Migration Centre of Australia

Blog

  • July 15, 2020

Becoming an Australian Citizen

Have you ever wondering what it takes to become an Australian Citizenship? Being an Australian citizen is a privilege not a right. While you are granted entitlements as a citizen of Australia there are important responsibilities you must accept too. As an Australian citizen, you have new responsibilities to: behave in accordance with Australia’s democratic beliefs respects the rights and liberties of Australia follow and obey the law vote in federal and state or territory elections, and in referenda defend Australia if necessary serve on jury duty if summoned You will also become eligible for the following entitlements and privileges: apply for an Australian passport leave and re-enter Australia as many times as you want ask for help from an Australian consulate if in trouble overseas vote in federal, state or territory elections vote in a Constitutional referendum or plebiscite seek election to parliament, if you are aged 18 years or over and are not dual citizen register the birth of your children in another country as an Australian citizen At your citizenship ceremony, you will make the Australian citizenship pledge. Here, you will promise to remain loyal to Australia and its people and to share and uphold Australia’s democratic beliefs, rights, liberties and laws. Australia is a democracy. And you can freely elect representatives to run the country and make laws on your behalf. Australian democratic beliefs, rights and liberties: Parliamentary democracy The people you elect as representatives are answerable to the public for their decisions. Rule of law All Australians are equal in the eyes of the law. No person or group gets preferential treatment. Living peacefully We prefer discussion, peaceful persuasion and democracy. We do not use violence to bring about change. Respect for all individuals We treat all Australians with dignity and respect. No matter their beliefs, traditions and background. Compassion We always show a spirit of ‘mateship’ We come together to help and support each other during times of need. Freedoms for citizens All Australians will have freedom of speech and freedom of expression. You are free to say what you want on any subject, without harming others. You must also respect how other Australians think or express themselves. You are also free to join any political party, trade union, religious group, cultural group or social group. And, you can refuse to join a group if you do not want to join a group. You will also be able to freely choose to follow any religion, or choose not be. Australian laws make sure no one is treated differently because of race, gender, disability or age. Most importantly, men and women are treated equally in Australia. You are free to make your own choices on personal matters. The laws protect both men and women from intimidation and violence. Both men and women: can work and go to school can become politicians can join the defence and police forces are treated fairly and equally in court Our Registered Migration Agents at Migration Centre of Australia have been in the migration industry for many years and have helped thousands of clients onshore and offshore. We are trained professionals in Australian Migration Law and we are trusted providers in the industry for our services. If you want to know more about your rights and privileges as an Australian Citizen, or you wish to apply for Australian Citizenship contact us today on (02) 4626 1002 or send us an email at info@migrationcentreofaustralia.com.au and one of my registered migration agents will be ready to help you.
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  • July 13, 2020

Becoming an Australian Permanent Resident

Have you ever thought of becoming an Australian Permanent Resident? People can become a permanent resident of Australia in different ways. Three common ways of becoming a permanent resident are through gaining: A Family-Stream Permanent Visa These are for: partners, children, parents or dependent relatives of an Australian citizen, permanent resident of Australia or Eligible New Zealand citizen children being adopted or in the process of being adopted outside of Australia carers who need to move to Australia to provide long-term care for an approved relative A Work-Stream Permanent Visa These are for workers who have an Australian employer sponsoring them to work in Australia, or have skills that Australia values. A Business or Investor-Stream Permanent Visa Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) visa (subclass 888) State or Territory Sponsored Investor (subclass 893) Investor Visa (subclass 891) Business Talent (Permanent) visa (subclass 132) Business owner visa (subclass 890) State or Territory Sponsored Business Owner visa (subclass 892) or There are Other Options Such as: Retirement visa pathway: The Australian Government has recently created a pathway to permanent residency for eligible retirees. This pathway provides options to long-term residents who have contributed to, and are well-established in the community. The government has built the pathway by setting aside a portion of places from the permanent migration scheme for parents. Former Resident visa: This permanent visa allows former permanent residents and certain people who served in the Australian Defense Force to live in Australia. This is called the subclass 151 Former Resident Visa. Distinguished Talent visas Top of Form: These visas are for people with an internationally-recognized record of exceptional and outstanding achievement. Distinguished Talent visa (subclass 124) Distinguished Talent visa (subclass 858) Refugee and humanitarian visas: These visas are for people who left their home country due to persecution. An Australian permanent resident and an Australian citizen are not the same. Of course, as a permanent resident of Australia you will have entitlements, and generally you can: remain in Australia indefinitely work and study in Australia enroll in Australia’s national health scheme, Medicare apply for bank loans to buy property sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence apply for Australian citizenship, if eligible travel to and from Australia for as long as your travel facility permits attend free English language classes provided by the Adult Migrant English Program work in New Zealand However, unlike Australian citizens, a permanent resident cannot: have an Australian passport vote in Australian Government elections unless you enrolled (as a British subject) before 26 January 1984 access student loans join the Australian Defense Force obtain ongoing work in the Australian Government return to Australia from overseas without a valid travel facility (you do not have automatic right of entry to Australia). You may also qualify for other government benefits and services, but if you currently not living in Australia and you hold a permanent visa you may not be eligible. It is good to discuss your options with a professional migration agent, and we can help you there! Our Registered Migration Agents at Migration Centre of Australia have been in the migration industry for many years and have helped thousands of clients onshore and offshore. We are trained professionals in Australian Migration Law and we are trusted providers in the industry for our services. If you want to know more about becoming an Australian permanent resident or you want to discuss your visa options for permanent residency, contact us today on (02) 4626 1002 or send us an email at info@migrationcentreofaustralia.com.au and one of my registered migration agents will be ready to help you.
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Options for you to consider if your Job situation has changed

With the harrowing effects of the coronavirus pandemic, many of us have experienced that our job situation has changed. In fact, this pandemic has hit the employment sector of Australia the hardest, with thousands losing their jobs or having their hours reduced. If you were sponsored or nominated by your current employer, state or territory government or relative and your job situation has changed, outlined below are some important facts that you need to be aware of. 1. Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa (subclass 400), Temporary Work (Training and Research) visa (subclass 402), Temporary Work (International Relations) visa (subclass 403), Temporary Work (Training) visa (subclass 407) You will first need to check your Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) to see your visa details and conditions. And, if you stop working for your sponsor, you must take one of these actions within 60 days:  find another employer to sponsor you (it must first approved by the Department before you can start working for them)  be granted a different visa  leave Australia (You will have 90 days to do this if we granted your visa on or before 19 November 2016.) The Department may send you a Notice of Intent to Consider Cancellation if you have stopped work if the Department finds that you have breached your visa conditions 2. Temporary Work (Activity) visa (subclass 408) If the employer who sponsored your visa no longer has a job for you, then you must take one of these actions: find another organisation to sponsor you, and apply for a new visa find another organisation or person to support you, and apply for a new visa apply for a different visa (if you can) leave Australia within 28 days (or sooner if your visa ends before the 28 days have passed) 3. Temporary Work (Skilled) visa (subclass 457) If you are the primary visa holder, you can change jobs or do a different job while you still hold a valid 457 visa.You do not need to apply for a new subclass 457 visa. Your sponsor must lodge a new nomination and the Department must approve it before you can start working for the new sponsor or in the new role. However, if you stop working for your sponsor, you must take one of these actions within 60 days: find a new employer to sponsor you and lodge a new nomination (approved by us before you can start working for them) be granted a different visa leave Australia (You will have 90 days to do this if we granted your visa on or before 19 November 2016.)If your new nomination is approved, as the 457 visa holder, you may need to keep working for your past sponsor for a short time. Australia's industrial relations law obliges you to give the right amount of notice to your employer. This will not be considered a breach of condition 8107 if you are meeting the requirements of the law. 4. Temporary Work (Skilled Recognition Graduate) visa (subclass 476) If you have a 476 visa, you do not need a sponsor. You can work for anyone anywhere in Australia. You do not need to tell us about changes to your job situation. 5. Temporary Work (Skilled Regional [Provisional]) visa (subclass 489) You will also need to check your Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) to see your visa details and conditions. You can usually only work 6 months with one employer. 6.Permanent Work (Regional Sponsor Migration Scheme) visa (subclass 187) You need to work for at least 2 years with a Regional Sponsored Migration visa. You must carry out the agreement you made when your employer nominated you for the visa. If you do not meet the agreement,your visa may be cancelled. You must always let the Department know of any changes! 7. Permanent Work (Skilled Nominated) visa (subclass 190) and Permanent Work (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 887) Like the subclass above, you must carry out the agreement you made when your employer nominated you for the visa. If you do not meet the agreement, your visa may also be cancelled. If you don’t inform the Department online, you can print and complete Form 1022 Notification of changes in circumstances. You can scan and email, or post, your completed form to the same place that assessed your application. Check that you have signed it first. For the subclass 190 visa, if you want to move interstate, ask the person or organisation who nominated you for a 'release notice'. A release notice will let you work in another state or territory. 8. Temporary Work (Temporary Skill Shortage visa) (subclass 482) As the primary visa holder, if you want to change jobs or do a different job while you still hold a valid Temporary Skill shortage visa (subclass 482) your employer must submit a new nomination and you must apply for a new visa. Like all others, the Department must first approve the nomination and your visa must be granted before you can start working for the new sponsor or in the new role. If you stop working for your sponsor, you must take one of these actions within 60 days: find a new employer to sponsor you and lodge a new nomination (approved by us before you can start working for them) be granted a different visa leave Australia If you are not the primary visa holder, you will not have condition 8607 (Must only work in the nominated occupation) on your visa. Therefore, you do not need to have a sponsor to work and so you do not need to notify the Department if you change jobs or roles. If the Department approves your new nomination and visa, as the 482 visa holder, like the subclass 457 visa. You may need to keep working for your past sponsor for a short time and this will not be seen as a breach of condition 8607. Our Registered Migration Agents at Migration Centre of Australia have been in the migration
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Bringing your Partner or Family Members to Australia

Have you ever thought about bringing your loved ones with you to Australia? Even if you are a visa holder or not, there are options to invite your family here! Here’s what you need to know: Australian citizens or permanent residents inviting family If you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you might want to bring your partner or family over to join you temporarily or permanently in Australia. First, you will need to decide whether your loved ones will stay temporarily or permanently. Secondly, you will need to find the right visa based on their intention. Here is our list of the type of visas you can choose from to bring your loved ones to Australia if you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident. Of course, before making any decision, it is very important to seek professional migration advice, and we can help you there! Family and partner visas Adoption visa (subclass 102) Aged Dependent Relative visa (subclass 114) Aged Dependent Relative visa (subclass 838) Aged Parent visa (subclass 804) Carer visa (subclass 836) Carer visa (subclass 116) Child visa (subclass 101) Child visa (subclass 802) Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 884) Contributory Aged Parent visa (subclass 864) Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 173) Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143) Dependent Child visa (subclass 445) New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship (temporary) visa (subclass 461) Orphan Relative (subclass 117) Orphan Relative (subclass 837) Parent visa (subclass 103) Partner (Provisional and Migrant) visa (subclass 309 100) Partner visa (subclass 820 801) Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300) Remaining Relative visa (subclass 115) Remaining Relative visa (subclass 835) Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 870) Visa holders inviting family If you are visa holder, this will greatly depend on which visa you have. You’ll also need to decide whether your loved ones will stay temporarily or permanently and you will need to check if your visa allows subsequent entrants and that you have previously declared the members of your family. If your visa does not allow subsequent entrants, your loved ones will need to apply for a visa based on their intention. Returning Australian bringing overseas-born family If you are an Australian citizen and you want to bring your overseas born children to Australia, you will first need to apply for Australian citizenship by descent on their behalf in order for them to get an Australian passport. Alternatively, if you want to bring your other family members to Australia, they will need to apply for a visa. You can see the list of family and partner visas above. New Zealand citizens bringing family If you are a New Zealand citizen and your family members are New Zealand citizens, they might be eligible for a Special Category Visa (subclass 444). If they are not New Zealand citizens, they might be eligible for a New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship (temporary) visa (subclass 461). You can also sponsor your family members for permanent residency and citizenship! Also, did you know that if you are a permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen and your children were born in Australia, your children might already be Australian citizens? If this is the case, you can apply for their proof of citizenship. Our Registered Migration Agents at Migration Centre of Australia have been in the migration industry for many years and have helped thousands of clients onshore and offshore. We are trained professionals in Australian Migration Law and we are trusted providers in the industry for our services. If you want to know more and discuss your visa options for bringing your loved ones to Australia, whether you are a visa holder or not, contact us today on (02) 4626 1002 or send us an email at info@migrationcentreofaustralia.com.au and one of my registered migration agents will be ready to help you.
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Student Visa is Expiring and Borders are Closed

As you may not already know, the Government is currently taking a more flexible approach when it comes to student visa conditions where COVID-19 restrictions have prevented conditions being met, such as your attendance at class or the use of online learning. With the coronavirus pandemic still looming, here are the current updates you need to know regarding your visa: If your study in Australia is ending, and you are unable to leave Australia due to the current travel restrictions, you can apply for a Visitor visa (subclass 600). However, you need to do this before your Student visa expires. If your course is considered ‘out of session’, you can work unlimited hours. These courses that are considered ‘out of session’ are those that occur during scheduled course breaks or if a student has finished their course as scheduled. If you have commenced studying a masters by research or a doctorate course, you can also work unlimited hours. If your course has been deferred, you can work over 40 hours per fortnight. There are some concessions for student visa holders who are temporarily permitted to work more than 40 hours per fortnight in order to support the supply of essential goods and services for Australians. This affects those who are: employed in the health sector, enrolled in a health related course (such as nursing or medicine) and are directed by a health official to assist in the effort against COVID-19 employed by registered supermarkets (this temporary measure will cease on 1 May 2020 for supermarkets) employed in aged care by an Approved Provider or Commonwealth-funded aged care service provider employed by a registered National Disability Insurance Scheme provider. If you are thinking of extending your Student Visa, unfortunately, under Australian migration law, it is not possible! In this case, you will need to apply for a new visa if: you cannot return to your home country and your visa is expiring you need more time in Australia to complete your course. Please note that you should apply for a new Student visa six weeks before your existing Student visa expires. There is no need to provide evidence of impacts of COVID-19 with your Student visa application. If your study in Australia is ending, you can apply for a Visitor visa (subclass 600). But remember. You need to do this before your Student visa expires. When you make a new application before your current visa expires, you will be given a bridging visa to remain lawful while all requirements are met. Unfortunately, the Department of Home Affairs does not regulate mode of study requirements. You should contact your education provider. You also do not need to notify the Department if you return home, or your study situation changes. Your visa remains valid until you lodge another visa application, or your visa expires. During this coronavirus pandemic, you are encouraged to rely on family support, part-time work where available and your own savings to sustain yourself while you are in Australia. If you are unable to support yourself, you should make arrangements to return to your home country. If you have been in Australia for more than 12 months, and you find yourself in financial hardship you will be able to access your Australian superannuation. Our Registered Migration Agents at Migration Centre of Australia have been in the migration industry for many years and have helped thousands of clients onshore and offshore. We are trained professionals in Australian Migration Law and we are trusted providers in the industry for our services. If your student visa is expiring or has expired, or if you wish to apply for another visa, or you simply wish to discuss any or part of these student visa changes that affect you, contact us today on (02) 4626 1002 or send us an email at info@migrationcentreofaustralia.com.au and one of my registered migration agents will be ready to help you.
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What is NSW State Nomination?

Are you a points tested skilled worker? Are you currently living in NSW? Have you been employed in NSW for at least one year in your occupation? If you answered yes, you may be eligible to apply for the new Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190). In July 2019, New South Wales introduced new changes to their Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) program for the year 2019-2020.  The Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) is a permanent visa for points tested skilled works who are nominated by a state or territory government agency. Did you know that the NSW Treasury nominates eligible skilled workers with exceptional occupational skills? This is due to the need and demand to drive economic growth in NSW! But there’s a catch, only those who are invited by the NSW Government can apply to be considered. You must be thinking, but how can I even be invited? Here’s what you need to do: Submit an expression of interest (EOI) on Skill Select You must have an occupation that is listed on the NSW 190 Priority Skilled Occupation List You must have at least 65 points and meet the relevant Commonwealth visa criteria You have a relevant skills assessment You must be under the age of 45 You must have competent English You need to be invited (selective I know!) If you are invited, you must submit your application within 14 days of being invited. Once you are granted a subclass 190 visa, you are required to commit to live and work in NSW for two years. Not bad! The perks of being granted this visa also means you can include your family and you will be able to stay in Australia permanently with the opportunity to even enroll in Australia’s public health scheme called Medicare. You will also have the freedom of traveling to and from Australia for 5 years! Sounds easy right? NSW nominations are high in demand with thousands of individuals applying every year. Due to the popularity of this scheme, only selected candidates will be given the opportunity to apply for the NSW nomination. If your current visa is expiring, whether you are in Australia or overseas, and you have not applied for a new visa, contact Migration Centre of Australia today for professional migration advice to help you with your visa application or simply to plan a visa pathway. Our migration agents have been in the migration industry for many years and are known for our expertise. Call us today on (02) 4626 1002 or send us an email at info@migrationcentreofaustralia.com.au and one of our registered migration agents will be ready to help.
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  • June 25, 2020

What is Visa Condition 8607 for TSS Visa Holders? What is its Relevance During Covid-19 Pandemic?

Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482) comes with Condition 8607 according to which you must commence work within 90 days of grant of visa or arrival in Australia, as the case may be, and must not be unemployed for more than 60 days consecutively, amongst other conditions. Schedule 8 of the Migration Regulations 1994 provides: The holder must work only in the occupation (the nominated occupation) nominated by the nomination identified in the application for the most recent Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) visa granted to the holder. Subject to sub clause (6), the holder must commence work within: If the holder was outside Australia when the visa was granted—90 days after the holder’s arrival in Australia; or If the holder was in Australia when the visa was granted—90 days after the holder’s visa was granted. If the holder ceases employment, the period during which the holder ceases employment must not exceed 60 consecutive days….” 482 Visa Holders are Outside Australia For new 482 visa holders who have not yet come to Australia, while there is no specific time frame to come to Australia, you are expected to come before the expiry of your visa. The requirement of commencing employment with 90 days doesn’t kick in before you arrive in Australia, so you are safe. However, if your arrival gets significantly delayed, the Department may raise questions regarding the continued need for visa 482 or may also proceed to cancel your visa in cases where they determine you have ceased to have a genuine intention to perform the nominated occupation. For TSS 482 visa holders who were previously in Australia but are currently ineligible return will not be considered to have ceased employment just because you are not in Australia. The Department takes into consideration legitimate circumstances or reasonable grounds for you to be absent from Australia and as such, you will not be considered to be in breach of Condition 8607. However, the Department may raise questions regarding the continued need for the 482 visa depending on your circumstances. You may also have your visa cancelled and the Department may make arrangements to reinstate visas as appropriate when the travel restrictions are longer in place. The Department is required to inform you in writing if your visa is being cancelled. 482 Visa Holders are in Australia 482 visa holders are given a 60 days window to enable finding a new approved sponsor after ceasing employment with current sponsor (employer) without affecting the visa status. However, in times of economic slowdown and recession brought by Coronavirus (Covid-19), it is not hard to imagine many people losing jobs or being temporarily laid off in Australian job market across various industries, significantly impacting the TSS visa holders. Temporary Lay-off You are considered to have ceased your employment if you have been temporarily laid off by your employer and may be in breach of condition 8607 if you do not inform the Department and it has been more than 60 consecutive days since your employment ceased.  The Department may cancel your visa for a possible breach of condition 8607. Thus, your employer must notify the Department and discuss particular circumstances to avoid the breach of your visa condition. Part-Time Work Undertaking part-time work with your employer is NOT considered to have ceased your employment. Thus, as per Department’s Policy you will not be considered to be in breach of Condition 8607 solely on this basis. However, having said that, since 482 visa program requires nominations to be for full-time positions, employers must continue to meet their sponsorship obligations. Under limited circumstances, the Department may consider such arrangements to be appropriate. Leave Without Pay If you are on unpaid leave not exceeding 3 months you are NOT considered to be in breach of Condition 8607 solely on this basis since you are still under employment of the sponsor. Under exceptional circumstances justifying a longer period of unpaid leave, the Department may consider on a case by case basis. The Department may also proceed to cancel your visa in cases where they determine you have ceased to have a genuine intention to perform the nominated occupation. Ceasing Employment You are considered to have ceased employment if you have been given written notice by your employer regarding ceasing for your employment from a particular date and that date has passed. If Temporary Skill Shortage Visa do not find another employer to sponsor your stay in Australia within 60 days, you are in breach of Condition 8607 and your visa may be prematurely cancelled for breaching the visa condition. If you continue staying in Australia without a valid visa, you may face some serious consequences including detention and removal from Australia. It is advisable to apply for a Bridging Visa E (BVE) which lets you remain in Australia lawfully for a short period while you make arrangements to leave. If you are stuck in any such situation or are facing issues of visa expiry, loss of work, inability to travel or any other migration related matter, call us on (02) 4626 100 to discuss your circumstances or Contact Us so that our TSS visa agent can help you.
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  • June 18, 2020

Everything you need to know about a Student Guardian Visa (subclass 590)

Are you a parent, custodian or relative of a student visa holder? Are you anxious about being apart for a long period of time? Did you know that you can accompany your child while they are in Australia doing their study? With a subclass 590 Student Guardian Visa this is possible! With a subclass 590 visa you can come to Australia and provide care and support for your child (or children) who is a holder of a student visa holder who is under the age of 18. There are also exceptional circumstances where parents can granted a subclass 590 if their child is over 18. Moreover, while you are in Australia you can even study an English Language Intensive Course! Or any other study or training for that matter, as long as it is no more than 3 months in duration. The only downside is that you will not be able to work. And as you will see below, you will be required to prove that you are financially able to support yourself and your child while you are staying in Australia. Usually, your stay in Australia will depend on the length of the student visa holder’s stay, however you can stay in Australia longer by applying for a further Student Guardian visa. You can also travel outside of Australia and re-enter as many times as you want during the validity period of your visa – but here’s the catch – your child must go with you! Here’s everything you need to know: You can be in or outside of Australia when you apply. If you decided to apply while you are in Australia, you can but only if you do not currently hold any of the following visas: Domestic Worker (Temporary) Diplomatic and Consular visa (subclass 426) Temporary Work (International Relations) visa (subclass 403) in the Domestic Worker (Diplomatic or consular) stream Diplomatic (Temporary) visa (subclass 995) – primary visa holder only. A family member of a Diplomatic (Temporary) visa (subclass 995) can apply for a Student visa in Australia Transit visa (subclass 771) Visitor visa (subclass 600) in the Sponsored Family stream or in the Approved Destination Status stream You must be a parent, a custodian or a relative of the student visa holder You must be able to provide accommodation, general welfare and support to the student. You must show us evidence that you have enough money to pay for your stay in Australia for meeting the costs and expenses of yourself, your accompanying family members and in most cases, the student visa holder. You can bring your other children (as long as they have turned 6) You must make welfare arrangements for your dependents who are not coming to Australia with you, who are under 18 and who do not have a Student visa You must have adequate health insurance to cover your stay in Australia You must be a genuine temporary entrant. Here the Department will assess: your personal circumstances in your home country your potential circumstances in Australia your immigration history anything else that relates to your plan to remain in Australia temporarily You must meet the health requirement You must meet the character requirement You must sign the Australian values statement You must not have debt to the Australian Government You must not have had a visa cancelled or a previous application refused before Our Registered Migration Agents at Migration Centre of Australia have been in the migration industry for many years and have helped thousands of clients onshore and offshore. We are trained professionals in Australian Migration Law and we are trusted providers in the industry for our services. If you are interested in applying for subclass 590 Student Guardian Visa, or you wish to know more about subclass 500 student visas or you need professional migration advice on assessing your eligibility and visa options, contact us today on (02) 4626 1002 or send us an email at info@migrationcentreofaustralia.com.au and one of my registered migration agents will be ready to help you.
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  • June 17, 2020

Transiting Australia – Conditions may Apply

In order to transit through Australia during the coronavirus pandemic, you must either hold a valid visa or be from an eligible country to Transit Without a Visa (TWOV). If you are from an eligible country (see eligible countries listed below) you can transit through Australia on your way to a third country without an Australian visa as long as you tick all the requirements below: You arrived in Australia by aircraft You have a confirmed ticket to leave Australia to travel to a third country by aircraft within 8 hours of arriving You have valid travel documents to enter that country You do not require immigration clearance You do not leave the airport transit lounge for any reason before boarding your onwards flight You will be eligible if you are a citizen of: Andorra Argentina Austria Belgium Brunei Bulgaria Canada Chile Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Federated States of Micronesia Fiji Finland France Germany Greece Hungary Iceland Indonesia Ireland Italy Japan Kiribati Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Malaysia Malta Marshall Islands Mexico Monaco Nauru Netherlands New Zealand Norway Oman Palau Papua New Guinea Philippines Poland Portugal Qatar Romania Samoa San Marino Singapore Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands South Africa South Korea Spain Sweden Switzerland Thailand Tonga Tuvalu United Arab Emirates United Kingdom (including its colonies) United States of America Uruguay Vanuatu Vatican You will also be eligible if you are a resident of: Hong Kong who holds a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) passport or a British National Overseas (BNO) passport Taiwan who holds a passport issued by the authorities of Taiwan (other than passports purported to be official or diplomatic passports) Indian who holds anofficial Indian passport Other than this, you can also be eligible if you are a diplomatic passport holder. But note, there are restrictions for this. Alternatively, if none of the above applied to you, and you wish to transit through Australia during this time, you can apply for a Transit visa (subclass 771) which allows you to transit through Australia for a limited time of only up to 72 hours while you wait for your onwards flight. Exceptions that do not require a transit exemption: If you are a: New Zealander on a Special Category visa (Subclass 444) Citizen of a Pacific Island Forum country Timor Leste citizen Resident of New Caledonia or French Polynesia You are not required to hold a transit exemption if you have booked a connecting flight to leave Australia within 72 hours of your arriving flight.Due to domestic travel restrictions, your outbound connecting flight must be departing from the same airport in Australia as your arrival flight, unless an exemption has been granted. Please note, that if your connecting flight means you will spend longer than 72 hours, you are not considered to be transiting Australia and will need to apply online to the Commissioner of the Australia Border Force for an exemption from the travel restrictions. Our Registered Migration Agents at Migration Centre of Australia have been in the migration industry for many years and have helped thousands of clients onshore and offshore. We are trained professionals in Australian Migration Law and we are trusted providers in the industry for our services. If you wish to know more about transiting Australia during this time or you require assistance with applying for a Transit Visa (subclass 771), contact us today on (02) 4626 1002 or send us an email at info@migrationcentreofaustralia.com.au and one of my registered migration agents will be ready to help.
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  • June 15, 2020

Refugee and Humanitarian Visas Australia

Refugee and Humanitarian (Class XB) visas allow a person to move to Australia if you are subject to persecution or substantial discrimination amounting to gross violation of human rights in your home country. With this visa, you may be allowed to stay permanently in Australia. Further, there are primarily four visas under this Class provided by the Migration Act 1958 (Cth) and the corresponding Regulations, namely, Refugee visa (Subclass 200), In-country Special Humanitarian visa (Subclass 201), Emergency Rescue (Subclass 203), and Woman at Risk (Subclass 204). General Eligibility for Refugee and Humanitarian Visas You must: be outside Australia; and face persecution in your home country; and meet the health and character requirements. Clause 200.211(1)(a) of the Migration Regulations 1994 provides that the criteria to be satisfied by the main applicant is that the at time of application the applicant “is subject to persecution in the applicant’s home country and is living in a country other than the applicant’s home country”. For this purpose, home country is defined as: “home country, in relation to a person, means: (a) the country of which the person is a citizen; or (b) if the person is not usually resident in that country, the country of which the person is usually a resident.” This visa is usually processed on priority basis and granted to persons who are registered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for resettlement in Australia, assessed as refugees and subsequently referred to the Department for grant of a visa. Please know, there is no visa application charge for this visa. Advantages of Refugee and Humanitarian Visas Stay in Australia permanently Study in Australia Work in Australia Enrol in Medicare Travel to and from Australia for 5 years Bring dependent family members to Australia Pathway to citizenship, if eligible Attend English language classes for free, up to a certain hours If you facing any migration related problems or need assistance in preparing the submission to the AAT in your case, Get In Touch with us or call us on (02) 4626 100 to speak to one of our Registered Migration Agents who can help you.
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Migration Centre of Australia (MCA) Your trusted partner for Australian immigration. We simplify visas, skilled migration, sponsorships, and more—so you can focus on your future.

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