Australian Visas
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Australian Skilled Migration
General Skilled Migration (GSM) is the term used when referring to individuals migrating
to Australia based on their occupation skills. This category of Australian Visas
includes the subclass 175, often the favoured route of entry into Australia. It
is not the only option for skilled workers but it is the most desirable due to the
independence and opportunity for permanent residence.
Australian Spousal and De-facto Partner Visas
Emigration to Australia based on a relationship to an Australian citizen, Australian
permanent resident or Eligible New Zealand Citizen is possible provided the visa
applicant can satisfy the requirements of the relevant visa class, as set down by
the Australian Government. In order to apply for the De facto spouse Visa you will
need to prove that you have been in a relationship and living together for at least
12 months, and be able to provide evidence of this. You will need documents such
as Joint tenancy or mortgage agreements, utility bills addressed to you both or
individually at the same address, Joint Bank account statements are preferred, and
any other correspondence addressed to you both at the same address.
Australian Family Visas
The Australian government recognises the importance of keeping families together.
There are a variety of visa categories and classes including Parent visas available
to family members of Australian citizens and permanent residents.
Australian Business Visas
The Australian Migration Program makes it possible for owners of businesses, senior
executives and investors to enter Australia via various classes of Business Visas.
Business migrants may choose to start their own business or purchase an established
business.
Australian Employer Sponsored Visa
The current 457 Employer Sponsor Visa is suited to applicants looking to enter Australia
having secured an offer of employment. This sponsoring employer will be required
to be nominated as an eligible sponsor of Migrant employees through DIAC (Department
of Immigration and Citizenship) accreditation. This visa is a sub-class of the General
Skilled Migration (GSM) category and is designed to enable Migrant Employees to
enter Australia in a shorter time period in comparison to other sub-class visas.
This is a temporary rather than permanent visa.
Australian Working Holiday Visa
This visa allows the holder to work and travel in Australia for 12 months. A further
12 month visa may be applied for from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship,
provided the visa holder has spent at least 3 months working in “seasonal” employment.
Seasonal work is most commonly agricultural in nature, which may include fruit picking.
The holder may not work for more than 12 months in total and never for more than
6 months for any one employer. Note, South Africa is not a participating country
and as such only South African citizens who hold an alternative or additional passport
of a eligible country may apply.
Australian Resident Return Visa
Applications should be made for a Resident Return visa if the permitted period of
travel on your permanent visa has lapsed or is about to expire. The visa will permit
you to leave and enter Australia as required, whilst retaining your permanent status.
If you do not meet the requirements of the 5 year residents return visa the Australian
government will assess you against the criteria for the three month returning residents
visa instead.
Former Resident Visa (Subclass 151)
Most commonly this visa will be used by people who spent the majority of their juvenile
life in Australia as permanent residents but now reside overseas. However the visa
also covers individuals who served in the Australian Armed Forces (before 1981)
to re-settle in Australia.