Planning your next visa step in Australia can feel overwhelming, especially when there is so much information online. There are free official visa resources available online, provided by the Department of Home Affairs.
These resources can help you check visa conditions, estimate costs, understand processing times, explore skilled migration options and verify whether someone is registered to provide migration advice.
They are helpful starting points, but they do not replace personalised migration advice.
VEVO, or Visa Entitlement Verification Online, allows visa holders, employers, education providers and organisations to check visa details and conditions. It can show an individual’s current in-effect visa, expiry date, “must not arrive after” date, period of stay and visa conditions.
This is useful if you need to check your work rights, study conditions, travel details or provide proof of your visa conditions to an employer or organisation.
The Department’s Visa Finder can help you explore visa options based on what you want to do in Australia, such as visit, study, work, join family or stay longer.
It is useful if you are at the beginning of your visa journey and want to understand what visa categories may be relevant. However, it does not choose the right visa for you or confirm your eligibility.
If you are considering skilled migration, the Department’s Points Calculator can help you estimate points for certain skilled visas, including subclasses 189 and 190.
It may consider factors such as age, English level, qualifications, skilled employment, Australian study and partner points.
However, your points are only one part of the picture. Even if you meet the minimum points threshold, the Department notes there is no guarantee you will receive an invitation to apply for a skilled visa.
Your occupation can shape your skilled visa options.
The Department’s Skilled Occupation List helps you search for occupations and understand details such as ANZSCO codes, relevant visa subclasses, assessing authorities and possible caveats.
This is important because your occupation may affect whether a skilled visa, employer-sponsored visa or state nomination pathway is available to you.
However, being linked to an occupation does not automatically mean you qualify. Your eligibility can still depend on your skills assessment, work experience, qualifications, English level, points, employer sponsorship, state requirements and personal circumstances.
Visa application costs can add up quickly, especially if you are applying with family members.
The Department’s Visa Pricing Estimator gives an estimate of the charges you may need to pay to lodge a visa application.
This can help you budget before applying. However, it may not include every cost, such as health checks, police checks, English tests, skills assessments, translations or professional service fees charged by migration agents or immigration lawyers.
Before paying for visa advice, it is important to check who you are speaking to.
The Office of the MARA Register allows you to search for Registered Migration Agents by details such as name, MARN, business name and location. This can help you verify whether someone is registered, confirm their registration status and check whether any disciplinary action is listed.
For immigration lawyers, you can also check lawyer registers or directories through the relevant law society in your state or territory.
If you are considering applying for a visa, it is important to understand the new requirements and the correct order of applications.
Our team can assist you in assessing your eligibility and the visa application process.
Unit 7, 242-244 Caroline Springs Blvd
Caroline Springs VIC 3023
Unit 7, 242-244 Caroline Springs Blvd
Caroline Springs VIC 3023
Unit 7, 242-244 Caroline Springs Blvd
Caroline Springs VIC 3023
