Moving to Australia is a big step. Whether you are looking for a better lifestyle or want to be reunited with your family members immigrating to Australia can be a difficult and time-consuming process.

Knowing which visa is right for you will require some research as there are various types of visas. Each has its own requirements and procedures. The most common visas are:

• Visitor visa;
• Business Visitor visa;
• Work and Holiday visa;
• Student visa;
• Student Guardian visa;
• Partner visa;
• Prospective Marriage visa;
• Temporary Work visa;
• Remaining Relative visa; and
• General Skilled Migration visa.

It can save a lot of time and heartache if you make an informed choice about which visa is the best for you to apply for in light of your specific personal situation and immigration needs.

It is important to apply for the correct visa from the start rather than having to change to a different application at a later point. It is also important to provide all the required documents with your initial application. This will increase the likelihood of your visa application being successful. Delays in processing your visa may be avoided because the Australian immigration authorities will not have to put the processing on hold while they request further documents from you.

When thinking about applying for the correct Australian visa you will need to take into consideration your entire situation in life up until that time. For example even if you have family in Australia and you have the option of applying for a Remaining Relative visa it may be easier and faster for you to apply for a General Skilled Migration visa if you also have suitable professional qualifications. Having family in Australia would then also help as additional supporting evidence to your visa application.

Immigration and migration law in Australia is constantly changing so it is important to keep informed about any relevant updates that may affect your visa application. Also visa applications and procedures take time to process. Remember to keep the Australian immigration authorities informed of any changes to your circumstances. This could include:

• change of address; or
• a change in the composition of your family such as a
  • birth;
  • death; or
  • divorce.

This Legal Guide on Immigration and Migration provides people who want to visit or live in Australia information on the process of making a visa application. Before making important decisions it is advisable to obtain legal advice specific to your situation. LegalEagle’s™ free directory profiles all lawyers in Australia. You can use it to Find a Lawyer near you.

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Warning: Information provided through LegalEagle™ is for general guidance. It is not legal advice. Laws and procedures referred to may change and differ between states, territories and nationally. There may also be important exceptions or qualifications. Only a lawyer providing formal legal advice can assess your particular circumstances to determine how the law will apply.