Your Chances of Qualifying for an Australian Visa

Would I Qualify?

It’s the question I am asked the most on this website, “Would I Qualify?”

It may not be that exact question worded in that way, but questions like which visa is best for me, what are my chances of getting a visa or is my occupation on one of the skills lists? How do I apply for a visa, how much does it cost, am I too old?

The list is actually quite extensive, but there are so many questions that I am simply not able to answer.

Here is the reason:

mara_notice_2The Department of Home Affairs list the kind of things that non-MARA agents like me can and cannot do. There is a lot that I can’t do and that’s why I often have do remain silent in the comments for some of your questions.

What can I do?

I can pass on information received from another source and sometimes that’s what I do. I also refer to some of the comprehensive information available on the government website…

… and when I do that, I do try and include a link to the relevant page so you can read the full information for yourself. The only other information I can give you, assuming you are not an Australian citizen or exempt in some other way is:

You will need a visa to come to Australia.

Whilst I may not be able to help you directly, I do know someone who can…

vas_noticeSo, having got that all behind us, let’s see if we can in some way look at the question…

Would I Qualify?

Why is this question so difficult to answer?

The application form.

There are many different application forms depending on the visa you are applying for. The form I filled in had 32 pages and requested over 128 pieces of information.

I was asked about dependent children, other family members, my health and character, all addresses from all countries where I’d lived for 12 months or more in the last 10 years, my skills, qualifications, previous employments, English language ability and if I’ve ever been convicted of any crimes.

On top of that, l needed to supply certified copies of births, marriages, divorces and proof of current employers and Army discharge papers if applicable. Finally, I was asked to provide a clean Police Record Check and pass a thorough medical including chest x-ray.

It’s a long and tough process, and I don’t say all this to put you off, believe me, it is worth it in the end assuming you get through. I mention it only to underline why it is impossible for anyone to assess anybody’s chances with just a few pieces of information like age, occupation and qualifications.

That said, if you:

  • Are within the age limits that apply
  • Can speak English to the level required
  • Are healthy and without a criminal record
  • Score at least the minimum number of points if applying for a points based visa

That would be a very good start. Additionally, if you are applying for any one of the visas based on your skilled occupation and you:

  • Have a recognised skill that is in shortage here in Australia
  • Have qualifications for that skill that are recognised in Australia or can successfully have that skill assessed by the relevant Australian body
  • Are able to demonstrate your work experience using that skill

That’s also good news. These are only pointers though, there are no guarantees, that’s why it is always best to seek the advice of a MARA registered migration agent to get a more accurate assessment of your situation.

Get help from The Visa Finder

But, of course, there are many other kinds of visas you can apply for, there were over 100 different types last time I looked. Whichever one you apply for, you can assess your own chances by first going through the Australian Visa Wizard. Well, it used to be called The Wizard, it is now called The Visa Finder.

You can read more about that and see my video about the The Visa Finder on my page called…

A Professional Visa Assessment Service

vas_noticeYes, as already mentioned, simply click anywhere on the above notice if you are looking to enlist the help of a professional MARA registered migration. Or you can click the link below…

I do fully recommend both my agent and this service to you, trying to work it all out for yourself can be quite a daunting task. Whatever you decide to do, remember, if you do seek professional assistance only use a MARA registered migration agent; if they are not MARA registered, then I strongly advise against you using their services.

The new skills lists

Both the old skills lists have been replaced as follows:

  • Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) replaced the previous ‘Skilled Occupation List’ (SOL)
  • Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) replaced the previous ‘Consolidated Sponsored Occupation List’ (CSOL)

Please visit the government’s website for more information. The following page contains both of the new lists in full listing all eligible skills as well as the ANZSCO code and the assessing authorities:

Also, check out my series How to Move to Australia

Important: Please read before commenting…

mara_notice_3
Visa Assessment Service
{ 1247 comments… add one }
  • Terri October 25, 2022, 2:32 am |

    Bob,
    Is your visa assessment service still active? I haven’t seen anything recent in the comments and wanted to check before moving forward.
    Thank you!

    • BobinOz October 25, 2022, 1:46 pm |

      Hi Terri
      Yes, the Visa Assessment Service is still active, Simon is still doing assessments and helping people move to Australia. The comments have been a lot quieter ever since Covid hit the world, which I suppose is understandable. The borders have been open for a while now though, so people are looking at moving again. Good luck, Bob

  • Zaa October 24, 2021, 10:05 pm |

    We are two female British citizens (mother and daughter) – living in Switzerland – aged 52 (in early retirement) and 80 (retired), hoping to become permanent residents in Australia. Both of us have independent means. What visa would we qualify for? Could we ultimately become permanent residents?
    Thank you a million for any help or assistance you care to give.
    Zaa

    • BobinOz October 26, 2021, 7:16 pm |

      You need to actually read the information on this page, because getting a visa for Australia is very complex, so it’s not something that can be answered easily or with just a couple of bits of information as you have given here. Just read the criteria for qualification that I have mentioned above, it will give you a big clue to your chances.

  • V s Patel January 12, 2019, 11:05 am |

    I am Indian small business man. My age is 52 year. I am Australian visa subclass 600 holder. My business activities is finance with permitted by Indian government.can I get Australian permanent residency?

    • Dee February 17, 2019, 1:59 pm |

      Based on your age, you would not qualify for a permanent visa.

  • Kajal January 6, 2019, 6:38 pm |

    I got 6.5 in listening 6 in reading and writing 5.5 in speaking overall 6 bands.Am I eligible for spouse visa for Australia .

  • Reza September 13, 2018, 9:04 pm |

    Hi, i’m reza
    I’m master in nanochemist and have number over 7 IELTS.
    You think, have i chances for give visa australia?

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