AUSTRALIA

Why do I need Overseas Student Health Cover?

Congratulations! You’ve made a great decision to live and study in Australia. Before you can obtain your Student visa, you’ll need to buy Overseas Health Cover (OSHC).  We’re here to make the process easy, finding the best cover to suit your needs.

• It helps cover you for medical expenses whilst you’re studying in Australia, including:
  • Doctor visits
  • Hospital
  • Emergency Ambulance
  • Prescription medicine
• You will need OSHC before you can apply for your Australian Student Visa

Get the Student Health Care stress-free

We’ve done the hardwork of selecting quality providers, all meeting Australian Government visa requirements.

Our quality providers offer:

• Exclusive benefits
• Speedy turnaround
• Value for Money

Apply online for a quick turnaround

You can apply online and have a policy confirmation in just a few minutes.  Or if you need a little extra help, ask an counsellor to help organise your Health Cover with you.

Once it’s done, you can rest assured that you’ve made the best decision for your journey. And you can move to the next job on your list!

Compare and find the Health cover for your needs

Compare and choose the most relevant, affordable health cover for your needs.  Our partners policies meet the strict conditions that registered Australian health funds must comply to provide high quality cover for overseas students.

Our Partners:

• Allianz
• BUPA Australia
• NIB
• AHM

Medibank Private

Universities and Higher Education

Higher education courses can be taken to earn an advanced degree and continue your studies in Australia. There are three main types of higher education which lead to Bachelor, Master and Doctoral Degrees.

In Australia it is quite common for students to enrol in a double or combined Bachelor Degree program which leads to the award of two Bachelor Degrees. This is most common in the fields of arts, commerce, law and science.

Australian institutions offer a wide range of courses – from science to management and commerce, humanities to engineering, and law to health sciences. Australian institutions rank among the world’s best by discipline, particularly in engineering and technology, medicine, environmental science, and accounting and finance.

There are 43 universities in Australia (40 Australian universities, two international universities, and one private specialty university). Along with our universities, many other institutions offer higher education courses. You can search for institutions and courses using the Institution and Course Search on this website.

Our quality assurance

Australia has a national regulatory and quality agency for higher education – the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) (opens in a new window). It was established by the Australian Government to monitor quality, and regulate university and non-university higher education providers against a set of standards developed by the independent Higher Education Standards Panel.

In addition, the following student rights are protected by law under the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS):

• The well-being of all international students.
• The quality of students’ education experience.
• The provision of up-to-date and accurate information.

Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching

The Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) website makes it possible to compare higher education institutions and study areas, based on the results of thousands of surveys completed by domestic and international current and former students. Users will be able to compare the overall satisfaction of current students and recent graduates, as well as the percentage of graduates moving into full-time employment and their median salary.

Higher education qualifications

The qualifications you can attain at a university or higher education institution are shown below.

• Your Goal – To improve general proficiency to access higher level courses; to improve your English for everyday use; to improve your English for travel; to improve your English for work purposes or to do casual work in an English speaking country
• Course description – Focusing on communication skills with emphasis on speaking and listening

Associate degree

• Duration – Two years
• Completed following – Year 12 or equivalent, Certificate III or Certificate IV
• Details – The Associate Degree is a short-cycle Degree program that can help with career development if you’re already working and don’t have time to complete a full Bachelor Degree. It can be a pathway to a Bachelor Degree or prepare you for an Advanced Diploma in specialist industry training. An Associate Degree will be about the basics or foundations of your field. It will cover the broad theory and enable you to develop the basic employment-related skills.

Bachelor Degree

• Your Goal – You want to learn the spoken and written English needed for a specific context and perhaps want to consider an internship
• Course description – Focusing on practical English for specific course areas such as business, aviation or tourism

Examination Preparation

• Duration – Three years
• Completed following – Year 12 or equivalent, Certificate III or Certificate IV
• Details – A Bachelor Degree is the basic qualification for entry to a field. It will give you a systematic body of knowledge, the underlying principles and the problem-solving techniques you’ll need to work in the discipline. With deeper content than an Associate Degree, your Bachelor Degree will develop your skills and knowledge to the point where you can pursue postgraduate studies if you want to.

Bachelor Degree (Honours)

• Duration – Four years
• Completed following – Bachelor Degree
• Details – If you do particularly well in your Bachelor Degree, your institution might grant entry to an additional year of study to enable you to graduate with honours.

Graduate Certificate

• Duration – 6 months
• Completed following – Bachelor Degree
• Details – Your Graduate Certificate will broaden individual skills you already have from an undergraduate program, or develop your knowledge in a new area.

Graduate Diploma

• Duration – One year
• Completed following – Bachelor Degree
• Details – A Graduate Diploma will apply a body of knowledge in a range of contexts for you to undertake professional or highly skilled work and as a pathway for further learning.

Master Degree

• Duration – 1 to 2 years
• Completed following – Bachelor Degree (Honours) or Bachelor Degree
• Details – A Master Degree is a course of independent research, traditional coursework or a combination of the two, and will make you a leader in your field. A Master Degree takes either one year after a Bachelor Degree with honours, or two years after a Bachelor Degree.

Doctoral Degree

• Duration – Typically 3 years
• Completed following – Masters Degree
• Details – The highest award offered by Australian universities, the Doctoral Degree is a research program, although it can have some coursework. The three components of your Doctoral Degree are:
• A review of literature, experimentation or other methodical approach to a body of knowledge.
• An original research project that makes a contribution to understanding and knowledge in your field.
• A substantial, well-ordered thesis that shows a relationship between the research and the field of study.

Vocational education

Whether you’re looking to move straight into the workforce, or to take an initial step in your tertiary education, an Australian Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualification can take you where you want to go.

Australia’s VET sector is based on a partnership between governments and industry. VET qualifications are provided by government institutions, called Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutions, as well as private institutions. Australian governments (federal and state) provide funding, develop policies, and contribute to regulation and quality assurance of the sector. Industry and employer groups contribute to training policies and priorities, and in developing qualifications that deliver skills to the workforce.

Study with the experts…

Nothing is more exciting than learning from someone who shares the same passions as you do – and who’s already been there and done it at the highest level. In Australia, VET teaching staff are not just industry-aware, but have actual experience in their fields of expertise – maintaining the currency of their knowledge, and modifying their courses to reflect changing industry focus and needs. And that means you learn not only the theory, but also the reality of the subjects you’re studying.

…And learn on the job.

Many of our VET courses incorporate a period of on-site learning, which means you don’t just learn in a classroom, but get priceless industry experience in a genuine work environment. It’s real-world industry experience that ensures your qualifications fully prepare you for employment in your chosen industry.

Our quality assurance

In Australia, the quality of your education is guaranteed. In fact, the wellbeing of all international students, the quality of their educational experience, and the provision of up-to-date and accurate information is protected by law – under the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000. On top of this, a national VET Regulator – Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) (opens in a new window) – ensures the quality of our education to more than 1.2 million students – including some 230,000 international students involved in vocational education and training.

Vocational education qualifications

Vocational education and training (VET) institutions specialise in providing students with hands-on experience and real-world skills. Courses are taught within an array of industries, including: administration, retail, tourism and hospitality, construction, utilities, community services and health, transport, mining, manufacturing, and technology.

VET qualifications are outcome-based and focus on the occupational skills and competencies gained. The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognises prior learning or current competence in the industry. This makes credit transfer easier and offers students flexible learning pathways. Qualifications range across four levels of certificates (Certificate I, II, III and IV), as well as Diploma courses and Advanced Diploma courses.

Your VET course will broaden your skills in a specialised area that teaches you the practical experience you’ll need for the workplace. It will train you to design, plan, and execute the practical and technical aspects of your field in an industry context.

Listed below are the qualifications and possible career outcomes of Australian VET courses:

Certificate I

• Duration – 4 to 6 months
• Career outcome – Competent operator

Certificate II

• Duration – About 1 year
• Career outcome – Advanced operator

Certificate III

• Duration – About 1 year
• Career outcome – Qualified tradesperson or technician

Certificate IV

• Duration – 12 to 18 months
• Career outcome – Supervisor

Diploma

• Duration – 18 to 24 months
• Career outcome – Para-professional

Advanced Diploma

• Duration – 24 to 36 months
• Career outcome – Junior manager

Schools in Australia

School education in Australia includes preschool, preparatory (or kindergarten), primary school, secondary school (or high school) and senior secondary school (or college).

Schooling lasts for 13 years, from preparatory to senior secondary. School is compulsory until at least the age of 16. Types of schools include government schools, non-government schools (including faith-based schools such as Catholic or Islamic schools) and schools based on educational philosophies such as Montessori and Steiner. All schools must be registered with the state or territory education department and are subject to government requirements in terms of infrastructure and teacher registration.

Australian schools do more than just educate students. They prepare them for life − developing communication skills, self-discipline and respect for themselves, their peers and their world. Schools offer a broad curriculum in the key learning areas – English, mathematics, studies of society and the environment, science, arts, Languages Other Than English (LOTE), technology, health and physical education. They also believe strongly in the benefits of a rounded education – including the teamwork, self-expression and personal development that happen outside the classroom.

In Australia, students will enjoy a diverse learning environment that is as personally enriching as it is educational, and develop the skills and qualities needed in a changing world.

A higher standard of learning

Australian schools are among the finest in the world. See for yourself what makes an Australian education so valuable:

• Small class sizes (a maximum of 30 students in a class).
• University-trained and qualified teachers and specialist teachers in subject areas.
• Facilities of a high standard – including a high level of technology, with all schools having computers and internet access.
• ‘Gifted and talented’ programs to extend students who are high achievers.
• ‘High Achievement’ programs, which see the top students studying university-level subjects for advance credit.
• Individual learning programs for students who require additional learning support.
• Quality assurance frameworks where schools must meet required standards.

Producing thought leaders

The Australian school curriculum prepares you for your future. Our schools aim to develop students into independent and successful learners, confident and creative individuals, and active and informed citizens – with the view to giving them all the skills, knowledge and capabilities to thrive in a globalised world. From Kindergarten to Year 12, Australian schools focus on providing equity for every student, and striving for excellence in all areas of education.

Teaching styles and assessment methods

A variety of teaching methods are used, including: teacher-directed learning, student research, group projects and presentations, visual presentations, e-learning and interactive classrooms. A variety of assessment methods are used to assess student outcomes. These may include individual research projects, group assignments, oral and visual presentations, the use of technology including PowerPoint, podcast or vodcast presentations, as well as the more traditional class tests and assignments. National and state testing programs ensure standards are met and maintained.

School qualifications

After completion of senior secondary school (Years 11 and 12) students sit for exams and receive an official certificate of qualification. The name of this certificate varies within Australia’s state-based education systems but regardless of what the certificate is called, it is recognised by all Australian universities, higher education and vocational education and training institutions, as well as many institutions internationally.

English courses

Studying English in Australia is about much more than reciting words in a classroom. Our teaching approach focuses on critical thinking, as well as group and project work – all drawn from real-life experiences, which means you will not only be learning the language, you will be learning how to use it in everyday life.

By studying English in Australia, you will gain a huge range of life skills you cannot get at home. Invaluable skills like problem-solving, leading diverse teams of people, and applying your English to real-world situations – abilities you will draw on for the rest of your life. With a multicultural mix of students in our educational facilities, you will learn the world’s language in a truly international environment.

Our English language teaching maintains a consistently high quality – no matter where you study or what course you choose. With mandatory national standards and a comprehensive, industry-led quality support framework (see English Australia) you can be confident that you’re getting the very finest English education.

Types of English training

Australia offers a range of English courses to suit a range of study needs. There are a range of English language testing organizations whose results are recognized in Australia and around the world.

General English

• Your Goal – To improve general proficiency to access higher level courses; to improve your English for everyday use; to improve your English for travel; to improve your English for work purposes or to do casual work in an English speaking country
• Course description – Focusing on communication skills with emphasis on speaking and listening

English for Academic Purposes

• Your Goal – You want to study in an Australian school, vocational college or university
• Course description – Preparing you for study at an English-speaking university, higher education or vocational institute

English for Specific Purposes (ESP)

• Your Goal – You want to learn the spoken and written English needed for a specific context and perhaps want to consider an internship
• Course description – Focusing on practical English for specific course areas such as business, aviation or tourism

Examination Preparation

• Your Goal – You plan to take an exam such as IELTS, TOEFL, TOEIC, or the Cambridge First Certificate
• Course description – Preparing you for English language proficiency examinations

English for Teaching

• Your Goal – You want to teach English in schools in your own country
• Course description – These courses include TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, EfTC (English for Teaching Children.)

Study Tours

• • Your Goal – You want to have a short holiday, study English and have fun or study English and undertake work related training
  • Course description – These courses are a combination of General English with sporting, social, tourist, cultural or professional training activities.

Our quality assurance

Australia has national regulatory and quality agencies for international education – the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) (opens in a new window) and the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA). (opens in a new window) They were established by the Australian Government to monitor quality, and regulate university and non-university education providers against a set of independently developed standards to regulate courses and education and training providers to ensure nationally approved quality standards are met. These two bodies share responsibility for monitoring national standards for English language colleges (opens in a new window).

In addition, the following student rights are protected by law under the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS):

• • The wellbeing of all international students.
  • The quality of students’ education experience.
  • The provision of up-to-date and accurate information.

The Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS)

The Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) framework protects the rights of international students studying in Australia, including:

• Your right to receive, before enrolling, current and accurate information about the courses, fees, modes of study, and other information from your institution and your institution’s agent.
• Your right to sign a written agreement with your institution before paying fees, setting out the services to be provided, fees payable, and information about refunds of course money. Make sure to keep a copy of your written agreement.
• The Tuition Protection Service (TPS) is a placement and refund service for international students, which is activated in the event that your institution is unable to teach your course. Read more about this service on the Tuition Protection Service website.

The institutions’ responsibilities

The ESOS framework sets out the standards that Australian institutions must meet in offering education and training services to international students. These standards cover a range of information you have a right to know and services that must be offered to you, including:

• Orientation and access to support services to help you study and adjust to life in Australia.
• Contact details of officers available to help international students.
• If you can apply for course credit.
• When your enrollment can be deferred, suspended or cancelled.
• What your institution’s requirements are for satisfactory progress in the courses you study and what support is available if you are not progressing well.
• If attendance will be monitored for your course.
• A complaints and appeals process.

Your responsibilities

As an overseas student on a student visa, you have responsibilities to:

• Satisfy your student visa conditions.
• Maintain your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the period of your stay.
• Meet the terms of the written agreement with your institution.
• Inform your institution if you change your address.
• Maintain satisfactory course progress.
• If attendance is recorded for your course, follow your institution’s attendance policy.

If you are under 18, maintain your approved accommodation, support and general welfare arrangements.

Schools

Length – 13 years in total (Kindergarten/Preparatory to Year 12)

Semesters– 4 (usually called terms’)

Starts– Late January/early February

English

Length– From 5 weeks to 1 year

Semesters– The year is split into weeks

Starts– Throughout the year

Foundation

Length– 1 year

Semesters– The semester breaks will depend on your course

Starts– – February but can vary by course and institutions

Vocational Education and Training

Length– 1 to 4 years

Semesters– Two

Starts– February, but can vary by course and institutions

Undergraduate

Length-Typically 3 years (4 years for honours degree)

Semesters– Two, although some institutions offer three semesters (trimesters)

Starts– Typically March, but can vary by course and institution

Postgraduate

Length-1 to 2 years

Semesters– Two, although some institutions offer three semesters (trimesters)

Starts– Typically March, but can vary by course and institution

Doctoral

Length-3 years

Semesters-As most doctoral candidates do not attend class, there are usually no formal semester

Starts– Your start date will be negotiated with your supervisor

The costs of studying in Australia depend on the institution and the level of study you choose.

As an international student, your tuition fees are payable before you study. You can use the Course Search on this website to find courses and see details such as their tuition fees. There may be additional costs for your course, including course materials and access to institution facilities.

The list below gives you an indication of the range of course costs for different types of qualifications.

• School –$7,800 to $30,000
• English Language Studies –$300 per week depending on course length
• Vocational Education and Training (Certificates I to IV, Diploma and Advanced Diploma) – $4,000 to $22,000
• Undergraduate Bachelor Degree –$15,000 to $33,000*
• Postgraduate Masters Degree – $20,000 to $37,000*
• Doctoral Degree – $14,000 to $37,000*

*Note :This does not include high value courses such as veterinary and medical. Please visit institution websites directly to see costs for these courses.

All costs are per year in Australian dollars. To convert to your own currency, visit http://www.xe.com (opens in a new window)

Benefits of an Australian Professional Year Program

What is a Professional Year Program?

A Professional Year Program is a structured professional development program combining formal learning and workplace experience for international students who have graduated from a university in Australia. Professional Year Programs run for 12 months and are currently available in the fields of accounting, computer science and engineering — Australian industries where the demand for skilled graduates is high. Professional Year Programs are primarily designed for students wishing to apply for permanent residency in Australia. They allow students to develop industry-specific skills through study and work experience, preparing them for professional careers in the Australian workforce. The Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) only recognises Professional Year Programs that have been approved by the government (see below).

Why should you complete a Professional Year Program?

Completing a Professional Year has a number of benefits:

• You earn valuable work experience in an Australian company through an internship.
• You are able to improve your understanding of the culture and practices within the Australian workplace.
• You learn how to communicate in a professional manner within the Australian workplace.
• You are eligible to receive five extra points on the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) ‘points test’ when applying for a Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa.

Who is eligible for a Professional Year Program?

You will need to have completed a degree in accounting, computer science or engineering (or a closely related area) in Australia. You must hold a Skilled — Graduate (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 485), which allows you to remain in Australia for 18 months after the completion of your degree. To be eligible for this visa you must be under 50 years of age, have completed an eligible qualification within the last six months as a result of at least two years of study in Australia and possess the skills and qualifications required for an occupation listed on the Skilled Occupation List.

Engineering graduates who completed their degree at a recognised institution outside Australia are also eligible to complete a Professional Year Program in engineering. They must apply for a Skilled — Recognised Graduate (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 476).

Professional Year Program providers and further information The following Professional Year Programs are recognised by the Australian Government:

Accounting

• CPA Australia Skilled Migration Internship Program: Accounting (SMIPA)
• Chartered Accountants Australi and New Zealand Skilled Migration Internship Program: Accounting
• Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) Skilled Migration Internship Program: Accounting

Computer science

• The Australian Computer Society Professional Year Program Engineering

Engineering

• Engineers Australia Professional Year Program

The purpose of this visa is to allow international students to undertake full-time education and training in Australia. This visa enables a student to stay in Australia for the duration of the relevant course. The student must enrol, or in some cases have a letter of offer, with an Australian education provider before lodging a visa application.

The exact requirements for this visa will depend upon the level of risk assigned to your application (the ‘Immigration Risk’), which is a combined immigration risk assessment determined by the risk rating of the education provider and your passport nationality.

As the visa applicant,you must;

• enrol with an Australian education provider as a full-time student, and obtain written confirmation of this enrolment (predominantly on-line courses are not eligible)
• genuinely intend to complete the relevant period of study in Australia
• the required level of English language proficiency unless exempt
• have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the period of your intended stay in Australia
• have access to sufficient funds to cover your return airfares, tuition fees and the cost of living in Australia, as well as costs required for any dependents included in your application.

The exact amount of funds a student requires is set by Department of Home Affairs (DOHA), and is determined by your chosen education provider, your course of study and other personal circumstances. Please contact us for further details.

Student Guardian visa (subclass 590)

Features

This visa allows you to stay in Australia as the guardian of an international student younger than 18 years of age studying in Australia on a student visa.

Requirements

You must:

• be a parent or person who has custody of the student, or a relative who is 21 years or older and has been nominated in writing by a parent or someone who has custody of the student
• not bring family members younger than 6 years of age, except under certain circumstances
• be able to provide accommodation, general welfare and other support to the student unless you are applying for this visa with the support of the government your home country.

Pre-qualifying visas

If you are applying in Australia, you must hold a current substantive temporary visa, but not one of the following:

• Domestic Worker (Temporary) – Diplomatic or Consular visa (subclass 426)
• Temporary Work (International Relations) visa (subclass 403) in the Domestic Worker (Diplomatic or consular) stream
• Diplomatic (Temporary) visa (subclass 995) – primary visa holder only. This means a family member of a Diplomatic (Temporary) visa (subclass 995) can apply for a Student visa in Australia.
• Transit visa (subclass 771)
• Visitor visa (subclass 600) in the ‘sponsored Family’ stream or in the ‘Approved Destination Status’ stream.

A substantive temporary visa is any visa except a bridging visa, criminal justice or enforcement visa. It allows the visa holder to remain temporarily in Australia.

Bringing children

You can only bring children under six years old if either:

• there are compelling and compassionate reasons
• the granting the visa would significantly benefit the relationship between the Australian Government and the government of another country. If this is the case, you must be at least 21 and the student must be supported in writing by a parent or person who has custody.

The child must meet the same health requirements as you and have health insurance for the duration of their stay in Australia.

Children six years old or older can come with you but they must apply for their own student visa.

With this visa you can

Partner 820 & 801 Visa

Important changes ahead:

The new sponsored family visa and approval of family sponsor changes commence on 17 April 2019. We have been notified that these changes will NOT affect Partner visas on 17 April 2019 and that current arrangements will continue to operate.

At this stage, there is no time-frame for expansion of the new sponsorship framework to other family visas and therefore the current arrangements for existing visas, including partner visas, will continue to operate from 17 April 2019.

At this stage the new changes to sponsored family visa’s, scheduled to commence on 17 April 2019 will only be implemented for the new sponsored Parent (Temporary) 870 visa.

Once the above changes roll out to Partner visas it would mean that Sponsorships must be lodged first and approved before Partner visas can be lodged.If you are planning to apply for a Partner visa we recommend booking an appointment to discuss and understand how these changes may impact you.

Features of 820/801 partner visa – Temporary to permanent residency in Australia

Features of 820/801 partner visa – Temporary to permanent residency in Australia The Partner visas (subclasses 820 and 801) allow the partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia.

The temporary Partner visa (subclass 820) is granted first and lets you stay in Australia, after 24 months you may be eligible for a permanent Partner visa (subclass 801).

Eligibility

You must be married or in a de facto relationship with:

• an Australian citizen
• an Australian permanent resident
• an eligible New Zealand citizen.

You could be granted an 820/801 visa if:

• Your marriage must be valid under Australian law. This means you must have parental permission if you are 16 or 17 years of age.
• You must have been in a de facto relationship for at least 12 months.
• If you’re inside Australia at the time of application.
• You already hold another visa type, e.g. student visa, visitor visa or working holiday visa.
• You do not have an “8503 – No further stay” condition.
• Meet health and character requirements.

Partner visa (subclass 309 & 100)

Important changes ahead:

The new sponsored family visa and approval of family sponsor changes commence on 17 April 2019. We have been notified that these changes will NOT affect Partner visas on 17 April 2019 and that current arrangements will continue to operate.

At this stage, there is no time-frame for expansion of the new sponsorship framework to other family visas and therefore the current arrangements for existing visas, including partner visas, will continue to operate from 17 April 2019.

At this stage the new changes to sponsored family visa’s, scheduled to commence on 17 April 2019 will only be implemented for the new sponsored Parent (Temporary) 870 visa.

Once the above changes roll out to Partner visas it would mean that Sponsorships must be lodged first and approved before Partner visas can be lodged. If you are planning to apply for a Partner visa we recommend booking an appointment to discuss and understand how these changes may impact you.

Features

The Partner visas (subclasses 309 and 100) allow the partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizenlive in Australia.

The temporary Partner (Provisional) visa (subclass 309) is granted first and lets you stay in Australia while the permanent Partner (Migrant) visa (subclass 100) is processed.

Eligibility

You must be married or in a de facto relationship with:

• an Australian citizen
• an Australian permanent resident
• an eligible New Zealand citizen.

Your marriage must be valid under Australian law. This means you must have parental permission if you are 16 or 17 years of age.

You must have been in a de facto relationship for at least 12 months.

Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300)

Features

This visa allows people to come to Australia to marry their fiancé.

If you are granted this visa, you should marry your fiancé and apply for a Partner (subclasses 820 and 801)visa before your Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300) expires.

Eligibility

You must:

• intend to marry
• have met and know your prospective spouse
• be the opposite sex to your prospective spouse (same-sex couples can apply for a Partner visa)
• be at least 18 years of age.

The purpose of the Prospective Marriage visa is to allow the fiancé(e) of an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen to travel to Australia in order to be married. The marriage must take place within nine months of the visa grant date, following which the applicant is eligible to apply for a Partner visa. The minimum requirements for this visa are as follows:

PROSPECTIVE MARRIAGE VISA REQUIREMENTS

Relationship

You and your fiancé(e) must:

• be at least 18 years old, and not be closely related
• be free to marry one another
• genuinely intend to get married within nine months of the visa grant date (the marriage may take place either in Australia or overseas)
• have physically met, and be personally known to each other
• genuinely intend to live together as a married couple

Sponsor

Your sponsor must:

• be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen
• not have previously sponsored more than one other fiancé, partner or spouse for migration to Australia, and not have sponsored a fiancé, spouse or partner for migration to Australia within the last 5 years (unless there are compelling circumstances)
• not have been sponsored for a Spouse, Partner or Prospective Marriage visa by someone else within the last 5 years (unless there are compelling circumstances)
• provide police checks to the department when requested, and
• consent to the department disclosing any conviction for a “relevant offence” to the applicant(s) you are sponsoring.

Your sponsorship will not be approved if you have a conviction for a relevant offence and a substantial criminal history. A relevant offence includes, but is not limited to offences involving violence, intimidation, breaching a protection order, people smuggling, human trafficking and weapons.

Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143)

Overview

This visa lets you:

• stay in Australia indefinitely
• work and study in Australia
• enrol in Medicare, Australia’s scheme for health-related care and expenses
• sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence
• travel to and from Australia for five years
• apply for Australian citizenship(once residence requirements have been met)

Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 173)

Features

This visa lets parents of a settled Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen live in Australia temporarily.

If you are granted this visa and want to stay in Australia permanently, you can then apply for a Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143).

Applying for this temporary subclass 173 visa before the permanent subclass 143 visa lets you spread the costs of your migration over a number of years.

Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 884)

Overview

This visa lets you:

• live in Australia for up to 2 years
• work and study in Australia (you will not receive government support)
• travel to and from Australia for 2 years
• apply for a permanent Contributory Aged Parent (subclass 864) visa
• You must be at the age where you are eligible for an Age Pension in Australia (65 years old)

Aged Parent visa (subclass 804)

The Australian Aged Parent visa allows older parents who are already on temporary visas to live in Australia permanently if their child is an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen who is settled in Australia.

There is currently a long queue in processing this particular visa where waiting times of up to 13 years before this visa is approved. Eligible aged parents may want to apply for the Contributory Aged Parent visa, however that visa will incur a larger application fee and an Assurance of Support bond will be required under this stream.

Parent Visa (subclass 103)

If you have one or more children living in Australia, you might be eligible to apply for an Australia parent visa (subclass 103).

This visa is suitable for the parent or parents of a child/step-child who is a settled Australian citizen, settled permanent resident, or settled eligible New Zealand citizen. If granted, this visa will allow the parent or parents to permanently migrate to Australia to join their children.

Whether you qualify for this visa depends on a number of factors, such as:

• residence status of your child(ren) in Australia
• the amount of time the sponsoring child has lived in Australia
• whether you meet the balance of family test
• whether you meet certain health and character criteria

Child visa (subclass 101)

Features

This visa allows a child who is outside Australia to come to Australia to live with their parents.

Eligibility

The child must be single.

Special age requirements apply.

Length of stay

Permanently

Cost

From AUD 2,415

Adoption visa (subclass 102)

Adoption Visa: This visa allows an overseas adopted child to live with their adoptive parents in Australia.

AN ADOPTIVE PARENT MUST BE:

• An Australian citizen
• The holder of an Australian permanent resident visa
• An eligible New Zealand citizen
• The child must be outside Australia when the application is lodged and when the visa is granted.

THIS VISA IS FOR CHILDREN:

• Outside Australia when the application is lodged and when the visa is granted
• Younger than 18 years old
• Already adopted or in the process of being adopted
• sponsored by an adoptive parent or prospective adoptive parent

Remaining Relative visa (subclass 115)

Features

This visa allows someone outside Australia whose only near relatives are living in Australia to live in Australia as a permanent resident.

Eligibility

• Your (and your partner’s) relatives in Australia must be your only near relatives.
• must have someone who will provide an assurance of support.

Length of stay

Permanently

Cost

From AUD 3,945

Who could get this visa

You might be eligible for this visa if:

• your (and your partner’s) only near relatives live in Australia
• an eligible near relative or their partner will sponsor you and all family members included as applicants in your application
• you have someone who will provide an assurance of support
• you and your family members meet health and character requirements.

You should not apply for this visa unless you believe you are likely to be successful, because the visa application charge will not usually be refunded if your application is refused or withdrawn.

Who is your near relative

Your near relative is your parent or your partner’s parent (including biological and step-parent), brother, sister, stepbrother or stepsister; child (including stepchild) who has turned 18 and is not a dependent child; or child (including stepchild) who has not yet turned 18 years of age and is not in your or your partner’s daily care and control.

We do not consider how much contact you have with near relatives when we make a decision about whether you are a remaining relative.

Who is your sponsor

Your sponsor must be your parent, brother, sister, stepbrother or stepsister or one of their partners. They must agree to give you support, accommodation and financial assistance for your first two years of residency in Australia. This agreement includes any family members included as applicants in your application.

Your sponsor must be:

• 18 years of age or older; and
  • settled in Australia
  • an Australian citizen
  • an Australian permanent resident or
  • an eligible New Zealand citizen .

When you might not be eligible for this visa

Do not apply for this visa if:

• you or your partner have any near relatives, who are usually living outside Australia, or are only living in Australia on a temporary visa, Bridging visa or unlawfully.
• your sponsor (or their partner) was the holder of, or sponsored someone else for, a Remaining Relative visa (subclass 835 or subclass 115), Preferential Family visa (subclass 104) or Family visa (subclass 806).

Health

You must meet certain health requirements. The results are usually valid for 12 months. Do not arrange a health examination until we ask you to.

This also applies to all the members of your family unit included in your application, whether they are migrating or not.

Character

You must meet certain character requirements. You must be prepared to provide a police certificate from each country you have lived in for 12 months or more during the past 10 years after you turned 16 years of age. Do not arrange for police certificates until we ask you to.

This also applies to all members of your family unit listed in your application, whether they are migrating or not.

Sign the Australian Values Statement

If you are 18 years of age or older, you must sign an Australian Values Statement to confirm that you will respect the Australian way of life and obey Australian laws. The statement is included in the visa application form. You must have read, or had explained to you, the Life in Australia book before you sign the statement.

Debts to the Australian Government

You must have no outstanding debts to the Australian Government or have arranged to repay any outstanding debts to the Australian Government before this visa can be granted.

Business Innovation and Investment (188 Visa)

The 188A visa is only available to applicants who are nominated by an Australian State or Territory government and meet the points test for this visa. To be nominated, the applicant must lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI)through the SkillSelect system.

This is a 4-year temporary visa, for people who want to own and manage a new or existing business in Australia. Once established an ownership interest in an Australian business, the applicant can apply for permanent residence through the Business Innovation & Investment (Residence) Subclass 888 visa. A 2-year extension is possible once the applicant has held the subclass 188 visa for 3 years, giving from the date of grant of the original Visa.

The applicants can either be in Australia or overseas to lodge this visa.

If the applicant is in Australia:

• Must hold a Substantive Visa or a Bridging A, B or C visa.

188B Investment visa

188B visa is only available to applicants who are nominated by an Australian State or Territory government. To be nominated, the applicant must lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect system.

This is a 4-year temporary visa, for people who want to make a designated investment in an Australian state or territory. After maintained an investment in Australian for 4 years, the applicant can apply for permanent residence through the Business Innovation & Investment (Residence) Subclass 888 visa.The applicants can either be in Australia or overseas to lodge this visa.

If the applicant is in Australia:

• Must hold a Substantive Visa or a Bridging A, B or C visa.

188C Significant Investor Visa

This VISA is only available to applicants who are nominated by an Australian State or Territory government. To be nominated, the applicant must lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect system.

This is a 4-year temporary visa, for people willing to make an AUD 5 million investment in Australia. After maintained an investment in Australian for 4 years, the applicant can apply for permanent residence through the Business Innovation & Investment (Residence) Subclass 888 visa.

The applicants can either be in Australia or overseas to lodge this visa.

If the applicant is in Australia:

• Must hold a Substantive Visa or a Bridging A, B or C visa.

Premium Investor Subclass 188D Visas

188D Premium Investor (PIV) Stream

This VISA is only available to applicants who are nominated by an AusTrade.

This is a 4-year temporary visa, for people who want to invest at least AUD 15 million into complying investments in Australia. After maintained an investment in Australian for 1 year, the applicant can apply for permanent residence through the Business Innovation & Investment (Residence) Subclass 888 visa.

The applicants can either be in Australia or overseas to lodge this visa.

If the applicant is in Australia:

Must hold a Substantive Visa or a Bridging A, B or C visa.

188E Entrepreneur stream

This VISA is only available to applicants who are nominated by an Australian State or Territory government. To be nominated, the applicant must lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect system.

This is a 4-year temporary visa, for entrepreneurs with innovative ideas and financial backing from a third party. After spending 2 years in Australia and being sponsored by a state or territory government to qualify for a permanent residence through the Business Innovation & Investment (Residence) Subclass 888 visa.

The applicants can either be in Australia or overseas to lodge this visa.

If the applicant is in Australia:

• Must hold a Substantive Visa or a Bridging A, B or C visa.

Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) visa (subclass 888)

Requirements

You might be able to get this visa if you are nominated by a state or territory or the Australian government; and

• hold a provisional Business Innovation and Investment visa (subclass 188) and have met the requirements of that visa in the stream in which you first applied
• hold a Special Category visa (subclass 444) or a Business (Long stay) visa (subclass 457IE) and have met the requirements of the business innovation stream.

Experience building production applications with Metronic would be good to have as well.

Features

This visa allows you to:

• continue to own and manage a business in Australia (the Business Innovation stream)
• continue business and investment activity in Australia (the Investor stream,the Significant Investor stream and the Premium Investor stream).

Business Talent (Permanent) visa (subclass 132) A | B

Business Talent (Migrant) visas are permanent visas available to applicants in two streams:

• Significant Business History Stream: for people with ownership interests in large businesses
• Venture Capital Entrepreneur Stream: for people who have access to venture capital funding of at least AUD 1 million

Duration and Conditions

This visa grants permanent residence status.

Do I Apply in Australia or Overseas?

You can either be in Australia or overseas when you lodge your application.

If you are in Australia, you must hold a substantive visa or a Bridging A, B or C visa.

State/Territory Nomination

This visa is only available to applicants who are nominated by an Australian State or Territory government.