Australia Immigration

Australian immigration law relates to a comprehensive body of Commonwealth law that govern issues of foreigners coming into Australia - including admission, exclusion, deportation & naturalization of aliens.

Immigration laws regulate how an individual from abroad may qualify for a visa and under what circumstances that individual can be deported. Broadly categories under Permanent and Temporary Visas.

PERMANENT VISA PROGRAMS
Coming to and staying in Australia brings many responsibilities and obligations. There are procedural laws and requirements that must be followed for those who wish to enter and stay in Australia for any length of time.

Australia's migration program for 2003-04 has 100,000 to 110,000 places available for migrants, plus a parent contingency reserve of 6,500 places for a full year.

1) SKILLED MIGRATION
The skilled migration stream has a number of categories for people who have particular occupation skills, outstanding talents or business skills. The skill stream of Australia's migration program targets people who are highly skilled, are under 45 years of age, and who will quickly make a contribution to the Australian economy.
More Information

2) BUSINESS MIGRATION
Business owner (provisional) visa is aimed at successful owners or part-owners of a business with a legitimate interest in establishing and managing a business in Australia.

Investment-linked (provisional) visa is aimed at successful business investors with a genuine commitment to maintain business or investment activity in Australia after the designated investment matures.

Established business owner visa is for successful owners or part owners of one or more businesses already established in Australia, seeking to change their residency status from temporary to permanent.
More Information

3) FAMILY MIGRATION
The family migration stream is where a relative who is an Australian citizen or permanent resident can sponsor people. Under this scheme, children, parents and other family members may apply to join their Australian citizen or permanent resident family members in Australia.
More Information

4) Partner Visa
Australia encourages the reunion of couples in genuine relationships. The Partner Migration Program enables Australian citizens and permanent residents, and Eligible New Zealand citizens to sponsor their partner (spouse, fiancé or defacto partner) to migrate to Australia.
More Information

TEMPORARY VISA PROGRAMS
Short Term Travel Visa to Australia
If you wish to travel to Australia for a short stay, you will need to obtain a valid visa which permits you to travel and remain in Australia for a prescribed period of time. A visa may take the form a stamp or label in a passport, or - for some travelers - can be an electronic record authorizing travel to Australia.

There are various Short Term Travel visas, which are geared towards specific visa categories; such as Business Visitor, Working Holiday Maker and Tourism. These visas allow you to gain a firsthand perspective on business opportunities available in Australia; conduct market research; meet local citizens; undertake incidental work as part of your travel; and examine, as well as experience, the Australian lifestyle.

1) Student Visa
The Overseas Student Program (OSP) allows people who are not Australian citizens or permanent residents to study in Australia. A person who would like to study under this program must obtain a Student Visa before they can commence a course of study in Australia. To be granted a Student Visa you must undertake a registered course on a full-time basis.
More Information

2) Working Holiday Visa
The Australian Working Holiday Program provides opportunities for people from some countries to holiday in Australia and supplement their travel funds through incidental employment.
More Information

3) Retirement Visa
If you are over 55 years of age, have no dependents, and have sufficient income and/or capital to meet the financial requirements, you may be entitled to spend your retirement years in Australia.
More Information

4) Tourist/Visitor Visa
Are you traveling to Australia for tourism purposes or to visit family and friends? Please note: this visa is valid for multiple visits to Australia within 12 months from date of issue with a maximum stay on each visit of three months. You are not permitted to work or study during these visits.
Moreinformation

5) Short Business Travel Visa
Are you traveling to Australia for business related activities, other than employment, for a stay of up to three months? Please note: this visa is valid for one visit to Australia within 12 months from the date of issue with a maximum stay of three months.
More Information