Dreaming of a new life in Australia? Known for its beautiful landscapes, vibrant cities, and high quality of life, Australia is a top destination for those seeking new opportunities, world-class education, and a laid-back lifestyle.
This quiz offers a quick idea of your eligibility for Australian migration. Grab a pen (or keep a mental tally) and find out if you could be on your way Down Under!
1. Are you between the ages of 25 and 43?
● Yes: You’re in the prime age range for many Australian visas, excluding skilled and employer sponsored visas.
● No: While some visas favour younger applicants, there are options for people of all ages.
2. Do you have skills in a profession that is in demand in Australia?
● Yes: Australia’s skilled migration program prioritises applicants with in-demand skills. Check the Skilled Occupation List for more info.
● No: There are other visa options, such as family, resident return, and business visas, that don’t require specific occupations.
3. Can you speak English at a proficient level?
● Yes: Proficiency in English is a standard requirement for certain visas and is usually assessed through a standardised test like IELTS. Note that not all visas require you to take a proficiency test, like partner and parent visas.
● No: Consider brushing up on your English, as demonstrating a level of proficiency can improve your eligibility for certain visas. The proficiency level required will vary according to the type of visa for which you’re applying.
4. Do you have family members who are Australian citizens, permanent residents or are you a previous resident yourself?
● Yes: Having family in Australia can open up pathways for easier migration based on certain visas like family or partner visas as well as resident return visas.
● No: Australia offers independent skilled and employer sponsored visas that don’t require family connections.
6. Are you open to living in regional Australia?
● Yes: Many regional visas offer attractive pathways with extra support for those willing to settle outside of major cities.
● No: Major cities offer plenty of opportunities through visa migration, and we can help you explore the best options for your lifestyle.
Quiz Results
● Mostly “Yes”: Congratulations! It sounds like you could be eligible for several visa types. Get in touch with Hitchcock & Associates to explore your options in detail.
● Mostly “No” or Mixed: Don’t worry! Australia offers a wide range of visas, and even if you didn’t check off every box, we’re here to help you find a pathway that suits your goals.
Whether you’re already a top contender or exploring your eligibility for the first time, Hitchcock & Associates is here to guide you on the next steps, offering expert advice to make your migration journey as smooth as possible.
Australia offers a variety of migration visas, designed to accommodate individuals and families based on their unique goals, skills, and connections to the country. Here are the primary types of visas:
1. Skilled Migration Visas:
These visas cater to individuals with in-demand skills in Australia. Skilled Migration Visas cover Subclass 189, 190, and 491 visas, allowing skilled workers to reside and work permanently in the country. Hitchcock & Associates specialises in assessing eligibility for these visas and guiding applicants through the process to ensure they meet the complex requirements set by the Australian government.
2. Employer-Sponsored Visas:
Lets Australian businesses sponsor workers, and may lead to permanent residency. Options include the Employer Nominated Scheme (Subclass 186), which is often the preferred choice for those looking to work in Australia.
3. Business and Investment Visas:
Ideal for business owners or investors seeking residency through economic contributions. For entrepreneurs, business owners and/or investors looking to immigrate to Australia, the traditional option used to be the Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (BIIP). However as of 31 July 2024, it’s no longer available.
The Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) Visa (BIIP) was under review and a new visa is expected to become available as a migration pathway soon (release date to be determined still).
Hitchcock & Associates has niche experience in successfully helping business owners and investors relocate to Australia through business and investment visa options.
4. Family-Sponsored Visas:
Reunites families by offering visas for partners, parents, children and siblings of Australian permanent residents or citizens. Options like the Partner Visa (Subclass 309/100 and 820/801) and Parent Visa (Subclass 143/864) allow family members to join their loved ones in Australia.
These visa types represent some of the most popular migration opportunities for a family of Australia citizens or permanent residents, but are not the only pathways to Australian migration. Hitchcock & Associates’ expert consultants offer tailored advice to help applicants identify the best visa option for their circumstances, whether it’s for skilled migration, investment, or family sponsorship.
Navigating the migration process to Australia may seem complex at first, but breaking it down into clear, succinct steps helps simplify the journey. Most visas will have a different process which we are competent in. However, here’s a guide to the typical steps involved in applying for a Skilled Australian visa – to give a general idea.
1. Determine Visa Eligibility
Choose a visa pathway based on your key circumstances. Hitchcock & Associates conducts thorough assessments ensuring you meet the initial requirements for a successful application.
2. Skills Assessment (for Skilled Visas)
For those applying through skilled migration, Skilled visas require a skills assessment to match Australian standards for a specific occupation.
3. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Once we receive your positive skills assessment and all the documents needed, the next step for skilled visas is submitting an EOI in SkillSelect. This online profile includes details about your skills, experience, English language proficiency and qualifications. EOIs are ranked based on a points system.
4. Receive an Invitation to Apply
After lodging your EOI, you may receive an invitation to apply (ITA) from the Australian Department of Home Affairs. Invitations have a higher chance of being issued to candidates with high points and those with high-priority occupations. Once invited, applicants usually have 60 days to submit their full visa application, making it crucial to prepare documentation in advance.
5. Prepare and Submit Your Visa Application
With the ITA in hand, the visa application process officially begins. You’ll need to provide essential documents, such as proof of identity, qualifications, employment records, and police certificates. Hitchcock & Associates assists clients in compiling the required documents and submitting the application, ensuring that it meets all criteria to minimise the risk of delays or refusals.
6. Undergo Health and Character Checks
Australia has strict health and character requirements for all visa applicants. During this stage, you’ll likely undergo medical examinations by approved practitioners and submit police clearances from any country where you have spent a cumulative period of 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
7. Wait for Visa Approval
Once the application and supporting documents are submitted, the Department of Home Affairs will review them. Processing times vary depending on the visa type and the volume of applications, with some visas taking a few months while others may take longer. Hitchcock & Associates maintains close communication with clients throughout this period, providing updates and managing any additional information requests from immigration officials.
8. Prepare for the Move
Once your visa has been granted, it’s time to start preparing for your new life in Australia! Hitchcock & Associates provides guidance for settling in, including advice on finding accommodation, employment, and integrating into Australian society. The agency’s extensive network helps smooth your transition, ensuring you have the support needed every step of the way.
The cost of migrating to Australia can vary widely, influenced by factors such as visa type, your age, the region you’re migrating to, and whether you’re migrating alone or with family. While the exact costs will differ based on individual circumstances, we’ve outlined the main categories that may affect your budget.
1. Visa Application Fees:
These fees differ based on the type of visa you’re applying for, with skilled migration and business visas generally incurring higher fees than some family visas. Hitchcock & Associates provides clarity on these fees upfront during our consultation process.
2. Skills Assessment, Health Checks and Character Checks:
For those applying under skilled migration categories, a skills assessment is required, and costs depend on your profession and location. Additionally, applicants must undergo health checks and character checks, except for Resident Return Visas. These medical examinations may vary in cost depending on your profile and location.
3. Partner and Family Fees:
If you are migrating with a partner or dependents, additional fees apply. These may include visa application fees for each family member and any additional costs related to health and character checks. Hitchcock & Associates helps clients understand these fees, ensuring that families have a clear picture of what’s required financially for everyone in their application.
4. Legal and Consultancy Fees:
Working with a registered migration agency, like Hitchcock & Associates, offers the advantage of professional expertise to navigate the complex migration process. Although consultancy fees apply, they help reduce costly mistakes and increase the likelihood of a successful application. Hitchcock & Associates provides value through personalised guidance, comprehensive document support, and representation throughout the migration journey.
5. Additional Expenses for Settling in Australia:
Beyond visa-related expenses, there are costs associated with settling into life in Australia, such as travel expenses, temporary accommodation, and securing long-term housing. These costs can vary depending on your destination, family size, and personal preferences.
While Australia’s immigration system does place age limits on certain visa types, there are multiple pathways to migration that remain open regardless of age, each tailored to different personal and professional goals.
For skilled migration visas, such as the Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa) and Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa), Australia’s skilled migration program prioritises younger skilled professionals between the ages of 25-43 to meet the country’s economic and workforce needs.
Employer-sponsored visas, like the Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482), may offer some flexibility for older applicants, especially those with highly specialised skills that are difficult to source locally. While the age limit for permanent employer-sponsored pathways can still be a consideration, exemptions may apply depending on the applicant’s occupation.
For applicants with substantial business experience or financial resources, business and investment visas often offer more flexible age requirements. For instance, the BIIP (Business Innovation and Investment Visa) has traditionally been well-suited to entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners up to age 55 (with exception to the Significant Investor Visa which had no age cap), as it values the professional experience and economic contribution they bring.
As mentioned, the BIIP has been scrapped and a new visa set to be rereleased in the near future and may or may not have an age cap (be sure to sign up to our newsletter to stay updated). Regardless, it has traditionally provided a pathway to living in Australia through business and investment means.
The Global Talent Independent Visa (GTI) currently has an upper age limit of 55, with some exemptions for exceptional candidates. The GTI is in the process of being replaced by the National Innovation Visa (NIV) that aims to attract high-skilled migrants with highly sought-after and niche skills. More details about the NIV will be released as they become available.
On the other hand, family and partner visas are generally free from age restrictions. Visas such as the Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801 and 309/100) allows applicants of all ages to join their loved ones in Australia.
Yes, you can immigrate to Australia with pets, but the process involves strict regulations to protect the country’s unique ecosystem. Hitchcock & Associates provides initial guidance to clients considering bringing pets, connecting them with a specialised pet agency to simplify the process.
To begin, pets must undergo a comprehensive veterinary check-up that includes necessary vaccinations. Working with a qualified pet relocation service can help pet owners stay on top of these requirements and maintain the correct paperwork, minimising delays or issues upon arrival.
The entry process also depends on the country of origin. Typically, all pets must spend a minimum of ten days in a designated Australian quarantine facility upon arrival to complete health evaluations and ensure they meet the country’s biosecurity standards.
While the idea of quarantine can be concerning for pet owners, Australian quarantine facilities are professionally managed and designed to keep pets comfortable and well cared for during their stay.
Preparing a pet for international relocation can be a complex and emotional experience, and working with experts can make a significant difference. Hitchcock & Associates assist in connecting clients to an agency ensuring they receive all the steps, requirements and timelines.
Australia’s immigration system offers several visa options that allow individuals to move and settle in the country without securing employment beforehand. Skilled migration visas, in particular, do not require applicants to have a job offer if they meet the necessary skills, experience, and eligibility criteria.
The Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa) and Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa) are two popular options for skilled professionals looking to migrate independently. Through these visas, applicants can use their qualifications, work experience, and the demand for their profession in Australia, rather than an existing job offer, to gain entry.
There are also other pathways for migrants without a job offer, such as the Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Visa), which allows skilled workers to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia. This visa supports migration to areas outside of major cities and helps migrants build their careers and lives in communities where there is a greater demand for skilled workers.
Understanding the reasons behind a visa rejection can improve your chances of a successful reapplication. Here are some of the most common reasons why visa applications to Australia get rejected:
1. Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation:
Each visa type requires specific documents, and failing to provide accurate, up-to-date information can lead to delays or outright rejection. For example, missing employment records or incomplete forms can contribute to a denial. Working with an experienced migration consultant, like Hitchcock & Associates, can help you ensure all documents are correctly prepared and submitted.
2. Failure to Meet Health and Character Requirements:
Australia has strict health and character standards to maintain the safety and well-being of its residents. Failing to pass the required medical checks or background assessments may result in a rejection. However, as experienced migration consultants, we can assist with obtaining health waivers in special cases.
4. Inadequate English Proficiency:
For skilled migration visas, applicants must demonstrate a certain level of English language proficiency, as measured by standardised tests like IELTS or Pearson PTE . Failing to achieve the required score can make an applicant ineligible, as strong English skills are essential for integration and job market success. Reapplying with an improved test score can increase your chances of approval.
5. Misrepresentation or False Information:
Providing false information, even unintentionally, can result in an application being rejected or even lead to a ban on future applications. This includes discrepancies in employment history, personal details, or qualifications. Hitchcock & Associates can help applicants verify their information before submission, reducing the risk of errors or inconsistencies.
6. Insufficient Points for Skilled Migration:
Australia’s points-based system for skilled migration requires applicants to meet a minimum points threshold based on factors like age, qualifications, and work experience. If you don’t meet this threshold, your application may not be considered.
7. Not Meeting Visa-Specific Criteria:
Each visa type has specific eligibility criteria, and failing to meet these can lead to rejection. For instance, business visas may require a certain level of investment, while student visas require proof of enrollment in an Australian institution. Understanding the unique requirements of your visa category is crucial to a successful application.
Understanding how and where you can migrate to Australia can be overwhelming, especially if you’re planning to migrate with family members or dependents. At Hitchcock & Associates, we have over 35+ combined years of experience in providing expert, tailored Australian migration services to individuals and families around the world.
Book your consultation session with us to discover what migration opportunities you may qualify for and everything you need for a successful and seamless migration process.
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