meet the relevant requirements.

We will then provide you with informed and comprehensive advice about your ability to meet the minimum standards that the Department of Home Affairs (the DOHA) requires migrants to fulfil in order to qualify to apply for this visa.

Note: Our initial assessment of your eligibility does not guarantee that you will (or will not) in fact successfully apply for this visa. Whether or not the DOHA grants you a visa, will depend upon whether you meet the visa criteria.

Stage 2. Visa Application
We will prepare your visa application and lodge it with the DOHA for assessment. The main criterion is that you meet the requirements referred to above.

Should your visa application be approved, you will be granted a permanent visa. You may be either in Australia or overseas when this visa is granted.

PLEASE NOTE: We estimate that it may take several weeks to prepare and lodge your application, with the time taken largely dependent on how promptly you provide us with the necessary supporting information and documents.

The time that it takes the DOHA to process your application is dependent upon its processing time service standards, and may also vary due to a number of other factors, including the complexity of your case, perceived risk factors and processing priorities. Please contact us for current information regarding likely processing timeframes for this type of application.
Our Registered Migration Agents are happy to assist you with the assessment, preparation, lodgment and management of your visa application. We will review your documents and ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements before applying.

Please contact us to book an appointment for further information and assessment of your eligibility.

VISAS

Global Talent Independent Visa

The subclass 858 - Distinguished Talent visa, is part of the Global Talent Independent Visa program. Under this program, the visa allows individuals, with an internationally recognised record of achievement in specified target industries, to migrate permanently to Australia.

You must be nominated by an eligible individual or Australian organisation/business. The minimum requirements for this visa are set out below:



The GTI program is a streamlined pathway for highly skilled candidates in specific industry sectors (places are also available for exceptionally talented, recent PhD graduates and students). There is a set number of places available for the program each year.

To be eligible under this streamlined program, you must be able to attract an Australian salary that is at least the Fair Work High Income Threshold of AUD158,500 (this figure is adjusted annually on 1 July) AND highly skilled in one of the following target industry sectors:

• Agri-food and Agtech
• Energy
• Financial Services & FinTech
• Infrastructure & Tourism
• Education
• Health Industries
• Defence, Space & Advanced Manufacturing
• Resources
• Digital Technology
• Circular Economy

Visa Applicant
You must also:
• be nominated by a nationally recognised Australian Citizen, permanent resident or Eligible New Zealand citizen or Australian organisation/business in your field, endorsing your achievements and international standing;
• have an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in a profession or academia and research (and are still prominent in that field);
• be an asset to the Australian community (if under 18 or over 55 years of age, you must demonstrate that you would be of exceptional benefit to the Australian community);
• have no difficulty in obtaining employment in Australia or establishing yourself independently in your field; and
• meet the relevant health and character criteria
In order to qualify for GTI program consideration, you are encouraged to lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI), which sets out how you meet the relevant requirements. If successful in your EOI, the Department of Home Affairs (the DOHA) will invite you to apply for the subclass 858 - Distinguished Talent visa and will provide you with a ‘unique identifier’ for your visa application.

Stage 1: Initial Eligibility Assessment
We will first conduct an initial assessment of your eligibility for this visa. This involves reviewing your qualifications, work experience, English language and other circumstances, to establish whether or not you are likely to meet the relevant requirements.

We will then provide you with informed and comprehensive advice about your ability to meet the minimum standards, including Global Talent Independent Visa Program consideration, that the DOHA requires migrants to fulfil in order to qualify to apply for this visa.

Note: Our initial assessment of your eligibility does not guarantee that you will (or will not) in fact be issued an invitation to apply for this visa or successfully apply for this visa. Whether or not the DOHA issues you with an invitation to apply for a visa, or grants you a visa, will depend upon whether you meet the EOI and/or visa criteria.

Stage 2: Expression of Interest
Once your eligibility for this visa has been determined, we will prepare and lodge your EOI. At this time, you will need to specify your nominator and provide your nominator’s completed form and supporting evidence. You must also provide supporting documents regarding your international standing and record of achievement in your field.

If your GTI program EOI is successful, you will then be invited to lodge a subclass 858 - Distinguished Talent visa application.

Stage 3. Visa Application
If you have been successful in a Global Talent Independent Visa EOI, and the DOHA has invited you to apply for this visa, we will prepare and lodge your visa application within the specified time frame, together with all of the documents that support the information that you provided in your EOI. Your visa application will include a unique identifier to streamline processing by the DOHA. The main criterion is that you meet the requirements referred to above.

Should your visa application be approved, you will be granted a permanent visa. You may be either in Australia or overseas when this visa is granted.

PLEASE NOTE: We estimate that it may take several weeks to prepare and lodge your application, with the time taken largely dependent on how promptly you provide us with the necessary supporting information and documents.

The time that it takes the DOHA to process your application is dependent upon its processing time service standards, and may also vary due to a number of other factors, including the complexity of your case, perceived risk factors and processing priorities. Please contact us for current information regarding likely processing timeframes for this type of application.

VISAS

Student Visa

Processing time
Stream 75 per cent of applications processed 90 per cent of applications processed
Foreign Affairs or Defence Sector 25 days 48 days
Postgraduate Research Sector 49 days 74 days
Non-Award Sector 6 days 22 days
Schools Sector 43 days 77 days
Independent ELICOS Sector 37 days 68 days
Vocational Education and Training Sector 61 days 82 days
Higher Education Sector 25 days 46 days
Last updated
16 February 2018 (for month ending 31 January 2018)

Processing times vary.
For more information read Global visa and citizenship processing times
Documentary evidence
Check the Document Checklist tool ( disclaimer) to find out which documents need to be attached to the application.

Enter your country of passport and education provider to get an accurate document checklist.
If you have not yet decided on an education provider, you can choose the option 'I have not decided on a provider yet' on the tool and receive guidance about the documents you will need to provide with your visa application.
The Document Checklist Tool is updated twice a year on 31 March and 30 September. Applicants are encouraged to re-check the document checklist (based on the country of passport and education provider) after these dates and prior to submitting their application as the requirements may have changed.
Who could get this visa

    Before you apply for this visa, you must have:
  • been accepted to study full-time at an educational institution in Australia
  • organised appropriate welfare arrangements for the duration of your intended stay in Australia if you are under 18 years of age.


Enrolment
With limited exceptions, you must be enrolled in a course of study that is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and courses for Overseas for Overseas Students (CRICOS).
If you are applying from outside Australia, you must include a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for each intended course of study with your visa application. A letter of offer from your education provider will not be accepted.
If you are applying for more than one course in your student visa application, you must include all Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) codes in the application form or the visa may only be granted for the CoE provided.
    You do not need to provide a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) if you are:
  • sponsored by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade – provide a letter of support
  • sponsored by the Australian Department of Defence – provide a letter of support
  • a secondary exchange student – provide an Acceptance Advice of Secondary Exchange Student (AASES) form
  • a postgraduate research student required to remain in Australia for marking of your thesis – provide a letter from your education provider.


If you are in Australia, you can apply with one or more letters of offer but you must provide the CoE/s to be granted the visa.

Students under 18 years of age
If you are under 18 years of age, you need to have welfare arrangements in place while you are in Australia. More information is available about Welfare arrangements for students under 18.

Genuine temporary entrant
The GTE requirement applies to all student visa applicants. The officer assessing the visa will and consider whether the individual circumstances of the student indicates that their intention is for a temporary stay in Australia. You must satisfy us that you have a genuine intention to stay in Australia temporarily.

English language requirements
You might need to provide evidence of your English language skills with your visa application.
Check the Document Checklist tool ( disclaimer) to find out the evidence you need to provide. You might also be exempt from providing evidence.
If you are required to provide evidence of your English language skills with your application and you do not do so, your visa could be refused.

Evidence of English language
If you need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency, there is a minimum English language test score we will accept.

Financial capacity requirements
You need to have enough money that is genuinely available to you, to pay for your course fees, and travel and living costs for you and your accompanying family members while you are in Australia.
You might need to provide evidence of your financial capacity with your visa application. Check the Document Checklist tool ( disclaimer) to find out the evidence you need to provide.
If the Document Checklist lists evidence of financial capacity as a requirement, it must be attached to the visa application form or your visa could be refused without requests for further information.
If you do not need to provide this evidence with your application, we have discretion to ask you for this during the application process.
If you are a secondary exchange student, provide a completed Acceptance Advice of Secondary Exchange Student (AASES) form as evidence of meeting the financial capacity requirement.
If you are sponsored by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade or the Department of Defence, provide a letter of support as evidence of meeting the financial capacity requirement. You will need to provide evidence of financial capacity for accompanying family members.

Evidence of financial capacity
    If you need to provide evidence of financial capacity, you will be able to demonstrate this by providing one of the following:
  • evidence of funds to cover travel to Australia and 12 months’ living, course and (for school aged dependants) schooling costs for the student and accompanying family members
  • evidence that you meet the annual income requirement
  • an Acceptance Advice of Secondary Exchange Students (AASES) form (secondary exchange students only)
  • a letter of support from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade or Department of Defence.

Subsequent entrants – family members who apply after the primary applicant has been granted their visa must also provide documentary evidence of financial capacity. This must be one of the options above.
Twelve months' funds option
Annual income option
Genuine access to funds

Health requirements
You must meet the health requirements.
You might need to undergo health examinations as part of the visa application process.
The health assessment process can take several weeks to complete. To help avoid delays, you can choose to undertake your health examination prior to lodging your visa application.
More information is available about
My health declarations.

Health insurance
You must have adequate health insurance while in Australia. Students can show this by obtaining Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) which provides medical and hospital insurance.

Character requirements
Everyone who wants to enter Australia must be of good character and will be assessed against the character requirements.
You must answer a number of character related questions on your visa application form and the information you provide will be used to assess your character.
You might be asked for more information.
More information is available about Character and police certificate requirements.

Pre-qualifying visas
If you are applying in Australia, you must hold a current temporary substantive visa, but not any one of these visas.

Family members applying to join you
You and your family members can make a combined application or they can apply to join you later provided you declared them in your student visa application or they became a family member after the grant of your student visa (such as a newborn baby).
You must have funds to support yourself and all accompanying family members already in Australia as well as those included in the current application.
More information is available about How to apply for family members to join you.

English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS)
Student visa applicants can apply to study in ELICOS in Australia. If you are intending to study standalone ELICOS for more than 12 months, you should provide lots of information with your application showing how you meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement.
There is flexibility to extend the length of ELICOS where it is needed. This will be determined on a case by case basis.

School students
Students can apply for a student visa to study at primary or secondary school in Australia, regardless of their country of citizenship.
What this visa lets you do
This visa is for students who want to come to Australia to study at a registered education institution.
  • You can study a CRICOS registered full-time course in Australia.
  • Eligible family members can accompany you to Australia.


How long this visa lasts
This visa allows you to stay in Australia for the duration of your studies, generally up to five years. The student visa grant period will depend on the length and type of course.

How long this visa lasts
This visa allows you to stay in Australia for the duration of your studies, generally up to five years. The student visa grant period will depend on the length and type of course.

Location
You can apply when you are in or outside Australia.

Packaged courses
You can apply to undertake two or more courses on your Student visa (subclass 500) where there is clear progression from one course to another. This is known as course packaging.
You will need to provide a confirmation of enrolment (CoE) or prove that a CoE is not required for each intended course with your visa application.
The final course that you will undertake as part of your package of courses is your main (or principal) course of study. Your main course of study will be used to determine your financial and English language evidentiary requirements.

Visa conditions
You must abide by your visa conditions or your visa could be cancelled. Different visa conditions apply to you and your family members.
You can check your visa conditions in Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO).
You must comply with the state and territory laws of Australia.

Working while studying
Students must comply with the work conditions for student visa holders.

Extend your stay in Australia
You need to either leave Australia before your visa expires, or lodge a new visa application.
If your visa expires, contact us immediately. If your visa has expired for more than 28 days, you might not be able to return to Australia for three years.
You can only extend your stay in Australia if you do not have a 'No Further Stay' condition (8534 or 8535) on your current student visa or this restriction has been waived. You can find out if you have this condition by looking in your visa grant information or through Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO).
    You might be able to extend your stay in Australia for:
  • further study
  • graduation
  • a holiday
  • work
  • migration.

In general, you can only hold one visa at a time. A new visa (other than a bridging visa) will generally replace any other visa that you hold and come into effect as soon as it is granted. You should contact us before lodging a visa application if you have questions about how a new visa would affect your existing visa.
Gather documents

Documents
Use the Document Checklist ( disclaimer) to find out the evidence you need to provide with your application.
Prepare your documents
You will need to provide documents with your online application.

  • Non-English documents must be translated into English. If you are in Australia, your translator must be accredited by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters. If you are outside Australia, contact the Australian mission in the country that issued the documents for a translator.
  • Scan all documents – both non-English documents and translated documents.
  • Attach scanned copies to your online application when asked.
  • Provide certified copies of your documents.
  • Submit all documents with your application or your application could be refused or a decision on your visa could be delayed
Payment
You must pay the application fee when you apply or your application will not be valid.
The following student visa applicants are not required to pay a visa application fee:
  • Students awarded a scholarship funded by the Commonwealth Government of Australia
  • Students and family members supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
  • Student and family members supported by the Department of Defence
  • Secondary exchange students
  • Students affected by education provider default and lodge a new student visa application within 12 months of the provider default day
  • Family members of students enrolled in a postgraduate research course.

More information is available about how to pay.


Apply

Apply for the visa
You must apply for this visa online.
After you have gathered and scanned the documents that support your application, create an account and apply for your student visa with our online application system – ImmiAccount.
If you do not provide the documents requested, your visa application could be refused.


After you apply

Provide additional documents
After you have applied, any additional documentation you need to submit should be uploaded into ImmiAccount. If you provide your documents through any other channel, it will result in processing delays.
You can be in or outside Australia when a decision is made on your application.
If you apply for this visa from outside Australia, do not make arrangements to travel to Australia or leave your job until you have received notification from us, in writing, that you have been granted a visa.
Track and manage your application
    A Transaction Reference Number (TRN) is a unique number assigned to each online application. You will need this to:
  • track and manage your application
  • identify your application when you communicate with us
  • check your visa entitlements.

You will need to login to your ImmiAccount. You can use your account to:
  • continue a saved application
  • attach documents
  • update passport details
  • change email and address details
  • check progress of your application.

Other things you might need to do
    After you apply, we might ask you to:
  • attend an interview
  • provide additional information
  • update passport details
  • provide biometric information
  • provide police certificates.

Wait for a decision
    Most applications will take about four weeks to process. The exact time it will take depends on:
  • whether you have provided all supporting documents with your application
  • whether we need additional information from you and how you respond to any requests for this information
  • whether you need to undergo health checks or provide biometric information.

Baby born to student visa applicant
    If your child is born after you lodge your application but before it is decided, you need to notify us. You must provide:
  • a completed Form 1022 - Notification of changes in circumstances (77 KB PDF)
  • a certified copy of the birth certificate
  • a certified copy of the passport (if available).

Documents must be attached to your student visa application in ImmiAccount. If your visa has already been granted, see the Visa Holders tab for further instructions.
Visa expiry before graduation
If your student visa will expire before your graduation, you might be able to apply for another visa that meets your circumstances such as a visitor visa. You will need a letter from your education provider which states the date of your graduation.
Visa decision
    If the visa is granted, we will let you know:
  • the visa number
  • any conditions attached to the visa.
    If the visa is not granted, we will let you know:
  • why the visa was not granted
  • your review rights and the time limit for applying for a review (if applicable).
Withdrawing your application
You can withdraw your application at any time before a decision is made. You can do this by logging into your ImmiAccount.

Baby born to student visa holder in Australia
If your child is born in Australia, they are automatically granted the same visa you and your partner hold at the time of the child's birth. If either parent is an Australian citizen or Australian permanent resident at the time of the child's birth, the child might be an Australian citizen by birth.
You will need to notify us soon after your child is born.

VISAS

Student Dependent Visa

Enrolment
Evidence of your enrolment must be provided to make a valid application.
  • If applying outside Australia this must be a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for all intended courses.
  • If applying in Australia this can be a letter of offer or CoE for all intended courses but a CoE must be provided before the visa can be granted.
Exceptions
You do not need to supply a Confirmation of Enrolment if you are:
  • sponsored by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade – provide a letter of support
  • sponsored by the Australian Department of Defence – provide a letter of support
  • a secondary exchange student – provide an Acceptance Advice of Secondary Exchange Student (AASES) form
  • a postgraduate research student required to remain in Australia for marking of your thesis – provide a letter from your education provider.
Welfare arrangements for under 18 year old student
Evidence of accommodation and welfare arrangements in Australia if you are under 18 years of age must be provided to make a valid application. This can be:
  • Form 157N - Nomination of a student guardian in Australia.
  • Confirmation of Appropriate Accommodation and Welfare (CAAW) letter from the student’s education provider.
  • An AAESES form for secondary exchange students only.
  • Letter of Support from DFAT or Defence stating that arrangements have been made for the student’s welfare.
Health insurance
Evidence of adequate health insurance. Your education provider could arrange this. Health insurance can only be met by Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). You might only need to provide details in your application or you might be asked for evidence of your policy. Note: If you are from Norway, Sweden or Belgium, you might not have to obtain OSHC.

Genuine temporary entrant requirement
Evidence to show that you meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement for a student visa. This can include a statement that you intend to genuinely stay in Australia temporarily. The Department will consider your circumstances, your immigration history if you are a minor and the intentions of a parent, legal guardian or spouse, and any other relevant matter.

Identity
Evidence of your identity. This might include a certified copy of your Birth Certificate or Driver's Licence.

Change of name
If anyone in the application has changed his or her name, certified copies of documents verifying the name change. This might include a marriage or deed poll certificate or a certified copy of evidence of the name change. >Parental consent
If you have a child under the age of 18 included in the visa application and one or both parents (or legal guardians) are not applying for an Australian visa, both parents will need to complete and sign the form 1229 - Consent form to grant an Australian visa to a child under the age of 18 years. Alternatively, you can provide a letter from each parent (or legal guardian) that is not included in the application that includes permission for the child/ren to be in Australia in your care. A copy of the parent (or legal guardian) Personal Particulars (bio-data) page of their current passport should also be included. If you have sole custody of the child/ren, provide evidence such as a court order.

Relationship - spouse, de facto partner
Evidence of your relationship with your spouse/de facto partner. This could include a certified copy of your marriage certificate, Family Book, Household Booklet or other evidence of family composition.

Employment history
Evidence of current or most recent employment which might include payslips or a contract. You can also attach your most recent curriculum vitae or résumé. Your curriculum vitae or résumé should include full employment and educational history, including dates and positions held for at least the last five years.

Migration Agent - Form 956 Advice by a migration agent/exempt person
Provide a completed and signed Form 956 Advice by a migration agent/exempt person of providing immigration assistance (252KB PDF).

Appointment or withdrawal of an authorised recipient - Form 956A
Provide a completed and signed Form 956A Appointment or withdrawal of an authorised recipient (251KB PDF).

Evidence of dependent school enrolment
Evidence of enrolment of an accompanying dependent child 5 to 18 years of age at an Australian school. If any family unit members are 5 – 17 years of age (inclusive) and will live with the applicant in Australia, documentation confirming their enrolment in an Australian school.

Closure of education provider
Evidence of closure of your education provider if you are applying for a Student and Student Guardian Visa because of this reason.

Qualifications – Australian
Evidence of your Australian qualifications. This might include a certified copy of your academic transcripts, Educational Certificate (Degree, Diploma etc.) or letter/statement from your Australian Education Institution.

Qualifications – outside Australia
Evidence of your overseas qualifications. This might include a certified copy of your academic transcripts, Educational Certificate (Degree, Diploma etc.) or letter/statement from your overseas Education Institution.

VISAS

Temporary Work
(Skilled) Visa

You may be eligible to apply for a standard business sponsor if your business is a lawfully operating business, meets training requirements (Australian businesses only), agrees to the number of subclass 457 workers to be nominated and must have no relevant adverse information against your business.

VISAS

Temporary Skilled
Shortage Visa

The Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) visa is is designed to assist Australian companies to fill current skilled staffing shortages in their business.

This is a temporary visa that permits the holder to work full time for their sponsoring employer in a nominated position.

The position to be filled must be an occupation on the Department of Home Affairs list of occupations eligible for this visa. There are three streams available in the visa subclass. The stream applied for will depend on if the occupation is on the Short-Term list or the Medium and Long-Term list.

1) Long Term Stream
A visa may be granted for up to 4 years. This is a renewable visa and offers a pathway to permanent residency. The occupation must be on the list of designated occupations available for long term sponsorship.

2) Short Term Stream
A visa may be granted for up to 2 years. This visa offers renewal only once if the need for ongoing sponsorship can be established. It does not offer a pathway to permanent residency. The occupation must be on the list of designated occupations available for short term sponsorship.

3) Labour Agreement Stream
This stream is available if there is a genuine need for the position and the occupation is not identified on the designated list of occupations eligible for the subclass 482 visa. The sponsoring company must have entered into an approved agreement with the Commonwealth to sponsor applicants under this stream.

Please book a consultation with Migration Services for further information regarding these streams.
There are three steps required for a TSS visa to be approved. This involves three separate applications. Two of these are the responsibility of the sponsoring employer, one of these is the responsibility of the visa applicant. Each application must be approved in order for the next step application to be approved. It is possible to lodge all three applications at the same time.

1) Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS)
The sponsoring business must become an approved Standard Business Sponsor. This requires a sponsorship application to be lodged. The basic requirements for a sponsorship to be approved require the sponsoring business to establish that they are lawfully operating a business with no adverse information against them.

If they have previously obtained approval as Standard Business Sponsor, they must evidence that they have continued to meet the sponsorship obligations in the most recent years of active sponsorship.

Once granted, the sponsorship is valid for a period of 5 years. This is renewable.

2) Nomination
The sponsoring company must lodge a nomination application for the applicant that identifies the position sought to be filled. There are several requirements to be filled in order to have the nomination approved.

Labour Market Testing
The position to be filled must have been recently advertised and attempts to fill this position must have been paid. Exemptions may apply.

Market Salary Rate
The employer must evidence that they will be paying their employee a salary that is commensurate with their skills and experience that is comparable to what an Australian citizen or permanent resident would be paid. The applicant must also be paid above the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) of $53,900.

Training Levy
There have been recent changes to the training requirement for employer sponsored visas. The training levy has now been changed to a payment into the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF). This will be known as the SAF levy. The SAF levy is required to be paid at the nomination stage and will be one of the following:

● Small Business – businesses with less than $10M annual turnover will be required to pay $1200 for each year of nomination.
● Large Business - businesses with more than $10M annual turnover will be required to pay $1800 for each year of nomination.

Genuine Position
The sponsoring company must evidence that there is a genuine need for the position to be filled. They are required to establish that the position has not been created for the purpose of sponsoring the foreign worker.

NOTE: Further requirements may be applicable depending on the occupation and stream. Please contact Migration Services for further assessment.

3) Visa Application
The visa applicant must be able to evidence that they hold the required skills, qualifications and experience required of the role they are nominated to fill. The applicant must be able to evidence a minimum of two years recent work experience in their occupation.

The applicant must evidence that the meet the English language requirement for their stream.
If a skills assessment is required, the applicant must have either lodged the assessment or had the assessment approved at the time the application is lodged.
It is possible to include your family members in this application. All applicants must be able to pass a health and character assessment. Adequate health insurance is required to be held for the duration of your stay.

Applicants nominated for an occupation under the short-term stream must be able to pass a Genuine Temporary Entrant test. This means that they must evidence that they are not using TSS sponsorship as a way to extend their stay in Australia.
All applicants will need to pass the health and character test.

NOTE: Further requirements may be applicable depending on the occupation and stream. Your previous Australian immigration history will need to be considered before applying for this visa. Please contact Migration Services for further assessment
Our Registered Migration Agents are happy to assist you with the preparation and lodgment of your TSS application. We will review your documents and ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements before applying.

Please contact us to book an appointment for further information and assessment of your eligibility.

VISAS

Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa

The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa is designed to assist Australian companies in regional areas to fill current skilled staffing shortages in their business.

This is a temporary visa that permits the holder to work full time for their sponsoring employer in a nominated position. Family members can be included in the application.

The position to be filled must be an occupation on the Department of Home Affairs list of occupations eligible for this visa. The business must also be located in a regional area of Australia. Regional areas are defined as a location outside of the main cities of:

● Melbourne
● Sydney
● Brisbane

This is a 5 year temporary visa. The visa holder may apply for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa after 3 years on their 494 visa if eligibility criteria are met. General eligibility criteria for the permanent visa include:

● Abiding by the 494 visa conditions:
○ Working in the nominated position
○ Remaining in the nominated regional area
● Earning a minimum taxable income. This is expected to be $53,900 or more per year.

Employer nomination is not required to apply for the permanent visa.
The employee must have a positive skills assessment in their nominated occupation to be eligible for this visa.
A skills assessment is not an exam. A skills assessment is an assessment of the employee’s qualifications and work experience to ascertain if they meet standard of the occupation in Australia.

It is strongly recommended that employers confirm that their employee can obtain a positive skills assessment before proceeding with the nomination process.

In addition to the positive skills assessment, an employee must have a minimum of 3+ years full time employment in their nominated occupation, or closely related occupation.

If the employee cannot pass a skills assessment, or does not have the required work experience, we recommend using the Subclass 482 TSS employer sponsored visa in the interim. The 482 TSS visa can be granted for periods of up to 4 years. This may enable your employee to meet the skills assessment and work experience requirements for the 494 visa.
There are three steps required for a 494 visa to be approved. This involves three separate applications. Two of these are the responsibility of the sponsoring employer, one of these is the responsibility of the visa applicant. Each application must be approved in order for the next application to be approved. It is possible to lodge all three applications at the same time.

1) Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS)
The sponsoring business must become an approved Standard Business Sponsor. This requires a sponsorship application to be lodged. The basic requirements for a sponsorship to be approved require the sponsoring business to establish that they are lawfully operating a business with no adverse information against them.

If they have previously obtained approval as Standard Business Sponsor, they must evidence that they have continued to meet the sponsorship obligations in the most recent years of active sponsorship.

Once granted, the sponsorship is valid for a period of 5 years. This is renewable.

Sponsorship Obligations
If approved as a Standard Business Sponsor, the sponsoring company has the obligation to cover reasonable costs associated with a departing ticket from Australia if their employee ceases work and requests for departure assistance. This obligation extends to any dependent family members.

2) Nomination
The sponsoring company must lodge a nomination application for the applicant that identifies the position sought to be filled.

There are several requirements to be filled in order to have the nomination approved.

Labour Market Testing
The position to be filled must have been recently advertised and attempts to fill this position must have been paid. Exemptions may apply.

Market Salary Rate
The employer must evidence that they will be paying their employee a salary that is commensurate with their skills and experience that is comparable to what an Australian citizen or permanent resident would be paid.

The applicant must also be paid above the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) of $53,900.

Training Levy
There have been recent changes to the training requirement for employer sponsored visas. The training levy has now been changed to a payment into the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF). This will be known as the SAF levy. The SAF levy is required to be paid at the nomination stage and will be one of the following:

● Small Business – businesses with less than $10M annual turnover will be required to pay $3000 for the nomination.
● Large Business - businesses with more than $10M annual turnover will be required to pay $5000 for the nomination.

Genuine Position
The sponsoring company must evidence that there is a genuine need for the position to be filled. They are required to establish that the position has not been created for the purpose of sponsoring the foreign worker.

Regional Certifying Body Advice (RBC Advice)
The sponsoring company will need to obtain confirmation of the market salary rate through an application with the local Regional Certifying Body. Your migration agent can assist you with this application.

NOTE: Further requirements may be applicable depending on the occupation and stream. Please contact Migration Services for further assessment.

3) Visa Application
You must be under the age of 45 to apply for this visa. Exemptions apply in limited circumstances.

The visa applicant must be able to evidence that they hold the required skills, qualifications and experience required of the role they are nominated to fill. The applicant must be able to evidence a minimum of ​three ​years recent work experience in their occupation.

A positive skills assessment in the nominated occupation is required for this visa subclass. Exemptions apply in limited circumstances. It is recommended that you make yourself aware with the skills assessment requirements and start your skills assessment application as soon as possible. Processing times for some skills assessments are up to 3 months. You will also need to prepare your skills assessment documents. The timeframe to prepare your skills assessment application depends on your level of organisation. If your visa will soon be expiring, we can recommend the Subclass 482 TSS temporary employer sponsored visa in the interim, if eligible. Our migration agents can assist you with your skills assessment application.

The applicant must evidence that they meet the English language requirement for their stream.

It is possible to include your family members in this application. All applicants must be able to pass a health and character assessment. Adequate health insurance is required to be held for the duration of your stay.

NOTE: Further requirements may be applicable depending on the occupation and stream. Your previous Australian immigration history will need to be considered before applying for this visa. Please contact Migration Services for further assessment

Our Registered Migration Agents are happy to assist you with the preparation and lodgment of your 494 Standard Business Sponsorship, Nomination and Visa applications. We will review your documents and ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements before applying.

Please contact us to book an appointment for further information and assessment of your eligibility.

VISAS

Temporary Skilled
Shortage Visa

The Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) visa is is designed to assist Australian companies to fill current skilled staffing shortages in their business.

This is a temporary visa that permits the holder to work full time for their sponsoring employer in a nominated position.

The position to be filled must be an occupation on the Department of Home Affairs list of occupations eligible for this visa. There are three streams available in the visa subclass. The stream applied for will depend on if the occupation is on the Short-Term list or the Medium and Long-Term list.

1) Long Term Stream
A visa may be granted for up to 4 years. This is a renewable visa and offers a pathway to permanent residency. The occupation must be on the list of designated occupations available for long term sponsorship.

2) Short Term Stream
A visa may be granted for up to 2 years. This visa offers renewal only once if the need for ongoing sponsorship can be established. It does not offer a pathway to permanent residency. The occupation must be on the list of designated occupations available for short term sponsorship.

3) Labour Agreement Stream
This stream is available if there is a genuine need for the position and the occupation is not identified on the designated list of occupations eligible for the subclass 482 visa. The sponsoring company must have entered into an approved agreement with the Commonwealth to sponsor applicants under this stream.

Please book a consultation with Migration Services for further information regarding these streams.
There are three steps required for a TSS visa to be approved. This involves three separate applications. Two of these are the responsibility of the sponsoring employer, one of these is the responsibility of the visa applicant. Each application must be approved in order for the next step application to be approved. It is possible to lodge all three applications at the same time.

1) Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS)
The sponsoring business must become an approved Standard Business Sponsor. This requires a sponsorship application to be lodged. The basic requirements for a sponsorship to be approved require the sponsoring business to establish that they are lawfully operating a business with no adverse information against them.

If they have previously obtained approval as Standard Business Sponsor, they must evidence that they have continued to meet the sponsorship obligations in the most recent years of active sponsorship.

Once granted, the sponsorship is valid for a period of 5 years. This is renewable.

2) Nomination
The sponsoring company must lodge a nomination application for the applicant that identifies the position sought to be filled. There are several requirements to be filled in order to have the nomination approved.

Labour Market Testing
The position to be filled must have been recently advertised and attempts to fill this position must have been paid. Exemptions may apply.

Market Salary Rate
The employer must evidence that they will be paying their employee a salary that is commensurate with their skills and experience that is comparable to what an Australian citizen or permanent resident would be paid. The applicant must also be paid above the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) of $53,900.

Training Levy
There have been recent changes to the training requirement for employer sponsored visas. The training levy has now been changed to a payment into the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF). This will be known as the SAF levy. The SAF levy is required to be paid at the nomination stage and will be one of the following:

● Small Business – businesses with less than $10M annual turnover will be required to pay $1200 for each year of nomination.
● Large Business - businesses with more than $10M annual turnover will be required to pay $1800 for each year of nomination.

Genuine Position
The sponsoring company must evidence that there is a genuine need for the position to be filled. They are required to establish that the position has not been created for the purpose of sponsoring the foreign worker.

NOTE: Further requirements may be applicable depending on the occupation and stream. Please contact Migration Services for further assessment.

3) Visa Application
The visa applicant must be able to evidence that they hold the required skills, qualifications and experience required of the role they are nominated to fill. The applicant must be able to evidence a minimum of two years recent work experience in their occupation.

The applicant must evidence that the meet the English language requirement for their stream.
If a skills assessment is required, the applicant must have either lodged the assessment or had the assessment approved at the time the application is lodged.
It is possible to include your family members in this application. All applicants must be able to pass a health and character assessment. Adequate health insurance is required to be held for the duration of your stay.

Applicants nominated for an occupation under the short-term stream must be able to pass a Genuine Temporary Entrant test. This means that they must evidence that they are not using TSS sponsorship as a way to extend their stay in Australia.
All applicants will need to pass the health and character test.

NOTE: Further requirements may be applicable depending on the occupation and stream. Your previous Australian immigration history will need to be considered before applying for this visa. Please contact Migration Services for further assessment
Our Registered Migration Agents are happy to assist you with the preparation and lodgment of your TSS application. We will review your documents and ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements before applying.

Please contact us to book an appointment for further information and assessment of your eligibility.

VISAS

Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)

A temporary graduate visa allows international students to live, study and work in Australia after finishing their studies.

This visa is a temporary visa that lasts up to 4 years, depending on the stream and qualification achieved. You can include your family members in your application.

General eligibility requirements for this visa include:
• Under 50 years of age
• Completed your studies within the past 06 months (may be 12 months if you are offshore during the COVID concession period)
• Have not applied for a 485 visa before as the primary applicant
• Have achieved the required English score
• Have studied for 92+ weeks in Australia, in a minimum of 16 calendar months

There are 2 different streams of the temporary graduate visa. The stream applied for will depend on your level of qualification and your previous study experience in Australia.

This information sheet is not conclusive and is designed to provide a basic overview of the visa subclass only. Please contact your migration agent for an assessment of your eligibility and for further assistance.

There are two streams of this visa. It is important that you apply for the correct stream, depending on your circumstances.

1. Graduate Work Stream- 18 months
This is for international studies who have graduated from a degree, diploma or trade qualification in Australia. This visa lets you live, study and work in Australia temporarily. It allows you to stay in Australia for up to 18 months after grant. You can include immediate family in your application.

In addition to the general eligibility requirements, you must have completed a course of study related to an occupation on the Medium and Long Term Strategic Skills List and have a skills assessment in that occupation.

2. Post Study Work Stream- 2-4 years
This stream is for international students who have recently graduated with a degree from an Australian institution. This visa lets you live, work and study in Australia temporarily. It allows you to stay in Australia between 2 and 4 years, depending on your qualification. You can include immediate family in your application.

You may be eligible for a second 485 Post Study Work visa if you:
• Completed studies in a regional area of Australia
• Remained in a regional area of Australia after graduation

If you held a student visa prior to 05 November 2011, you are not eligible for this stream and must go through the Graduate Work Stream.
This visa provides you with the opportunity to gain valuable Australian work experience in your industry that can assist you to find work when you return overseas, or help you to meet the requirements for a further skilled visa in Australia.

If you have an occupation on the department skills shortage list, you may qualify for a future Australian work visa. Two years of full-time work experience in your occupation permits you to apply for employer sponsorship, if you have an employer willing to sponsor you.

You may also use this visa to meet the work experience requirements to pass a skills assessment for a visa under the General Skilled Migration program. Australian work experience in your occupation also provides you with additional points for the General Skilled Migration program.
Our Registered Migration Agents are happy to assist you with the preparation and lodgment of your 485 application. We will review your documents and ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements before applying.

Please contact us to book an appointment for further information and assessment of your eligibility.

VISAS

Training Visa – Subclass 407

This visa is offered to applicants who which to engage in workplace training at an Australian business or organisation. There must be a workplace training plan in place. If you do not have a training plan in place, we can refer to an agency to develop a plan compliant with immigration requirements.

It is not for those who wish to work or study in Australia. There are separate subclasses that are for those who wish to work or study in Australia.

This visa is a temporary visa with a maximum of two years validity. There are three separate applications related to this visa subclass:
1) Sponsorship – The proposed business or organisation must become an approved sponsor.
2) Nomination – the proposed business or organisation must nominate the visa applicant to engage with their organisation.
3) Visa – the applicant must make a valid visa application in association with the sponsorship and nomination applications.

It is possible to lodge the sponsorship, nomination and visa applications at the same time; however, one cannot be granted before the other.

These steps are outlined below.

The sponsoring business or organisation must have an approved sponsorship in place for the nomination and visa to be approved. This is called a ‘Temporary Activities Sponsorship’. A business or organisation must become an approved sponsor to nominate potential visa applications.

This sponsorship remains valid for up to five years.

Documents required for the sponsorship vary according to the business specifics of each proposed sponsor. Migration Services will tailor the document checklist to each proposed sponsor’s unique needs.

Immigration Fees $420
Once the sponsorship has been lodged, the nomination application may be lodged. An approved sponsorship must be in place for the nomination to be approved. An approved nomination is required for grant of the visa.

A separate nomination must be lodged for each visa application.

Each nomination must evidence that the applicant will be receiving the salary equivalent of an Australian employee in the same position. If there will be no remuneration, both the applicant and sponsor must sign specific statements identifying that no remuneration will be received. Please note that the applicant must evidence sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay in Australia. Most employers pay their trainees a salary.

Evidence must be provided that the visa applicant will be engaging in a specific work-based training program. A training plan must be in place.

There are three different nomination streams for the Subclass 407 Training Visa.

Nomination Streams:

Note – The workplace based training must be for at least 30 hours a week. Not more than 30percent of this can be classroom based.

1) Workplace-based training required for registration
For applicants who require training to meet registration requirements in either Australia or overseas.

This training must be supported by the relevant registration authority.

2) Structured workplace-based training to enhance skills in an eligible occupation.
For applicants who wish to improve their skills in a specific occupation. This occupation must be on a list of occupations approved by the Department of Home Affairs.

To be eligible, the applicant must have recent employment or study experience equivalent to 1 year full time in the past 2 years.

3) Training which promotes capacity building overseas
For applications who skills learnt skills in Australia will enhance their current or future employer overseas; or who’s training promotes international capacity building. There are three sub-streams under this nomination stream.

• Overseas Qualification – the training in Australia is required as a part of their course of study overseas. E.g., internship, practical experience, research, observation
• Government Support – Training is either supported by government agency in Australia or applicant’s home country. E.g. humanitarian, political, financial, environmental, etc.
• Professional Development – Training enhances skills and expertise of the applicant and the employing business or organisation.

Training Plan Requirements
A training plan for the Subclass 407 Training Visa should include at a minimum:
• Outline of objectives and work activities involved.
• Curriculum details and training tasks to be completed in the program
• Location of the training activities with details of all components
• Details of the draining duration and timeframes for each task
• Details of all supervisors, trainers and assessors. This should include their qualifications and experience.
• Learning outcomes and how they will be monitored and assessed.
• 30 hours a week of training with at least 70 percent completed in the workplace.

The tasks involved in the training program should increase in difficulty and complexity. It should show the visa applicant’s progression to a higher skill level.

Documents required for the nomination vary according to proposed training activity. Migration Servicers will tailor the document checklist to the nomination’s unique needs.

Immigration Fees $170
The applicant must evidence functional English. In each case, the applicant must have the appropriate qualifications and career history. It is possible to include family members in the application, though they must also meet certain criteria.

The visa application may be lodged after the nomination has been lodged. It can only be approved with an approved sponsorship and nomination.

The applicant must meet health and character requirements.

Immigration Fees from $285
Our migration agents are available to assist you with this visa subclass. Note that a training plan that meets immigration requirements must be in place. If your company does not have a training plan, please notify your migration agent for referral.

MIGRATION PATHWAY

Migration Pathway

A Migration Pathway is a written plan with steps you can take to meet eligibility requirements to obtain permanent residency in Australia. You will find the pathway beneficial in your course selection and the location of your studies.

Your Migration Pathway will be designed in alignment with your academic history and your future career goals. It will include research on the various occupations available for permanent residency, locations to live and courses that may offer a pathway.

Many permanent visas require skills assessments to be completed in order to meet eligibility requirements. The Migration Pathway also includes information on meeting the skills assessment requirements for your nominated occupation.

If state nomination is required of an occupation, eligibility requirements for your preferred state will also be detailed.

MIGRATION PATHWAY

Skill Assessments

A skills assessment is an assessment of your qualifications and work experience in your nominated occupation to ascertain if you meet the Australian industry standards.

Each occupation has a different designated skills assessing body that will conduct the assessment. Examinations are not required of most occupations, though some require a practical demonstration.

You may be required to evidence employment experience in your occupation in order to obtain a positive skills assessment.

OTHER VISA

Other Visa

Our Registered Migration Agents provide strategic advice for all other visa subclasses. You can meet your agent in person and obtain professional assistance.

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