| Q.
|
What are the entry criteria? |
| A. |
For some visas it is based on a points system, for others sponsorship. |
| Q.
|
What is the points system? |
| A. |
Points are gained for Age, Qualifications, Work Experience, English Language, and bonus points are awarded for Spouse Qualifications and Community Language Skills. |
| Q.
|
Can I invest in Australia? |
| A. |
Certainly, you can invest as a prospective employer, a person willing to finance the introduction of a business in Australia that will employ Australians.
|
| Q.
|
What am I entitled to by way of benefits in Australia? |
| A. |
All employers are bound by law to invest a percentage of your salary, (over and above your salary) to a superannuation fund as a pension fund for your retirement.
Migrants are not entitled to unemployment benefits until they have been in Australia for at least two years as a permanent resident or citizen.
|
| Q.
|
What qualifications are currently desired by Australia? |
| A. |
The most highly prized qualifications at the time of writing are nurses, hairdressers, cooks and certain Information Technology categories. However most qualified persons would rate highly if their qualifications and work experiences are fairly generic, such as Welders, Carpenters and similar tradespeople.
|
| Q.
|
Can my wife be the principal applicant if her qualifications are better
(of more interest) than mine? |
| A. |
Absolutely! There is no discrimination as to who should be the principal
applicant. However it is crucial to remember that current work
experience is important so where the wife/partner is a full time
homemaker this may not be the most appropriate course of action. |
| Q.
|
I am not married but live with my partner, can he/she come too? |
| A. |
Australia recognises defacto relationships, e.g. where a couple have
been in a lasting and exclusive relationship and have lived together for
one year before their application they are accepted in the same way
as if they were married in a conventional sense. |
| Q.
|
I am a homosexual/lesbian in a long-term relationship, can I still apply? |
| A. |
Again there is no discrimination in Australia in relation to sexual preference; the principal applicant should be the partner with most appropriate qualification/work experience.
|
| Q.
|
English is not my first language; can I still apply? |
| A. |
Some visas require a particular pass mark in English language ability; in other cases the immigration department add a levy to the application fee to cover the costs of English lessons.
|
| Q.
|
Will my university qualifications be recognised in Australia? |
| A. |
There is a process whereby your qualifications are assessed to Australian standard; this assessment is completed before the application is submitted to the department of immigration.
|
| Q.
|
Can I live anywhere I choose in Australia? |
| A. |
If you are sponsored by an employer then undoubtedly you will be
able to live in whichever area the employer resides.
There is movement in Australia to encourage recent immigrants to the country to populate the more remote areas of the Country and in some cases it may help your application if those more remote areas are requested on the application.
|
| Q.
|
Why should I use a Migration Agent? |
| A. |
Due to the complexities of the application process and the almost
constant changes to legislation it is favourable to use an agent as they
are required by the licensing regulations to keep abreast of the current
issues and changes. It is imperative that the correct form is completed
and the supporting documentation is appropriate, it can be very costly
if mistakes are made. |
