Migrating to a new country is a significant life decision, particularly when it involves uprooting your entire family. Australia, known for its high quality of life, excellent healthcare, education systems, and abundant job opportunities, is a prime destination for families seeking a better future. If you’re planning to migratetoaustralia with your family, the process can seem daunting. However, by understanding the different visa options and requirements, you can make your journey smoother. This guide covers essential steps to follow, including applying for a PR visa, obtaining a partner visa, and working with the correct assessment authority.
Step 1: Understanding Visa Options for Family Migration
When migrating to Australia with your family, one of the most critical aspects is choosing the right visa category. Australia offers several visa options depending on your personal and professional situation.
1. Skilled Migration Visas (PR Visa)
A Permanent Resident (PR) visa is one of the most popular visa options for families migrating to Australia. The skilled migration program targets individuals with skills that are in demand in Australia, making this a great option for professionals. Skilled workers can apply for PR visas like the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190), or the Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491).
These visas allow successful applicants to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely. You can include your family members, including your spouse or partner, and children, in your application.
Before applying, you must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect system, where you provide details about your qualifications, work experience, and skills. After this, you’ll need to go through an assessment process to ensure your occupation is recognized by the relevant assessment authority.
2. Partner Visa
If you have a spouse or partner who is already an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, the partner visa is an ideal option for family migration. The Partner Visa (subclass 820 and 801) allows your spouse or de facto partner to join you in Australia and eventually obtain permanent residency.
This visa requires proof of a genuine relationship with your partner, including shared financial responsibilities, cohabitation, and social recognition of your relationship. The partner visa process generally begins with a temporary visa, and after a period of two years, you can transition to a permanent visa if your relationship continues.
Migrating through a partner visa can be a quicker and more direct path for families, especially if your partner is already in Australia. Unlike other migration pathways, this visa doesn’t rely on the applicant’s skills or qualifications, making it suitable for a broader range of applicants.
3. Parent and Child Visas
Australia also offers options for bringing dependent children or parents to the country. For instance, the Child Visa (subclass 101) allows a child of an Australian citizen or permanent resident to live in Australia permanently.
For parents, the Parent Visa (subclass 103) and the Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143) are available, although these have longer processing times and more stringent requirements. If you’re planning to migrate with elderly parents, it’s worth exploring these options early in your process.
Step 2: Prepare for the Skills Assessment
For skilled migrants, the most crucial step in the application process is passing the skills assessment. The Australian government mandates that applicants for PR visas must have their qualifications and work experience assessed by a designated assessment authority specific to their occupation. This step verifies whether your qualifications meet Australian standards and whether your profession is in demand.
Different occupations require different assessment authorities. For example, engineers may need to apply through Engineers Australia, while accountants go through CPA Australia. Each authority has specific guidelines, application processes, and fees.
This step is critical because an unsuccessful assessment can delay or even invalidate your visa application. Before starting, make sure your qualifications and work experience are well-documented, and check the assessment authority’s criteria thoroughly.
Step 3: Language Requirements and Points Test
Most skilled migration visas, including the PR visa, are based on a points system. Applicants need to score at least 65 points based on factors like age, work experience, qualifications, and English language proficiency.
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or equivalent tests like PTE and TOEFL are required to prove your English skills. Higher proficiency levels in English can help boost your points, improving your chances of securing a PR visa. If you’re migrating with a spouse or partner, their skills and language proficiency can also contribute to the points total, further increasing your likelihood of success.
Step 4: Health and Character Checks
All applicants for Australian visas are required to undergo health and character checks. These checks are done to ensure that you and your family meet Australia’s public health and safety standards.
For the health check, you’ll need to undergo a medical examination by an approved panel physician, and your family members may be required to take the exam as well. Additionally, applicants must submit police clearance certificates from all the countries they’ve lived in for the past 10 years. These checks ensure that you meet Australia’s character requirements and do not have any criminal history that could pose a risk to Australian society.
Step 5: Lodging the Visa Application
Once you’ve completed your skills assessment and met all other requirements, it’s time to lodge your visa application. This step involves submitting detailed documents, including proof of identity, work experience, qualifications, financial documents, and, if applicable, partner or family-related documentation.
It’s essential to ensure your application is complete and accurate. Missing documents or incorrect information can lead to delays or refusals. After you submit your application, you’ll receive a bridging visa allowing you to stay in Australia while your application is processed.
Conclusion: A New Life in Australia
Migrating to Australia with your family can be a rewarding journey, offering access to high-quality education, healthcare, and job opportunities. The key to success lies in understanding the visa options available, whether through the PR visa, partner visa, or other family visas. Working with the right assessment authority and following the points system can make the process smoother and more efficient.
By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to starting a new chapter in one of the most welcoming and diverse countries in the world and know all the process of how to migrate to Australia with family.