How to get an Australian visa is the topic of this installment of our guide to emigrating to Australia…

To enter Australia you need to have a visa issued by the Australian government. This applies regardless of what you plan to do in Australia or how long you plan to stay there and anyone who doesn’t have one will find themselves being refused entry on arrival at the airport or port (it must be applied for in advance of your arrival as applications are arrival are not permitted).

You can find details of the various types of visas offered by visiting http://www.immi.gov.au, where you can also download an immigration application form. Be sure to read through all of the information and advice provided on the website to ensure that you’re both applying for the right type of visa and are eligible for it.

The completing of the application form is an essential step as there’s no other way to obtain a visa (such as from an embassy, from a third party, on arrival, etc.). Once you have filled it in you should send it to the Department of Immigration and Culture (often shortened to DIAC).

It’s absolutely crucial that any paperwork submitted is done so correctly or your application will be returned to you, and you will, unfortunately, have to re apply. You can use a migration agent to help you with this if you have any concerns about your ability to do it yourself.

Fees for visas vary dramatically depending upon the visa category you are applying under. With police checks, medical records, government fees etc, the cost of the application can, sometimes, be a considerable expense. The time taken to process your application also varies, though you should allow a minimum of 12 months.

The DIAC will inform you of their decision by letter, which will also include details of how to get your passport updated (if your application was successful) or how do apply for a review of their decision (if your application was unsuccessful).