Immigration Lawyers and Migration Agents

Your Australian Visa Our Focus

If you are thinking about applying for a partner visa in 2024, it is helpful to understand the Australian Department of Home Affairs’ (Department) current requirements and how it assesses a partner visa application.

Partner Visa Types and Stages

You can apply for a partner visa either onshore or offshore. Partner visa applications have two stages. The first stage is a temporary partner visa and the second stage is a permanent partner visa. Partner visa applicants become eligible to apply for the permanent stage of the visa two years after the date of application for the first stage of the partner visa.

If you are an applicant inside Australia, you will need to apply for a temporary onshore partner visa (Subclass 820) followed by a permanent partner visa (Subclass 801). Applicants applying outside of Australia will need to apply for a temporary offshore partner visa (Subclass 309) followed by a permanent partner visa (Subclass 100).

Requirements for the applicant

To be eligible to apply for a Partner Visa in Australia, an applicant must be in a genuine and ongoing married or de facto relationship with an eligible Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. You must also meet all the other requirements for the visa including health, and character. This typically involves providing police clearance certificates and undergoing medical examinations, if required.

Book an appointment if you need assistance. 

Requirements for the sponsor

A sponsor for a partner visa must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. The sponsor must also meet the age, health, and character, and financial requirements. There are some limitations on sponsors, for example sponsors are barred from sponsoring more than one partner within a five-year period. For more information about these limitations, please contact us to speak to a Lawyer or Registered Migration Agent.

Requirements for the relationship

The Department needs to be satisfied that the relationship between the visa applicant and the sponsor is “genuine and continuing” therefore you will need to provide substantial proof of your married or de facto relationship. The Department considers the following four pillars in assessing whether a relationship is genuine and continuing:

1. Mutual commitment – this looks at the level of commitment between the couple and considers the duration of the relationship, length of time they have lived together, level of support they provide to each other and the couple’s future plans
2. Financial aspects of the relationship – this can include evidence of any joint ownership of property or assets (e.g. house, car, shares), joint liabilities (e.g. home loan or a rental property in both parties’) or shared finances like a joint bank account
3. Nature of the household – this can include a joint responsibility for the care and support of children, joint living arrangements and shared housework responsibilities
4. Social aspects of the relationship – this looks at whether the relationship is known and supported by the couple’s friends and family which can be shown through statements, support letter or photos. It can also include evidence of involvement in social activities together, joint travel, or joint invitations or attendance at social events

While it is important and helpful to provide evidence of all the four criteria in a partner visa application, the Department policy suggests that generally a relationship is assessed overall and takes into consideration all factors within the relationship.

Processing times

Partner visa processing times vary based on the subclass of the partner visa you are applying for and the specific circumstances of each application. Currently, onshore partner visa applications are being processed within 5 months to 3 years. Offshore partner visa applications are being processed within 11 months to 2 years. It is important to understand that these processing times may change. They are provided as a guideline only and some applications may fall outside of these processing times.

You can keep track of the Department’s processing times here. 

Costs

The costs associated with a partner visa application in Australia can vary depending on the specific subclass of visa you are applying for. Additionally, the fees are subject to change, so it's important to check the latest information on the Department website or consult with us for the most accurate details.

Below is a breakdown of some of the costs you may need to consider:

1. Visa Application Charge (VAC): this is the main fee charged by the Department for processing your visa application. Currently, the VAC for an onshore and offshore partner visa is $8,850. This fee is for the main applicant only and excludes any additional or secondary applicants. If there are any secondary applicants for example, any eligible children then the Department charges an additional $4,430 for each additional application aged 18 and over and $2,215 for each additional applicant aged under 18.
2. Biometrics: If biometrics (such as fingerprints and a photograph) are required as part of the application process, there may be additional costs associated with this. The cost for biometrics varies depending on the location where they are collected.
3. Health Checks: You and your partner may need to undergo medical examinations as part of the visa application process. The cost of these examinations varies depending on the medical provider and the specific tests required.

4. Police Clearance Certificates: You may need to obtain police clearance certificates from any country where you have lived for 12 months or more in the last 10 years. The cost of obtaining these certificates varies by country.
5. Translation and Certification of Documents: If any of your supporting documents are not in English, you may need to have them translated by a certified translator. You will need to take into account any costs associated with translating your documents, if required.
6. Professional Legal Fees: You may wish to engage a Lawyer or Registered Migration Agent to assist you with your partner visa application. The professional legal fees vary based on each legal service provider. Please feel free to contact us if you need legal assistance with your partner visa application or would like to discuss our fees for assisting with your application.

7. Other Miscellaneous Costs: Depending on your specific circumstances, there may be other costs associated with the application process, such as postage fees, travel expenses for interviews or appointments, and obtaining additional supporting documents.

For more information on partner visa, including the documents you need and common reasons for refusal, see Everything You Need to Know About the Australian Partner Visa.

Do you need help with an Australian visa application?

Our team of experienced Immigration Lawyers and Migration Agents look forward to assisting you with your Partner Visa application.

Based in Adelaide, South Australia, we provide Australian Immigration advice to people and businesses from all over the world.

You can book an appointment online or call us at (+61) 8 8351 9956.

Embarking on a short-term professional venture in Australia? The Temporary Work Short Stay Specialist Visa Subclass 400 might be your golden ticket for those looking to work in Australia on a short-term basis. In today's blog, we'll explore the key aspects of this visa, its features, eligibility criteria, and why employers find it particularly appealing.

The Subclass 400 visa is designed for individuals who wish to work on specific, short-term projects in Australia. This could include activities such as specialized work, or projects related to critical industries.

It's a great option for those who need to be in the country for a short duration and have a specific skill set.

Find more information about the Temporary Work Short Stay Specialist Visa Subclass 400 here.

Key Features of the Subclass 400 visa:

Short-Term Duration: This visa is typically granted for a short period, usually up to three months but can be up to 6 months depending on the circumstances. Your stay in Australia commences once you arrive and does not restart each time you travel.

Eligibility criteria:

Specific Work or Activity:

You must be invited to participate in a specific project, event, or activity, and your stay is limited to the duration needed for that particular task.

The work must be:

• Highly specialised.
• Non-ongoing work.
• Will not disadvantage Australian workers.
• Not for the entertainment industry – not acting, directing, performing, etc.

Specific work: While you're on this visa, you can work on the specific project or activity outlined in your visa application or applying linked to that.

Genuine Temporary Entrant:

You should intend to stay in Australia temporarily and have the means to support yourself during your stay.

Health and Character Requirements:

Like any visa application, you must meet health and character requirements.

Health assessments and police clearance are not commonly required for a 400 visa.

Some will require biometrics.

Why do employers like the 400 visa?

• There are no sponsorship obligations for this visa.
• There is no Skilling Australia Fee – SAF – for this visa.
• The application only has one stage, as compared to longer-duration visas which often have three stages.

The application process for the Subclass 400 visa is relatively straightforward. The processing time varies, but in general, is between 8 to 20 days.

Read more about the 400 visa.

Need Help Applying for a Temporary Work Short Stay Specialist Visa Subclass 400?

Work Visa Lawyers can assist you in applying for a 400 visa. As one of Australia's largest immigration law firms, our professional team can guide you through the process.

Based in Adelaide South Australia, we provide Australian Immigration advice to people and businesses from all over the world.

You can book an appointment online or call us at (+61) 8 8351 9956.

Sources:

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/temporary-work-400

PR Visa Granted: Tips and Resources for Bringing Your Personal Items to Australia

After being granted a visa to Australia especially if it is for permanent residency, one of the things that migrants think about is whether they will bring any of their personal belongings that did not or cannot fit in with their allowable airline baggage allowance. Can they take their personal belongings with them when they go to Australia? What they can bring with them? How can they bring their personal effects to Australia? Should they ship their possessions or buy everything in Australia?

Bringing your personal and household effects to Australia can be tricky and may be expensive. There are many requirements and documents to be provided.

Australia has strict laws on biosecurity and quarantine especially those relating to food, plant and animal material. You should also note that there are restrictions on what you can bring into Australia and that permits and fees are required for certain items. The items you shipped may also be subject to  inspection.

Unaccompanied Personal Effects (UPEs)

If you are shipping your household and other personal items to Australia and these items arrive separately to you, these items are referred to as Unaccompanied Personal Effects (UPEs).

UPEs can include the following:

• clothing and footwear
• personal hygiene and grooming items
• furniture
• appliances
• sporting equipment, and
• books^[i]

Non-motorised caravans, boats and aircraft can also be considered as UPEs but subject to certain conditions.

Note that items like wood and other timber items may need to be treated before they can be ship to Australia.

What can you not bring to Australia?

The following are the items you cannot bring into Australia as personal effects^[ii]:

• fresh fruit and vegetables
• live plants, bulbs, tubers, corms, and cuttings
• prohibited and restricted seeds​
• unidentified seeds (including spices)
• khapra beetle high-risk plant products
• live animals (including pets) that require an import permit
• biological products including some plant based, herbal medications
• unprocessed goods of plant or animal origin
• soiled goods, or goods containing organic residues
• goods knowingly infested with pests or a disease.

If you are not sure if an item can be brought to Australia you can use the Biosecurity Import Conditions system (BICON)^[iii]. The BICON system will let you know whether the item you are planning to bring to Australia:

• Is permitted
• Is subject to import conditions
• requires supporting documentation
• ​requires treatment
• needs an import permit

UPE concession

If you are eligible, you may be able to avail of a UPE concession and your UPEs will be cleared customs control without requiring you to pay:

• customs duty
• goods and services tax (GST), or
• other taxes and charges.

To be eligible for the UPE concession you must:

• be a passenger or crew member of a ship or aircraft
• have arrived from a place outside Australia, and
• depending on the nature of the goods, meet permanent residency requirements

and the goods must be:

• your personal property
• suitable and intended for use by you in Australia
• personally owned and used overseas by you for the specified length of time before your departure for Australia. For example, non-motorised caravans and trailers, and certain boats must be owned and used by you for at least 12 months before your travel to Australia.

You will meet the permanent residency requirements if you:

• are an Australian citizen
• hold a permanent visa
• hold a special category visa. 

Note that there are certain items that are not eligible for the UPE Concession. These include motor vehicles, alcoholic beverages, tobacco, etc.

UPE clearing

Your UPEs would need to be cleared.  You need to provide a completed Unaccompanied Personal Effects Statement (B534 Form). This can be lodged in person (you will be required to under an Evidence of Identity check) or by electronic lodgment through the Integrated Cargo System (ICS).

Fees may be payable and there may be additional charges if the goods shipped needs treatment.

You can hire a reputable customs broker and/or freight forwarding company to help you with this process.

Tips when packing your personal effects:

When preparing your goods for shipping ensure that they are thoroughly cleaned and there are no traces of dirt or any foreign matter. For example, you need to scrub and wash to your shoes, sporting equipment, camping equipment, etc.  Vacuum the carpets, rugs and mats. Make sure the items being shipped are thoroughly cleaned and dry.

The Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has the following advice when packing your personal belongings for shipping to Australia:

1. Make a packing list - Have a clear and complete record of everything you are shipping. Label all the boxes and record what is in each box. You also need a description of the items in the box, for example, wooden bed frame, plastic chairs, etc.

Australian authorities would be require this list.

2. Label and number your boxes.
3. It is advisable not to use second hand boxes especially if the box had been previously use to carry plant or animal product.
4. Pack items in groups. Items that potentially pose a biosecurity risk is best packed together to facilitate inspection by the biosecurity officer.
5. Safely pack your items. For example, wrap sharp objects like knives to prevent injury and do not back flammable items like fireworks or aerosols.

Sources:

^[i] Australian Border Force website, Unaccompanied Personal Effects, https://www.abf.gov.au/entering-and-leaving-australia/moving-to-australia/upe

^[ii] Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry- Moving to Australia or importing personal effects/household goods : https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/travelling/moving-immigrating

^[iii] Biosecurity Import Conditions system (BICON) https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/import/online-services/bicon

Today, we are going to provide you with some basic introductions into working in Australia, such as visas, salary, tax, working hours, holidays, how to get a job in Australia, and more.  

The information is general and it's not legal advice. 

Get a Visa with Work Rights

Ensure you have a valid visa that allows you to work. Note that visitor visas generally do not grant work rights. Many Australian visas do permit you to work with some having restrictions on the number of hours to work. For example, a student visa currently only allows you to work for 48 hours per fortnight in most cases.

Use Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) to check when your visa expires and what conditions your visa has in terms of work rights.

Tax File Number (TFN)

To work in Australia, obtaining a Tax File Number (TFN) is crucial. Your TFN is your number for dealings with the Australian Tax Office. Without it, the tax office may withhold your tax at a higher rate, which is approximately 50%. 

Full-Time, Part-Time, and Casual jobs

Understand the nuances of full-time, part-time, and casual employment. Each comes with its own set of benefits and conditions.

• Full-time employees work 38 hours per week with benefits like paid annual leave and sick leave.
• Part-time employees work regular hours but less than full-time, with benefits on a pro-rata basis.
• Casual employees have irregular hours, no paid sick days or annual leave, and can be terminated at any time.

Awards and Minimum Salary

The recent round of invitations in December 2023 disappointed many aspiring migrants. Invitations were limited to health professionals and teachers, excluding many with completed skills assessments and English proficiency for the 189 visa. This has raised concerns about the accessibility and fairness of the invitation process.

Looking back at 2023, there were only two invitation rounds for the 189 and family-sponsored 491, all focused on health professions and teachers. This means many of those with skills assessments and English did not receive an invitation for the 189. This seems quite unreasonable and seems to be putting unnecessary pressure on those aspiring to come to Australia and not allowing them to get an invitation.

State Nominations for the 190 and 491 visas

State and territory nominations offer a broader range of occupations, each with slightly different criteria based on local economic needs. Unfortunately, the Northern Territory has exhausted its nomination allocations, temporarily closing new state allocations. Limited opportunities for points-based visas have prompted increased interest in employer-sponsored applications, particularly the TSS482 and the permanent residency 186 visas. The new Skills in Demand Visa, expected in late 2024, has also generated strong interest.

Labor Market Testing for TSS482

Labour market testing requirements for the TSS482 visa have been eased, reducing the number of advertisements required and eliminating the need for Workforce Australia Advertising. However, a minimum 28-day advertising period in the four months before nomination is now mandatory. Regional employer-sponsored nominations now receive the highest priority for processing under Ministerial Direction Number 105, indicating the government's emphasis on regional visas.

Changes in Priority Processing

Offshore applicants no longer receive priority processing, possibly reflecting the government's focus on reducing pressure on housing in major cities. This shift encourages regional visas and discourages offshore applications from individuals likely to settle in urban areas.

Working Holiday Maker Updates

Starting from January 1, 2024, working holidaymakers may work for the same employer for more than six months without seeking permission under certain circumstances. Exceptions include work in different locations, plant and animal cultivation, specific industries, natural disaster recovery, aged care, healthcare, childcare, and critical sectors like tourism and hospitality.

While some exceptions exist, individuals working beyond six months in non-covered situations must seek permission, with higher chances if tied to an employer-sponsored application. These changes provide flexibility for working holidaymakers but also highlight the importance of understanding the specific conditions and seeking appropriate permissions.

How can Work Visa Lawyers help?

Our team of experienced Immigration Lawyers and Migration Agents look forward to assisting you with your potential application(s).

Based in Adelaide South Australia, we provide Australian Immigration advice to people and businesses from all over the world.

You can book an appointment online or call us at (+61) 8 8351 9956.

Sources:

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/programs-subsite/migration-strategy/Documents/migration-strategy.pdf

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skillselect/invitation-rounds

Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) is a skills assessment service for people with trade skills gained overseas or in Australia for the purpose of migration.

It offers skills assessment programs based on your occupation, country of passport, where you studied, and the type of visa you are seeking. There are 5 programs:

1. Provisional Skills Assessment (PSA)

This is for the 485 applicants. PSA must be completed before you can apply for the JRP.

2. Job Ready Program (JRP)

The JRP is an employment-based skills assessment program. It is for international student graduates with an Australian qualification that has been verified through a Provisional Skills Assessment. Applicants with positive outcomes can apply for a General Skilled Visa (Subclass 189/190/491) or an Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186) Direct Entry Stream.

Step 1:  PSA

• The applicant needs to complete the relevant course and
• Have 360 hours work placement to be eligible.

Step 2: Job Ready Employment (JRE)

• The applicant needs to demonstrate their visa which allows them to work full-time in the next 12 months.
• From the date of application, the applicant needs to work in the nominated occupation for 12 months. You can change employer, but you need to register every employer that you work with.
• You need to complete your logbook and the employer needs to sign it.
• Once you completed 863 hours in 6 months, then you need to notify TRA to start Step three.

Step 3: Job Ready Workplace Assessment (JRWA)

• You will be contacted by TRA recognized RTO to have an assessment in your workplace.
• All the assessment is done in English, no interpreters are allowed.

Step 4: Job Ready Final Assessment (JRFA)

• Completed Step three and have more than 12 months employment (not less than 1725 hours).
• You will receive an outcome letter which can be used for GSM (491/190) application.

3. Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) Skills Assessment

This is for applicants who would like to apply for a TSS Subclass 482 visa.

Step 1:  RTO Documentary Evidence Assessment

• This is to assess the evidence of your identity, qualifications (if any), skills and employment experience.

Step 2: Technical Interview

• You will be required to participate in a technical assessment of your skills and knowledge. This will involve a technical interview of skills and gathering evidence from nominated employers or other referees, which may include documentary, oral, pictorial and/or video evidence.

Step 3: Practical Assessment (licensed occupations only)

• You need to demonstrate your skills in one of the RTO’s venues.

4. Offshore Skills Assessment Program (OSAP)

This is for applicants who would like to apply for a General Skilled Visa (Subclass 189/190/491) or an Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186).

Certain occupations and passport holders from certain countries need to undertake this program.

You can check your nominated occupations and countries here. 

Common occupations assessed under this steam are:

Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic* [342111]  

​Electrician (General)* [341111] 

​Plumber (General)* [334111] 

Step 1:  RTO Documentary Evidence Assessment

• This is to assess the evidence of your identity, qualifications (if any), skills and employment experience.

Step 2: Technical Interview

• You will be required to participate in a technical assessment of your skills and knowledge. This will involve a technical interview of skills and gathering evidence from nominated employers or other referees, which may include documentary, oral, pictorial and/or video evidence.

Step 3: Practical Assessment (licensed occupations only)

• You need to demonstrate your skills in one of the RTO’s venues.

5. Migration Skills Assessment

This is for applicants who would like to apply for a General Skilled Visa (Subclass 189/190/491) or an Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186)

Common occupations to apply under this program are:

Electronic Equipment Trades Worker

Painting Trades Worker

Wall and Floor Tiler

You need to provide all the required documents directly to TRA through its online portal.

Obtaining a positive skills assessment is an important step in your Australian Visa application. If you are unsure of which authority is relevant for your occupation, or about the skills assessment criteria, we can help. Click here to book an appointment.

Our team of experienced Immigration Lawyers and Migration Agents look forward to assisting you with your skill assessment process and Australian visa application.

 Click here to learn more about other types of skills assessments.

Sources:

https://www.tradesrecognitionaustralia.gov.au/

How can Work Visa Lawyers help?

Our team of experienced Immigration Lawyers and Migration Agents look forward to assisting you with your potential application(s).

Based in Adelaide South Australia, we provide Australian Immigration advice to people and businesses from all over the world.

You can book an appointment online or call us at (+61) 8 8351 9956.

We've launched hundreds of partner visas over the years. With numerous aspects to consider, understanding the requirements and nuances of the application process is crucial. We aim to provide a guide, offering valuable insights into the Australian Partner Visa application, covering various aspects from types and stages to documentation, requirements, and common questions.

If you need to apply for a Partner Visa, please book an appointment here.

Types of Visas Related to Partner Relationships:

Currently, there are three types of visas related to partner relationships: the prospective marriage visa or Fiancée Visa, the partner visa offshore, and the partner visa onshore.  

Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300): Designed for those planning to marry their prospective spouse in Australia and subsequently apply for an onshore partner visa. The evidence required for a prospective marriage visa is generally less. You need to demonstrate your intention to be in a spouse relationship rather than being in a spouse or partner relationship.  

Partner Visa Offshore (Subclass 309 and 100): For individuals in a genuine and ongoing relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, applying from outside Australia. Applicants applying outside of Australia will need to apply for an offshore partner visa Subclass 309 which goes to subclass 100 for permanent residency. 

Partner Visa Onshore (Subclass 820 and 801): For applicants inside Australia, the process involves obtaining a temporary partner visa (Subclass 820) followed by a permanent partner visa (Subclass 801).

Stages of Partner Visa:

If you are in a married or de facto relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen and you are being sponsored by your partner, you might apply for a partner visa.  The relationship must be genuine and ongoing.

There are two stages to the partner visa:

Stage 1: is a temporary partner visa.

Stage 2: is a permanent partner visa. 

Both temporary and permanent partner visas allow you to work and study in Australia and you are eligible for Medicare. 

Documentation and Evidence:

We know that every relationship is different, and the Australian Department of Home Affairs may need different kinds of documents to assess your application. Include evidence relating to the nature of your household, recognition of your relationship by family and friends, and your joint financial commitments to each other. 

Married relationship: If you're in a married relationship, you need to provide a legal marriage certificate or registration from in Australia or another country. The marriage document needs to be authentic and legally valid. 

De facto relationship: There are two ways to meet the de facto relationship requirements. 

• Number 1: being in a de facto relationship, which is mutually exclusive, and you've been with your partner for at least 12 months before you apply for the partner visa in or outside of Australia.  In most cases, this would mean you've been living with your partner for 12 months.
• Number 2: register a relationship in an Australian state or territory.  This can allow an application to proceed when the relationship is less than 12 months old. 

You need to provide sufficient evidence to demonstrate that a de facto relationship exists between you and your partner. There are some exceptions to the 12-month rule. For example, if there's a child of the relationship. 

Same-sex couples:

Same-sex couples can apply for partner visas. They will need to demonstrate their relationship based on a married or de facto relationship. 

We’ve been successful with many applications for same-sex couples. 

Genuine and Continuing Relationship Criteria:

The Australian Department of Home Affairs has some standard criteria to assess a genuine and continuing relationship.  The main four criteria are:

• Financial responsibilities: this could include a home loan, joint property, or rental property that is in both parties' names or an active bank account that has both parties' names. 
• Evidence of a shared household: this could include things like bills and utilities. It could include evidence of living arrangements, and it could include things like shared financial responsibility for food and utilities.
• Social commitment: this includes statements from friends and family which attest to you being in a relationship. It can also be shown by photos from social events. 
• Commitment: this criteria includes considerations of how long the parties have been in a relationship and the future plans that the couple has. Such criteria might be addressed in a statutory declaration to help prove the application.

Providing strong evidence addressing these criteria is vital for a successful application.

How long does the process normally take?

Partner visa processing times can vary, typically ranging from six months to two years. Having strong evidence of your relationship can help with processing times. 

You can find the processing times at Home Affairs website: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-processing-times/global-visa-processing-times

Sponsor Requirements:

Sponsors must be of good character and provide necessary documentation, including police clearances. There are limitations on sponsoring more than one partner within a five-year period.

Main reasons for partner visa refusals:

• Lack of supporting evidence of the relationship. 
• Inconsistencies in the application, and in relation to the telephone interview with the department, if they hold one.
• Not meeting schedule three requirements. This is about not having a substantive visa at the time of application.
• Misleading social media posts and inconsistencies in those social media posts.
• Sponsor problems, for example, failing to update Centrelink that they are in a relationship. 

How can you make an application strong? 

A successful partner visa application requires meticulous planning. You need to have a genuine and continuing relationship and ensure all the documents are provided as part of the visa application. 

How much does a partner visa cost?

The Australian partner visa comes with a significant application fee of $8,850, making it one of the more expensive visa applications.

Obtaining an Australian Partner Visa involves a thorough understanding of the process, careful documentation, and strategic planning. If you have questions or need assistance in applying for a partner visa, our team is here to help. Contact us for personalized guidance throughout your partner visa application.

Sources:

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/partner-onshore

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/partner-offshore

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/prospective-marriage-300

Do you need help with an Australian visa application?

Our team of experienced Immigration Lawyers and Migration Agents look forward to assisting you with your Partner Visa application.

Based in Adelaide, South Australia, we provide Australian Immigration advice to people and businesses from all over the world.

You can book an appointment online or call us at (+61) 8 8351 9956.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Australian immigration news! Subscribe to our YouTube channel for valuable insights on immigration topics that matter to you.

State Sponsorship 190 and 491 Visas

The Australian states are now open for sponsorship under the 190 and 491 visas. Check the eligibility criteria for your desired state or territory to see if you qualify.

We have some articles for more information: South Australia / Queensland / Victoria / New South Wales.

Victorian Invitation Rounds

Victoria recently held an invitation round, inviting professionals in various occupations, including Marketing Specialists and Accountants. Having high points for a job in Victoria with a good salary seems to be a relevant consideration from the Victorian Government.

The Victorian Government said that for offshore applicants they are only considering Health, Education, and Social Services.

Selection rounds will continue through September 2023, with the program closing in early 2024. Submit your Registration of Interest as soon as possible.

Western Australia

Western Australia also had the first invitation round for 190 and 491 visas. Some occupations invited were in priority WA Industries: building and construction; healthcare and social assistance; hospitality and tourism; and o education and training. The invitations were to people living in WA, living in other states, and offshore.

Employer-Sponsored 482 to PR in Two Years

If you have held a 457 or 482 visa for over two years, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency.

Click here to read more about Permanent Residency for employer-sponsored 482 visa holders after 2 years.

Big news coming soon

It is expected that the Minister for Home Affairs will announce the plans for reforms in the next few days or weeks.

One of the changes that may be coming is Refining the Points test

In addition to points we have already covered; the table says better targeted skilled migration will:

• Introduce new permanent skilled visa settings, including exploring a revised points test
• The points reforms could include more points for skilled partners. 
• A more granular system in terms of age and points, for example not losing 10 points when you turn 40. There is also the possibility of cuts to regional points.

Greetings to all aspiring immigrants and those keen on keeping up with the latest developments in Australian immigration. Here's a roundup of the most recent updates you need to know:

VETASSESS Skills Assessment Changes

VETASSESS has stopped taking skills assessments for the trade occupations of Chef, Cook, Diesel Motor Mechanic, Motor Mechanic (General), Fitter (General), Electrician (General), and Metal Machinist (First Class). This change comes as a disappointment to many tradies.

For more information: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/f6rVvopc19o

The subclass 186 visa is a Permanent Resident visa which is available for qualified overseas workers who meet the requirements for one of the streams.

Requirements 186 Direct Entry Stream:

1. Have an eligible occupation that is provided by the Department of Home Affairs. https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skill-occupation-list
2. Have relevant work experience unless exempt. The applicant is required to have at least 3 years of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation.
3. Licensing, registration, or membership: The applicant must be licensed, registered, or a member of a professional body if it is mandatory in the state or territory the applicant intends to work in.
4. *Have a positive skill assessment
5. Be nominated by an Australian employer whose business is actively and lawfully operating.
6. The applicant must be under 45 years of age when he or she applies unless the applicant is eligible for the exemption policy.
7. Have at least competent English: Competent English (homeaffairs.gov.au)

Western Australia (WA), South Australia (SA) and Victoria (VIC) are offering cash incentives for migrants for occupations in healthcare and construction. If you are a health worker or a construction worker, the opportunity is now. You can get the incentive if you move to their state and take up a job. If you have friends or family in construction or health care, then tell them about these amazing offers.

Australia has been known for exceptional high-quality education and a quality lifestyle, with four of its cities – Adelaide, Perth, Melbourne, and Brisbane being in the top 10 livable cities the world over.

Australia is home to 43 universities, some of them in the world’s top 100 Universities.

Australia is a safe and welcoming country; most students want to settle in Australia and get Australian Permanent Residency.

It is to be mentioned here that only a qualification cannot get a Permanent residency in Australia; you would also need to work in your occupation for a year or two to secure PR options in Australia.  So, you must have a genuine interest in the subject you study, and you are willing to work in the area after completing your study.

Being in the migration industry long enough, we have seen many students push themselves into a course of study for PR purposes, and after a few months, they want to change their major because they did not have any interest in the subject.

To follow the article about “where I should study in Australia ”, international students may be in the middle of career pathway (Big cities with giant organizations and job opportunities to grow) and PR pathway (Regional areas with higher chances of getting permanent residency).

The 2 goals do not normally share the same way for most international students. So which states in Australia are the best for each type?

Click here to read the article >

Before choosing suitable courses to study, we may need to look at some points to understand better how you will get an Australian permanent residency.

There are two most popular visa streams to get Australian PR:

• Skilled Visa (Subclass 189, 190, and 491)
• Employer-Sponsored Visa (Subclass 482, 494, DAMA and 186 Visa)

The standard requirements listed in those streams are:

• Qualification of your study that meets the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF)
• Postive Skill Assessment
• Work experience in nominated occupation
• English and Age requirements

Book an Appointment

Here we discuss a few courses from the Australian Permanent residency point of view.

Here are certain things you should consider about courses that can lead to Permanent Residency in Australia:

• You must complete a minimum of two years of study in Australia, depending on the level or course of study.
• Your study program should be CRICOS
• You should apply for a PSWV (Post Study Work Visa 485) 485 visa or Temporary Graduate Visa 485 within six months of completing your course in Australia.
• You must follow ANZSCO(Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations) job descriptions.

Read our latest Australian immigration updates April 2022 here>

Australia has a strong education system and is considered one of the best in the world, which makes it very attractive to students across the world.

Most of the students once they complete their studies want to get settled in Australia because of the livability factor.

They may get a decent lifestyle including physical and mental wellbeing, which makes them want to get settled here.

Obtaining Australian Permanent Residency Visa is getting more and more competent, and the visa system is vast and complex.

Many times, people do get confused about how to get it

Here we are discussing a few common pathways to Australian PR for you