Rocket science?
To the lay-person, understanding the physics and formulae necessary to fly to the moon is well-nigh incomprehensible, hence the term applied to more simple issues: ‘Well, it’s not rocket science.’
Anyone perusing the list of possible visas available to move countries may decide that figuring out a trajectory to the moon might be easier.
Most countries have similar lists of visa types, for the simple reason that no one visa fits the myriad of different circumstances and needs, from the twenty-year-old student, to grandparents in their later years, and every option between.
Equally, the demand to obtain visas to Australia greatly outweighs the numbers available, meaning that restrictions apply, so that those with the highest credentials or the greatest needs will be given higher priority to become a coveted visa holder.
The lay of the land
The full list of visa types is too great to list here, but in very general terms can be described as:
Skilled Migration Program:
- Visas for skilled workers in short, medium, or long-term, and for either city or regional areas.
- Employer-sponsored visas, where an Australian business will sponsor a particular person who they have eyed as being perfect for a particular role.
The age limit for these is 45 years, and even turning 45 while waiting for an application to be approved renders the application invalid. There are a few exceptions to this limit in extremely unique circumstances.
Investor Visa Program and Global Talent Visas:
- The investor visa is for applicants who have invested serious amounts of money in Australia – think, several million – for several years.
- Global Talent is for very highly credentialled folks who aren’t just qualified in their field, but highly recognised and regarded.
For these two groups, the age limit is extended to 55 years.
Refugee visas:
Australia has a long-established refugee program, with extremely defined requirements for application. Decades of such immigration has seen untold benefits, not only to the successful recipients of this method of entry, but also to the dynamic and varied culture that Australia holds proud.
Family connection visas:
Long-term entry can be granted for the general purpose of reuniting families, whether that be to reconnect a married or de facto couple, allow remaining family members to join up with parents or siblings, or parents and grandparents to live closer to their offspring.
Short-term visas:
There are short-term visas for students wishing to study in Australia and for those wishing to avail themselves of shorter-term itinerant-style work in hospitality and the like. These don’t really fall under the move to Australia banner and are only mentioned for clarity.
Define the need – match it to the visa
In this potential minefield of complexity, it is vitally important that individual circumstances are matched to the appropriate visa. A great deal of delay and frustration can be avoided simply by applying for the correct visa.
Eligibility requirements are stringent, and application for a visa for which one is ineligible is time and money wasted. The Department of Home Affairs is in the business of helping, not hindering, appropriately qualified people to achieve their immigration goals. You can help them to help you by submitting an exemplary application.
Key takeaway
Visa applications can be expensive and time-consuming. Professional advice from an experienced immigration lawyer can ensure that:
- An appropriate visa is selected
- The application is accurately and fully completed
- All required documentation is provided
Moving to a new country is a huge undertaking, give yourself a head start with professional guidance.