Australian Immigration - a great success story

A history of migration

With nearly a quarter of its current population born overseas it is no wonder that Australia's migrant journey has been seen, and continues to be seen, as one of the greatest immigration stories worldwide. With its borders still readily open to migrants, Australia continues to welcome workers who can contribute to the country's growth and overall economic wellbeing.

Beach

Staying competitive with other Western countries, Australia attracts business migrants with its deregulated economy and strong economic sectors. The tax system in Australia funds strong infrastructure programmes, education and health services.

Open borders for all

Anyone can apply to migrate to Australia, in accordance with a non-discriminatory immigration policy. Race, religion, gender or ethnic backgrounds are not taken into consideration during the application process. While some visas are arranged overseas, more and more are being processed right in Australia.

An applicant can obtain the assistance of a registered migration officer to help in the completion of the application or can file directly with one of the processing or business centres.

Types of visas

To ensure greater fairness in its migration program, the Australian government has made many policy developments. These ensure that anyone who applies is given an equal chance of success. As long as the applicant meets the Australian selection criteria he or she will be given a fair chance. Skilled migrant applications are given a greater emphasis, especially when they fill an already identified skill shortage.

Also welcome to Australia are business migrants and their capital. These applicants can apply through one of the following categories:

  • General skilled migration – These are the applicants that contribute to the economy, with their employability, education and skills. They are the ones that make up the largest percentage of the programme's skilled component.
  • Employer-sponsored migration or state/territory nominated independent – These are applicants that have been chosen by Australian employers for a specific position. State and territory governments can also select specific individuals to fill skill shortages.
  • Business skills – This area is to attract new business people and their businesses to become an active role in the Australian economy. This can also be the choice made by applicants that already have a part in an established business, but are only currently on a temporary basis.
  • Regional-sponsored migration scheme – This is further broken down into applicants who plan to become full time residents and those who are applying for temporary residence.

The employer-sponsored visa is used by lawfully operating Australian businesses to sponsor skilled workers that may be in shortage.

Family migration visas come in four forms – partner migration, child migration, parent migration and other family migration. For these visas, the applicant must be sponsored by an Australian citizen or permanent resident or an eligible New Zealand citizen.

Temporary residence

If an applicant needs to enter Australia on a temporary basis for genuine business purposes, they may obtain temporary residence.

This has more recently become accessible to those applicants who offer tangible benefits to Australian businesses in the areas of skills and technology transfer or through specialised overseas business knowledge.

If the intended period of stay is longer than three months, the applicant will need to apply for a specific temporary residence visa based on the applicants proposed activities while in the country. There are two types of Business (Short Stay) Visitor visas – the subclass 456 visa and the Business Entrant Electronic Travel Authority (ETA).

Character and medical checks

To be accepted for entry into Australia an applicant must be of good character. All visas, whether permanent or temporary, need to also meet health criteria in regards to their physical and mental health. Even if no medical intervention is sought, it is a requirement of becoming an Australian applicant.

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