Australian Visa Guide- 2nd edition

By Fozail N Sukhera and Sublime Migration Services SMS

This book is aimed at guiding readers through the complex territory of Australian visas. It will give you a head start by helping to identify the suitable options you have when applying for different Australian visas and clarify what boxes you need to tick to have your application considered with the best chance of success.

This is a combi

• Language: English
• Publisher: SMS Visa Guide
• Release date: Jan 15, 2021
• ISBN: 9780648495130

Book preview

Table of Contents

Introduction

Important Terms

Chapter 1

Overview

Chapter 2

Visitor Visas

Visitor Visa, Subclass 600

Electronic Travel Authority, Subclass 601

eVisitor Subclass 651

Chapter 3

Student Visa

Student Visa, Subclass 500

Further Visa Options after Study in Australia

Chapter 4

Skill Stream Visas

General Skilled Migration

1. Skilled Independent Visa, Subclass 189

2. Skilled Nominated Visa, Subclass 190

3. Skilled Work Regional visa, Subclass 491

Self-assessment for GSM Visas

4. Skilled Regional Visa, Subclass 489

5. Skilled Independent Visa, Subclass 189- New Zealand Citizen Stream

6. Skilled Regional Visa, Subclass 887

Business Innovation and Investment Visas

Business Innovation and Investment Visa, Subclass 188

Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) Visa, Subclass 888

Business Talent Visa, Subclass 132

Chapter 5

Work-Related Visas

Temporary Skill Shortage visa, Subclass 482

Temporary Work Visa, Subclass 457

Employer Nomination Scheme Visa, Subclass 186

Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme Visa, Subclass 187

Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa, Subclass 494

Working Holiday Visa, Subclass 417

Work and Holiday Visa, Subclass 462

Temporary Activity Visa, Subclass 408

Chapter 6

Family Visas : Part 1

1. Partner Visa

2. Prospective Marriage Visa, Subclass 300

3. Child Visas

Child Visa, Subclass 101

Child Visa, Subclass 802

Adoption Visa, Subclass 102

Orphan Relative Visas, Subclasses 117 and 837

Required Documents

Dependent Child Visa, Subclass 445

Family Visas: Part 2

Parent Visas

1. Parent Visa, Subclass 103

2. Aged Parent (Permanent) Visa, Subclass 804

3. Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa, Subclass 173

4. Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) Visa, Subclass 884

5. Contributory Parent Visa, Subclass 143

6. Contributory Aged Parent (Permanent) Visa, Subclass 864

Chapter 7

Refugee, Protection, and Humanitarian Visas

Protection Visa, Subclass 866

Refugee and Humanitarian Visas

Refugee Visa, Subclass 200

In-country Special Humanitarian Visa, Subclass 201

Global Special Humanitarian Visa, Subclass 202

Emergency Rescue Visa, Subclass 203

Woman at Risk Visa, Subclass 204

Territorial Asylum Visa, Subclass 800

Temporary Protection and Humanitarian Visas

Temporary Protection Visa, Subclass 785

Safe Haven Enterprise Visa (Temporary), Subclass 790

Humanitarian Stay (Temporary) Visa, Subclass 449

Humanitarian Concern (Temporary) Visa, Subclass 786

Chapter 8

Latest Changes

Final Words

Appendices

APPENDIX I

APPENDIX II

APPENDIX III

MEDIUM AND LONG TERM STRATEGIC SKILLS LIST (MLTSSL)

APPENDIX IV

APPENDIX V

APPENDIX VI

APPENDIX VII

APPENDIX VIII

Appendix IX

Appendix X

Introduction

G’day!

By choosing to read this book you seem to be in a decision making phase where I was 20 years ago. Back then, I knew that in order to achieve the future I had set my heart on, I had to find a safe and thriving country to call home; one that had all the diverse cultural experiences, educational and employment opportunities, and a comfortable attitude towards life we were looking for; somewhere for me and my family to settle down. My search lead me and my family to Australia - our home country now.

By planning carefully, you may soon be one of over 8 million people globally who are granted visa to travel to Australia every year. This number is not surprising when you weigh up advantages of ‘The Lucky Country’. With an area of over 7.74 million square kilometres and a population of around 26 million, Australians enjoy one of the highest living standards in the world. The country is blessed with vast natural resources including coal, iron ore, petroleum, natural gas, gold, uranium and zinc. The national wealth is well-distributed resulting in comfortable living for the majority of Australians, who also have the opportunity to enjoy the Australian natural beauty such as pristine beaches, beautiful national parks, rainforests, the outback, the Great Barrier Reef and so much more.

Australian cities are often ranked in top 10 most liveable cities in the world and are modern yet not overdeveloped, with many multinational organisations headquartered in state capitals. Australia is also one of the top 20 safest countries on the planet as reflected in various surveys. As an experienced and successful Migration Consultant specialising in helping clients from around the world, it is not surprising to be frequently asked How can I get what you have? How can I be one of the lucky few who get to move to Australia and call it home?

The people who ask this question are often confused and overwhelmed by the complex visa process and system in place to regulate movement of people across Australian borders into the ‘Lucky Country’. The Australian government encourages immigration to add to the country’s existing talent pool in order to build a strong labour market and ensure the country’s future development, while simultaneously protecting the rights and lifestyle of the existing citizens. The department takes what they call an intelligence led risk-based approach to manage Australian borders. The government have devised a formal and dense set of requirements for those seeking to come to Australia. That’s where someone with my expertise can help dilute the confusion in the world of visas.

I have now experienced the scenario from both sides. I know what it feels like from where you are sitting, and I know what is involved in getting to the other side. It is certainly worth putting in the best effort to maximise your chances of success when interacting with the Department of Home Affairs. This is what motivated me to become a registered Australian Migration Agent; the joy of knowing that another of my clients has been granted permanent residency (or other suitable visa) for this great country is beyond explanation, and is the reason I do what I do.

This book is aimed at guiding the reader through the complex territory of Australian visas. It will give you a head start by helping you to identify the suitable options you have when applying for different Australian visas and clarify what boxes you need to tick to have your application considered with the best chance of success. My objective is to make it easy for readers to work their way through the process of applying for their first Australian visa or for further visas to enter or stay in Australia.

To get the most out of this book I recommend that you should:

know the Important Terms discussed next;

read Chapter 1 and move on to the section that relates to your circumstances;

visit Department of Home Affairs’ website at www.homeaffairs.gov.auto get the most up-to-date information. This is important because visa requirements change regularly;

seek professional help from a registered migration agent where possible; and

visit our website www.sms-visaguide.comfor the latest updates regarding this book.

Registered migration agents in Australia are licensed professionals, equipped with the necessary knowledge to guide you through each visa requirement. They are bound by a strict code of conduct. You’ll find more information about the services provided by registered migration agents at the Australian Government website www.mara.gov.au. I seriously recommend that you only take advice from a qualified and registered professional.

The resources used in preparation of this guide include Department of Home Affairs’ website www.homeaffairs.gov.au; current Australian migration legislation, Department of Social Services’ website www.dss.gov.au, and extensive experience of handling applications and dealing with the department for Australian visas.

Fozail Sukhera (MARN 0640477, Co-Author)

Important Terms

Additional (visa) applicant charge:

This is additional part of the first instalment of the visa application charge (fee), paid by applicants who are combining their application with the main applicant, if the visa they are applying for permits multiple applicants.

ANZSCO:

Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations

Applicant:

The person applying for the visa. It normally means main visa applicant in this guide unless specified otherwise.

Austrade:

Austrade is the Australian Government's Trade and Investment Commission. This department has its role in initiating some investment–based visas and is contactable by email at [e-mail]

Biometrics:

A collection of measurable characteristics that are unique to an individual such as fingerprints, facial structure, iris or a person's voice. Further information about this requirement is available at the department’s webpage https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/biometrics

Department:

Department of Home Affairs as meant mostly in this book.

DIBP:

Department of Immigration and Border Protection (previous name of the Department of Home Affairs).

DOHA:

Department of Home Affairs.

English language examinations:

IELTS: International English Language Testing System.

OET: Occupational English Test.

TOEFL (iBT): Test of English as a Foreign Language (Internet-Based Test).

PTE Academic: Pearson Test of English Academic.

Exclusion Periods:

Time duration when the applicants’ next visa applications are not accepted and they must not return to Australia. The following exclusion periods apply under circumstances discussed below:

In case of previous visa cancellation (PIC 4013):

Start date: The date when previous visa was cancelled.

End date: Three years after the date of cancellation.

In case of leaving Australia as unlawful non–citizen or holder of Bridging visa C, D, or E (PIC 4014):

Start date: The date when the person left Australia.

End date: Three years after the date of departure.

In case of deportation or cancellation of visa under Section 501 of the Migration Act (SRC 5001):

Start date: The date when the person was deported or the visa was cancelled.

End date: Never (permanent exclusion).

In case of removal from Australia under Sections 198, 199, or 205 of the Migration Act (SRC 5002):

Start date: The date when the person was removed.

End date: 12 months after the date of removal.

In case of students leaving their course of study (SRC 5010):

Start date: The date when the person ceased the course of study or training.

End date: Two years after the person ceased the course.

Note: Application of exclusion periods depend on type of new visa application being lodged. The exclusion periods can also be waived under certain circumstances. Professional advice should be sought in this regard.

Hong Kong:

Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China. Australia’s official policy on recognition of Hong Kong is available at the web-page https://www.dfat.gov.au/geo/hong-kong/Pages/hong-kong-brief.

ImmiAccount:

This is the front door facility to the department’ online services. ImmiAccount is needed for all online visa and citizenship applications except for Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), which is discussed in Chapter 2. A full list of possible online applications is displayed within ImmiAccount. Despite being a necessity, ImmiAccount is also a great way to keep track of visa applications. ​​ Further details about this service and information on how to create ImmiAccount are available on the webpage

http://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/about/corporate/information/faqs/Immi-FAQs/what-is-immiaccount

Locations of Australian Immigration Offices:

The list of immigration offices is available on the department’s webpage

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/contact-us/offices-and-locations

MLTSSL:

Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List. This is a list of occupations for Skills based and Employment based visas.

Non-internet application charge:

This is the additional fee for certain visa applications made by a method other than as internet applications.

Panel physicians:

A panel physician is a doctor or a radiologist who has been approved by the Australian Government to perform medical examinations on visa applicants. The list of panel physicians is available on the department’s webpage 

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/health/arrange-your-health-examinations

Partner:

Someone who is related to another person through a genuine and mutually exclusive relationship by marriage or by a de-facto relationship.

SAF:

Skilling Australian Fund Levy. This is a compulsory monetary contribution applicable to Subclass 482, Subclass 186, and Subclass 187 visas.

SkillSelect:

This is an online tool used by the department to receive expressions of interest for skilled and business migration visas. Further details are available on the department’s webpage

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skillselect

STSOL :

Short-term Skilled Occupation List. This is a list of occupations used for shorter term skills based and employment based visas.

Subsequent temporary application charge:

This additional fee is charged from visa applicants who lodge a series of specified temporary visa applications while they are in Australia. Further explanation is available on the department’s webpage

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/fees-and-charges/explanation-of-visa-application-charges/subsequent-temporary-application-charge

Substantive Visa:

Any Australian visa other than a bridging visa, a criminal justice visa or an enforcement visa.

Taiwan:

Republic of China (ROC). Australia’s official policy on recognition of Taiwan is available at the web-page

https://www.dfat.gov.au/geo/taiwan/Pages/australia-taiwan-relationship

Unlawful Non-Citizen:

A person who entered Australia illegally, or whose (Australian) visa has been cancelled, or