Australian Visa & Migration FAQ
Plain-English answers to the most common questions on Australian visas, the Genuine Student requirement, points-tested skilled migration, partner visas and working with a MARA registered migration agent.
General Questions
Common questions about our services and the visa consultation process.
A MARA (Migration Agents Registration Authority) registered agent is a qualified professional authorised by the Australian Government to provide immigration assistance. Our MARN is 1808157, which you can verify on the official MARA register. Using a registered agent ensures you receive accurate, up-to-date advice.
We offer an initial consultation to assess your visa options and eligibility. During this session, we discuss your circumstances, recommend the most suitable visa pathway, and outline the process and fees involved. There is no obligation after the initial consultation.
Processing times vary depending on the visa type, your individual circumstances, and the Department of Home Affairs workload. We usually refer our clients to the official processing times page: <a href="https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-processing-times/global-visa-processing-times" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Global Visa Processing Times</a>. We provide estimated timelines specific to your case during consultation.
Required documents vary by visa type but generally include a valid passport, identity documents, English language test results, health examinations, police clearances, and evidence supporting your visa category. We provide a detailed checklist tailored to your application.
Yes, we can review your refused application, identify the reasons for refusal, and advise on your options — including lodging a new application or appealing to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART). Early consultation after a refusal is important as there are strict time limits for appeals.
Yes, we offer consultations via phone, video call (Zoom/Teams), and WhatsApp in addition to in-person meetings at our Perth office. This makes our services accessible to clients anywhere in Australia or overseas.
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Contact UsStudent Visa FAQ
You need a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a registered institution, proof of sufficient funds, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), English language proficiency, and a genuine temporary entrant statement. We guide you through each requirement step by step.
Yes, student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. We help you understand your work rights and conditions.
Our education counsellors assess your academic background, career goals, budget, and preferred location to recommend suitable courses and institutions. We have partnerships with numerous Australian universities and colleges.
Overseas Student Health Cover is mandatory health insurance for international students in Australia. It covers hospital treatment, medical services, and some pharmaceuticals. We help you select the most suitable OSHC provider and plan for your needs.
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Contact UsEmployer Sponsored Visa FAQ
An employer sponsored visa allows an Australian employer to sponsor a skilled worker from overseas. The main subclasses are 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage), 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme), and 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional). We assist both employers and employees.
Yes, your employer must become an approved sponsor through the Department of Home Affairs. This involves demonstrating the business is lawful, actively operating, and has a genuine need for a skilled worker. We guide employers through the approval process.
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Contact UsPartner Spouse Visa FAQ
You need evidence across four categories: financial aspects (joint accounts, shared expenses), household matters (shared living arrangements), social aspects (photos, statutory declarations from friends/family), and commitment (future plans, duration of relationship). We help you compile comprehensive evidence.
Partner visa processing typically takes 12-24 months. The visa is granted in two stages — a temporary visa (subclass 820) first, followed by a permanent visa (subclass 801) after two years, unless you have been in a long-term relationship.
Yes, once you lodge your partner visa application in Australia, you receive a bridging visa that grants full work rights while your application is being processed.
No, your sponsoring partner can be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. We assess both your and your partner's eligibility during the initial consultation.
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Contact UsEducation Counselling FAQ
Yes, our education counselling service is completely free for students. We are funded by our partner institutions, so there is no cost to you for course and university guidance, application assistance, and general advice about studying in Australia.
We partner with a wide range of Australian institutions including universities, TAFEs, vocational colleges, and English language schools across all states and territories. We match you with institutions that best fit your academic profile, career goals, and budget.
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Contact UsParent Visa FAQ
Options include the Parent visa (subclass 103 — low cost, long wait of 30+ years), Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143 — higher cost, faster processing of 4-6 years), and Aged Parent visa (subclass 804). We advise on the best option based on your timeline and budget.
To be eligible for a parent visa, at least half of your children must live in Australia permanently, or more of your children live in Australia than in any other single country. This is a key eligibility requirement.
The contributory parent visa (subclass 143) has a base application fee plus a second instalment. The total government fees are approximately AUD 47,000-50,000 per applicant. Professional service fees are additional. We provide a full cost breakdown during consultation.
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Contact UsSkilled Visa FAQ
Australia uses a points test for skilled visas (subclasses 189, 190, 491). Points are awarded for age, English proficiency, work experience, education, and other factors. You generally need a minimum of 65 points to be eligible, though higher scores improve your chances.
A skills assessment is an evaluation of your qualifications and work experience by a relevant assessing authority. It is mandatory for most skilled visa applications. The assessing authority depends on your nominated occupation. We identify the correct authority and guide you through the process.
Subclass 189 is an independent visa (no state sponsorship needed), 190 requires state/territory nomination and grants permanent residency, and 491 is a provisional regional visa requiring state nomination or family sponsorship with a pathway to permanent residency after 3 years.
Processing times vary: 189 visas typically take 6-12 months, 190 visas 6-9 months, and 491 visas 6-12 months from the date of lodgement. Times can vary based on the completeness of your application.
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Contact UsVisitor Tourist Visa FAQ
A visitor visa (subclass 600) typically allows stays of 3, 6, or 12 months depending on the stream. Tourist stream usually grants up to 12 months, while sponsored family stream can allow stays of up to 12 months with the possibility of extension.
No, a visitor visa does not allow you to work in Australia. It is strictly for tourism, visiting family, or short-term business activities such as attending conferences or meetings.
You need to demonstrate sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay — typically bank statements showing a balance adequate for your trip duration, along with evidence of ties to your home country showing your intention to return.
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Contact UsBusiness Visa FAQ
The main options include the Business Innovation visa (subclass 188A) for business owners, the Investor visa (188B) for investors, and the Significant Investor visa (188C) requiring a AUD 5 million investment. Each has different requirements regarding turnover, net assets, and investment amounts.
Investment requirements vary by subclass: 188A requires net business and personal assets of at least AUD 1.25 million, 188B requires AUD 2.5 million in designated investments, and 188C requires AUD 5 million in complying investments.
Yes, you can include your spouse/de facto partner and dependent children in your business visa application. They will receive the same visa and can live, work, and study in Australia.
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