FAQ

       

What does it mean "Permanent Resident", "Permanent Residency" in Australia?

Obtaining "permanent residence" in Australia is also known as "immigrating to Australia". After the successful completion of all stages of the immigration process the applicant (and his / her family) is granted an immigration visa. All individuals who want to reside in Australia and are not eligible to apply directly for Australian citizenship are required first to apply for permanent residence. Permanent residents are not able to vote in elections, yet they enjoy many of the same privileges and benefits as Australian citizens:

• right to live, work and to do business in any Australian State or Territory
• Child Care Benefit - assistance with the costs of approved child care
• free primary, secondary and high school education for your children
• eligibility to participate in HECS, HELP, PELS or SLE - system of subsidised university education
• free health care and social services
• children and family allowances - up to AUD$ 5 595 per year for each dependent child
• new born child allowance - one-off AUD$ 5 000 lump sum payment for each child
• mortgages for up to 100% of the property value
• if available, opportunity to receive a Commonwealth First Home Byers Grant
  - AUD$ 7 000 and lower Home Duty
• opportunity to become Australian Citizen and to hold Australian Passport
• opportunity to hold dual citizenship
• opportunity to sponsor own relatives
• other benefits and privileges

For example, the New South Wales First Home Owners Grant means that you can receive up to AUD$ 36,995 off the total property price with the First Home Owners Grant AUD$ 24,000 and Stamp Duty savings AUD$ 12,995.

The number of Europeans migrating to Australia increases each year. Why do people leave?

In the past, the reasons were mainly political and economical. Currently, the increasing stream of people heading out of Europe is due to: higher standard of living in Australia, better jobs, lower cost of living and real estate, pleasant climate and concerns regarding demographic developments - Europe is getting older.
According to the data from The Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship DIAC, there were in total 191 907 new immigrants (onshore and offshore grants) to Australia in the period of July 2006 - June 2007, that is a 6.7% increase over the previous period.
Permanent Additions by country: United Kingdom - 29 789, Germany - 1 762, Ireland - 1 668, Netherlands - 814, France - 699, Poland - 544, .... Czech and Slovak Republic - 394, Sweden - 293, Hungary - 220 etc. Compared with the previous years, an increase in immigration was also recorded from: New Zealand - 23 916, USA - 2 851 and Canada - 1 345.
29% of all migrants were aged between 25 to 34.

Do I need a visa to enter Australia?

Every non-citizen (including citizens of the EU, USA, Canada, South Africa) requires a visa to enter and remain in Australia, either permanently or temporarily. The only exceptions are citizens of New Zealand who are granted SCV - Special Category Visas upon arrival. Australia currently issues more than 130 different Subclasses of visas - tourist, work, migrant etc.

Is it possible to look for work in Australia while on an Australian tourist visa?

If you are in Australia on a tourist visa and you search for employment you breach the conditions of your tourist visa, which is for tourism only.

Am I allowed to buy real estate in Australia?

The general rule is that if you are Australian citizen or a permanent resident of Australia you can buy real estate for any purpose. You can buy your own home and/or investment property. If you are a temporary resident of Australia you must (if required) apply for approval from the Foreign Investment Review Board before you enter into any contract to buy real estate.

What tax and financial planning issues should I take into account when considering my migration to Australia?

If you are planning to migrate to Australia, it is absolutely essential to start planning early in your migration process. The taxation of your wage, salary or investment income in Australia can depend on the class or subclass of the Australian migration visa you will have.

What is the difference between being a holder of Permanent Visa and being a holder of Temporary Visa?

The answer depends on your current personal circumstances and currently valid legislation. The differences can be substantial, including for example:

• the length of validity of the visa and your permission to stay in Australia
• the level of income tax you are required to pay on any wage, salary or other financial income
• the level of entitlement to receive any publicly funded health care or social services
• the level of entitlement to receive any child care allowance or child care rebate
• the ability to claim back your superannuation contributions or balances
• the ability to sponsor your relatives in their process of migration to Australia

What do I need to know about Australian superannuation?

If you are an employee, your employer pays your pension contributions to your superannuation account. These finances are in addition to your salary or wage and are not deducted from it. The amount is usually 9% on the top of your income. If you are self-employed you pay your own superannuation contributions.

Why should I use services of "Australian Registered Migration Agent"?

In Australia, Migration Law is the second most complex area of law after Tax Law and there were over 1100 amendments to migration regulations in the year 2005 alone. The migration advice is in countries with well-developed immigration programs (Australia, New Zealand, Canada, USA) regulated and licensed profession. People do use services of these migration professionals for the same reasons as they use services of Lawyers, Advocates or Tax Advisors. Our Director, Australian Registered Migration Agent is a person who knows the Migration Law intimately and can use his knowledge and experience to the advantage of his clients.
DALGETY's approach to clients is personal and attentive. At the same time, the Director of DALGETY does not inundate clients with the Australian Migration Law. He finds out what the client needs, what the client asks and why. Then, he considers all aspects of the law, identifies the issues and determines the best financial and timely solution.

I live in the United Kingdom. Why should I use services of Australian Registered Migration Agent based in Slovakia?

Our registration by the Migration Agents Registration Authority, Australia means you will get the same (if not better) services from us as from the United Kingdom based agents. The fact that we are based in Slovakia means our business costs are lower and you can expect better price.
At the same time, Director of our company, Australian Citizen and Australian Registered Migration Agent, MARN 0640720 offers No Visa - No Fee guarantee. We will not risk taking on your case if we are not certain that you will get your visa.

Till today, DALGETY provided assistance with immigration procedures to clients from: the United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa, New Zealand, UAE Emirate Dubai, USA ... and other countries.
You can email us, for your no obligation, free visa assessment.

What information should I send you in my email inquiry?

If you have a genuine interest to live in Australia, please send us the following information:

• Your Curriculum Vitae/Resume
• Curriculum Vitae of your Spouse - if you have Spouse
• Details of any family in Australia - if any

We will advise you if we need more information. Please read also our Privacy Policy.

Can I prepare my Application for Visa to Australia and all documentation myself?

You can. We know of individuals, who applied for Australian Temporary or Permanent Visa on their own and succeeded. However, remember that application and applicant's process do vary from one applicant to another. Each person's circumstances are different even if only in one respect. This fact on its own can mean in your case a completely different application process. If you know or you meet someone who has successfully been through the Australian Immigration process themselves, please ask yourself the following questions:

• When did he/she apply for his/her Australian Visa?
• What were his/her circumstances at that time?
• What Visa did he/she apply for and what Visa was granted?
• What conditions were attached to the Visa?
• What legislation was in place at that time?
• How much time and money he/she did spend in the process?

Australian Visa applicants sometimes expect that the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Case Officers will give them legal advice on their Visa. That is common misunderstanding. Because these Officers are not lawyers and they are not Registered Migration Agents they do not provide legal advice or assistance.
For the above questions and for increasingly complex immigration legislation, prospective applicants who are serious about starting their new life in Australia choose to employ the services of an Australian Registered Migration Agent.

Can I lodge my application for General Skilled Migration Visa at the Australian Embassy in Vienna?

The Australian Embassy, Vienna, Austria does not assess GSM Visa applications. Your application has to be lodged in Australia.

What does it mean: Ministerial Intervention?

A request for Ministerial Intervention is made on the basis of the existence of unique and exceptional circumstances after all other legislative options were exhausted. Under The Migration Act, the Immigration Minister, may substitute previous decision and grant a permanent or temporary visa if he/she considers it to be in the public interest.

What is the best time to apply for migration to Australia?

The best time to apply is now. As you get older you get fewer points and you may not be eligible to apply for Visa in the General Skilled Migration Category. Postponing your migration to Australia also means, you are delaying the beginning of your new life in Australia.

What would it cost to migrate to Australia under the General Skilled Migration Category?

The indicative summary of fees in the case of family is here:

• Skills assessment by authorised body in Australia: AUD$ 300 - 4 500 (depending on your occupation)
• DIAC Visa application fee: AUD$ 2 575
• IELTS test: EUR 180 - 360
• Health Examination, Character Check and other costs: from EUR 180 (depending on your circumstances)

Why is it so expensive to migrate to Australia?

If you think about it, the lifestyle you will be able to enjoy in Australia will by far exceed the cost in terms of fees you have to pay to the Australian Government. To ensure that the right immigrants are allowed to enter Australia is not a cheap process.

After my migration to Australia, do I have to work in my nominated occupation?

No. There is plenty of work in Australia. Moving into a new country will provide opportunities for a change of your direction. You can find employment in Australia and work in your nominated occupation or different one. You may also set up a new business or become self employed.

What are the prices of real estate in Australia?

You can find example in the section about Australians.

Can I get work visa 457?

Yes. If your employer and you do satisfy the Australian selection criteria, the 457 visa may be granted to you. DALGETY is authorised to help you with any Australian visa.

What are the levels of personal income tax rates, medium full time earnings and unemployment rate in Australia?

Income range: AUD$	Tax rate: %
0 - 6 000	0
6 001 - 30 000	15
30 001 - 75 000	30
75 001 - 150 000	40
150 001 +	45

If the taxable income is AUD$ 80000 then the income tax estimate is: AUD$ 19100 tax to be paid plus approximately AUD$ 2000 of Medicare levy and Medicare levy surcharge (depending on individual circumstances).
Medium full time wage or salary in Australia: AUD$ 58984 per year.
Unemployment rate: 5.2%

All data valid: June 2010, Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics

Once I am a permanent resident of Australia, do I have to stay in Australia?

No. Generally, within any five-year period, a permanent resident must be physically present in Australia for at least 730 days in order not to loose his/her permanent residency status. The above condition does not apply after acquiring the Australian Citizenship.

How can I become a permanent resident of Australia?

To be granted an immigration visa, one must meet all the Criteria of one of the immigration classes. We will be pleased to answer any of your questions that you might have in regards to your eligibility to apply for permanent residency in Australia and any supporting documentation needed to lodge your application. You may contact us for an obligation free consultation.

I score well above the Passmark, will my application be processed faster?

Scoring above the Passmark will not mean shorter processing time for your application.

How can I get points for proficiency in an Australian community language?

By producing evidence that your bachelor's degree was taught in the designated language, or by passing the appropriate NAATI exam.

What are Australia’s Health Criteria?

Australian migration legislation requires that all applicants seeking a visa to travel to, or to remain in Australia must meet prescribed health criteria. This means that an applicant is to be free of:

• tuberculosis
• a disease or condition that is, or may result in the applicant being a danger to the Australian community
• any disease or condition which, during the applicant’s stay in Australia would be likely to result in a significant cost to the Australian community in the areas of health care or community services; prejudice the access of an Australian citizen or permanent resident to health care or community services; prevent their departure from Australia

What support will my non-English speaking children receive?

Newly arrived children who do not speak English may receive English as a Second Language (ESL) or Intensive English (IE) support as part of their school program.

Where will we be accommodated on our arrival to Australia?

Governments of the individual Australian States and Territories do provide on arrival services to new migrants. These include on arrival accommodation for up to 12 weeks and various settlement services.

What does it mean: State Sponsored Migration?

In addition to the Federal Migration Program, some Australian states do have their own State Government Sponsored Migration Programs. The conditions and ones eligibility to qualify do change frequently to reflect demography and labour market needs.

In order to qualify for migration to Australia, do I need to hold an University qualification?

No. University qualification is not required. The majority of new immigrants holds University or Trade qualifications.

What is IELTS?

IELTS is the International English Language Testing System. It measures your ability to communicate in English across four skills: listening, reading, writing, speaking. The scale of the test is from 0 to 9.

I am Australian permanent visa holder. What will be my newborn child's Australian Immigration Status?

If your child will be born in Australia, he/she will be an Australian Citizen by birth. Your child will not require any Australian Visa.
If your child will be born outside Australia - please contact us for details.

Are Australian citizens or Australian permanent residents able to live and work in New Zealand?

Australian citizens and Australian permanent residents may live and work in New Zealand.

Are New Zealand permanent residents able to work in Australia?

At present, New Zealand permanent residents do not have work rights in Australia. New Zealand citizens may work in Australia.

Are Australian citizens able to travel to the USA without visa?

Yes.

What is more difficult, to get Permanent Residence Visa in Australia or in Canada?

Australia and Canada are traditionally countries with well-developed immigration programs. They are well known for their high standards of living and ability to successfully integrate new migrants into their communities. The current immigration process to Australia is considered more stringent than the Canadian. Australia places greater focus on migrants ability to integrate into the Australian society and their ability to succeed in the labour market. However, it is also possible to say, if you satisfy the selection criteria of one of the Australian immigration categories and your application is 100% complete and correct you will get the desired visa.
In general, it is not possible to say that migration to one country is easier than migration to another. Each country targets particular types of skills or people. The criteria of each country are also changed on a regular basis to reflect this.

I am over 45 years old. Can I apply for migration to Australia?

If you are over 45, we can consider one of the following options:

• your spouse can be the main applicant if she/he is younger than you
• sponsorship by your Australian relatives
• business migration (if you have an overall successful career in business)
• sponsorship by your children living in Australia
• a temporary residence visa
• a number of other options

What are the major countries of origin for Permanent Migrants to Australia?

(1) In 12 months, from July 2005 to June 2006 Australia granted 179 000 "Permanent Resident Visas". Main source countries were: United Kingdom (16.5%), New Zealand (10.5%), China (10%), India (8.5%), Philippines (3%), Republic of South Africa RSA (3%)
(2) For comparison, the overall intake to Canada in 12 months of 2005 was 262 000 people. Main source countries were: China (16%), India (12.5%), Philippines (7%), Pakistan (5%), USA (3.5%) Colombia (2.3%).
(Source: (1) The Department of Immigration and Citizenship, Australia; (2) Citizenship and Immigration, Canada)

How long does the Permanent Residency Application process take?

Usually, processing times in the majority of cases are 3 to 11 months. They depend on your Immigration Category, the existing DIAC caseload, the complexity and presentation of your case etc.

Where will be my application for a visa processed?

It depends on the Visa Subclass we will apply for you and other factors. The General Skilled Migration Visas are processed by the Adelaide Skilled Processing Centre in South Australia.

Does Australia allow a dual citizenship?

Yes. Australia does allow a dual citizenship.

Why should I use your assistance and services?

Considering the investment of time, resources, knowledge, emotions that the Australian immigration process entails and the fact that there is usually only one chance to make the application, you may want the professional assistance to ensure that the process is as easy, flawless and straightforward as possible. The Migration Agents Registration Authority - MARA (appointed by the Australian Government in 1998) regulates the migration advise profession with established membership standard, code of conduct and effective complaint mechanism.

I am South Korean residing in Slovakia. Can I apply for a resident visa to enter Australia?

South Koreans residing in Slovakia are welcomed to browse through the English version of our website. We invite you to become our clients.
Increasing number of people in their 20s, 30s and 40s leave South Korea each year for better lives. More professionals and trades people, especially engineering professionals and technicians are joining the tide of emigration. The statistics indicate that the number of South Koreans leaving the nation permanently has sharply increased over the past five years. The total number of South Koreans leaving is averaging at 32 000 per year. Each time the doors open at the COEX Exhibition Centre in Seoul and BEXCO Exhibition Centre in Busan for the Korea Emigration Fair people come in to pick up information about immigration opportunities. (last time 41 428 visitors)
There are many reasons why South Korean professionals and business people leave. Security, rising fees for education and the lowest birth rate among the 30 countries in the OECD are just some of them. Between 1985 and 2002, the South Korea's economy expanded sevenfold but, after 2010, growth is expected to significantly slow due to the above facts.
Today there are approximately 74 000 Koreans living in Australia. The number of South Korean immigrants (Permanent Additions) to Australia is currently averaging at 3 800 per year.