Getting a Visa for Australia

Getting a Visa

visaHow do I get a visa? Which visa is best for me? And how do I calculate my points total? These are some of the questions I am asked on a regular basis. I have rolled all three of these questions into one and, fortunately, they are reasonably easy to answer.

Why?

Well, let’s go through them. Firstly, how do you get a visa? There is only one place you will get your visa from, and that’s the Australian Government, via The Department of Home Affairs, so you need to apply to them.

Of course, you can go through a MARA registered migration agent. If that is something that appeals to you, visit my…

Visa Assessment Service

…page for details of how you can get your own personal help from a MARA registered migration agent. But ultimately, all agents will forward your application on, so your visa can still only be granted by The Department of Home Affairs.

Which visa?

So which visa is best for you? The Department of Home Affairs can answer that for you too, simply by visiting their website and using their Visa Finder. This new version of the Visa Finder replaces the Visa Wizard of old. I used to have a video here explaining how it worked, but the Visa Finder is so simple that no explanation is needed.

Here’s a link to the Visa Finder:

As soon as you have answered the questions presented, you need to ‘Select next to see your visa options‘ and then you will be presented with, and you are probably ahead of me on this, your visa options. Clicking on the header on any of those visa options will take you to a page with further details, including the government fees required to lodge the application.

If the kind of visa you are recommended requires you to calculate your points, please visit my Points Calculator page.

More useful links:

I have a whole series of posts that explain the entire process that we went through to get our visas for Australia. The first instalment is called Moving to Australia – An Idea and the series ends with Moving to Australia – Part Fifteen in which you will find us sitting in our new home in Australia, waiting for the furniture to show up.

You can see a full list of all the topics covered in this series over at How to Move to Australia.

Important: Please read before commenting…
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And for those looking for professional assistance…
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Visa Assessment Service
{ 873 comments… add one }
  • Junior M Phiri May 5, 2016, 12:05 am |

    I am a Zambian woman who was widowed for 17 years and by the grace of God i went into a relationship with an Australian man who loves me very much. Last in November he flew to see me and in December 2015, we got married and it was just a simply wedding and i loved the humbleness found in this man. By the way the man is not rich but he has love i have never seen and he loves my children. So now i want to join him and my children. My children depends on me and i love this man with all my being because of the humility that is found in him.
    I have a challenge on how to raise money for our visas and flight and i wanted to ask anyone who can assist me so i can join him and we live a wonderful life together. He is my second husband after the death of my first husband.
    Please i need help and also i do not know how i can process my visas on line. Australia is so complicated and i would love to join him before Xmas so we can be happy together.
    I thank God for him and i sent him as an angel from above. Am trusting God to bring someone to help us. Am asking with love.

    Guest

  • vaneza May 4, 2016, 5:23 am |

    Hi..Im currently dating a australian citizen while living in USA..he has made the trip here and we have met and would like to move in together.. I would like to be able to work while I stay in Australia with him..I know about the work holiday visa and I’m interested in getting one..only one question…I have a child and I was wondering if I’m able to bring her overseas after I complete my 88 days of work..is there something like it at all or is there other visas that we could quality for where I can bring my child with me to be with him?

  • Jerry April 21, 2016, 10:15 am |

    Please i need help.my wife get admission to study in Australia but she is 28 weeks pregnant.will immigration grant her visa?what which document do we need to give them?hopeful to get best answer from u

  • Ann April 12, 2016, 3:37 pm |

    Hi Bob,
    So happy to get such information for reference in the website.
    I am applying the 186 visa and my employer received a letter from Department of Immigration said that the nomination has been approved,. here are my questions:
    1. Usually how long will I get approved after this?
    2. Will I get a official letter to let me know the approval result and then what can I do next?

    Thank you.

  • Karimdad April 6, 2016, 7:06 pm |

    Hi
    I am holding permanent resident visa in Australia. My wife is pregnant and i am full time employed therefore i want to bring one of my family from oversea to help my wife when the child is born. Is there any way that i can bring some from oversea?

    Thank you

    • BobinOz April 7, 2016, 7:58 pm |

      Only if they qualify for a visa and you would need to speak to a MARA registered migration agent about that if you are looking for help with it.

  • tushar April 5, 2016, 9:58 pm |

    i have been Australia in 2007 to 2009 for study, than i come back to India. i haven’t my study, now i want to go Australia with my family. how can i go there.

  • BobinOz April 4, 2016, 4:55 pm |

    Jamie and Kritika, you both need to discuss your situations with a MARA registered migration agent, these aren’t questions I can assist with.

  • Jamie Bennett April 3, 2016, 1:08 pm |

    I am currently in Australia on my 2nd working holiday visa. My partner (Australian citizen) and I are expecting our first baby in June and have recently gotten married and are in the process of submitting our application for a partnership visa.
    My question is, should I include the fact that we are pregnant in the Visa application somewhere? If yes, where would I add this information?

    Thanks for your help 🙂

  • Kritika Narang April 1, 2016, 9:23 pm |

    hi,
    my husband is in australia and i stay in india. we got married last year and now i want to visit him. we have decided for sponsored visa. my brother in law who is an australian citizen will sponsor me. is it the right decision we are making? and if yes, what is the procedure and the forms and documents required….please help. its been 7 months i am here in india post marriage.

  • angel manzano March 31, 2016, 11:42 am |

    Hi . I am a Filipina, born and raised in the Philippines. I want to work in Australia but I don’t know anyone in Australia. I can’t find an employer through online.

    Is it still possible for me to work there?

    • BobinOz March 31, 2016, 9:12 pm |

      You can’t work here without a visa that allows you to do so, so it won’t be easy. All the information and help I have about this is on my page called Getting a Job or a Sponsorship.

      I hope that helps, good luck, Bob

  • Shauna O' Connor March 31, 2016, 8:28 am |

    Hi Bob. I am currently in the process of getting everything together to apply for a Skilled Migration Visa. I am
    Waiting to receive my certificate of equivalence as a physiotherapist. My partner is also a physiotherapist. Is there a certain timeframe we have to be living with each other in order to get one visa with a partner on it also? Thank you, Shauna

    • BobinOz March 31, 2016, 9:08 pm |

      Technically I can’t answer this question because I’m not a MARA registered migration agent, but I can certainly say Google “Fact Sheet 35 – Australian immigration de facto rules” for more information.

      That’s where you will find your answer 🙂 good luck, Bob

  • Vanessa March 30, 2016, 1:02 pm |

    Hi Bob,
    Once approved for a visa, is there a certain amount of time you have to travel? For example, if I applied and was approved now but didn’t want to go until next year is that a problem?
    Thanks!

    • BobinOz March 30, 2016, 6:29 pm |

      Once approved, you should get an official letter with full details of the terms of your visa and that should give you a specific date by which you need to have travelled. It isn’t a fixed date, I believe it varies depending upon how your application progressed and the type of visa you have gone for. So it’s not a question with a simple answer.

      Hope that helps so, thanks, Bob

  • Neil Duncan March 27, 2016, 9:27 am |

    Hi,

    Has anyone on this comment section or whom knows anyone who has successfully received a work/holiday visa for Australia with a list of mostly minor criminal convictions and several more deemed in the serious bracket.

    My immigration clearly said he think’s we have reasonable chance of successfully receiving a work visa and his track record in these kind of situations is excellent and to my knowledge, he has only been rejected 300 times through out his 25 year career. So yes, technically i have a pretty high chance of getting a work visa but i’d love to hear from anyone who has experienced the application process with a criminal record.

    I was so immature in my teens an was rather a party animal to be quite honest and used to drink myself senseless more often and not and this got me into some trouble. Since then I’ve fully matured and have a good career ahead of me. I’ve also been in impeccable behavior since 2011.

    My criminal convictions are as follows, just to give anyone an example of my situation.

    :2007-2008- Common assault to minor injury- fine imposed.
    :2008-Common assault to minor injury- fine imposed.
    2008-2009-dangerous driving-two years dis qualification and a fine imposed.
    2009-Drink driving- fine imposed and extra year of disqualification added.
    2010- Drunk an Disorderly + breach of the peace- fine imposed.
    2010- Public order offence whilst under the influence + showing abusive and or threatening behavior- probation order imposed for 1 year.
    2010-shop lifting- fine imposed.
    2010- failure to comply with probation order and so a community payback order of 150 hours was imposed.
    2011- common assault to minor injury- fine imposed.

    I haven’t received a custodial sentence nor have i committed any crime too serious or such like.

    Hope to hear from anyone who has succeeded with a similar past record as mine.

    • BobinOz March 29, 2016, 5:40 pm |

      That’s quite a list, but you do appear to have been a good boy for four or five years now, so maybe that will help. Hopefully somebody with experience of this will give you some advice, but if you Google “Fact Sheet 79 – The Character Requirement” you will be able to read what the government says about this.

      • Neil Duncan March 29, 2016, 9:11 pm |

        Thanks for your reply Bob, appreciate it the advice.

        Yes i certainly have been a good boy since i left my teens behind me and i spoke to an immigration agent who also said something similar and that it’s quite a list of convictions , although most are considered minor. He also said there’s no pattern of offence’s, which will help.

        He said “I think we had a reasonable shot at a visa” so i’m confident that we’ll satisfy the character requirement test enough 🙂

        I have heard stories about people with a list of convictions worse than mine with a custodial sentence and they have found a good immigration agent and succeeded in the process, so that’s something to lift my spirit a bit also 🙂

        Thanks again for reply,

        Neil Duncan

        • BobinOz March 30, 2016, 5:42 pm |

          Thanks Neil, and good luck with your application. Bob

  • Hannah karrenina March 27, 2016, 4:07 am |

    Hi! I am 47 years old and I will be graduating this year in my nursing degree. I have only 5 months assistant in nursing work experience. Is there a possibility for me to be sponsored?which type of visa should I apply? What are the options for me to be able to get a permanent residency? Thanks a lot

  • Pargi March 21, 2016, 10:12 am |

    Hi there,
    I have completed my masters in Professional Accounting and Business Administration in 2014. I also got a certificate of Professional Year for Accounting. I got each band 7 in english as well. My age is 26. I have got total 65 points. My course included both auditing and taxation. While doing assessment, should I go for Accounting General or for Auditing or for Taxation? What is the probablity of getting invitation quicker? Is it ok for going with general accounting or should I go for auditing or taxation?
    Thank you for your help in advance.

    • BobinOz March 21, 2016, 11:21 pm |

      That is something my MARA agent will most definitely discuss with you as part of the assessment. He will look at your work experiences and qualifications and assist you in selecting the correct ANZSCO skill for your application.

      It’s part of the visa assessment, it’s not something you have to decide before going through the assessment. Good luck, Bob

      • Pargi March 22, 2016, 5:27 am |

        Hi Bob,
        Thank you for your response. Actually, my friends along with whom I have completed my study already got their assessments for the same course and units as mine. Some got it done for general accounting and some got it done for auditing n some for taxation. I know that if I get my assessment in general accounting i will be eligible to submit my eoi for subclass 189 but if the assessment is for auditing n taxation then I need to submit my eoi for subclass 190. I just wanted to know about the probablity of getting invitation quicker in case when I have 65 points and I will be submitting my eoi in this month.
        Thank you,
        Pargi

        • BobinOz March 22, 2016, 5:58 pm |

          Yes, well this can only be answered by going through the assessment with my MARA agent, I cannot answer it for you here and now because I’m not a MARA agent.

          I suggest the sooner you get assessed, the quicker you can get this moving. Good luck, Bob

  • Gagan March 7, 2016, 5:39 pm |

    hello sir/ ma’am
    i am from india
    i have passed b.sc hotel management in 2014 with 65%
    now i got 5 band’s in pte academic….
    Can i eligible for Australia visa
    i want to apply ( sir ) visa

  • Vakil Ali Sayyed February 21, 2016, 2:24 am |

    Dear Rrspected Sir
    i n frm India I m University Graduate.
    i just looking for a job in australia like computer Oprater
    and any kind of Office work
    kindly tell me How i can apply and Get a good job at As soon as Possible

    kindly do reply here i m waiting for your response!!

    hv a great day Ahead to you!
    thnks And regards
    Vaki Ali sayyed
    +91;) 96949-53587

  • Tom February 8, 2016, 7:25 am |

    Hi bob,
    This might sound like a weird question but can you just buy a visa, as in you don’t have to have a skilled job or relatives over there you just pay them a certain amount of money and they give you a permanent visa?
    Thank you

    • BobinOz February 8, 2016, 6:09 pm |

      I don’t know what the current situation is on that, you would need to talk to a MARA registered migration agent for the latest, but about four years ago or so, this was the case…

      https://www.bobinoz.com/blog/9678/getting-an-australian-visa-the-shortcut/

      • Reet February 12, 2016, 5:20 am |

        Hi Bob,
        U can consider me a fresher in this area.. Want to start from zero. I am Indian working in Accenture as HRBP in India. Afraid if I leave d job and move will I get job there.. My job z bread n butter of my family. How long it will take for me to complete visa formalities.. Money involved. Y CNT I get job n then company sponsor d visa for me.. ??

      • Lucas Khala February 19, 2016, 3:21 am |

        I need help. I read your website but in so confused . I’m 20 years old and I want a visa but I’m so lost!

        • BobinOz February 19, 2016, 4:50 pm |

          It is very confusing, if you are completely lost then you should consider speaking to a MARA registered migration agent about your situation.

  • Sophie February 5, 2016, 8:12 pm |

    Hi Bob,

    First of all – great website!

    I wondered if you could help me. My partner was living in Sydney for a couple of years on a working holiday visa – he bought a car for work, however he got several fines for crossing Sydney Harbour Bridge without buying a valid ticket. We are hoping to go back, however before we start applying for Visas which is very very expensive, we wanted to check if this would influence it at all. Is this something which could lead to his Visa being rejected?

    Any help and advice would be great!

    Thanks!

    • BobinOz February 5, 2016, 9:14 pm |

      Naughty naughty! Fancy not paying the toll man?

      If you Google “Fact Sheet 79 – The Character Requirement”, then you will know as much as I do about this kind of situation. I think it will probably put your mind at ease. If in doubt, speak to a MARA registered migration agent. Good luck, Bob

  • Martin February 3, 2016, 4:09 pm |

    Hi Bob,

    I got an email this morning telling us we got our permanent visa!!! I’m so happy I can’t stop smiling ? i want to thank you for all the information you have here and if you could relay thanks to Simon for the visa assessment, it was a great start to the process for us and helped us set practical goals to get the visa we wanted ? now to look at flights, shipping, schools, houses, job, employment law, taxes…hmm better take some time to plan this properly ?

    • BobinOz February 3, 2016, 10:43 pm |

      Congratulations! I can still remember when we got the phone call from our MARA agent saying we’d been accepted, I think I had the same grin all day long.

      Glad to hear some of my information was helpful to you and also that Simon helped you on your way. Anyway, I’ll let you get on, you have much to do 🙂

      Good luck with your move, I hope it goes well.

  • Kris January 25, 2016, 5:01 pm |

    Hi,

    I just graduated at Bond University and my student visa expires Feb. 1, 2016. I will be unable to return to Australia prior to that because my dad has Parkinsons and needs me for the short term.

    I am also working at a law firm there as a marketing coordinator and paralegal. They are waiting for me to return.

    I want to go back to pursue my PLT course online because it is cheaper than on campus and continue to work at my law firm. However, it is not supported by a student visa.

    I cannot pursue a post-grad work visa because I need to be in Oz to apply for it. Is there any other potential visa I can apply for that will allow me to stay for the required 2 semesters (about 8 months) to pursue my PLT training and allow me to work as much as possible while I’m in Oz so I can pay off my student debt?

    • BobinOz January 26, 2016, 1:01 am |

      You didn’t read the small print, did you? Please check out my two important notices above. Good luck, Bob

  • Philip January 19, 2016, 10:03 am |

    Hello
    I’m currently I’m Australia on a tourist/travel visa, but I’m really keen to come out on a 1/2 year working visa. I have a sentence of 2 months on my record, from about 7 years ago, for trying to break up a fight in another country, I got pulled into it and there we go.
    I run a business and I’m well liked in the community, so would have no trouble collecting a series of character references.
    Hope you can potentially help, as I was told by the visa people I’d only have about a 20 percent chance of acceptance.
    My email address is philiplay@live.com – Thankyou!

    • BobinOz January 19, 2016, 9:46 pm |

      If you Google ‘character requirement for Australian visa’ you’ll find the governments fact sheet on this. Ultimately though, only immigration can answer you accurately. Good luck.

      • Jas January 22, 2016, 8:15 am |

        Hi Bob,

        Do you know much about partner visa’s or that whole process? I am a Canadian lawyer working here in Vancouver. My partner is an Australian citizen and her and I live together here in Vancouver.

        We are lodging our application under the partner visa category in February and hoping you could provide some insight if you know about this route? I assume I would also qualify under skilled worker visa.

        • BobinOz January 22, 2016, 6:16 pm |

          Sorry, no, the law here is that only MARA registered migration agents can advise on the process, so I’m afraid I can’t tell you anything. Good luck though, Bob

  • Isabella January 14, 2016, 11:43 am |

    I need to apply for the partner visa 820, can I ask help to one of your agent?

    • BobinOz January 14, 2016, 7:47 pm |

      Yes, my agent could help you with a partner visa, but you will need to go through the Visa Assessment Service first so that he gets all your details and can confirm your eligibility. Good luck, Bob

  • Lily O'Farrell January 12, 2016, 12:38 am |

    Hi Bob,
    Firstly can I thank you for this great resource, you’ve been a huge help.
    I’m 20 and I graduate from university this summer, after which I’m hoping to migrate to Australia. My aim is to get work in the TV production and comedy area, whether this is working for a production company or just working behind the bar at a comedy club. I have already made some contacts with people in Australia. But as a young person with no specific skill or experience, it seems the working holiday visa is best suited to me, however it is not really ideal for what I’m looking for. I could only work for one employer for 6 months, and would have to extend it to another year by doing agricultural work. I already travelled the east coast of Australia for 6 weeks when I was 18, so I feel as though what I’m looking for is more than a working holiday visa. Ideally I would like to be granted a sponsored work visa, or anything that lets me stay in the country and work for at least one employer for longer than a year. Is there any way I could do this? Or do you have any friendly advice or recommendations?

    Thanks,
    Lily O’Farrell

    • BobinOz January 12, 2016, 8:17 pm |

      The best advice I can give you is to speak to a MARA agent about your options, or even better, pay the tiny price to go through my Visa Assessment Service and have my MARA migration agent write you a full written report detailing any options you might have.

      Good luck, Bob

  • Sally January 11, 2016, 7:25 pm |

    Dear Bob,

    I was convicted of drinking and driving in Canada when I was a very stupid 20 year old (I was framed I tell ya :). Would this get in the way of my migration to Aus?

    I really appreciate your site and thank you for your insight.

    Cheers.
    Sally

    • BobinOz January 12, 2016, 8:46 pm |

      No, I don’t think you need to worry about this Sally, Google “Fact Sheet 79 – The Character Requirement”, I’m sure the information you will read there will put your mind at rest.

  • Jordan Wilcox January 7, 2016, 12:54 am |

    Hi bob
    My names Jordan, I’m from Swansea and moved to Perth about four months ago for work. I used your Mara agents service which answered all of my questions at the time. Tip top service.
    I’m now being offered sponsorship (457) and want to use your agent for this service, but never utilized the skypecall previously.

    How do I go about getting back in touch with him please? As I no longer have our previous emails.

    Thanks
    Jordan

    • BobinOz January 8, 2016, 9:31 pm |

      Hi Jordan

      Glad to hear you liked the service.

      My MARA agent is on holiday at the moment, but as soon as he gets back next week I’ll get him to send you an email and you can deal with it directly between you. Good luck, Bob

  • Steffi January 5, 2016, 10:32 pm |

    Hi bob
    I can’t see it on the SOL but wondered if medical secreataries were needed in Australia.
    Thanks
    Steph

    • BobinOz January 6, 2016, 11:20 pm |

      Sometimes occupations appear under different titles, but this isn’t something I get involved with, this is MARA migration agent territory. Checking the skills lists is something my MARA agent does on your behalf as part of the Visa Assessment Service mentioned above. Good luck, Bob

  • Katherine Doran December 30, 2015, 8:16 am |

    Hi can you give me details of the migration agent you recommend please.

    • BobinOz December 30, 2015, 11:48 pm |

      Yes, the details are all here, you needed to click on the link in the above article to my Visa Assessment Service.

      Please follow the instructions fully, you cannot just contact my agent by email and ask for help, he needs information about you and then he needs to spend some time studying the information, that’s why we run this service the way we do. Good luck, Bob

  • azeem December 10, 2015, 5:04 am |

    hello sir my name is azeem i m doing the work in austrailia. i have 7 years experiance in cctv instalation.pleas give me a only one chance to work in austrailia.i m marride with 3 child .i m not a rich man .plz help me

  • mohammed sulieman adam November 28, 2015, 8:01 am |

    hello am mohammed sulieman adam form sudan l want to how can go to Australia

  • zafar November 6, 2015, 10:24 am |

    hi Bob. I am citizen of Pakistan.living in Malaysia..my wife citizen of Malaysia. can we apply for visit visa to Australia ?and what procedure for get visit visa? thank u

  • Bikes November 5, 2015, 4:43 am |

    0Hi Bob,
    First of all congratulations for your website and thank you for your information’s, I’m sure it saved a lot of time to many of us.
    I’m a registered Mechanical Engineer from Portugal and for that reason a part of high demand job in Australia. Although I’m married with a daughter I am not expecting to move with them in the first year or so. Can I improve my chances if I apply solo? Should I get a MARA agent even though I’m in “high demand”?
    Finally I know this is a very personal question but where should I go in Australia to thrive in my profession with better living conditions?

    Thank you very much.

    • BobinOz November 5, 2015, 9:09 pm |

      Whether or not you use a MARA agent really depends how confident you are in completing all the paperwork and making the correct choice of visa application. That you have asked whether you should apply solo first to improve your chances suggests that a MARA agent would be useful to you.

      They know the answers to all these questions and it could well be the case that it simply does not make sense to apply solo, that you should apply as a family unit. But a MARA agent would be able to explain this to you more fully, I’m not qualified to do so.

      If you want to know the best place to go as a mechanical engineer, then I suggest you search for opportunities on my page called Getting a Job or a Sponsorship to see which cities offer the best opportunities for you.

      Good luck, Bob

  • Liam O'Donovan October 28, 2015, 8:28 am |

    Hello BobIinOz,

    I did a visa assessment for the 489 Visa (My uncle will sponsor me) and could only obtain 55 points.

    Obviously the minimum required is 60 points. Any suggestions to get the 5 extra points.

    If anyone has any suggestions please let me know,

    Best regards,

    Liam.
    ______________

    • BobinOz October 28, 2015, 11:53 pm |

      No, that’s something you would need to discuss with a MARA registered migration agent, I can’t help with this for the reasons given above in my important notices.

  • nivan October 21, 2015, 1:25 am |

    Sir I lodged an application for a 117 visa. Orphan relative. My dad died a few years back. And mother in march this year. And my grandfather has also died couple years ago. And my fathers younger brother, who was unmarried also died in 2014 December. Now it’s just me and my grandmother. And my nearest relative is my fathers sister. Who lives in Sydney. She applied for a 117 visa in June. 11 June. I applied it in India and she sent me the documents. I turned 18 after applying , that is on the 17th of august. I have sufficient proof for everythin including death and birth certificates. The case officer was assigned at new Delhi. And he told me to get two translations and a medical done. Which I have completed and sent to them. Case officer was assigned on the 17th of august. Now sir.we have some agricultural land. And my grandmother has some pension . overall our income is like 900 AUD per month. And we both can complete our basic needs and lead an easy life. The questions I have for you are. Sir. What do you think about the age factor in my application. I’m very worried as I have got 18 and the file is undecided. And moreover. My passport wasn’t submitted. How will they grant me a visa. And sir. Does our income matter in the decision? I’ve told you the right income sir. It’s aroung 40 thousand rupees. Or 900 Australian dollars. Will there be a verification sir? And when should we expect the decision sir?

    • BobinOz October 21, 2015, 5:59 pm |

      The only people who can answer these questions for you work in the immigration department, I have no idea. I’m afraid you will just have to wait for the case officer to get back to you. Good luck though, Bob

  • Raza October 17, 2015, 12:00 am |

    Hi Bob
    I am from Pakistan and working in dubai as an accountant general in an private company and want to go to australia for my double master’s,can you tell me the procedure for visa applying and how much will It cost me and the other requirements.
    Thanks,
    Raza.

    • BobinOz October 19, 2015, 3:04 pm |

      No, but my student expert may be able to help you, to see how that works please go to my page about Student Visas. Good luck, Bob

  • Froogh October 11, 2015, 1:25 am |

    Hello dear Sri or madam
    My name is froogh nawabi i am from Afghanistan country i live in Kabul city i will need your help about immigration thanks
    With respect Frooghnawabi

    • BobinOz October 12, 2015, 6:13 pm |

      Please read the above article in full, it explains how you can get help.

  • GSV September 25, 2015, 9:25 pm |

    Hi BOB,

    I am from India. I have a sister living in Melbourne. Her husband is earning around AUD2000 per day. I have checked the visa points , I am eligible for applying all types of visas. I am planning to work for 4 years and may apply for PR. The question is I want to know what are the ways they can help me in getting a visa. They are telling like the job vacancies are low in Australia. Is that true ?. I have applied to few companies, they are asking for PR. Does PR is mandatory in all companies ?. Kindly help.

    • BobinOz September 27, 2015, 9:04 pm |

      Your sister’s husband is earning $2000 a day? What is he, a drug dealer? Protection racket? Mafia boss?

      The job market in Australia isn’t at its best at the moment, but PR is not mandatory in all companies, some are quite happy if you have TR. Can’t help with your other questions, you would need to speak to a MARA migration agent about visas.

      • Mike December 27, 2015, 2:38 pm |

        That made me laugh bob…on that sort of money surely he could hire his brother inlaw to keep house, drive, walk the dogs…run the brown packages etc.

  • andy O'hanlon September 14, 2015, 7:59 pm |

    Hi Bob,

    Love the website. I’m a little confused though. I’m looking to relocate with my family in the next 12 months. not sure what part yet. But when I’m applying for a visa, do I need to get a separate visa for my wife and dependent children or will one visa cover us all?

    Andy.

    • andy O'hanlon September 14, 2015, 11:12 pm |

      Actually, Iv another one for ya. its about being sponsored by a relative who is there already. what r the pros and cons do u know?

      • BobinOz September 15, 2015, 8:36 pm |

        One visa should cover your whole family, it is usual that one person is the main applicant, the spouse and all dependent children under the age of 18 are included in that one application.

        I can’t help you with your second question, you would need to speak to a MARA registered migration agent about that one. Good luck, Bob

        • andy O'hanlon September 16, 2015, 10:04 pm |

          Hi Bob,

          Thank you for your help. keep up the good work!!

          Andy

  • Daniel Burr September 13, 2015, 7:13 pm |

    Hi BobinOz,

    Good Morning, I am a serving soldier for the British Army and have been since 1993, I now have 2 years remaining and i am planning on moving to Australia with my family and live. Please Please can you help as i have not got a clue where to start and the main question is what is the best Visa i need to apply for to live and work in Australia.

  • JAMES WILLOUGHBY September 3, 2015, 12:46 am |

    Bob
    I am 65 years old. I wish to retire in Rockhampton, in Queensland. I am in a wheelchair but I’m very Healty, I have a very nice pension to live on. Would I be able to Qualify to become a resident. I do have friends there that would sponsor if needed.
    Thank Mate
    James

    • BobinOz September 3, 2015, 6:43 pm |

      I couldn’t tell you James, please read my important messages above. I think it would be difficult for you though, Australia isn’t the easiest country to get a visa for.

  • BobinOz August 25, 2015, 6:39 pm |

    Ramakrishnan and Ritu, if you need assistance with your visa applications you should consult with a MARA registered migration agent. Good luck, Bob

  • Ritu August 25, 2015, 3:42 am |

    Hi bobinoz
    I filled my partner visa 309 /100 in nov 2014 from india
    On feb 23 i got visitor visa till july 2015 now m three months pregnant but not got spouse visa yet. Plz help me should i inform this to my case officer. On 8 aug my father in law was expired and no body is take care of me because my mother in law was also expired..what should i do now plz help me

  • ramakrishnan August 25, 2015, 2:06 am |

    Hi Bob,

    This s RK. I have 5 yrs of experience in mechanical analysis field. I would like to work in AUS for 3 to 5 yrs. How I have to approach company in AUS bcz i dont have work visa.
    If visa is mandatory how I have to apply personally

    Thanks,
    RK

  • Wojciech August 19, 2015, 9:35 pm |

    Yes, my friends think that I just want to do it in a “hit and run” manner 😀 that’s silly.. 🙂
    I want to take loan to get to OZ and pay my debts from the land of opportunity. It’s very risky plan, but it is the best I can think of right now.

    Thank you. Kind regards,
    Wojciech

    • BobinOz August 20, 2015, 9:07 pm |

      Good luck with your plans Wojciech, hope it all works out.

  • Wojciech August 19, 2015, 3:31 am |

    Hi Bob,
    Your website is a great source of information. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I’m from Poland and I want to move to OZ with my wife and three years old son. Is it possible to get a visa if you have mortgage loan or cash loan? Some of my friends told me that I will never get a visa if I have one of those. Is this true?

    Thank you.
    Wojciech

    • BobinOz August 19, 2015, 8:25 pm |

      No, it’s not true. People with mortgages and loans have successfully applied for and been given visas to move to Australia, but of course, moving to Australia doesn’t mean you can leave all your debts behind you, you will be expected to pay them off before you leave your country 🙂

  • abdur rahim July 26, 2015, 11:32 pm |

    hi my name .abdur rahim . i m form bangladesh . i have friend form australia . he can help me . sponser but we don,t knw how to apply . can u give me plz ur contact number . we can call u .. how to get visa . please ….

    • BobinOz July 27, 2015, 7:49 pm |

      No, you cannot just call us, that’s not how we work. Please pay for the visa assessment and then complete the questionnaire you will receive with all of your details. My agent will then spend a couple of hours going through them and working out the best options for you.

      I know it’s not free doing it this way, but you will receive a very comprehensive and valuable report so I can guarantee you will be getting your money’s worth.

      After you have been through this process, my MARA agent will follow-up with you by telephone conversation so that you can ask any questions that might be outstanding.

      Good luck, Bob

  • Kiara July 23, 2015, 7:10 pm |

    Hi Bob,
    My boyfriend is wanting to move to Australia. He’s 19 years old, is currently living in India and has no skills from any college. He wants to come to Australia to study through TAFE and work. What type of visa does he need to study and work with no skill? He wants to stay permanently, but a visa that he can renew will still work. most visas that look good say they need a sponsor or need skill, we haven’t found one that will work. Please help, because he wants to move here as soon as possible. Thanks.

    • BobinOz July 24, 2015, 9:13 pm |

      Only a MARA agent can advise your boyfriend, please read my notices above.

  • R. July 16, 2015, 6:06 pm |

    Hello,
    My family is hoping to move to Australia. That consists of me (19), my parents (58 and 48 years old), my older sister (21), me, and my two younger sisters (17 and 12 years old). I am currently an architecture student in the U.S. but we live in Jordan. This is a plan for about 3-4 years from now when I am done with my education and employed. My older sister will be in need of medical care which is one of the primary reasons for moving. My parents will both have retirement salaries but do not plan on working. At the time, my younger sister will also be getting ready to work most probably in the technology engineering field, and my youngest sister will need to complete her education. I’m very lost as to what kind of visa I should apply for, The Skilled Independent Visa sounds right for me but in order to bring family they would have to be dependent on me (which they aren’t).. Any advice on where to start looking? It’s a little early but I want to know whether I should pursue this plan and start preparing/looking for jobs or sponsors in Australia or whether we should start looking elsewhere. Thank you.

    • BobinOz July 17, 2015, 5:58 pm |

      It is very complicated, especially with so many of you looking to come here. The best advice I can give you is to seek the help of a MARA registered migration agent. Good luck, Bob

  • Benilda July 9, 2015, 8:12 pm |

    Hi, as permanent resident…can we now sponsor my husband’s son from previous relations for a child visa even if we were not able to include him as non migrating dependant family member because at the time of our application we have not met him or don’t know him yet and it was only recently that my husband was able to establish his relation with him…thanks

    • BobinOz July 10, 2015, 3:59 pm |

      It’s impossible to say, this sounds like an unusual situation. I think you really need to discuss this in full with a MARA registered migration agent. Good luck, Bob

  • kelvin July 1, 2015, 12:43 pm |

    Is Australian visa a stamp or sticker or visa on arrival? or just a sheet of paper?

    • Erik July 1, 2015, 2:31 pm |

      It’s neither – visas are electronically linked to your passport.

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