Australia Guide: Visas & Permits

Which documents do you need when going to Australia? What are the regulations on visas and residence permits? Our legal guide will help you understand the paperwork you need to complete before moving to Australia.

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  Introduction

  Who needs a visa to come to Australia?

  The information in this chapter is intended as a guide only and the rules and regulations concerning visas change frequently, as well as sometimes being ambiguous, confusing and vague.

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  Applications

  How to apply for an Australian visa

  It’s important to obtain and complete the correct form, pay the correct fee and satisfy other requirements such as being inside or outside Australia, as required.

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  Visitors Visa

  Requirements and application procedure

  A visitor’s visa is normally valid for three months, but people on business visits or undergoing medical treatment and the retired parents of an Australian citizen can obtain a visitor’s visa valid for 12 months.

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  Student Visa

  Requirements for a student visa

  Foreign students require a student visa (costing $410), which is issued after acceptance on a course and payment of at least half the first year’s annual fees.

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  Temporary residence visa

  General requirements and sponsorship

  If you’re planning to live or work in Australia for between three months and four years, you must obtain a temporary residence visa.

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  Working Holiday visa

  Who’s eligible?

  The working holiday visa is the largest visa category for temporary residents and accounts for around 45 per cent of the total.

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  Investor retirement visa

  Requirements for foreigners retiring in Australia

  The investor retirement visa (formerly the retirement visa) offers a way for retired people with significant assets to live and invest their money in Australia.

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  Migrants

  Requirements, application procedure & Family migration

  Applying for a visa as a migrant (i.e. for permanent residence) is confusing, difficult, expensive and time consuming, and this has spawned a wealth of migration consultants and keeps thousands of civil servants in ‘employment’.

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  Skilled Migration

  The Skilled Migration and Business Skills programmes

  The skilled migration category applies to people who are highly skilled, under 45 years of age, have a high level of English-language ability and can quickly make a contribution to the Australian economy.

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  Citizenship

  How to become Australian

  Immigrants are eligible for Australian citizenship after just two years’ residence in the previous five years, but this must include a total of 12 months in the two years immediately before making a citizenship application, which costs $120.

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