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?

Q22: If I need a visa can it be granted to me without applying for it?

The general rule is that a visa cannot be granted unless an application has been made, but there are exceptions. The following groups of people are taken by Australian Migration Regulations to be granted a visa without having to apply for the visa:

• Certain persons are "taken to hold" special purpose visas for the time that they come within the scope of the Regulations. Groups covered include ship and airline crews, official guests of the Australian Government, and certain specified military personnel.
• Certain unlawful non-citizens who are incapable of making a valid
• Application for a visa (for instance, a child) are eligible for the grant of a Bridging E visa in limited circumstances.
• A child born in Australia to a temporary visa holder is taken to have been granted the same class of visa as held by the child's parent or parents. A child born in Australia to a permanent visa holder is an Australian citizen.
• Non-citizens in Australia on 1 September 1994 who had unresolved applications for an entry permit on that date hold a bridging visa from that date. This maintains the lawful status of holders during the processing of their applications.
• Non-citizens in Australia on 1 September 1994 who held entry permits or entry visas on that date hold a transitional visa.

The Migration Act provides that certain ex-citizens and long-time residents of Australia hold visas.

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