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Frequently asked questions
What does a registered migration agent do?
A Registered Migration Agent can:
- Study your individual background and circumstances against the criteria for the visa you are seeking
- Provide an assessment and recommendations of your chances for the success of your visa application based on the findings of that study
- Lodge an application with the Australian Immigration Department for the visa that you may be seeking on your behalf
- Ensure that the application is accompanied by the proper evidence to substantiate your submission
- Follow up your application while it is being processed
- Advise you of additional documents or assessments required by the Immigration Department of Australia to further process your application, should this be necessary
- Tell you about the outcome of your application
- A registered migration agent can also file a submission
to the Migration Review Tribunal and represent you there.*
This might be an option if your application is refused.
*Please note that we will only take up your case, if our initial assessment indicates that there is a chance of success after taking into account the current migration and visa legislation of Australia. The initial assessment with us is free of charge.
What guarantees do I have that there is a successful outcome?
No registered Migration Agent can guarantee the successful outcome of a visa application, even a strong one, as the decision on whether to grant the visa or not is entirely up to the Australian Immigration Department (DIMIA). We do however strictly follow the Code of Conduct and we will give you a frank assessment of your chances of success, before we agree to compile or lodge an application on your behalf. We do not act on your behalf, if there is not a reasonable chance of success, even if you wish us to proceed anyway. Please talk to us upfront about our no visa-no charge arrangements, that we may extend to you at our discretion.
If I obtain a visa for Australia, how fast do I have to get there?
Most temporary and permanent visas allow 12 month to arrive in Australia after the visa has been given.
Why should I make use of the services of the Australian visa and Immigration Network?
The Australian migration act and regulations consist of hundreds of pages that relate to around 140 different visas. In addition to this are there changes to the legislation and policy several times a year. These facts combined make the Australian visa and migration system complex and often confusing for visa applicants. A registered migration agent from the Australian Visa and Immigration Network has got proven knowledge and qualifications in the area of migration law and policy. A registered migration agent can select an appropriate visa according to your individual circumstances and then lodge and follow up the application during often months of processing by the immigration department, to ensure the best possible chance of success.
Can I apply for a visa myself?
Yes, anybody can apply for any Australian visa on his/her own accord. While this can be a simple process with certain types of temporary visas, such as tourist or visitor visas, we recommend the use of a registered migration agent for more complex visas such as employer sponsored work or occupational trainee visas and all permanent visas.
How much does it cost?
The total cost of a visa application consists of a number of factors. These could include the government cost of the visa application itself, medical tests, English tests, certified documents and translations and postage. Generally, the costs for temporary visas are lower than permanent visas. Our activities range from advising you in writing on your best pathway over obtaining a visa to compiling and lodging your visa and follow up and communication with the Immigration Department on your behalf. No matter which service you choose, before you agree to anything we will always let you know in writing what exactly we are going to do and how much it is exactly going to cost.
Can I ask the Australian Government Department which administers visas and Immigration to prepare my application, or the Australian Embassy in my country?
The Australian government agency responsible for visa and immigration matters which also has overseas operations and is referred to as DIMIA, does provide advice. Australia was, is, and as per government policy continues to be a country open to immigration to meet a number of goals. It has to be said though, that migration law is complex, fast changing and strict. Dimia will not assist you in compiling your application, and does not take regard of your individual circumstances to further your application, but only decides an application by the evidence on hand.
What are the registration requirements for a registered
migration agent?
Part of the registration of a registered migration Agent
is to:
- prove good character
- comply with the Code of Conduct
- prove knowledge and aptitude in migration law
- re-register every year
- Take part in continuous professional development (cpd)
The registration of Registered Migration Agents is conducted by the Migration Agents Registration Authority of Australia, a statutory body under the Australian Migration Act.
Can I leave Australia to visit my family after I have arrived?
With most visas you can. Australian Visa legislation is complex and detailed, though, so bear in mind that an inclusive statement can only be given after looking at a temporary or permanent visa in more detail. For example, the Department of Immigration might attach conditions to some visas when granted at its discretion and under the migration act.
What does “sponsorship” mean?
Sponsorship is an undertaking by an Australian Permanent Resident or Australian Citizen to Dimia in relation to an applicant for an Australian visa. The sponsor agrees to certain commitments in relation to an applicant for a visa, such as for example providing accommodation to the applicant or giving financial assistance after arrival once the visa has been granted. There are different levels of commitments that a sponsor has to make for different visas. A sponsor can be a relative or an employer in Australia, for example.
What is the difference between temporary and permanent visas?
In principle temporary visas allow you to stay and often work for a limited period of time. Permanent visas allow you to stay and work in Australia for good and may lead to citizenship, if you so wish.
How well do I have to speak English to get a temporary or permanent visa in Australia?
A proof of your ability to speak English well is required only for certain skilled, employer sponsored or business permanent visas. If you have not studied at an Institution where all classes where held in English, or you are not a native English speaker, you may have to do an IELTS Test in your home country or in Australia. If family members aged 18 years or older are included in your application for a skilled or business migration visa who do not have a certain level of English ability, Dimia will ask for an English Education charge to pay for English classes after their arrival in Australia.
How long does it take until the visa application is decided? The time it takes for processing your visa depends largely on the type of visa sought. Generally, it takes a minimum of half a year to decide a permanent visa application. A complete, well compiled and founded application will be processed quicker. You may contact us to find out about current and specific visa processing times by the Immigration Department.
Do I need work experience to come to Australia?
If you want to obtain a visa on the basis of your skill you must prove to DIMIA that you have those skills. Part of this process can be to provide evidence of work experience for certain visas. However, there are many different visa classes and subclasses with complex and involved regulations. The definite answer to this question can only be given once we have found out which visa we should apply for on your behalf.
What does skills assessment mean?
For permanent skilled visas, you must first have your skills assessed to prove to DIMIA that your skills are acceptable for migration purposes.
What is a “Business Skills” Visa?
Business skills visas are appropriate for successful business people who want to come to Australia and open a business.
Can I bring my family to Australia?
With many visas you can. You could include family members in your application, especially with permanent visas although not with all. With some visas, each family member has to apply separately.
How much money do I need to get a visa for Australia?
With most visas, you do not have to bring money into Australia except for your personal use. So the only cost would be the one in obtaining the visa itself, as outlined in “How much does it cost”. There are however some visas, where you have to invest money in Australia after arrival.
Is it difficult to get a good job in Australia?
Your possibilities in finding employment depends on a number of factors such as your profession, your experience, work history, level of English and the economic conditions in Australia.
At present, Australia enjoys a period of continued economic growth and a very low unemployment rate, with shortages of skilled and even unskilled workers in many areas.
Can I open a business in Australia?
All permanent visa holders and Australian citizens can open a business in Australia in accordance with the law.
Where can I find more information about visas, moving to Australia, possibilities for employment, wages, health insurance, housing etc?
Please feel free to contact us with your questions. The Australian Visa and Immigration Network can assist you in many ways and we will either provide the information ourselves or direct you to the proper government source or corporate Australia to get your questions answered!
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