Can I purchase property in Australia?
Second-hand properties
Temporary residents may acquire one established (second-hand) property only for use as their own residence in Australia. Approval must be obtained from the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) which usually is granted subject to conditions (such as, the owner sells the property when it ceases to be their residence). Temporary residents are not permitted to buy established dwellings as investment properties.
New Dwellings
A ‘new dwelling’ is a dwelling which is being purchased directly from the developer and has not been previously occupied for more than 12 months in total. Temporary residents need to apply to the FIRB to buy new dwellings in Australia which are normally approved without conditions.
Vacant Land
Temporary residents must also apply to the FIRB to purchase vacant land for residential development. These applications are normally approved subject to conditions (such as, that ongoing construction begins within 24 months).
What is the minimum market salary rate for a Temporary Skill Shortage subclass 482 employee?
The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TMSIT) is set at A$53,900 which ensures that employees will have enough money to be self-reliant while they are in Australia. Sponsors must demonstrate that the market salary rate for the position they are seeking to fill is greater than the TSMIT which is compared to the market salary rate for the nominated occupation, not the nominated worker's proposed salary. The market salary rate for the position must exceed the TSMIT and the employer cannot inflate a nominated worker's proposed salary to meet the TSMIT requirement. The sponsor, however is not required to demonstrate payment of the market salary rate if the proposed annual earnings of the worker is at least AUD180 000.
Can I sponsor a relative?
No, as the visa granted is Temporary, you are not permitted to sponsor relatives.
What is the difference between a subclass 400 and the Temporary Skill Shortage subclass 482 visa?
The subclass 400 visa is for applicants with specialised skills, knowledge or experience that can assist an Australian business to do short-term, highly specialised, non-ongoing work. A Temporary Skill Shortage subclass 482 visa is for applicants with specific skills to fill labour shortages in Australia for a period of up to 4 years.
What are the approved occupations for a Temporary Skill Shortage 482 visa?
All companies must nominate a skilled applicant in an occupation that features on the Department of Home Affairs Skilled occupations list.
How do I know whether I have the right skill requirements?
In order for the company to sponsor an applicant under a TSS 482 visa, you must show that you have the skills and experience necessary to work in the nominated occupation. Concept Australia will provide you with a list of evidence that you can submit in order to support your application.
Will I need a skills assessment for a Temporary Skill Shortage Subclass 482 visa?
If applying for a Temporary Skill Shortage subclass 482 visa and your nominated occupation is a trade occupation, you might need to do a skills assessment depending on your country of passport. If your nominated occupation is 'Project and Program Administrator or Specialist Manager not elsewhere classified', you will need to a skills assessment for migration purposes.
Will I need to get registration or licensing before I arrive in Australia?
If requested by your visa processing case officer, you must provide evidence from the relevant Australian registration or licensing authority that you hold, or will be able to meet, the registration or licensing requirements to work in your nominated occupation.
Do I need to undertake an English Language test?
It is important that you can speak, write and understand a sufficient level of English while you are in Australia. A higher level of English might be required for certain occupations where it is a requirement for registration, licensing or membership in Australia. Concept Australia will be able to advise you on whether you are required to undertake an English Language Test depending on what country passport you hold and what occupation you are nominating.
Do I need to undertake a medical examination?
You must meet certain health requirements. The health examinations you need will depend on your personal circumstances, including your period of stay, country of citizenship, time spent in another country during the last five years and your intended activities in Australia. The results of your health examinations are generally valid for 12 months.
Do I need to arrange health insurance?
You must provide evidence that you have made adequate arrangements for health insurance during the period of your intended stay in Australia before your visa can be granted. Health insurance from either an Australia or overseas provider is acceptable and will be considered adequate as long as the policy provides at least the minimum cover required by the DIBP.
Australia has a reciprocal health care agreement with the United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland,, The Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Belgium, Italy, Malta, Slovenia and New Zealand and citizens of these countries are eligible to be enrolled with Medicare. If you are outside Australia when you lodge your visa application and cannot produce a Medicare card or receipt, you should make arrangements for travel or health insurance for the initial period of your stay in Australia and then enrol with Medicare after arrival in Australia. Please note, however, that as the holder of a temporary 457 visa you will only have access to emergency and necessary treatment and therefore you should take out private health insurance to cover you for medical expenses during your stay in Australia.
Can I still get a visa for Australia if I have a criminal conviction?
You must meet certain character requirements to be able to be granted a visa for Australia. If you have a criminal conviction, you must be prepared to provide a police certificate from each country you have lived in for 12 months or more during the past 10 years after you turned 16 years of age. You should not apply for a police certificate unless requested by Concept Australia.
Can I include my family members in my visa application?
Yes, you can include your partner, your or your partner’s dependent children and other dependent relatives. These family members must meet certain requirements including health and character and show that they have the same levels of financial support and health insurance as you. Your sponsor must agree in writing to include them as secondary sponsored persons.
What are the benefits of using a MARA registered migration agent?
The decision to engage a migration agent is a personal choice which will depend on the complexity of your visa application and whether you are confident that you have fully understood all the rules and regulations which will be applied to your case.
If you do need assistance with the visa process, the Department of Home Affairs strongly recommend that you appoint an agent who is registered with the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA). A registered migration agent must satisfy a strict code of conduct and:
- maintain current knowledge of migration law and procedure
- keep a professional library with direct access to migration regulations via Legend
- undertake continuous professional development in order to maintain knowledge of migration regulations and policy
An agent who is not registered with MARA cannot offer you any legal protection and is not accountable for his/her actions and therefore might:
- make false claims about your chances of success
- give you incorrect advice
- have limited knowledge about current Australian visa legislation and procedures
- increase your risk of being exposed to migration fraud
- charge fees which are unreasonable and excessive.
What happens if my sponsor ends my employment?
If your sponsor ends your employment, you have 60 days to either:
- find another employer to sponsor you
- apply for a different visa
- leave Australia within 60 days, or before your visa expires, whichever comes first.