What To Know About Immigrating To Australia

Australia is a beautiful place with warm weather, coral reefs and exotic animals. However, you cannot expect to live in Australia without following their immigration rules. What do you need to do if you plan on living on the continent if you are not already naturalized as an Australian citizen?

Hire An Immigration Lawyer Or Migration Agent

The first thing that you should do is talk to a migration agent or an immigration lawyer. These trained professionals will be able to walk you through the process of becoming a temporary or permanent resident. If you want to become a citizen of the country one day, they will be able to help you with that process as well. Make sure that any person you receive advice from is a registered agent. There have been numerous reports of migration fraud from unregistered agents looking to make money without providing any services.

 
What Is Your Immigration Status Going To Be?

There are many reasons why you would want to come to Australia. Some folks will come to the country because they are going to school or looking for seasonal work. Others will be looking to gain asylum or stay for an extended period of time as a visitor. It is important to know your exact status before applying for a visa. Tourists are allowed to stay in the country for up to 12 months before their visa expires. Retirees wishing to live in Australia must prove that they are willing to make a significant investment in the country to be allowed to stay for a long period of time.

How Are You Entering The Country?

If you are entering the country by boat, you must have your visa ready before attempting to enter the country. Those who don’t have a visa will not be allowed to enter the country. Instead, they will be sent to processing centers in New Guinea or other Australian territories. Anyone who is entering the country by plane should have their passport ready before traveling to Australia. There are no exceptions to this rule regardless of where you are traveling from.

What Happens If Your Visa Expires Or Is Never Granted?

In the event that your visa expires, you will be required to leave the country immediately. If your request for a visa extension is denied, you must also leave the country. Failure to do so could result in your arrest and deportation if it is found that you are in the country illegally. You can always ask about the status of your visa or go online if you need to verify that you are still in the country legally.

There are many different ways to enter Australia legally. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are aware of your obligations prior to entering Australia. If you do not have a valid visa, you will be denied entry into the country and forced to verify your identity as well as the reason for your visit. To avoid these issues, talk to a lawyer or registered migration agent as soon as possible.

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