Australia is widely recognized for its awe-inspiring landscapes, diverse population, and exceptional quality of life, making it an ideal destination for hopeful immigrants. However, the immigration process can be complicated, requiring prospective migrants to familiarize themselves with the various paths available. If you are a foreign national who is considering relocating to Australia, there are numerous options available for your consideration.
Skilled Migration: A coveted means of immigrating to Australia, skilled migration necessitates a particular set of skills that are in high demand within the country. As an aspiring applicant for a skilled visa, you will be evaluated based on various metrics such as your age, work experience, education, and language proficiency. A skills assessment examination, overseen by a designated authority in Australia, is mandatory for qualification.
The Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) offers a unique opportunity for skilled labor to obtain permanent residency in Australia, while simultaneously seeking employment. What distinguishes this visa is its exceptionality in not mandating a job offer prior to the application process. Moreover, the visa allows its holders the freedom to work and live in any region of Australia.
The Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) is available only through nomination by a state or territory government agency, and exclusively towards skilled labor. Notably, this visa requires a job offer, with eligibility limited to those possessing an offer only in a regional area.
Business Migration
If you own or manage a successful business, you may be eligible for a business visa. Business Innovation and Investment (subclass 188) visa: This visa is for people who want to own and manage a new or existing business in Australia or invest in an Australian business. The visa has 5 streams:
- Business Talent Investor
- Temporary Activity
- Retirement Investor
- Partner
- Parent.
Each stream has its own specific requirements and eligibility criteria.
Business Talent (subclass 132) Visa: This type of visa is for high- caliber business owners or investors with a genuine and realistic commitment to actually invest in Australia. Nomination by the state or territory government agencies validates the eligibility for the visa or Austrade on behalf of the Australian government.
Temporary Activity (subclass 408) Visa: This visa allows you to participate in a specific event or activity in Australia, such as an official government visit, a business conference or negotiation, or an entertainment production. You must be invited or sponsored by an Australian organization to apply for this visa.
Investor Retirement (subclass 405) Visa: This visa is for retired business people who are aged 55 years or older, have no dependents other than a spouse, and want to spend their retirement years in Australia. To be eligible for this visa, you must have a significant net worth, have made a designated investment in Australia, and meet other health and character requirements.
Family Migration
If you have family members who are Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens, you may be eligible for a family visa. The most common family visas are the Partner visa (subclass 820/801) and the Parent visa (subclass 103).
The Partner visa (subclass 820/801) This is strictly for people who are married to or in a relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. This type of visa allows you to live, work and earn in Australia with your partner.
The Parent visa (subclass 103) is for parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. This type of visa allows you to live, work and earn in Australia permanently.
Student Visa
Applying for study visa is the only way to student in Australia as a international student. This visa allows you to study in Australia for a specified period, and you can work part-time while studying. To be eligible for a student visa, you will need to be accepted into a registered course of study in Australia and meet the English language requirements. You will also need to show proof of funds to support yourself while you study in Australia.
The Working Holiday Visa presents an attainable route for those between the ages of 18 and 30 who possess an inclination to discover and labor in Australia for a period spanning from one to twelve months. Fulfilling the requirements of this Visa necessitates the possession of a valid passport from an eligible nation, showcasing competence in the English language, and demonstrating one's capability to maintain financial stability throughout their stay in Australia.
Humanitarian Or Refugee Visa
Subclass 200 Refugee Visa: The Subclass 200 Refugee Visa is designed to cater to those displaced individuals who are currently residing outside their homeland and are actively seeking refuge in another country. Eligibility for this visa is granted on the basis of meeting the refugee classification, as specified under the United Nations Refugee Convention. To reinforce the application, it is imperative to furnish trustworthy documentation that substantiates your refugee status, as well as undergo extensive medical evaluations and present a police clearance certificate.
The In-Country Special Humanitarian Visa (Subclass 201) caters to individuals who currently reside in their homelands and are experiencing severe forms of discrimination or violations of their fundamental human rights. This visa necessitates the sponsorship of either an Australian citizen or a permanent resident who shall serve as the applicant's representative. The sponsor must provide unequivocal documentary proof that substantiates the alleged mistreatment or abuse suffered by the applicant.
The Global Special Humanitarian Visa (Subclass 202) presents a practical solution for individuals facing severe oppression or human rights violations in their country of origin. To qualify for this visa, an eligible Australian citizen, permanent resident, or qualifying New Zealand citizen must sponsor the applicant and provide compelling proof of the discrimination or abuse at hand.
Protection Visa (Subclass 866): This particular visa pertains to those individuals who are currently located within the bounds of Australia and are seeking protection as refugees. As a prerequisite for this visa, it is crucial that you satisfy the criteria for the classification of being a refugee, in accordance with the United Nations Refugee Convention. To support your claim, the provision of substantial evidence of your refugee status, such as corroborative documentation, is required. Moreover, a health assessment and an authenticated police clearance certificate must be submitted.
The Safe Haven Enterprise Visa (Subclass 790) is intended for those who have entered Australia with a valid visa and are pursuing protection as asylum seekers. Meeting the definition of a refugee as outlined by the United Nations Refugee Convention is a prerequisite for eligibility for this visa. Supporting documentation acknowledging your refugee status must be provided alongside your application. In addition, a commitment to dwell and labour in a selected regional location for a predetermined period is also necessary.
The Subclass 785 Temporary Protection Visa serves as a means of offering aid to individuals who are presently residing in Australia and seeking refuge but are unable to meet the necessary requirements for a permanent protection visa. To acquire this visa, hopeful applicants must meet the refugee definition set forth by the United Nations Refugee Convention and provide adequate evidence to support their claims. Moreover, the presentation of official documentation to corroborate their assertions is deemed necessary. Although the visa has a maximum validity of three years, an extension beyond its expiration date is possible.
The Provisional Humanitarian Concern Visa (Subclass 786) caters to individuals residing in Australia who encounter severe discrimination or human rights violations but unfortunately fail to meet the requisites of a permanent humanitarian visa. Eligibility for this visa is only possible with an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen as the proposer. An application submitted by the proposer, accompanied by compelling evidence to substantiate the claim of discrimination or abuse, is mandatory to initiate the process.