Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need a visa to enter and remain in Australia?
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The Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs (DIMIA) issues visas to grant legal permission to visa applicants to remain in Australia either temporarily or permanently. In certain cases (usually for Business visa applicants) a visa may include permission to enter Australia on multiple visits over a given period of time.
While citizens of New Zealand or a permanent resident of Norfolk Island who meets certain requirements do not need a visa to visit Australia for a short stay, citizens of all other countries must obtain an appropriate visa prior to starting their journey to Australia. Citizens of certain countries (33 at thee time of writing this) can obtain an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) if the duration of their intended stay in Australia is less than 3 months.
It may be noted that all transit passengers who need to remain in Australia for more than 72 hours need a transit visa which is issued free of cost.
- What is a Working Holiday visa?
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The Working Holiday Maker Visa is meant for persons between the ages of 18 to 30. Australia has entered into reciprocal working holiday agreements with the Netherlands, Japan, Canada, the Republic of Korea, Malta, the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom, Germany and countries of Scandinavia (namely Denmark, Sweden and Norway).
As of now there is no provision for citizens of any other country to apply for this Working Holiday Visa. It is likely that some more countries may be added to the list of eligible countries in due course.
- How many visas can I apply for at any given time?
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There is nothing that can prevent you from lodging more than one visa application at any point of time. However, you are expected to meet the criteria, in respect of each application that is under processing by DIMIA. Also please note that applicable fee has to be paid for each application.
- What is the processing time for a visa application?
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Processing times for a visa applications depend on many factors such as the type and duration of the visa requested, country where the application has been lodge, etc. However it may be noted that DIMIA officers and delegates of the minister make all efforts to process visa applications as early as possible. Most delays occur due to poor and/or incomplete documentation submitted with the application. Some of the other main reasons for such delays are:
- Incomplete knowledge of visa requirements;
- Health and character related issues
- Local Visa Office has too much workload or do not have adequate staff
- If an interview is required
- Will I have the permission to work while in Australia?
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Your entitlement to work in Australia depends on the kind of visa you hold while in Australia. Most tourist/visitor visas do not permit the holders of these visas to work while in Australia. Some business visas offer limited working rights. However, people from some countries are issued with Working Holiday visa, subject to their meeting the required criteria.
It is recommended that you do not undertake any kind of employment, paid or unpaid, in Australia if your visa does not allow you to do so.
- What am I expected to do if my circumstances change?
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It is obligatory for you to inform DIMIA in writing of any change in the information that is given in your application form (or was submitted later while your application was still under processing). However there is no need to intimate any changes in your circumstances to DIMIA if your visa was granted in Australia or if you have arrived in Australia after the visa was granted to you.
- What are the chances of my application succeeding?
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CGS will not proceed with the processing of any clients application unless they believe there is a genuine and fair chance of a clients application being successful.
We would like to assure you that all clients and their applications, receive our best efforts and commitment. However, the outcome of each application is based on it unique factors and therefore it varies from case-to-case.
- How much will a visa application cost?
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The Department of Immigration charges has fee structure in place for permanent, temporary and other resident visas. The fee payable depends upon the category and subclass of visa you apply and is subject to change periodically. The fee payable to the Department of Immigration does not include the following:
- Skills assessment of your occupational qualifications/work experience (only if you are applying for a Permanent Resident Visa)
- Police checks
- Medical Examinations (If you stay is going to be for a period more than three months)
- English language testing (IELTS/OET) (IELTS is a must for students from non- English speaking countries and applicants for PRV who do not speak functional English)
- Translations, if required
- Certifications
- How can we help your application?
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More often it is small mistakes that lead to big problems. Working with a company experienced in dealing with such issues on a daily basis can make a substantial difference to the outcome of your visa application. A qualified migration consultant acting on your behalf will ensure a correct visa application, supported with all the required documentation is lodged with DIMIA which will minimise the risk of failure.
- How will the PRV visa be issued if my application is successful?
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The common practice is to evidence the grant of the visa by fixing a visa label in your travel document (passport). However, it is not necessary to give evidence of some visas.
- What will be my status after my Australian Permanent Resident visa is approved?
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As a holder of a Permanent Resident Visa you can live and work in Australia for an indefinite period and without any restrictions imposed on their stay. This visa will also entitle you to apply for the Australian Citizenship in due course.
This visa will also entitle you and other member of your family to free medical access to Medicare and Public education system (upto year 12).
- What is a Resident Return Visa (RRV)?
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A RRV entitles the holder to return to Australia from an overseas trip. It is issued to the holders of Permanent Residence Visas who have met the residence criteria during the five years immediately preceding their application for a RRV.
We recommend you should confirm before you leave Australia whether your current visa would allow you to return to Australia, and the time limit for returning to Australia that may apply in your case.
