Immigration in Australia,

Gather Your Documents

So you are thinking to apply for immigration in Australia. You are still looking at various visa options to find one that suits you.

By now you saw this is not an easy decision.

It is not easy for you to leave behind your family and friends and start your life again from scratch.

And it is not easy because you have to follow a rigurous process, with a number of steps that you have to take in order to apply.

You have to make a strong case and gather all your papers.

Below are some of the more common documents you would need for your application file.

The application process can differ with the type of visa that you choose so make sure that you read carefully all the information that is available on the department of immigration website: www.immi.gov.au.

The papers you need in order to apply for skilled immigration in Australia will also differ depending on your particular circumstances.

But it is good to take the following initial steps:

Gather your identity documents:

recent photographs (certify and date them);
birth certificates;
copy of passport pages showing name, photo and date of birth;
other identity documents, for example: marriage certificate, change of name evidence...

Gather your education and work documents such as:

qualification and training: degrees, diplomas, certificates;
work experience / employment, including job descriptions of the positions you held and work references signed by your employers.

Make copies of all your original documents and get them certified by an authorised person in your country. If they are not in English, translate them by a registered translation service.

Check the information on the department of immigration Australia website and read the most up-to-date details under the visa option you apply for, to ensure you follow all the steps exactly as required.

Then start building your application file.

Immigration in Australia - Skills

Get your skills assessed. Here are the basic steps:

You can find all eligible occupations in the Skilled Occupation List - http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/sol/. Nominate the one that applies to you.

The name of the organisation that must assess your skills is on the same list.

Get in touch with them and ask them to evaluate your qualifications and experience. Ask what documents you need to send, how much it costs and how long it will take.

Don't delay, do this as soon as you decide to apply.

If all goes well and you receive their opinion that you have the right competencies for your occupation, arrange for certified copies of the assessment document.

You'll need one for your visa application and you may need others in the future. So make several copies, just in case.

Read the assessment document and check if it has an expiry date. Some may have, others not. If yours does, then make sure you apply for your visa before that date.

Immigration in Australia - English

Sit your English test. Unless English is your first language. Then you are considered competent.

But if you want to score some points to help with the visa then you need more than being competent.

You need a proficient or superior level of English.

Which you can prove only with the higher marks of a test. For example the points required for the skilled migration visa are at: immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/175/eligibility-english.htm

The test to sit is the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test.

There are two types: a general training one and an academic one. As the name says the latter is more difficult.

Most people take the general training test.

But in some occupations you need to prove that your English is at a much higher level. Ask the organisation that evaluates your skills and they should tell you which test to take.

Check if there is any expiry date for the results and if yes then apply for visa well before that date.

Whether you sit the more difficult or the easier test, it is still an exam and it is good to prepare a bit. The higher results you get the more points for you. Therefore preparing will definitely help.

Ask your local centre organising the test if they can provide you with study materials. Alternatively order them via the IELTS website.

Immigration in Australia - Family

If you include your partner in your application:

You may get some points if they meet the basic requirements for an Australian immigration visa.
As a secondary applicant, your partner should repeat the process: gather all the identity and work related paper trail, demonstrate English language ability, get their skills assessed.

If you intend to move to Australia with your family make sure you have all the legal paperwork for your dependents (for example if your children are adopted or step or their other parent is not migrating with you).

Here is an indication of what you should expect in terms of the costs associated with an immigration to Australia.

Remember, this information is just to give you an idea about the process. But things change, so do your research. Don't take any further steps before reading attentively and understanding all the details on the immi.gov.au website. If you need more clarification, contact them.

You can also talk to an immigration lawyer to assess your options and help with your application.