How easy is it to get a residence permit? How long does it take?
Applying for a visa as a migrant (i.e. for permanent residence) is confusing, difficult, expensive and time consuming – factors which have spawned a wealth of migration consultants and keep thousands of civil servants in employment. Also bear in mind that it can take 9-18 months or longer to obtain a resident’s visa, depending on your situation, the country where your applying and quotas. It’s advisable not to make any irreversible plans until your visa has been approved.
The Australian government is constantly changing the rules and sometimes introduces retrospective changes that apply to applications already lodged but not processed. Even when new requirements have been announced, they may not be introduced for many months or even years, and could even be rejected by the upper house (Senate) of the Australian parliament after being passed by the lower house. Before making an application, check the latest regulations and criteria for visa applications.
To be accepted for migration to Australia you must meet the personal and occupational requirements of the category for which you’re applying, and be of good health and character. The Australian migration programme (often spelled program) is divided into two main categories: migration and humanitarian migration. Migration is split into the following ‘streams’:
- Family migration: where migrants can be ‘sponsored’ by a relative who’s an Australian citizen, a permanent resident or an eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Skilled migration: for people with particular business or work skills or ‘outstanding talents’, with a separate quota for states or territories with particular skill shortages.
- Special eligibility migration: covering former citizens or residents wishing to return to Australia, and also certain New Zealanders.
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship provides an enquiry service (13-1881, local rate, www.immi.gov.au) for further information. The form ‘Migrating to Australia – Who can migrate?’ (957i) contains general information about migration and the various categories. There are different forms for the different visa classes. There’s a fee for the printed forms and the information package, or you can download them free from the DIAC website. You may telephone the DIAC and enquire about the progress of your application, although this can delay the processing, but detailed enquiries must be made in writing, quoting your DIAC file number.
Application fees for migrant visas are high and aren’t refundable, therefore you should ensure that you have a good chance of being accepted before making an application.
Never make any firm plans or arrangements (such as booking flights, selling your home or resigning your job) in the expectation that your visa application will be granted. Even when an application appears to be going smoothly, it can be delayed or even be rejected at the last minute, e.g. on health grounds.
For more information see Living and Working in Australia by David Hampshire
