February 8, 2012

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Australia Immigration

Family Migration

The family migration visa includes spouses, fiancés, dependent children who are still part of the family unit, parents with children residing in Australia, aged dependent relatives, carers, orphaned minors and remaining relatives. Family visas require a sponsorship from their Australian resident relative who must be an Australian permanent resident or citizen. Apart from applications from spouses, children and fiancés, the sponsor should usually have been resident in Australia for a minimum of two (2) years. An assurance of support bond and health services charge is payable for parents who meet the balance of family test and for aged dependent, carer, orphaned minor and remaining relatives. The assurance of support is refundable with interest two (2) years after arrival of the family less any claims by Centrelink to offset payment of special benefits and certain allowances. The health service charge is not refundable. Fast track processing of parent applications is available for the high cost contributory parent category.

Business Migration

Designed to attract people with business and/or investment skills whose migration will result in one or more of the following benefits to Australia:

  • Enhanced business and investment skills
  • Business links with international markets (esp. Asia-Pacific region)
  • More jobs
  • Increased exports
  • Import replacement
  • Use of new or improved technology
  • Increased commercial activity and competitiveness.

(i) Business Talent (Migrant)

Requirements include net assets in qualifying business of $400,000.00 and a turnover of $3,000,000.00 for two of the four fiscal years preceding application lodgment. Applicants need business and personal assets of at least $1,500,000. Age limit is 54. Commitment to business activity in Australia and sponsorship by a State or Territory government is a requirement. The Business Talent category is the only direct entry category by which persons overseas can obtain Australian permanent residence on business grounds. Very few visas are issued under this category.

(ii) Provisional Business Visas

You can apply for the provisional visa as a business owner, senior executive or investor. Within these categories, there is a distinction between State/Territory sponsored applicants and others. The criteria for State/Territory applicants are less demanding than for persons who are not sponsored. For instance, the financial criteria are substantially lower for State/Territory sponsored applicants, the age limit is 54 (44 if not sponsored) and there is no vocational English requirement. Provisional visas are valid for 4 years. Persons landing on provisional visas who subsequently become successfully involved in business activity in Australia can apply for residence visas, either in their own right or with State/Territory sponsorship.

Skilled Migration

The General Skilled Migration program is for people who are not sponsored by an employer, and who have skills in particular occupations required in Australia. There is a range of visa options under the Skilled Migration program and it is subject to a points test including skill, age, English language and work experience. Skilled Independent Category

  • The current pass mark is 120 and the pool entry mark is 100 points.
  • Extra points are awarded for having an Australian qualification, study in a regional or low growth area and a skilled spouse.
  • Maximum age for principal applicants of 44 at time of application.
  • English proficiency is mandatory for principal applicants. An English test may be required.
  • Applicants need to have their skills positively assessed by a designated Australian assessing authority before lodging a migration application.
  • Applicants, who meet the pool entry mark, but not the pass mark, may be able to be considered under the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme or Skill Matching.

Skilled – Sponsored (Migrant)

  • Applicants must be either sponsored by an eligible relative living in Australia or nominated by a participating State or Territory government. Applicants must pass a points test lower than that for the Skilled – Independent visa.
  • Subject to a points test including skill, age, English language, work experience and sponsorship factors.
  • The pass mark is 100 points.
  • Extra points for having an Australian qualification, Australian work experience, skilled spouse and community language fluency.
  • English proficiency is mandatory for principal applicants. Sponsorship is required. (Assurance of Support is required in some case).
  • Applicants need to have their skills positively assessed by a designated Australian assessing authority before lodging a migration application.
  • Overseas students completing courses within the previous 6 months can obtain points for skill without work experience.

Skilled – Regional Sponsored (Provisional) Visa

  • This is a three (3) year provisional visa for people who meet the lower pass mark for this visa and are sponsored by an eligible relative living in a designated area of Australia or nominated by a participating state/territory government. This is a two stage visa. After living for two (2) years and working for at least one (1) year in a Specified Regional Area, applicants can apply for a permanent visa.
  • State/Territory sponsorship initially and subsequently when applying for permanent residence. OR
  • Sponsored by an eligible relative living in a designated area of Australia.
  • Less than 45 years of age.
  • Positive skills assessment.
  • Vocational English.
  • Minimum 100 points.

Distinguished Talent

A permanent visa for people outside Australia, nominated for migration on the basis of their internationally recognized record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in a profession, the arts, sport, research or academia.