The process of entering another country is fraught with complexities and is often intrinsically difficult to navigate on your own. This is particularly true of Australia and, given the current political climate, can often result in very long periods spent waiting for disappointing results.
The monetary costs inherent with entering Australia from overseas, furthers the risk associated with undertaking such a complicated task without an adequate background in that area. As such, a specific area of law known as immigration law has arisen and firms of this nature offer individuals professional counsel on matters pertaining to Australian migration laws.
This guide seeks to examine the multifaceted services offered by immigration lawyers and the benefits thereof, to those wishing to travel or migrate to Australia.
Entering Australia
There are a multitude of reasons for which individuals might wish to enter Australia and to do so; you must possess the applicable visa. Visas are issued in accordance with the relevant individual’s reason for entering Australia and listed below, are some of the more common reasons for migration to Australia.
- Travel visas
Travelling to Australia for a holiday, to see friends and family, or for a short business trip requires that you apply for an Australian travel visa. Some visas include a number of subclasses and the travel visa is no different, with the most prominent of these subclasses being the Australian tourist visitor visa. This visa program stimulates tourism and encourages multicultural input into Australian society – an input that is advantageous for the tourism industry and the cultural understanding of Australia as a whole.
- Student visas
Australia offers international students the opportunity to engage in Australian education systems, however prior to doing so, students must apply for the relevant student visa. All standards of education are offered to international students and as such, there are many subclasses within the Australian student visa program. Specifically, there is an exclusive visa for each potential avenue of study and this includes the non-awards student visa, postgraduate research visa, vocational training visa, Australian school student visa, English language study visa and higher education visa. The extensity of this visa network promotes education and diversification within Australia and this is beneficial to both international and Australian students.
- Family visas
Family visas are issued under the family migration stream and are applicable to those with relatives in Australia or internationally. Migration under this scheme requires that potential migrants be sponsored by an adult relative, who is also eligible under the categories outlined by government regulations; namely a permanent Australian resident, Australian citizen or eligible New Zealand citizen. Due to the complex dynamic of many families – particularly where international separation is concerned – obtaining the necessary visas can be especially difficult and there are several subclasses in the family visa program. These include the remaining relative visa, spouse visa, parent visa, aged parent visa and prospective marriage visa. Due to the aforementioned complexity of this visa scheme, some of the leading migration firms offer visa eligibility assessments free of charge and these are of considerable utility in establishing the grounds upon which you or your relatives might seek to enter Australia.
- Business visas
Those wishing to establish a business within Australia, manage a business within Australia or simply invest in the local market will require an Australian business visa. There are many reasons for which an individual might seek a business visa, however there are a very stringent set of criteria that must be met to qualify for this visa in particular. It is arguable that the business visa promotes somewhat more of a sense of longevity with regard to its recipients and their prospective business plans, however the relevant government department assesses this and time restrictions are issued accordingly. Often, people make the mistake of applying for a business visa, where a travel visa might suffice. Travel visas – contrary to the common misconception – do allow for some degree of business related activity, albeit less than a business visa. In fact, travel visas can allow for up to three months travel within Australia for business purposes and as such, it is necessary to contact a migration specialist to assess your eligibility when applying for a business visa. The notable subclasses of the business visa include a business innovation visa, business investor visa, business talent visa and significant investor visa. These subclasses are considered expansive enough to encourage economic growth for both the Australian market and the international commercial applicants.
- Employer sponsored visas
Similarly to the business visa program, employer sponsored visas allow for individuals to gain employment in Australian businesses and firms irrespective of their nationality. This can be lucrative for both employers and employees and promotes the strengthening of Australian businesses and the international relations consequent thereof. In applying for these visas, applicants must fulfil a set of criteria, which demands that their desired employment and the skills they posses are compatible with the regulations imposed by the Australian Government. The most significant of subclasses under this visa scheme is the temporary work visa.
- Skilled visas
Skilled visas work concurrently with employer sponsored visas and business visas to strengthen the Australian workforce and increase its diversity both culturally and in terms of skills and qualifications. Precedence is given to those in this visa scheme who have obtained sponsorship from an employer as per the requirements necessary under the employer sponsored visa scheme, however there are a number of subclasses that account for independent applicants. These subclasses include skilled visa, state nominated skilled visa and Australian skilled regional sponsored visa. As with other visa schemes of such a complicated nature, the leading immigration firms offer work visa eligibility assessments free of charge.
How can immigration lawyers help with this?
Immigration lawyers specialise in navigating the complex and confusing migration framework of Australia and can assist you in applying for the correct visa, thus providing you with the best possible chance of achieving your desired outcome. Immigration lawyers and migration agents require special accreditation from the Migrant Agents Registration Authority and adhere to the stringent guidelines stipulated thereby. This ensures that the advice you receive is of the highest possible standard. Due to the significant statutory intricacies involved in migration, it is strongly advised that you seek advice from the relevant professionals – particularly when considering the risks associated with undertaking applications of this nature.
Get in touch with Results Migration, leading immigration lawyers and let us help you with all your visa needs.
