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Frequently Asked Question

Why should I study in Australia?
Answer

Australia is a multi-diverse country representing 194 nationalities choosing to study in Australia. The main reasons to study in Australia are:

  • Reasonable study costs
  • Globally recognized courses and institutions
  • Lively and multicultural lifestyle
What are the different types of Temporary Graduate Subclass 485 visa?
Answer

There are two “streams” for the Temporary Graduate Subclass 485 visa:

Post Study Work Stream:

Any international students who graduates with a higher education degree from an Australian education provider, regardless of their field of study. This stream is only available to students who applied for, and were granted, their first student visa to Australia on or after 5 November 2011. A visa in this stream can be granted for up to four years from the date the visa is granted, depending on the visa applicant’s qualification.

The Graduate Work Stream:

Any international student with an eligible qualification who graduate with skills and qualifications that relate to an occupation on the list of eligible skilled occupations. A visa in this stream is granted for 18 months.

What is a TSS visa?
Answer

The TSS visa allows employers to sponsor visa applicants to work in Australia. The duration may range from 2 to 4 years, depending on the applicant’s occupation. The program is designed to address documented skills shortages hence only some nominated approved occupation lists.

What is the Subclass 491 visa?
Answer

In November 2019 the Subclass 489 ceased and was replaced by the Subclass 491 visa.

As a Subclass 491 visa holder:

  • You are allowed to stay in Australia for 5 years from the date of visa grant 
  • Should work, live and study in a designated regional area
  • Enter and exit from Australia as many times you want

Application for 491subclass can only be put up if you are invited and for an invitation you should have been nominated by an Australian state or territory government agencies or a family sponsor residing in regional Australia. 

What is 189 Visa Australia?
Answer

189 visa is a Skilled Independent which gives you a permanent residency visa that allows a skilled worker to come to Australia for work and stay anywhere in Australia permanently on the invitation. This is an independent visa that does not require any kind of nomination and sponsorship.

Who is the TSS for?
Answer

It is the right fit and is a win-win for:

  • A skilled person who has been able to find a job in Australia and needs a work visa
  • An employer who wishes to Sponsor a skilled employee to fill a role in your business.
What is a Confirmation of Enrolment?
Answer

To become eligible for a student visa to Australia you must first enrol in a full time course of study which is registered with the Commonwealth Registry of International Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). To obtain the student visa you must study a course listed on the CRICOS register. To put up a valid application you must have a CoE to apply the student visa. CoE is received on accepting the letter of offer from the university/ institution and paying the fees to enroll in the desired course.

Is my course is suitable for a student visa?
Answer

The course needs to be registered under the Commonwealth Registry of International Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). The international students need to be enrolled full time to be eligible. 

How much will it cost to study in Australia?
Answer

Tuition fees will vary depending on the course and institution. Also the subject level and duration of the course changes.

How can I qualify for the Graduate Work Stream?
Answer

To qualify the requirements are:

  • A nominated occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
  • your skills have been assessed by a relevant assessing authority as suitable for your nominated skilled occupation (‘suitable skills assessment’)
  • you have met the Australian study requirement in the past six months
  • Each diploma or trade qualification (Cricos-Registered) used to meet the Australian study requirement is closely related to your nominated skilled occupation.
Am I allowed to I work in Australia while holding a student visa?
Answer

The primary holder of a student visa in Australia (the person who is actually studying in Australia) can normally work no more than 40 hours per fortnight while your course is in session and can work unlimited hours when the course is not in session ( during semester breaks and at the end of the course).There are some exceptions to this. For example, students studying a PhD or Masters of Research generally have unlimited work rights for the primary and secondary applicants. The work limitation for your dependents can vary depending on the situation too.

What English language tests are acceptable for Australian student visas?
Answer

Australian student visa applications have five different tests accepted

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) 
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) 
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) 
  • Occupational English Test (OET) 

Pearson Test of English (PTE). In details of the minimum requirement visit the Student 500 Eligibility- DIBP website.

Is an English Test mandatory for my visa?
Answer

The requirements for English language are different depending on which visa you are applying for, what your occupation is and whether you are the 'primary' or 'secondary' applicant. Additionally, the passport you hold and whether or not you completed your schooling in English may be a factor.

How can I apply for an Australian student visa? What requirements do I need to meet?
Answer

As discussed above you need CoE to apply the visa. The evidences required to be provided with the application will depend on the country of origin and intended education provider. The Document Checklist Tool on the Immigration Website will help with the indication of an evidence you will need to submit.

How can I qualify for a PSWV (Post Study Work Stream)?
Answer

Requirements for the PSWV or Post Study Work Stream are:

  • Completed 2 years of study in Australia at the bachelor level or higher (Cricos-Registered)
  • The completed course- a bachelor degree, masters or PhD within the last 6 months
  • Have held a student visa within the last 6 months, and hold a substantive visa, bridging A or B visa at time of application
  • English Requirements: passport holders from UK, Ireland, USA, Canada or NZ, you will not need to undertake an English test. Otherwise, you must complete one of the recognised English tests: IELTS, OET, Pearson (PTE Academic), TOEFL iBT or Cambridge (CAE Advanced).
  • Should be below 50 years of age
How can I apply for scholarships in Australian universities?
Answer

Almost each universities in Australia offers scholarships to prospective International students. The scholarships vary from each university and institute and, it's best to get in direct contact with your preferred institution.

How long is the Temporary Graduate Visa Valid for?
Answer

485 visas granted under the Graduate Work Stream are valid for 18 months from the date of grant.

Post Study Work Stream (PSWV) visas can be valid for between 2 and 4 years from the date of grant, depending on the type of qualification completed. Validity periods are as follows:

  • 2 years: completion of Bachelor Degree, Bachelor with Honours, Masters by Coursework or Masters (Extended)
  • 3 years: Masters by Research
  • 4 years: Doctorate

NOTE: Remember that you can move up to a permanent visa while working with your temporary graduate working visa (subclass 485), but you cannot extend the 485 visa itself.

Can I change my course and institution if I don’t like it?
Answer

Yes you can but there are strict conditions and steps set up by the government which requires you to study with the educational provider for the first six months. If you want to change the course before six months you require a “Release Letter”.

Do we receive a request from the Department of Home Affairs for more information during visa application?
Answer

The applicants are advised to put the application with all the supporting documents. The Department may or may not contact depending on the case officers perspective. In case of a student visa they may request you to provide financial documents if they are insufficient or lack any evidence of support and many more. In case of a visitor visa they may ask for evidence of ties to home country to explain the concerns of genuine visitors.

I am in Australia and my visa has expired, what do I do now?
Answer

In case your visa expires leads you to becoming unlawful in Australia and can have wide consequences. The duration of being unlawful is a critical factor. In these scenarios we recommend taking action at the earliest as there are many other factors to be considered. You are eligible to apply a bridging c being here but involves some technicalities to it. If any such situation you should contact one of our experienced advisors immediately to discuss your situation. 

I am about to finish my study in Australia - what do I do next?
Answer

There are innumerable options that vary with the situation of each individual. You might be eligible to apply post study work or skilled permanent, skilled temporary, employer sponsored or possibly some other as per the situation. There is no specific answer to it.

Can I include my spouse and children in my application?
Answer

The answer ranges from a yes to no depending on the application being applied. Student visa and skilled permanent visa do allow you to include your family members whereas the case is not the same in case of working holiday visa. Moreover in case of sponsored work visa (457) it depends on the employer if the sponsor is limited to the primary applicant or he agrees on for spouse and children too. There are additional costs for every member included that depends on the subclass of visa application.

Are parents and siblings considered a part of family members? Can I include them in my application?
Answer

Parents and siblings are considered to be other families. To include them you need to prove the dependency and that is too complex to explain. Hence we suggest not including them in application.

Can I include my child who is over 18 years old as my dependent in my application?
Answer

To include a child above 18 and below 23 years you must be able to prove that they are dependent on you. Issues of 'dependence' with adult applicants are very complex in Australian migration law. Because of this we advise that you discuss this with one of our experienced advisors before proceeding any further with your application.

Can I go to my local doctor to complete my medical test for my Australian visa?
Answer

All applicants who are required to complete a medical examination for an Australian visa must complete it only at an Australian government approved panel physician. There are a few very limited exceptions to this. You cannot go to your local doctor.

How much funds are required to be shown?
Answer

The Department of Home Affairs expects students to have sufficient funds to cover their travel, cost of living and tuition fees. Students need to demonstrate genuine access to at least the following if the course they enroll in is 12 months or longer:

Single applicant: $21,041 and the first year tuition fees

Secondary applicant travelling with you (living expense):

  • Partner: $7,362
  • Child: $3,152

Travelling expense: $2000 each

If you want to study for less than 12 months, the amount of funds needed to demonstrate will be calculated ‘pro-rata’, which means that the amount will be adjusted according to the length of your course.

How can I show the evidence of funds?
Answer

The evidence of funds being:

  • Bank Statement Savings (three months old) 
  • Fixed Deposit ( three months old) 
  • Fixed Deposit ( if current)- (Overdraft on FD) 
  • Ongoing Income ( three years Tax Return) 
  • Loan (Educational/ Personal)
Is there an age limit to student visas?
Answer

No, absolutely no age limit. If you are above 18 you can apply for a student visa. In case of below 18 you would need to organize a guardian. 

Can I study more than one course?
Answer

Yes!! This is called a ‘package course’ and is very common. If you need to improve your English and enroll in a language course before commencing a primary course (e.g. a Bachelor degree or Diploma), you can package both courses and apply for one single visa to cover the whole duration of your studies. 

Can I get credit for previous studies?
Answer

If you have completed previous study, or you have worked at length in the field in which you consider to study, you may be entitled to obtain recognition of prior Learning (RPL) or credit points (exemptions) towards completing your course based on your previous study or work experience.

What is a VEVO check?
Answer

Verification Online (VEVO) is an online facility that enables the visa holders to find out about their immigration status. This facility is also available for registered Australian Organizations such as employers, labor suppliers, education providers, migration agents, banks and government agencies, to check visa details and entitlements.

How is a CoE connected to my student visa?
Answer

CoE will include the date you’re expected to finish your course. The duration of your student visa is based on this date. You must complete your course if not you need to extend the visa with a new CoE. 

Can I defer my course before I enroll?
Answer

Depending on your course, you may have the option to defer your offer for up to one year. This means the university will hold a place for you to enrol in your course the following semester or year.

Is it mandatory to study full time throughout the course?
Answer

If you are an international student visa holder, you’re required to enrol full time (4 subjects each semester, 2 or 3 units as per the trimester breakdown). 

What are the minimum qualifications and requirements to study in Australia?
Answer

Each institution has its own minimum requirements. Generally a year 12 or an equivalent diploma is a prerequisite for admissions offshore. In case of onshore there are some institutions in case of VET courses that accept year 11.

What type of courses are prominent among students in Australia?
Answer

The students basically are into vocational courses (certificate or Diploma courses); undergraduate courses (Bachelors) or postgraduate courses (Masters).

Eligible qualifications
Answer

For the purposes of applying for a subclass 485 under the Graduate Work stream, the course/courses must have resulted in a degree, diploma or trade qualification. For example, a student may complete two consecutive Diploma level courses and satisfy the Australian study requirement under the Graduate Work stream, provided the other components of the requirement are satisfied.

In the past 6 months before you applied for this visa you must have met the Australian study requirement. You will meet this if you are awarded at least one degree and:

  • Course was a CRICOS-registered course (this covers nearly all public Australian TAFE and university courses)
  • Successfully completed all course requirements
  • Study was in English
  • Completed your course as a result of at least two academic years (92 weeks) study
  • You were physically in Australia for at least 16 calendar months to complete the study
  • You held an Australian study visa that allowed you to study

To meet the 2 academic year component of the Australian study requirement, you may combine courses in some circumstances. The post-work study stream requires a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, while a Cert III / Diploma will suffice for the graduate stream.

Qualifications must be closely related to nominated occupation

The qualification(s) completed must be closely related to the student’s nominated skilled occupation. For your qualification to be considered to be closely related to your nominated occupation, the skills underpinning the qualification must be directly transferable to that occupation. This applies to both the subject matter and the level of the qualification. For example, if you nominate ‘physiotherapist’ as your occupation, a degree in physiotherapy would meet this requirement, but a degree in commerce would not.

Example: Acceptable combinations of study and nominated occupations include:

  • an applicant who nominates “Chef” as their skilled occupation who has completed a Certificate Iv in Commercial Cookery and Diploma of Hospitality management in Australia
I held a student visa as a dependent prior to 5 November 2011. Can I apply under the post study work stream?
Answer

No – even if you held a student visa as a dependent prior to 5 November 2011, you cannot apply for the Post Study Work Stream.

I held a student visa prior to 5 November 2011. Can I qualify for the PSWV (post study work stream) if I apply for a new student visa?
Answer

No – If you hold a student visa which you applied for prior to 5 November 2011, you cannot qualify for the post study work stream, even if you make a new application after 5 November 2011.

I applied for a student visa prior to 5 November 2011, but my application was refused. Can I qualify for the PSWV (post study work stream) if I apply for a new student visa?
Answer

Yes – the 5 November requirement only applies to student visas which were granted. Applications which were refused or withdrawn will not count against you in applying for a post study work stream visa.

I applied for a student visa prior to 5 November 2011, but it was granted after 5 November. Can I qualify for the PSWV (post study work stream) if I apply for a new student visa?
Answer

No – even if your student visa was granted after 5 November 2011, you will be ineligible for the Post Study Work Stream if you made the application prior to 5 November 2011.

I have completed a 2-year course, but have received exemptions for my overseas studies. Can I qualify for a graduate temporary subclass 485 visa?
Answer

For qualifying for a subclass 485 visa, you must have completed 2 academic years of study. It can be as a course, or courses, which are registered on CRICOS as taking at least 92 weeks. If you have received exemptions for overseas studies, then the amount of study you are taken to have completed will be reduced.

As an example: a student completes an Extended Master’s Degree which is registered on CRICOS for 104 weeks which has 16 units.

If the student receives an exemption for 1 unit, they will be taken to have completed 15/16ths of the course and so 15/16 x 104 = 97 weeks of study. In other words, taking 1 exemption will mean that they still meet the 92 week requirement for 2 academic years of study. However, if the student receives exemptions for 2 units, they will be taken to have completed 14/16 x 104 = 91 weeks of study. This student would not meet the 92 week requirement.

Can I lodge prior to completing my English test?
Answer

When you make your application, you must provide evidence that you have met the English language requirement while applying. If you do not have a valid English while application it may result in refusal of visa application As a result, you will need to provide your qualifying passport from the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada or NZ, or alternatively a suitable English Test result at the date of application.

Can I lodge prior to obtaining my skills assessment?
Answer

If applying under the Post Study Work stream, you do not need to obtain a skills assessment – this is only required for the Graduate Work stream.

To apply for a Graduate Work stream visa, you must have applied for skills assessment and provide evidence of this application. You can make your Graduate Work stream application prior to the skills assessment being finalized. To be granted your visa, the skills assessment must be finalized and positive.

Can I include family members in my application?
Answer

You can include partners and dependent children in your 485 Temporary Graduate visa application.

You can do this by either:

  • Including them when you make the application (this is referred to as a “combined” application); or
  • Applying for 485 visas for them once you have been granted your 485 visa (the dependents are referred to as “subsequent entrants” in this case)
  • Including dependents in a combined application is cheaper and quicker in most cases. However, they need to be in Australia when they are granted.

Additional fees are required when applying for subsequent entrants, and you can only make the application once your 485 visa has been granted. Subsequent entrants can either be in Australia or overseas when their visas are granted. Except for children born during processing, it is not possible to add dependents whilst your 485 application is being processed.

Minimum English Test Requirements
Answer

The minimum test requirements are as below:

  1. International English Language Testing System (IELTS) - Overall score of at least 6 with a minimum score of 5 for each of the 4 parts
  2. Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based Test (TOEFL iBT) - Total score of at least 64 with a minimum score of 4 for listening, 4 for reading, 14 for writing and 14 for speaking
  3. Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) - Overall score of at least 50 with a minimum score of 36 for each of the 4 parts
  4. Occupational English Test (OET)- At least B for each of the 4 parts
  5. Cambridge C1 Advanced test - Overall at least 169 with a minimum score of at least 154 in each of the 4 test components
What Is The Cost Of The Graduate Visa 485?
Answer

The cost for the visa subclass 485 is in fact quite reasonable. No matter that whether you are applying for the post-study work stream or graduate stream, you will have to pay the same amount for both i.e. AUD 1,650.

How long is English Valid for 485 visa?
Answer

Any English Test is acceptable for three years unlike for academic purposes where it is valid for two years

What are the different streams under TSS Stream?
Answer

The different streams of eligibility for TSS service:

  • Short-term stream: for applicants being nominated for occupations on the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)
  • ​Medium-term stream: for applicants being nominated for occupations on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
  • Labour Agreement stream: for applicants with an employment offer with a business subject to a labour agreement
When can I lodge the TSS Sponsorship, Nomination and Visa Applications?
Answer

The nomination can only be lodged once the sponsorship is lodged. The business employer must be an approved sponsor to nominate someone. After the nomination approves you have another 12 months to lodge the visa application.

What if the employee is already a 457 or TSS visa holder?
Answer

Before the change of sponsor the applicant must get the sponsorship obligations reviewed by the immigration in regards to job role and salary. 

Again, an employer must be an approved sponsor to lodge a Nomination application.

Main key points for Nomination Transfers:
Answer
  • ​The visa holder cannot work for the new Sponsor until the new Nomination is in place
  • The validity dates on the original visa do not change. The same visa remains in place, with the same expiry date. If you want a longer visa period a new visa application needs to be lodged
  • ​The new Sponsor takes on the Sponsorship Obligation for the visa holder on nomination approval.
​Can I lodge my TSS application from inside Australia if I hold a Bridging Visa?
Answer

You may still be able to lodge your application onshore if you do not hold a substantive visa. However, it is important to note the only Bridging Visas eligible for a TSS visa are Bridging Visas A, B or C.

Who can be included as a part of family members?
Answer
  • The primary applicant can only include spouse (married or de-facto)
  • Child (biological or step-child) who are under 18; are above 18 but less than 23 ( studying full time and never worked full time)
Will family members get work rights as well?
Answer

All family members included in the application will have no work limitation – this means the spouse of the primary visa holder can work without restriction.

What will the visa validity be for family members?
Answer

The visa will be granted for the same period as the primary visa holder, and no longer.

WHEN THE VISA IS APPROVED

How long do I have to travel if my TSS was approved when I was offshore?
Answer

There is no particular deadline by which you will need to travel to Australia. 

There is no particular deadline by which you will need to travel to Australia.
Answer

You must start working in your nominated role within 90 days of entering Australia.

What should I do if I get a new passport?
Answer

You should update your passport details with Immigration as soon as you can, so that when the visa is granted, it is granted against the correct passport details.

Who can I work for on the TSS or 457 visa?
Answer

If your Sponsor is an Australian business, you can work for the Sponsor directly or move around different subsidiaries.

If your Sponsor is an overseas business, you must only work directly for the overseas company/Sponsor

Can I change my employer while on a TSS or 457 visa?
Answer

You are not required to apply for a new visa if you have been already granted a TSS or 457 visa and you want to change your employer provided it is in the same occupation. However, before you start working for a new employer, you must be nominated by them. The new employer has to be an approved Sponsor (or apply to become one), and the Nomination has to be approved before you change employer.

Can I change my occupation while on a TSS or 457 visa?
Answer

The condition that is applied to your TSS and 457 visa means you must work in the nominated occupation.

If you want to change your role, or your employer wants you to change your role, new Nomination AND Visa applications need to be approved before you proceed.

What if I cease employment with my Sponsor while on a TSS visa?
Answer

The following are the options in that scenario:

​​Depart Australia within 60 days or find a new Sponsor and lodge a nomination to change your employer within 60 days;

When you cease employment, your Sponsor is obligated to notify Immigration within 28 days?
Answer

Yes, as this will trigger the cancelation section of Immigration to monitor you to see if you depart or lodge a new Nomination. 

I am a TSS (or 457) visa holder already – can I add a family member to my visa?
Answer

A family member can be added to your visa application by making a separate visa application. This is known as 'subsequent entrant' application.

I have had a baby in Australia as a TSS (or 457) holder – what visa do they hold?
Answer

There is an administrative process to make sure the visa details are in the Immigration system as the baby is liable to get 457 visa. You should provide the immigration with a copy of the baby’s passport and birth certificate, and health requirements may need to be met.

What parts of Australia are considered as regional areas?
Answer

Any part of Australia excluding metropolitan cities Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.

How will points be allocated?
Answer

The Subclass 491 visa is also a points-tested visa. This means that when you submit your EOI (Expression of Interest) you will be given an indicative points score based on the information you provide. The threshold is 65 points. If you do not obtain 65 points you will not be invited to apply. 

In addition, the state or territory government agency or sponsorship by a family member adds 15 points for the nomination to live, work and study in regional Australia.

Do I need a skill assessment for applying for a 491 visa?
Answer

Yes, for the application to be valid you must hold a valid skill assessment at the time of invite as you would need to provide the same during the application.

Who are the eligible relatives?
Answer

For a family stream visa, the sponsor must be 18 years and above, resident in a designated area of Australia and be an eligible relative.

The eligible relatives being:

  • a parent
  • a child or stepchild
  • a brother, sister, adoptive brother, adoptive sister, stepbrother or stepsister
  • an aunt, uncle, adoptive aunt, adoptive uncle, step-aunt or step-uncle
  • a nephew, niece, adoptive nephew, adoptive niece, step-nephew or step-niece
  • a grandparent, or
  • a first cousin
Do the sponsor and the applicant need to reside in the same State/Territory?
Answer

There is no clause on the requirement that the sponsor and applicant must live in the same regional area but however the sponsor is required to maintain all the conditions agreed on regardless of which regional Australian part they are each living.

Can a Subclass 491 visa holder apply for other visa subclasses?
Answer

Holders of 491 visa can only apply for another skill visa after completing at least three years in designated regional areas and have complied with your visa conditions.

I have a Subclass 491 visa. How can I transition to PR?
Answer

You can be eligible for a PR pathway through (Skilled Regional) visa (Subclass 191). 

To apply for a Subclass 191, you must:

– Must have lived for at least 3 years in a designated regional area and have a taxable income of 53,900 per annum for three years

– Both primary and secondary applicants need to comply with the conditions.

Visa cost?
Answer

As such there is no cost associated with submitting an EOI and you can keep updating the profile at no expense as many times as you wish. After the nomination, the application charges for the main applicant costs AUD$4045. There is also a charge of AUD 2025 for each family member, 18 years and older, who apply for the visa with you.

What are the documents required for application?
Answer

The documents are:

  • passport showing photo, personal details, issue and expiry dates, a national identity card and proof of name change
  • documents proving relationship status, including death, marriage and divorce certificates
  • character certificate from the police in every country you’ve lived in since you were 16 years old
  • skill assessment documents
  • competent English documents
  • sponsorship documents- proof of their citizenship, residence and proof of relationship with them
  • partner documents including ID, skill assessment results, English test results
  • family members under 18 need ID, character documents, and proof you have parental rights
  • family members over 18 need character documents, English test results, proof of family relationship and how they are dependent on you
Do my documents need to be certified?
Answer

The coloured copies of the originals do not need any certification. In a few case scenarios, if the scanned colour copy is not clear the DIBP contacts you through.

Do my documents need to be translated?
Answer

Yes, documents in languages other than English need to be accompanied by an English translation along with original copies of the documents.

In Australia: translations need to be undertaken by a translator accredited by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI).

In overseas: Translations need to be endorsed by the translator with their full name, address and telephone number, and the translator needs to include details of their qualifications and experience in the language being translated.

Can I apply my nomination while awaiting my skill assessment and English Language test result?
Answer

No. You can only submit an application for NSW nomination if you have a valid skills assessment and valid English language test result. If you apply and do not have a valid Skills Assessment or English Language test result at the time you submitted your application it would lead in application being declined.

Can I provide additional evidence after the submission of application?
Answer

A case officer does contact you if any further information/ documents is required while application is being assessed. 

Can you stay in Australia for more than 5 years?
Answer

 The visa cannot be extended, if you require to stay longer you need to put a new application

Can the nomination be withdrawn?
Answer

You and members of your family who hold this visa, must work and study in designated regional areas of Australia. If your nomination is withdrawn, your visa will not be granted.

Can I add family members later if they aren’t a part of my visa application?
Answer

 Members of your family who don’t apply for this visa with you can apply to join you in Australia later as subsequent entrants.

 State Sponsorship - New South Wales- 491

Which postcodes/ regions are eligible in NSW under 491 visa?
Answer

The postcodes and the regions are determined by the Commonwealth Department of Home Affairs.

Eligible regions are published on the DIBP webpage: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skill-occupation-list/regional-postcodes

What are the employment requirements to be satisfied?
Answer

Your employment must meet the Department of Home Affairs’ requirements for skilled employment. The details for the same are mentioned on the DIBP points table:

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skilled-work-regional-provisional-491/points-table

Does my employment need to be with the same employer for the last 12 months?
Answer

No, during the last 12 months to satisfy this requirement you may have been employed by more than one employer in regional NSW.

Does my employment for the last 12 months need to be continuous?
Answer

Yes, you need to have been continuously employed in regional NSW for at least the last 12 months. If you have been employed in more than one job during the last 12 months, the gap in between your jobs should not have been for more than one month.

Job offer in Regional NSW

What are the requirements for the job offer in regional NSW?
Answer

The offer of employment should be in the designated regional area postcode for a minimum offer for 12 months with 35 hours per week.

Also, the job should be in a closely related occupation (within the related ANSCO codes) and meet requirements for the Department of Home Affairs.

What is the requirement for the employer offering the job?
Answer

The registration under Australian government is mandatory.

Family members in regional NSW

Who qualifies as an immediate family member to nominate for a family sponsored visa?
Answer

The eligible relatives have been discussed above. 

For regional NSW visa the family member must be currently residing in regional NSW and have resided in regional NSW for at least the last 24 months. You as an applicant should not be residing interstate; you are not eligible for regional NSW nomination in that scenario.

What are the requirements for my study?
Answer
  • have been completed with an education provider or education providers located in regional NSW
  • have been completed while you were living in regional NSW
  • have been completed within the last 12 months before applying for NSW nomination
  • Have been continuous and met the Department of Home Affairs’ Australian Study Requirement.
What are the eligibility criteria for visa 189?
Answer
  • The visa subclass 189 Australia being an independent visa requires the applicant to be able to satisfy certain points for being eligible:
  • Be under 50 years of age.
  • Possess competent (at least) English skills.
  • Achieve a minimum score which will be specified in your letter of invitation.
  • Nominate an occupation which is listed on the skilled occupation list.
  • Achieve a satisfactory skills assessment.
What are the entitlements available with a subclass 189 visa Australia?
Answer

This visa brings a lot of entitlements along with it:

  • Stay in Australia permanently
  • Work or study anywhere in Australia
  • Enroll in any of Australia’s public health care scheme
  • Post completion of certain conditions is eligible to apply for  Australian citizenship too
What is the cost of skilled independent visa subclass 189?
Answer

The cost of a visa application for the subclass 189 visa Australia is AUD 4045 for the main applicant and for any additional applicant above 18 lodging at the same time will be AUD 2020 and under 18 is AUD 1015.

What is the processing time of this visa subclass 189?
Answer

The general processing time range is 11-13 months old.

What is the difference between the subclass 189 and subclass 190 visa?
Answer

The subclass 189 visa is the “independent” visa and the subclass 190 visa is state-sponsored.

What is the visa 190 subclass?
Answer

he 190 visa is a state sponsored visa and is available for skilled workers who have been nominated by an Australian state or territory.

What is the application process?
Answer

To be granted a 189 visa, you will need to undergo a three-stage process:

  1. Successfully undertake a skill assessment.
  2. Complete an Expression of Interest.
  3. Finalize a visa application if invited.
What is an Expression of Interest (EOI)?
Answer

It is a formal submission to Department of Home Affairs expressing an interest to make an application. Anyone interested in the points based general migration visa program will need to submit an EOI and receive an invitation in order to lodge a visa application.

Can I update my information on my EOI?
Answer

Yes, you can update your EOI at any time before you receive an invitation to apply for the visa.

You will not be able to change or update your EOI once you have receive an invitation.

How many EOI can I submit?
Answer

There are no limitations on how many EOI you can submit. However, if you receive an invitation you must be able to provide supporting evidence and demonstrate all the claims you have made to achieve your points score.

How long will it take to receive an invitation after EOI is lodged?
Answer

Invitations are issued on a monthly basis. The results of the invitation rounds are published on the Department of Home Affairs website after every round. There is no fixed time line to getting an invitation.

How long do I have to apply for the visa application after the issue of invitation?
Answer

You will have 60 days to lodge your online visa application when you receive an invitation. If you do not lodge your visa application within this 60 days, your invitation will expire, and you will then have to wait for the department to invite you again. If you receive two invitations to apply for the visa for the same EOI and you do not lodge a visa application, your EOI will be removed from Skill Select. Hence, you will have to lodge another EOI.

What is the point test?
Answer

It is the point breakdown by the department to select applicants who have the attributes Australia needs for immigration purposes. The various points’ breakdown range on age, English ability, qualifications and experience. 

Can I find my ranking in the EOI pool?
Answer

No!! It cannot be done. The positions in terms of rankings undergo key changes with EOI being withdrawn and filed.