Work, live and study in Australia
Australia's visa system offers a rich array of opportunities for individuals seeking to visit, study, work, or settle in this vibrant country. Whether it's for tourism, education, employment, family connection, or skilled migration, the options are meticulously designed to cater to diverse needs. Visitors, students, professionals, and families can find a suitable pathway to experience Australia's dynamic environment.
The range of visa options includes everything from short-term tourist visas to long-term work or student visas, each having specific requirements and benefits. While the array of choices may seem daunting, understanding your options and adhering to eligibility criteria can lead to a successful application.
Our experienced team is here to make this journey smoother for you. We specialise in assessing your eligibility and providing personalised guidance throughout the application process. With our dedicated support, your path to obtaining an Australian visa is not only simplified but also reinforced, allowing you to confidently pursue your dreams in Australia.
Family & Spouse Visas
GVC specializes in aiding parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents who wish to reunite with their families in Australia. Our seasoned agents deliver all-inclusive support for a wide array of family migration options, including but not limited to Parent, Aged Parent, and Contributory Parent visas. Regardless of your location, whether inside or outside Australia, we simplify and guide you through the often complex immigration process. Reach out to us for the latest information, and let us help you explore the best available pathways for family migration.
Parent Visa Options:
- Sponsored Parent Visa (subclass 870)
- Parent Visa (subclass 103)
- Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 173/143)
- Aged Parent Visa (subclass 804)
- Contributory Aged Parent Visa (subclass 884/864)
Australian Partner Visas open the door for married or de facto couples (regardless of gender) to reside together in Australia. If you're an Australian Citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand Citizen engaged in a genuine, committed relationship with a non-Australian, an array of partner visa options are at your disposal for both your spouse and de facto partner.
Our seasoned team specializes in evaluating your qualification for a partner visa, offering a tailored, prompt, and budget-friendly approach. Leveraging our successful track record, we assist clients in crafting well-prepared partner and de facto visa applications, meticulously aligned with the stringent requirements of the Department of Home Affairs. Our expertise ensures a seamless journey towards uniting with your loved one in Australia.
Partner Visa Options:
- Partner visa (onshore 820/801)
- Partner visa (offshore 309/100)
- Fiancé (Prospective Spouse subclass 300)
The Child Visa offers children a seamless avenue to migrate to Australia, reuniting them with their parents or qualified sponsors—be it Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. This visa initiative is crafted with family unity at its core, bridging the distance and enabling children to connect with their parents or guardians on Australian shores.
Child Visa Options:
- Child Visa (subclass 101)
- Orphan Relative Visa (subclass 117)
- Dependent Child Visa (subclass 445)
Skilled Independent visa
The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is an esteemed Australian visa for skilled professionals with in-demand qualifications. Here’s an enhanced outline with requirements:
Eligibility Criteria:
- Occupation: Your profession must be listed on the relevant Skilled Occupation List.
- Points Test: Applicants must achieve a score above a specified threshold in the points test, which evaluates age, skills, work experience, and English language proficiency among other factors.
- Age: Applicants should be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation.
- Health & Character: A health assessment and character check are mandatory.
- English Proficiency: Proof of competent English (e.g., IELTS, PTE, or equivalent).
- Skills Assessment: A positive skills assessment relevant to your occupation from an assessing authority.
Key Features:
- No Sponsorship Needed: You don't need an employer, state/territory, or family member in Australia to vouch for you.
- Freedom of Occupation: Choose and pursue any occupation and work anywhere in Australia.
- Pathway to Residency: This visa offers a direct route to permanent residency and potential Australian citizenship.
The Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) is an Australian visa for skilled workers nominated by state or territory governments, granting permanent residency and a potential pathway to citizenship.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Occupation: Your occupation must be on the relevant Skilled Occupation List, and you must meet the specific requirements for that occupation.
- State or Territory Nomination: Applicants must be nominated by an Australian state or territory government agency and meet the specific requirements of that nomination.
- Points Test: Like Subclass 189, applicants must meet a points threshold, with points awarded for age, qualifications, English proficiency, work experience, and other factors.
- Age: Applicants must be under 45 years of age at the time of the invitation.
- Health & Character: Meeting health and character requirements is essential.
- English Language Skills: Demonstrating competent English through standardized tests like IELTS, PTE, or equivalent is necessary.
- Skills Assessment: Applicants must have a positive skills assessment in their nominated occupation from the relevant assessing authority.
Key Features:
- Location-Specific: This visa is specific to a particular state or territory that nominates the applicant, and it may have obligations to live and work in that region for a certain period.
- Pathway to Citizenship: It offers permanent residency and can lead to Australian citizenship.
- Family Inclusion: Eligible family members can be included in the application
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa, Subclass 491, is a pathway for skilled workers willing to live and work in regional Australia. It’s designed to address skill shortages in these areas and promote regional growth. Here's a closer look at the requirements and benefits:
Nomination/Sponsorship: Applicants must be nominated by an Australian state or territory government agency or sponsored by an eligible family member living in a designated regional area.
Occupation: The applicant’s occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list, reflecting skills that are in demand in the region.
Age: Applicants must be under 45 years of age at the time of application.
English Language Proficiency: Competent English language skills are required, generally proven through exams like IELTS or PTE or TOEFL.
Skills Assessment: A positive skills assessment in the nominated occupation from a relevant assessing authority is needed.
Points Test: Applicants must score at least 65 points on the points test, which considers factors like age, English proficiency, skilled employment, and qualifications.
Health and Character: Applicants must meet standard health and character requirements.
Visa Duration and Conditions: This provisional visa allows the holder to live, work, and study in a designated regional area for five years. It also offers a pathway to permanent residency through the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191) after fulfilling the required conditions, including living and working in the designated area for at least three years.
Family Members: Eligible family members can be included in the application.
Average Salary: While salary can vary widely depending on occupation and region, the focus on skilled occupations ensures opportunities for financially rewarding roles.
Student Visas & Graduate visa
The Student Visa (Subclass 500) serves as a gateway for international students aspiring to study full-time in Australia's esteemed educational institutions. This visa facilitates enrollment in registered courses, allowing students to immerse themselves in a quality education system set within a rich, multicultural landscape.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Acceptance in a recognised full-time course
- Evidence of financial sustainability to cover tuition, living expenses, and travel
- Health insurance coverage compliant with Australia's standards
- Fulfillment of character and health criteria
- Meet English language requirements
Benefits and Opportunities:
- Stay in Australia for the duration of the study course
- Limited work rights for financial support during studies
- Access to a vast array of academic programs ranging from school education to doctoral degrees
- Opportunities to explore Australia's vibrant culture and make international connections
The Student Visa fosters educational ambitions, providing a unique platform for academic enrichment and professional growth. It underscores Australia's commitment to international education, promoting a globally connected and intellectually stimulating environment.
The Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590) is crafted for parents, relatives, or legal guardians wishing to accompany and stand by their young scholars studying in Australia. Acting as a protective layer for younger students, this visa paves the way for guardians to ensure their wards' well-being, manage their living conditions, and lend support in their academic pursuits.
Eligibility Highlights:
- Be the student's parent, custodian or relative who is 21 years or older.
- Evidence of adequate financial means to support both the student and guardian.
- Suitable accommodation provisions in Australia.
- Comprehensive health insurance coverage.
- A genuine intent to prioritize the student's well-being and academic success.
- Have no debt to the Australian Government
- Not had a visa cancelled or an application refused.
Essence of the Visa: This visa underlines the importance of familial bonds, enabling guardians to actively be a part of the student's educational path, ensuring they thrive both academically and personally. Through the Subclass 590, Australia demonstrates its dedication to holistic student welfare, recognizing that a nurturing environment can significantly enhance a student's learning journey.
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) serves as a stepping stone for international students who have recently concluded their studies in Australia, bridging the gap between academia and the professional world. With its two distinct streams – Graduate Work and Post-Study Work – this visa provides a platform for graduates to cultivate practical work experience and enhance their employability.
Key Features:
- Graduate Work Stream: Tailored for those who have completed specific skills and qualifications, aligning with Australia's skilled occupation list.
- Post-Study Work Stream: Open to recent graduates from recognised Australian institutions, providing opportunities to work, travel, or further studies.
Eligibility Highlights:
- Completion of a recognised course or degree in Australia.
- Meeting specific language proficiency and health requirements.
Enhanced Post-Study Work Rights (Effective from 1 July 2023):
- Bachelor degree holders: 2 to 4 years.
- Masters degree holders: 3 to 5 years.
- Doctoral degree holders: 6 years.
- Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders: Five-year eligibility, with first-time applicants receiving an additional two years.
- Replacement or Regional applicants: Potential qualification for an extra two-year extension.
Employer Sponsored Visas
The Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482) visa addresses Australia's skill gaps, assisting employers and providing overseas professionals with tailored opportunities across three distinct streams.
Streams:
1. The Short-Term Stream - For those with occupations on the Short-Term Skilled Occupations List (STSOL).
2. The Medium & Long-Term Stream and Regional Stream - For those on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or the Regional Occupation List (ROI).
3. The Labour Agreement Stream - Designed to be used in limited or exceptional circumstances where the standard skilled visa programmes are not available.
Key Eligibility Criteria:
- Job: Have a job offer.
- Experience: The applicant must have at least two years of experience in the position.
- Qualifications: Relevant to the position. Skill assessments may be required.
- Other: English proficiency, health, and character checks. Must meet stream-specific requirements.
Nomination requirements:
- A genuine, full-time position in the sponsor’s business unless an associated entity.
- A salary in line with market rates, not below $70,000.
- Subject to Labour Market Testing, unless exemptions apply.
- On the relevant occupation lists.
186 Visa (Employer Nominated Scheme) Quick Guide
Streams:
- Direct Entry Stream - For those with qualifications or sufficient experience in eligible roles.
- Transition Stream - For 457 or 482 TSS Visa or related bridging visa A, B, or C holders who've worked with their nominating employer for at least 2 years.
- Agreement Stream - For those sponsored under a labour agreement.
General Eligibility Criteria:
- Sponsorship: Nominated by an Australian business.
- Experience: Minimum 2 years in the nominated job. (Part-time counts; casual doesn't.)
- Age: Under 45, with some exemptions.
- Other: English proficiency, health, and character checks. Must meet stream-specific requirements.
For Employers/Sponsors:
- Must be legitimate & active in Australia.
- Need a genuine skilled worker.
- Offer a full-time role for at least 2 years.
- Provide market-standard salary.
- Adhere to Australian legal standards.
- No negative records related to business activities.
The Subclass 494 Visa targets skill shortages in Australia's regional areas, forming a key part of the nation's migration strategy. Here's a brief overview:
Streams:
- Employer-Sponsored Stream: For skilled workers nominated by an approved Australian employer in a regional area.
- Labour Agreement Stream: For skilled workers nominated by an employer with a labor agreement.
General Eligibility Criteria:
- Occupation: Must be in a specified occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list.
- Sponsorship: Nominated by an approved Australian employer.
- Experience: At least 3 years of relevant work experience.
- Skills Assessment: Must pass the skills assessment for the nominated occupation.
- Age: Under 45 years, with some exemptions.
- English Proficiency: Must meet English language requirements.
- Health & Character: Must meet standard health and character checks.
Employer Requirements:
- Active and Lawful: Must be actively and lawfully operating in a regional area of Australia.
- Genuine Need: Have a genuine need for a paid employee in the nominated occupation.
- Salary: Pay the skilled worker the market salary rate.
- No Adverse Information: Must comply with Australian immigration and labor laws.
Business Investment & Innovation Visa
Eligibility:
Suitable for small and medium business owners who are active in daily business operations with a minimum annual turnover of AUD 500,000 in two of the last four years.
Must be under 55 years of age, with some exceptions possible.
Must score at least 65 points on the Innovation Points test.
Must have a genuine commitment to managing a new or existing business in Australia.
Benefits:
Temporary visa for up to four years with the possibility of extensions.
Path to permanent residency under the subclass 888 visa.
Includes family members.
Access to healthcare and education in Australia.
Eligibility:
Willing to invest at least AUD 2.5 million in Australian State or Territory bonds, funds, or proprietary companies.
Must maintain the investment for at least four years.
Must demonstrate a genuine intention to settle in the nominating State or Territory.
Benefits:
Temporary visa for up to four years with the possibility of extensions.
Clear pathway to permanent residency.
Includes family members.
Eligibility:
High-net-worth individuals must invest a minimum of AUD 5 million in complying significant investments, including at least AUD 500,000 in venture capital and growth private equity funds.
Must maintain the investment for at least four years.
No age limit, and no English language requirement if the applicant pays the second visa application charge.
Benefits:
Temporary visa with no maximum age limit.
Flexible residence requirements – must live in Australia for at least 40 days per year.
Potential pathway to permanent residency.
Eligibility:
Targeted at successful business owners or investors from overseas who are invited to apply by an Australian State or Territory government agency.
Must be under 55 years of age, with some exceptions.
Must demonstrate a successful business career, with an ownership interest in an established business with a minimum turnover of AUD 3 million.
Must be nominated by an Australian State or Territory government.
Benefits:
Grants permanent residency immediately.
Includes family members.
Access to all benefits available to Australian citizens, including healthcare and education.
Opportunity to extend or convert to citizenship if conditions are met.
Training & Temporary Activity Visas
Australia's Training, Temporary Activity, and COVID-19 Visas offer diverse opportunities for temporary residency, addressing specific needs such as professional development, cultural engagement, and pandemic-related support.
Training Visa (Subclass 407): For individuals pursuing structured training, enhancing skills and industry knowledge.
Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408): A versatile visa for research, cultural exchange, and special activities, including the COVID-19 Pandemic Event Visa stream for those affected by travel restrictions.
Entertainment Visa (Subclass 420): Designed for performers, artists, and sportspersons, allowing participation in significant events.
Collectively, these visas showcase Australia's commitment to talent growth, cultural diversity, and adaptive support, reflecting key aspects of the nation's vibrant immigration framework.
Visitor Visa
The Visitor Visa (subclass 600) is a versatile visa option that enables individuals to travel to Australia for a variety of reasons. Designed with flexibility in mind, it offers distinct streams to cater to different needs and interests:
- Tourist Stream: Perfect for holidaymakers, this stream allows for leisurely exploration of Australia's picturesque landscapes and vibrant cities.
- Business Stream: Tailored for professionals attending conferences, negotiations, or other business-related activities, this stream facilitates short-term business engagements.
- Sponsored Family Stream: Designed for those wishing to visit family or friends residing in Australia, this option can provide a heartfelt connection to loved ones abroad.
Each stream has specific requirements and necessitates thorough documentation to ensure a successful application. The visa offers both short and longer-term stay options, allowing for stays from three months up to one year. The subclass 600 Visitor Visa represents an opportunity to experience Australia's rich culture and dynamic lifestyle, whether for relaxation, business, or family connection.
Working Holiday Visas
The Working Holiday Visa, including subclasses 417 and 462, is a unique opportunity for individuals aged 18 to 30 (or up to 35 for certain countries) who wish to work and travel in Australia for a specified duration. This visa opens doors to young explorers to delve into the Australian culture, secure valuable work experience, and financially sustain their adventurous journey. Vsia 417 is commonly utilized by individuals from various European and Asian countries, while Visa 462 is tailored for applicants from the Americas and certain parts of Asia. Both options offer a pathway to experience Australia's rich lifestyle and diverse landscapes while engaging in temporary employment. It's an ideal choice for those driven by wanderlust, seeking to blend professional growth with the excitement of exploring a new country.
Appeals & Review
If you find yourself facing a visa denial or cancellation, taking prompt action with the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) can be a crucial step in protecting your interests. Engaging professional assistance can make this complex process more manageable and successful. Here's how we can support you:
Review Application Submission: We'll promptly submit a comprehensive review application to the AAT within the specified timeframe, ensuring that no critical deadlines are missed.
Crafting a Compelling Appeal: We'll carefully analyze the reasons for the visa denial or cancellation, and work with you to create a persuasive appeal. This includes gathering relevant supporting documents, witness statements, and expert opinions that align with the legal criteria.
Personalized Representation: If your appeal reaches the hearing stage, our experienced legal representatives will advocate for you, presenting a well-structured argument and responding to questions with clarity and precision.
Ongoing Communication and Support: Throughout the process, we'll keep you informed of any developments and provide guidance on what to expect at each stage. We understand that this can be a stressful experience, and our team is committed to easing your concerns.
Strategic Planning: In collaboration with you, we'll develop a strategic plan tailored to your unique situation. Our deep understanding of immigration law and AAT procedures enables us to navigate complex legal terrain effectively.
Confidentiality: Rest assured that all information shared with us will be handled with the utmost confidentiality and professional care.
Outcome Focus: Our goal isn't merely to guide you through the AAT appeal process; it's to help you achieve a positive result that aligns with your objectives.
By entrusting us with your appeal, you'll gain the advantage of professional insight, meticulous attention to detail, and steadfast dedication to your cause. We're here to provide the expertise and support necessary to navigate the AAT appeal process with confidence.
