IMMIGRATION AND VISAS

Australians like to call home 'the lucky country' and with a great many good reasons - a population of less than 20 million enjoys an outdoor lifestyle on the biggest island in the world with over 50000 kilometres of beach coastline and the potential is enormous as Australia grows in economic status.

Australia has a vast number of different visa classes. Australia’s current migration program allows in excess of 120,000 people into Australia each year. But many more than that apply for the right. It is very important that you determine which visa option is best for you – see Eligibility Assessment.



SKILLED MIGRATION

This is one of the largest and most important parts of Australia’s Migration Program. Australia has an almost unmatched lifestyle with a strong economy and employment opportunities. This combination means that the demand for places in Australia far outstrips supply. Australia needs skills but is very particular about who they want.

Applicants must be under 45 years and meet the pass mark score on the points tested applications. Depending on which visa class you apply for the passmarks vary from 100 to 120pts. Some of the factors you will be assessed under are:

  1. Age
  2. Qualifications/ Skills
  3. English language ability
  4. Work Experience
  5. Family sponsorship
  6. State or territory sponsorship
  7. Spouse skills

It is not a simple matter of plugging in your information into a points calculator to work out your score. We need to conduct a thorough assessment of your case to be able to properly advise you of your options. If you would like to know more please complete our Eligibility Assessment Form (.doc) or complete ourquick assessment form online. One of our consultants will come back to you with your assessment results and explain the best way to proceed.

BUSINESS MIGRATION

Business Migration is an increasingly important part of Australia’s plans. This is because business migrants bring not only skills and funds to Australia , but also create employment and business activity within the economy. In many cases the process is a 2 step one to permanent residence. You need to go into business in Australia before you will be eligible for permanent residence. There are 4 main categories you can apply for under business migration.

  1. Business Talent
  2. Business Owner
  3. Investor
  4. Senior Executive

The States and Territories in Australia are heavily involved in attracting business migrants. In fact they view themselves as in competition for you; such is the benefit they see a business migrant will bring to their state. As a result the States and Territories offer Sponsorship to certain migrants. This makes it easier as you then have to meet lower criteria.

As part of our service when we start preparing your application you will gain access to:

  • Business plan preparation
  • Referrals to Accountants, Lawyers, Financial Advisers, Bankers & Government Agencies
  • Support and advice once you arrive in Australia and assistance with your permanent residence application

FAMILY MIGRATION

The bringing together of families is an important component of Australia’s overall immigration program. If you have a family member in Australia that is already a permanent resident or citizen you may be eligible to make an application. The main visa categories are:

  1. Spouse/ Partner/ Prospective Spouse
  2. Parent Visas
  3. Last Remaining Relative

This area of migration involves a more detailed look at your circumstances. Please contact one of our consultants to discuss your case in more detail.

Spouse/ Partner – If you are married to or in a de facto or same sex relationship with an Australian permanent resident or citizen you could be eligible. For a de facto or same sex relationship, usually you need to establish that you have been living together in a genuine & exclusive relationship for a minimum of 12 months. In many cases you will initially be granted a 30month temporary residence visa. Then after 2 years of living in Australia, if the relationship is still ongoing you will be granted permanent residence. You will be able to work and have access to the government funded health system – Medicare.

Prospective Spouse - If you are intending to marry an Australian citizen or permanent resident in Australia then the prospective spouse visa could be the right option for you. This is also known as the "Fiance" Visa. Under this visa you are granted a 9 month temporary residence in which to travel to Australia and get married. Then once married you apply for a spouse visa from within Australia. Our Sydney office can assist you with this second spouse application.

Parent Visas - To be eligible for a parent visa your parent needs to have their "balance of family" in Australia. This means an equal or greater number of children in Australia as outside or a greater number of children in Australia than in any other one country. The age of your parent can also influence the type of application they could be eligible for. Your parent or parents will also have to be of good health & character - which I am sure they are.

There are currently a number of options for a Parent Visa application.

Last Remaining Relative – This is defined in the Australian Immigration Regulations. If you are married or in a long term relationship your partner’s relatives could make you ineligible for this visa. It is important to ensure that all issues are properly checked before beginning this type of application.

EMPLOYER SPONSORED MIGRATION FOR PERMANENT RESIDENCE

The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) allows Australian employers to recruit workers on permanent visas to fill full time skilled positions. You will need to have a confirmed job offer from an Australian employer which meets the criteria to be a sponsor. Then the criteria the applicant will need to meet are provided here in more detail.

The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) allows Australian employers based in regional Australia to recruit workers on permanent visas to fill full time skilled positions. You will need to have a confirmed job offer from an Australian employer which meets the criteria to be a sponsor. Then the criteria the applicant will need to meet are provided here in more detail.

OVERSEAS STUDENTS

Four Corners is able to assist overseas students in two ways

  1. Assistance and guidance in finding a course to study in Australia and applying for a student visa; &
  2. Once in Australia we can assist with applying for permanent residence or other longer stay temporary residence visas.

Four Corners is an Authorized Agent for Edith Cowan University in Western Australia. Please see www.ecu.edu.au.

Edith Cowan International Course Guides:

If though you have found a course to study at a different institution we can still assist you with a student visa application. There are a number of different types of student visas

  • Subclass 570 English language courses
  • Subclass 571 Schools Sector
  • Subclass 572 Vocation Education & Training Sector
  • Subclass 573 Higher Education Sector
  • Subclass 574 Postgraduate Research Sector
  • Subclass 575 Non Award Sector

The passport that you hold will determine the requirements for your visa application. It does differ from one country to another. If you would like some further information about available courses or how to go about applying for a Student Visa please contact us.

Many students that come to Australia find that they would like to be able to remain in Australia on a longer term basis once they finish studying. The course that you have studied will determine whether or not you are eligible for further stay visas. Some of the visa options that could be open to you are listed below.

  • Visa Subclass 885 Independent Skilled Migration for permanent residence
  • Visa Subclass 886 Sponsored Skilled Migration for permanent residence
  • isa subclass 485 Graduate Visa for provisional residence
  • Visa subclass 495 Skilled Independent Regional Visa for provisional residence

There are of course other options for you if you are able to secure a job offer and a sponsor in Australia once you finish studying. Please contact us and we would be happy to advise you on the best way to proceed and to ensure that you do it within the stipulated time frames once completing your course.

Eligibility Assessment Service

It is difficult to begin to plan your new life overseas unless you have a clear picture of the options available. You may be asking yourself the following questions…

  • Do I qualify to go to this country?
  • What do I have to do to immigrate ?
  • What career opportunities are available to me ?
  • Where will I find the best opportunities ?
  • What else do I have to think about ?

If you would like to find out more about your potential opportunities, we recommend you take advantage of our eligibility assessment service.

Our expert staff can carry out a detailed appraisal of your background and advise you as to your likely eligibility for the appropriate Visa.

You can download an assessment form below or, alternatively, simply contact your nearest Four Corners Office and we will forward an assessment form to you. Click here to view our assessment form. (Requires Acrobat reader 3.0 or above.) or complete our quick assessment form online.