John Mason International Visa and Emigration Services is an independent immigration advisory service providing information and case management support to individuals, families and businesses.
Some of the visa pathways available when moving to Australia include skilled migration, family migration, business migration and working holidays.
Complete a FREE ONLINE ASSESSMENT to find out which visa pathway is most suitable for you by following the below links:
Skilled Migration:
The General Skilled Migration (GSM) Programme is the most common pathway for skilled workers to migrate to Australia. Applicants must nominate an occupation on the skills list and meet the basic criteria and points to qualify.
The basic criteria for an Australia Skilled Visa are as follows:
- Age– you must be under 45 when you apply
- English language– you should have a competent ability in the English language
- Nominated occupation– you must nominate an occupation on the skilled occupations list which best fits your skills and qualifications
- Skills assessment– you must obtain a positive skills assessment in your occupation
- Health assessment– all applicants must pass a medical examination by a panel doctor
- Character assessment– you must be of good character and provide police checks
The minimum points score for a skilled visa is currently 65 points, however this can fluctuate depending on your occupation and how many applicants are applying through the GSM pathway. The most common areas people claim points for include:
- Age
- English language ability
- Qualifications
- Work experience
- State or family sponsorship
Additional points can be awarded for Australian and regional study, partner skills, Australian work experience and Credentialed Community Language qualifications.
Skilled migration is best suited for those wanting to migrate to Australia long term and may lead to Australian Citizenship. You do not require a job offer for this visa type.
Family migration
Parents, partners and other family members may apply for a visa to join their Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident family members in Australia. There are a number of options available, with the most common visa types outlined below.
Partner Visas
If you can demonstrate you’re in a committed relationship with an Australian Permanent Resident or Citizen, then you may be able to apply for a Partner Visa. You must be able to provide evidence of having lived with your partner for a minimum of 12 months by way of various joint documents. You do not need to be married for this visa type.
Depending on the length of your relationship, you will be granted either a temporary or a permanent residency visa. With evidence of a minimum of three years commitment to your partner, you may be eligible for permanent residency, reduced to 2 years if you have a child together. Alternatively, you will be granted a temporary visa for 2 years followed by an invitation to apply for your permanent residency providing you are still in a committed relationship with your Australian partner.
Parent Visas
Parent Visas are available for those wishing to join their children who are settled Australian Citizens or Permanent Residents. The most common Parent Visa category is the Contributory Parent (subclass 143) Visa, which is a permanent residency visa.
The basic criteria for a parent visa are:
- You meet the balance of family, meaning half or more of your children live in Australia as Permanent Residents or Citizens
- Your child is willing to act as your sponsor and has been settled in Australia for a minimum of two years
- You meet the health and character requirements
If you’re aged 65 or over you have the option of lodging the Parent Visa from within Australia.
To see if you qualify for a Contributory Parent Visa complete our FREE online assessment here.
Business Migration
The Australian Business Visa Programme encourages successful business owners, investors and senior executives to settle in Australia while developing new or existing business opportunities. This visa allows you to own and manage a business in Australia, with some pathways leading to permanent residency.
You must have at least AUD$1.5 million to invest in a business and hold relevant experience in running and owning a business for this visa category.
To see if you qualify for a business visa you can complete our FREE online visa assessment here.
Working Holiday Visa
The Australia Working Holiday Visa gives people between the ages of 18 and 30 the opportunity to pursue work and travel in Australia for up to 12 months. This is a temporary visa which allows you to work for any one employer for up to six months at a time.
The basic criteria for a Working Holiday Visa are as follows:
- You must be aged between 18 and 30
- You must have a valid passport with at least 6 months until renewal
- You must have sufficient funds of AUD$5,000.00 to support yourself
- You must not have any substantial criminal convictions or medical issues