Want to move to Australia?

Find the answers to your questions below. Then check out dozens of pages with case histories of people we helped immigrate to Australia.

Immigration Terms

Australian Migration Agent's Commitments

Frequently Asked Questions

You will find answers here to the most commonly asked questions about Australian migration and citizenship. Important terms and phrases are also explained here.

Click on a question or scroll down the page to view general answer:

1. When do I need a visa for Australia?
2. How do I become an Australian citizen?
3. How do I apply for a visa to Australia?
4. How long does it take to process an application?
5. How can Beyderwellen & Company help?
6. What are my chances of success?
7. What will a visa application cost?
8. What are Beyderwellen & Company's fees?
9. What happens when my Australian permanent visa is granted?
10. What will my Australian visa permit me to do?
11. Will I receive evidence of my visa if my application is successful?
12. Will my visa cease when I leave Australia?
13. Am I required to provide information and documents to the Department when I arrive in Australia or leave Australia?
14. What happens to my visa if my passport is lost or stolen?
15. How do I know if I am a "lawful non-citizen"?
16. What happens if my Australian visa expires?
17. Do I need to advise the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) if I change my address?
18. What do I do if my circumstances change?
19. Can I remain in Australia permanently on a bridging visa?
20. Can I apply for permission to work while in Australia?
21. Can I have a Working Holiday in Australia?
22. If I need a visa, can it be granted to me without applying for it?
23. Can I apply for more than one visa at a time?
24. Can I hold more than one visa at a time?
25. I want to work in Australia. Can you help me?
26. Can I appeal the decision to refuse to grant a visa or to cancel a visa?
27. What is the Australian Migration Program?
28. How does the migration regulatory scheme work?

Q1: When do I need a visa for Australia?

The main purpose of a visa is to give visa holders legal permission to remain in Australia either temporarily or permanently. Your visa may also include permission to travel to and enter Australia.

If you are a citizen of New Zealand or a permanent resident of Norfolk Island who meets certain requirements, you need no visa to travel to Australia but require a visa to remain in Australia. However, if you are a citizen of another country, you must obtain a visa before travelling to Australia. Certain nationalities can obtain an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) if they intend to stay in Australia for less than three months, for tourism or for business.

If you are transiting through Australia for less than 72 hours, on your way to another destination via the next available flight, you will require a transit visa. Transit visas are free of charge. If you choose to have a short break in Australia for tourism purposes, you should apply for a visitor visa, not a transit visa. Please note that airlines may refuse to allow travelers to board their aircraft without valid visas / ETAs and passports.

If you intend to stay for more than three months or are not eligible for an ETA, a visa application must be lodged with the Australian Embassy/Consulate-General, together with the required fee.

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