1. How does a qualified person apply to live and work in Australia?
2. Will having family in Australia help me to emigrate?
3. I've heard about the points system. How does that work and how many points can I score?
4. Is there an age limit to applying for immigration?
5. If I apply to immigrate to Australia what is the status of my spouse? If we both qualify who should apply?
6. How do I know if my qualifications are acceptable in Australia?
7. I don't achieve enough points to qualify under the General Skills Category, but I do run my own business.
1. How does a qualified person apply to live and work in Australia?
The first step to take is to consider exactly what you are looking for. Do you intend to relocate to Australia permanently or temporarily?
The answer will determine which visa class or classes will apply to you.
There are a number of routes to achieving Permanent Residence:
| Family Category: |
For those with close family ties to Australia |
| General Skilled Worker Category: |
For qualified trades people and professionals |
| Business Skilled Category: |
For Entrepreneurs, Senior Executives and Investors |
| Employer Nomination |
People with specialist skills who are sponsored by Australian employers |
In addition there are a number of temporary visa classes.
2. Will having family in Australia help me to emigrate?
The Australian Immigration Regulations set out strict criteria that you have to meet to qualify for immigration. Family sponsorship can assist you in making an application; but in many cases, it is not the only relevant issue.
Australia has many different types of visa classes.
A number of the General Skilled Migration visa classes operate on a points test system. Family sponsorship is just one of the factors points are awarded for.
There are also Family Migration visa classes where the relationship and sponsorship will be the deciding factor.
For example, if you have an Australian spouse, child or parent who is able to sponsor you there is potential for you to successfully apply for immigration.
3. I've heard about the points system. How does that work and how many points can I score?
When you hear of the points system, this refers to applications made under the General Skilled Worker category.
The following factors will be assessed:
Age
Occupation and work experience
Language
There is a points test involved and you need to reach the current pass mark set by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) to qualify for permanent residence.
You will also have to complete a satisfactory assessment of your qualifications. The criteria can be complex and is constantly under review. It is important to make sure you have the most up to date information.
4. Is there an age limit to applying for immigration?
There are maximum age limits set and they vary depending on which visa class you apply under.
For Independent migrants once you turn forty-five (45) years old, you can no longer apply.
For Business Skills migrants, the age limit can be up to fifty-five (55) years.
5. If I apply to immigrate to Australia what is the status of my spouse? If we both qualify who should apply?
The person who best meets the immigration criteria should be the principal applicant. If you are successful in obtaining Permanent Residence, your partner will have exactly the same rights and obligations as you do. For example, they may take up employment and have access to the Medicare system.
6. How do I know if my qualifications are acceptable in Australia?
WBC can assist you in obtaining a complete qualifications assessment with the relevant authority in Australia. In most cases, a 3 year degree, diploma or apprenticeship will be required.
There are exceptions to this and a preliminary eligibility assessment by WBC will let you know if it is worth applying for a qualifications assessment.
7. I don't achieve enough points to qualify under the General Skills Category, but I do run my own business.
Australia has a refined application process for business people who are interested in establishing business in Australia.
If you have a business background and sufficient assets, there may well be potential for you to qualify under the business migration program.
Factors such as turnover of your business, how long you have operated a business, and your shareholding or interest in the business will be relevant factors. Strict compliance conditions apply to business migrants and it is important that business migrants are aware of all their obligations.
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