FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

GENERAL FAQS

How much does it cost to migrate to Australia?

We would be happy to provide you with an estimate based on your free assessment, costs can vary depending on the visa you wish to apply for. 


How do I protect myself from dishonest migration agents?

Every Migration Agent is registered & must possess a MARN code. Ozvisas is run by Mr. Namal Fernando (MARN 0214726). You may also search on http://www.mara.gov.au for all registered agents.

In this day and age there are many scams. Be aware of agents who promise you an easy process and 100% success. As dictated by the Code of Conduct, we are not allowed to guarantee you the success of your visa, we can only offer you the best possible advice to help you achieve a positive outcome. Somebody pretending to be a migration agent might give you false or misleading information to take advantage of your desire to travel to Australia. If you become a victim of fraud, you could lose your life savings, have your identity stolen, or your visa (if granted) cancelled.

There are a number of warning signs you should look out for:Every Migration Agent is registered & must possess a MARN code. Ozvisas is run by Mr. Namal Fernando (MARN 0214726). You may also search on http://www.mara.gov.au for all registered agents.

In this day and age there are many scams. Be aware of agents who promise you an easy process and 100% success. As dictated by the Code of Conduct, we are not allowed to guarantee you the success of your visa, we can only offer you the best possible advice to help you achieve a positive outcome. Somebody pretending to be a migration agent might give you false or misleading information to take advantage of your desire to travel to Australia. If you become a victim of fraud, you could lose your life savings, have your identity stolen, or your visa (if granted) cancelled.

There are a number of warning signs you should look out for:

  • Not willing to provide their unique registration number that contains the letter MARN.
  •  They ask you to pay up front in cash and won’t provide a receipt.
  •  The fee seems extremely high (the Authority lists average charges by registered agents on its website).
  •  They do not give you a contract or statement of services and fees. 
  • They ask to meet in a public place rather than at their office address. 
  • They supply only a post office box or mobile phone number.
  •  They claim that: – they can ‘guarantee’ you a visa 
  • They may state this is a once in a lifetime opportunity or your only chance to get a visa 
  • They may claim to have a ‘special’ relationship with Immigration 
  • They may tell you they need to keep your original passport, birth certificate or marriage certificate. You will never have to submit original documents.

When I will get the results of my visa application?

  • Students visas can take between 2 weeks- 2 months.
  •  Partner visas can take between 12-24 months. 
  • Skilled Migration visas can take between 6 months.
  •  Tourist visas can take between 2-4 weeks.
  •  Business visas vary, there are no timelines specified and it may take upto 2 years
  •  Parent visas depends on the Visa Subclass applied for, it can vary between 5 years to 25 years for some visas. 

Who can certify a copy of a document ? What are certified copies?

Throughout your Migration process certain documents are required to be certified by a Justice of Peace/Notary Public/Lawyer or anyone approved for certifying in your country.  


What if my visa application is refused or cancelled?

If you had the unfortunate episode of a visa being cancelled/refused, it is important that you discuss your options with a Migration Agent. If you do not disclose this vital piece of information, it may also lead to your subsequent visa application being refused. If your visa is refused or canceled, you might be able to have the decision reviewed by the following panel:

Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT). The review process is dependent on your individual circumstances. Not all decisions to refuse or cancel a visa are reviewable by the tribunal.

You cannot apply to have a decision reviewed by the AAT if the Minister for Immigration and Border Protection personally decides to refuse or cancel your visa under section 501 of the Migration Act 1958.


What about my spouse/children? will they be granted a visa?

Your Spouse/Children can be included in your visa. Please discuss with our team as there are additional application charges. It is automatically granted as long as they satisfy the criteria. 

In some cases we would need to check if your children would be considered as your dependents. 


Who can translate my documents into English language?

Any document in a language other than English must be accompanied by a certified English translation.

A translator in Australia must be accredited by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters.

A translator outside Australia does not need to be accredited but should be a recognised translator in the country and they must endorse the translation with their full name, address, telephone number, and details of their qualifications and experience in the language being translated.

The National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters has more information.


Do I send original document with my application?

No, you will never be required to send original documents. Only certified true copies may be needed in some cases. In rare cases the IELTS certificate may be required by some assessment authorities.


If my visa is approved, how long do I have before I travel to Australia?

Your Visa grant letter will specify the ‘last date to arrive’. This date cannot be changed and must be strictly followed.


Can I enter and go back to my home country to complete my moving process?

Yes, you can go back to your home country as long as you enter before the ‘last date to arrive’. It is always important to keep track of when you leave Australia for any holidays as you will need this information for any subsequent visa renewals.


What are the accepted English language tests?

If you hold a passport and are a citizen of the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada, New Zealand or the Republic of Ireland, you do not require an English test.

Other accepted English Language tests are International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE). However the test you require for your visa can vary between General and Academic levels, therefore please check with your Agent before booking your test.

Each visa also has different English test validity periods.

BUSINESS VISA

How do I know which stream to apply for under the business visa subclass?

By analyzing your financial documents, business ownership documents and assets we can advise you on the best stream to choose. There are many requirements that you will need to satisfy in each respective stream.  


What is the processing time for a business visa?

At present, some streams have a low volume of applications which makes it difficult for Immigration to assess a time frame. However the earliest processing times for such visas can range from 1-2 years.


What type of documents will i be required to produce?

To prove your business activity, there are a range of documents that you may provide as evidence. Some are listed below


How much does business visa cost? will there be additional costs further down the line?

We would be happy to provide you with an estimate based on your free assessment, costs can vary depending on the visa you wish to apply for. 


Can I apply to any state of Australia?

The visa process involves making an Expression of Interest and nominating the State/s which you wish to apply for. Once accepted, you will be invited to apply to a state.

VISITOR VISA

How long are Tourist visa valid for?

The visa grant letter issued by immigration can vary due to many factors. Unfortunately we have no control over this and it is purely an immigration decision. You will receive a visa with clear expiry and validity dates specified.


Is a medical Assessment compulsory when I apply for a visitor visa?

 If you’re applying a visa duration of more than 6 months you must do a medical assessment and if you’re over 75 it is compulsory.


Do we have stamp my passport?

Australia now uses an electronic system to monitor the visa system and all your details are recorded automatically. You will receive a letter in writing by email that contains your visa grant details. 


Who can sponsor for my visa?

Your immediate family members such as a brother, sister, parents, grandparent, grandchild, aunt, uncle, niece or nephew, or a step-grandparent, step-grandchild, step-aunt, step-uncle, step-niece or step-nephew. This is only applicable to some visas in this particular stream. This visa requires a bond to be deposited.


How long does it take to process a visa?

The standard visitor visa is 3-4 weeks and processed off-shore. The family sponsored visitor visa is processed in Australia and usually takes 1-2 months to reach a decision.  To ensure your visa is not delayed, we recommend that all your documents be submitted at the earliest and provide accurate documents.

STUDENT VISA

What subjects should i have to studied at school in order to qualify for a student visa?

This is dependent on the course and the college where you will be studying. A levels is not mandatory and O level students still have a pathway to complete their studies in Australia. Please contact us for further details as it will depend on which course you wish to study


Which courses would lead to Permanent Residency in Australia?

This concept is an ever changing aspect of the visa system in Australia. Australia does not prefer certain courses but changes their Skilled Migration program according to the needs of their states/territories. While some courses have a definite advantage to gaining Permanent Residency, it is not a guaranteed pathway as it will depend on where you choose to study, reside and the Skilled Migrant requirements when you finish your course. We have been involved in this process for 15 years and have a proven track record of helping many students achieve their Permanent Residency goals. 


How much money would i need to have in order to apply?

The financial requirements depend upon the course you will be studying and your family situation. Additional costs are incurred if you wish to bring your dependents (spouse, children) to Australia. This can also change every financial year. To get the best advice, your Migration Agent can help you with the exact manner to disclose your financial position.


Will Ozvisas offer any assistance to us wen we arrive in Australia?

Yes, our head office is based in Melbourne. Our Managing Director along with his reliable staff will be available to help you should you need any assistance. All required information is provided to you in your ‘Welcome to Australia’ information pack. 


Do you charge for student visa consultation?

Our services are free for students and you don’t have to pay anything to book an appointment.


Where are the university/collage intake dates in australia?

Intake dates occur in February, July and November. 


Am I allow to work while studying?

Yes, you may work a maximum of 20 hours a week. 


Is it Compulsory to complete an English proficiency test?

Yes, it is necessary to submit to the University/College and the Australian High Commission. Students can do IELTS Academic and PTE Academic.


Is there any age limit to apply for Australian education?

The Australian High Commission and Universities have strictly notified us not to apply for Bachelor’s degree if the student is above 25 years.  Students upto 34 years old can apply for masters program. All other ages are considered by each respective education institute depending on their individual situations. We will facilitate your entry to a University/College program as much as possible.


Who can Sponsor for my higher education in australia?

Your immediate family members/maternal Aunt and Uncle/ paternal Aunt and Uncle/ First cousins and Grandparents can be your sponsors

Partner/ family visa

Is it possible to apply for a partner visa before we get married?

Yes, it is possible if your partner is an Australian Citizen or PR holder & you have been in a continuous, long lasting relationship for over 12 months. Certain requirements apply and we would be happy to advise you on that matter.


What type of documents will be required to produce?

Documents that show evidence relating to you shared financial position, Commitments to each other, official documents that show that a Marriage occurred in your home country are usually required by Immigration. There is no official list however there are guidelines which we can advise you on.


Can we apply as a de facto partner?

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable to apply while in a De Facto relationship. There are additional documents that will be required to prove the relationship is valid. 


What is the balance of family test in regards to parent visas?

To eligible for a parent visa, you must meet the balance of family test. This means 50% of your children must be permanently residing in Australia. 


What is the difference between a contributory parent and non-contributory parent?

The costs and processing times for a Contributory parent application are much higher with a faster processing time than a non-contributory visa application. 

SKILLED MIGRATION VISA

Are student visa holders allowed to apply for skilled migration visas?

There are pathways for student visa holders to pursue their skilled migration goals leading to Permanent Residency. At present the most popular method is via the regional sponsorship pathway. If you study in Australia, it definitely improves your chances of gaining Permanent Residency. Allow our team to guide you on the best pathway applicable to your situation.


How do i know whether my occupation is in high demand?

It is hard to determine which specific occupation is in demand for the Australia Skilled Migrants system. However if you’re occupation is listed under the published list, you will be eligible for a pathway to gaining permanent residency. Below is a link to the Skilled Occupation List https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skill-occupation-list


My partner and I are suitably qualified, should we both apply separately?

Both parties should submit an Expression of Interest, based on who is selected a valid application can be submitted.


Are these points-based visa?

Yes, this visa stream like many others in the Migration System are points-based and those candidates with the highest points stand the best chance of success.