Call us biased, but we can understand why lots of people want to come to Australia. Golden beaches, gorgeous outback and weather that’s often perfect. But getting, and staying, in Australia depends on whether or not you meet the rules imposed by the Australian Government. There are many questions that travellers ask to establish whether or not they can come to Australia, and how long they might be able to stay.
Here’s a list of the top 10 questions that get asked about Australian Visas and links to sites that might help you with answers.
- What are the options for Visas in Australia?
There are a variety of Visa options for coming to Australia. Some will allow you to work in Australia, others don’t. The Australian Government has a Visa Finder to allow you to search for the type of visa that suits you best. You can access it here
2. What is the process – and where do I start?
If you’re looking to travel to Australia as a visitor or holiday-maker, then you can apply here. If you’re looking to apply for a longer stay visa, it will depend on the type of visa you apply for as to the application process. For more information about visa types, click here.
3. What skills do I need for a Skilled Worker visa?
Because there is a shortage of workers in some areas in Australia, you may be eligible for a skilled visa if, among other things, you are a skilled overseas workers with the skills that are needed in Australia. If you fit into one of the categories in the current Skilled Occupations List (shown here) you may qualify for a Skilled Worker Visa.
4. How long does it take to get an Australian visa?
Times vary depending on the visa category. Actual processing times are dependent on a number of factors, such as:
- whether you have provided all necessary supporting documents when you lodge your application
- how well and how promptly you respond to any requests for additional information
- how long it takes to complete any required checks on information you have provided to support your application
- how long it takes to receive additional information required from areas outside the department particularly in relation to health character and national security
- how many places are available in the migration programme.
The Australian Department of Immigration aims to decide 75 per cent of visa applications in the timeframe specified for the relevant visa category. Click here to access the processing times for the relevant visa categories.
5. What is the criteria for applying for a defacto visa?
The Australian Department of Immigration considers a person the de facto partner of another person (whether of the same sex or a different sex) if:
- they have a mutual commitment to a shared life to the exclusion of all others
- the relationship between them is genuine and continuing
- they live together or do not live separately and apart on a permanent basis
- they are not related by family.
For an application for a permanent, Business Skills (Provisional), Student (Temporary), Partner (Provisional), Partner (Temporary), or a General Skilled Migration visa the de facto relationship must have existed for at least 12 months immediately preceding the date of application. Click here to get more information on relevant visas and the application process.
6. When can I apply for an Australian visa?
Initial visas need to be applied for from outside of Australia. Depending on type of Visa that has been granted, some further Visas can be applied for within Australia. These include Bridging Visas and 462 Visas. To get more information on what is the relevant category for your individual requirements and the application process click here.
7. What is a bridging Visa, and when can I apply for it?
A Bridging visa A (BVA) is a temporary visa. It allows you to stay in Australia after your current substantive visa ceases and while your substantive visa application is being processed. It can be granted if you lodge an application in Australia for a substantive visa while you still hold a substantive visa.
Click here to get detailed information on Bridging Visas.
8. How much can I work on a working holiday visa?
A Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417) allows you to work in Australia for up to a year. Click here to get more information on eligibility and application formalities.
9. When can I apply for Australian residency?
The Government has very specific rules for Australian residency. Access the Residence Calculator here to determine your eligibility for Australian Permanent Residency. For additional information on Australian Residency click here.
10. Can I work on a student visa?
International students in Australia on a valid student visa can work for up to 20 hours per week while school is in session, and there is no limit on the number of hours an international student can work during recognized school vacations. Click here to get additional information on work conditions for student visa holders.
Australian Immigration Law is a complicated area and we make no claim to be experts or give advice in this area. The information on this page is mean for guidance only.
If you do require assistance with Visas or Migration, or for answers to other questions about obtaining an Australian Visa, go to the Australian Government’s Visa and Immigration site or find an Australian Immigration Agent here