Faq

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

General FAQs

The short answer is: similar to a doctor or a lawyer, we charge for the amount of work and for time.

Indeed, there are many agencies outside of Australia that promise visas for immigration, studies or even work in Australia. These agencies tend to make claims, such as ‘100% result’ or “immigration via English courses” or “guaranteed job offer”. Who are these agents? What is their qualification? What responsibility do they have? Usually, there are no answers to these questions. Sometimes, the websites display absurd documents that are not related in any way to the work of legal immigration agents, such as a copy of a permanent residency.

What guarantees can a customer realistically get from an agent? Does an agent issue Australian visas? No. It is the work of the Department of Immigration. Does an agent make decisions about hiring a job-seeker? No, it is of course the decision of an individual employer. What employer will ever select a low quality candidate over a strong one? And if the final choice of hiring rests with an employer, what guarantees can an agent give?

Do agents pass laws in regards to immigration? The answer is obvious: of course, not! Similarly, the lists of required qualifications are not compiled by the agents either.

The only thing that can be guaranteed by an agent is professionalism and due diligence. In Australia the work of migration agents is strictly regulated. Only those, registered at MARA – Migration Agents Registration Authority, are allowed to provide immigration services.

This registration requires passing a 6-month university course, an English exam and providing a police clearance. This means that a criminal or some ignorant person won’t be able to be a migration officer in Australia.

Moreover, the registration needs to be confirmed every year, which requires further professional training.

The registration fee for a migration agent is quite considerable. One of the reasons for it is to protect the customer. This fee is certainly more than a con-artist will be able to steal from an individual customer. And one complaint to the registering committee and an agent loses a licence, so stealing is possible only once.

Australian migration agents comply with the set of rules.

Australian agents are not allowed to attract customers with ‘visa guarantees’, since such promises are lies. Be aware: if anybody offers you guarantees, you are being cheated.

Does it mean that when you start working with an Australian migration agency and pay money, you don’t get any guarantees of the result? Of course, not! As mentioned earlier, there are no guarantees, but there is a likelihood of success, which is based on the agent’s qualification and their good knowledge of the criteria used by Department of Immigration officers in assessing visa applications. Australian immigration agents are familiar with immigration officers’ approach in assessing documents and they can assist the customer to prepare the most competitive applications.

The customers’ rights are protected by Australian Consumer Law. Even when there is no contract between an agent and a customer in Australia, this customer is still protected. The responsibilities of migration agents in Australia are governed by the above mentioned set of rules for migration officers, email correspondence, or even working practices of other agents. Hardly any overseas agency can match this level of responsibility.

So the choice is an obvious one: guaranteed professional conduct, strictly regulated services OR empty promises of ‘guarantees of results’ that can’t be achieved.

In our fees estimation we apply the most individual approach to our customers.

Standard prices for standard services are described in detail here. However, if we evaluate the case as maximally transparent, with a minimum number of documents and legal “problems”, then we apply a reduction index to the standard price.

It happens, however, that in rare cases, we use an incremental index, usually by professional visas for a number of specialties, where the requirements of the evaluating organizations are higher than the standard ones, for example, an architect, a doctor, a lawyer.

At the stage of signing the contract, the cost of services is discussed with the client.

Payment for our legal services is usually divided into several instalments, following the logic of the stages of preparing documents for a visa application. For example, for a professional visa 190 the total cost of the contract is 6,500 Australian dollars. This amount is paid in two instalments: 3000 AUD, which covers documents preparation service and skills assessment application, and the next instalment, 3500 AUD, covers services associated with expressing of interest, preparing and applying for the state nomination, preparing and applying for a visa, all correspondence, providing additional information and documents to DHA and obtaining a visa.
For other visas, like business visas, family visas, where stages are applicable, we adhere to the same policy.

According to the Code of Conduct we do not have a legal right to provide you with any guarantees of success.

The decision as whether to grant the visa is made by the Department of Immigration and not us.

Every case is individual and probability of success is predictable only throughout the process of application preparation. The closer we move to the application submission date the more chances are there to predict the result.

For example, skilled visa success in most cases is quite predictable taking the documents were correctly prepared. There is almost a 100 percent chance to predict it right as there is no broad interpretation of the legal criteria. While for example partner visa has a requirement of a genuine relationship, which includes a number of aspects which do not have a straight forward interpretation.

That is why there is a great difficulty in any predictions especially at the stage when an agent has not seen any documents yet.

What we can guarantee is honesty in assessment of your chances to immigrate; we can guarantee our competence in dealing with migration matters of our clients; our dedication to you and our diligent work.

Be careful with those who give you so called guarantees and refer to their personal connections with the Department of Immigration. They dissemble.

Before you start the process, you need to clearly picture the sequence of yours and your family’s steps of the program as well as your capabilities to complete those steps.

Read general information about migration to Australia.

First of all, it is necessary to understand under what program you want to immigrate to Australia, ie, what type of immigration visa suits you. If your immigration can be built under General Skilled migration, then you have to decide what profession you will confirm. This profession must be included in the List of Professions in Demand, published by the Australian Government Immigration Department. You can find in following this link https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skill-occupation-list 

Further it is important to understand whether you meet the other requirements, which include having work experience in the specialty and a certain level of English proficiency. Your next step in any way of immigration to Australia is the preparation and passing of the IELTS exam.

The basis of the General Skilled migration program is a point system, in which the applicant for immigration to Australia must score a certain number of points in the assessment test.

To calculate your points and clarify compliance with the requirements for immigration to Australia, you can pass a free assessment of the chances of immigration to Australia online.

Please fill in the appropriate form on our website here and we will provide you with a full legal advice on your migration prospects.

STEMM are occupations in the following sectors:

S – Science

T – Technology

E – Engineering

M – Mathematics

M – Medicine

There currently 108 occupations that is used by the Department of Education, Skills and Employment as STEMM occupations

Business Migration FAQs

If your business is under rules of a simplified taxation and financial reporting system and you are not required to prepare any financial statements you will still have to prepare those statements for the purposes of your business visa.

Independent auditor will have to prepare those statements based on your original documents of transactions.

The origin of funds and assets required for the purposes of business visa is important.

You need to show that those assets were earned as a result of you business or investment activity or as a result of high wages and bonuses received during employment at a senior position. You will have to provide document evidence of origin of your funds.

 

If you won a lottery or inherited your funds, then you cannot declare yourself as entrepreneur or an investor or a senior manager, and therefore you will not satisfy business visa criteria.

The value of your personal assets will have to be confirmed by an official valuation of the licensed value.

The value of your business assets is shown as Net Assets in balance statement of your company, which is prepared by an independent auditor.

According to the Code of Conduct we do not have a legal right to provide you with any guarantees of success.

The decision as whether to grant visa or not is made by the Department of Immigration and not by us.

Every case is individual and probability of success is predictable only throughout the process of application preparation. The closer we move to the application submission date the more chances are there to predict the result.

What we can guarantee is honesty in assessment of your chances to immigrate; we can guarantee our competence in dealing with migration matters of our clients; our dedication to you and our diligent work.

Be careful with those who give you so called guarantees and refer to their personal connections with the Department of Immigration. They dissemble.

You can apply for an Investor Retirement visa subclass 405 and stay in Australia for as long as you want, renewing your visa.

 

You have to be 55 years of age, do not have any dependants and have assets of more than $1,500,000 AUD, or $750,000 AUD in case of state sponsorship, also you need to have an income of $65,000 AUD a year.

If you agree to live in regional Australia, all of the financial requirements reduced by 30%.

You certainly can do the same type of activity in Australia. However, for the purposes of migration DIAC and sponsoring state have certain requirements to businessmen.

They want to see active investors and active entrepreneurs, who satisfy criteria of Eligible business and eligible investment. Receiving a Rental income from investment properties does not fall into a category of eligible business.

The same applies to the investment activities, where you hire an investment broker to trade on a stock market on your behalf.

If you or your company manage your own properties, which means you hire security, cleaning and other services for your leaseholders, then this can be called business. The same applies to investing activities. You can be called an active investor in case if you analyse market and make decisions regarding buying or selling shares, only giving directions to your broker on what and when to buy or sell.

For the purposes of visa you will have to prepare standard financial report for the year end, which includes profit and loss statement and balance sheet, with comments of auditors.

The financial report should be prepared in English language and according to the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

The auditor should be a licensed as an IFRS auditor and should attach a proof of that to the report.

First of all you need to assess your chances for skilled migration. Skilled migration program has significantly less costs and risks involved in comparison to business migration program, more over you will still be able to have your own business in Australia if you want, while business migration program obliges you to organise business in Australia regardless.

Our price list and list of services we provide can be found here 

In order to apply for the citizenship and get a passport of Australia you are required to live in Australia for four years out of which you should have a permanent residency for at least one year.

 

This means that three years out of four years required you can accumulate by staying in Australia on any visa including bridging and tourist visa. However, the period of absence in Australia during last 4 years should not exceed 1 year and three months during last year before your application for citizenship.

State/territory sponsorship gives a right to obtain an Australian visa with relaxed requirements towards English knowledge, age and financial criteria. This right is given to you by one of the eight state/territory of Australia in return to your obligation to live and organise business on the territory of that sponsoring entity for the period of temporary visa.

Once you will get your permanent visa there are no laws that can oblige you to continue living and working in that state/territory unless you want to stay because of your living arrangements in place (business, work, school, house etc).

Government sponsoring policy relies on this domestication mechanism.

In order to get sponsorship you will need to send an application to the relevant government body of the state. The application should have all of the required documents attached. The list of those documents is almost identical to the list of documents required by DIAC for the visa application (apart for business plan).

This means that three years out of four years required you can accumulate by staying in Australia on any visa including bridging and tourist visa. However, the period of absence in Australia during last 4 years should not exceed 1 year and three months during last year before your application for citizenship.

There is an opportunity for small business owners in business migration. For example, for sponsored visa you need to show the turnover of just $300,000 AUD a year.

However, the amount of your turnover is not the most important factor. Your place in business is crucial. You have to be involved in daily business activities and operations, personally manage your business.

For example if you have a bakery and you spend over 50% of your time baking bread, then by criteria of DIAC you cannot be considered as a businessman.

In Australia there is a huge share of market that belongs to small businesses, however DIAC considers that true businessman will develop his/her business to the extend where he is personally not involved in production for the sake of management which will take up over 50% of working time.

There are few questions you need to answer:

1. Do you have an experience of managing business ?

2. Do you have intentions to organise business in Australia ?

3. Do you have sufficient funds for starting a business in Australia ?

If you answered YES to all of those questions, then you have a good chance to obtain a business visa to Australia

It might take from 2 to 7 years, depending on how prompt you will prepare necessary documents according to the instruction of your migration agent, visa requirements, your citizenship and success of your Australian business to meet minimal criteria for the purposes of the permanent visa.

Amount of your financial risk involved is the biggest difference between those two types of visas:

Investor will have to purchase either $750,000 or $1,500,000 dollars worth of government bonds for the four years term, which means your risks are minimal and you will get your moneys back.

Business owner will have to carry all of the business risks. The amount of moneys in order to organise or obtain a business/share in the business is not fixed; it can vary from $3,000 dollars to millions of dollars.

Everything will depend on the talent of a person to develop an idea and to realise that idea to a minimal financial criteria required by department.

Frequently Asked Questions About Australian Visas and Immigration Answered by SydneyVisa

Navigating the Australian immigration system can be complex. Whether you’re applying for a student, family, business, or employer-sponsored visa, questions often arise around requirements, costs, timelines, and procedures. SydneyVisa has compiled this detailed FAQ section to address the most common concerns and provide expert answers based on over 20 years of legal migration experience.

Our certified migration consultants assist individuals, families, and companies through every step of the visa application process. This guide is designed to help you better understand the system and take informed action toward your Australian visa goals.

How to Apply for an Australian Visa – Requirements, Process, and Eligibility Explained

Understanding how to apply for an Australian visa is the foundation of your successful migration journey. Whether you’re applying from overseas or within Australia, each visa subclass has its own set of requirements.

  • Determine the appropriate visa subclass
    Options include student visas, skilled visas, family reunion visas, partner visas, business visas, and employer-sponsored visas. We assess your situation to match you with the right category.
  • Check eligibility criteria
    Each visa type includes specific requirements such as age, English proficiency, health checks, work experience, or family relationships.
  • Gather supporting documentation
    This may include identification, financial proof, education records, relationship evidence, or job offers.
  • Submit your application online
    Most visas are submitted through the official Department of Home Affairs portal. Our consultants assist you in preparing and lodging a complete and accurate application.
  • Await visa outcome and updates
    Once submitted, your application will be processed. During this time, SydneyVisa monitors your case and responds to any additional requests from authorities.

With our help, you’ll avoid common errors and increase your chances of a positive visa outcome.

Visa Processing Times, Costs, and Interview Preparation for Australian Applicants

Many applicants are concerned about how long the visa process takes, how much it costs, and what to expect if an interview is required. These factors vary depending on visa type and applicant circumstances.

  • Processing times
    Standard processing ranges from a few weeks (visitor visas) to several months (partner and permanent residency visas). Delays can occur due to incomplete documents or high demand.
  • Visa fees
    Each visa subclass has a government processing fee, with additional costs for dependents. Additional expenses may include English tests, medical exams, and document certification.
  • Interview preparation
    Some visas, such as partner or protection visas, may require interviews. We prepare you by discussing likely questions, reviewing your application details, and helping you respond confidently.
  • Avoiding additional delays
    Our consultants ensure all forms are correctly filled out, that supporting documents are well-organized, and that time-sensitive materials are submitted on schedule.

Clear preparation and expert guidance significantly reduce the risks of delays or rejections.

Australian Visa Types, Temporary and Permanent Residency, and Citizenship Guidance

Australia offers a wide range of visas, each designed to suit different purposes and migration goals. Understanding these categories can help you choose the most effective path.

  • Temporary visas
    Include visitor visas (subclass 600), student visas (subclass 500), temporary skill shortage visas (subclass 482), and working holiday visas (subclass 417).
  • Permanent residency (PR)
    Options such as skilled independent visas (subclass 189), family visas, and employer-nominated visas (subclass 186) can lead to PR status.
  • Bridging visas
    Used while waiting for another visa decision. These allow you to remain lawfully in Australia during processing.
  • Citizenship
    After holding PR for a set period and meeting residency and character requirements, you can apply for Australian citizenship. We help with the documentation, test preparation, and submission.

Each client’s situation is unique. Our agents develop a personalized strategy based on your migration goals and circumstances.

Student, Family, and Partner Visa FAQs – Key Information for Applicants and Sponsors

Applying for a student or family-based visa requires careful planning, especially when emotional or financial factors are involved. SydneyVisa supports applicants and their sponsors through every detail.

  • Student visas
    We guide you in selecting a course, enrolling at a CRICOS-registered institution, and proving financial capacity. We also advise on the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement.
  • Partner visas
    Applicants must demonstrate a genuine and ongoing relationship. We help collect cohabitation evidence, joint financial records, and prepare statutory declarations.
  • Parent, child, and dependent visas
    Each family visa subclass comes with its own eligibility and sponsorship rules. We assist with sponsorship forms, income tests, and health checks.
  • Sponsorship obligations
    Sponsors must meet certain criteria. Our consultants explain your legal responsibilities and assist in completing sponsor documents.

Our support ensures that both sponsors and applicants submit accurate, complete, and convincing applications.

Business and Employer-Sponsored Visa FAQs – Insights for Skilled Workers and Companies

For business owners, investors, and skilled professionals, Australia provides attractive visa pathways. SydneyVisa advises both individuals and sponsoring companies on the best options and requirements.

  • Employer-sponsored visas
    Such as subclass 482 (TSS), subclass 186 (ENS), and subclass 494 (regional sponsorship) require employer nomination, labor market testing, and applicant qualifications.
  • Business innovation and investor visas
    Subclass 188 and related programs allow entrepreneurs and investors to establish or expand their business in Australia. We guide on business plans, investment thresholds, and compliance.
  • Regional migration programs
    Designed to encourage skilled professionals to settle in less populated areas. These offer easier PR pathways and faster processing.
  • Employer compliance and obligations
    We advise employers on sponsorship rules, contracts, and reporting duties to remain compliant with migration regulations.

Our team works with companies across various industries to secure work rights for overseas talent and help them contribute legally to the Australian economy.

Why Choose SydneyVisa for Australian Migration Support?

  • Over 20 years of experience in Australian migration law
  • High success rate across complex and standard cases
  • Multilingual consultants including Russian-speaking agents
  • Honest, clear, and strategic legal advice
  • Tailored guidance for individuals, families, and corporate clients

We provide not only answers, but full legal support, step-by-step guidance, and personal responsibility for every case we handle. Whether you’re applying for the first time or need help after a refusal, our team is here to help.

To learn more about our services, visit the official SydneyVisa website.

Have more questions about Australian visas? Book a consultation with SydneyVisa today and receive personalised answers, expert advice, and a tailored migration strategy!