How do we decide which is the best visa for our immigration purposes?

• Take a step back and think about your situation as a whole.
• Immigration laws are constantly changing so an application for one type of visa may be significantly different if made a year later.
• As a general rule you should apply based on your ‘ultimate purpose’ test.
  • if you wish to come to Australia for a short visit and experience Australian life you might apply for a Visitor visa or a Working Holiday visa;
  • if you wish to move permanently to Australia and work here then perhaps an Employer Sponsored Skilled visa or a General Skilled Migrant visa would be more appropriate;
  • if you want to be reunited with your family then a Partner visa or a Remaining Relative visa may be applicable; and
  • if you wish to study in Australia then a Student visa would most likely be the visa for you.
• This rule does not always work as there are a variety of relatively unfamiliar visas as well.
• If you decide to consult a migration agent about which visa is most suitable for you always ensure that they are registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA): https://www.mara.gov.au/.
• If you have any concerns you can use our free and anonymous Ask a Lawyer service to get information specific to your situation.