Brisbane

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Immigration and Visa Services

Information on immigration offices and resources to assist with visas, residency, and citizenship applications.

Sections

1. Categories of Available Visas

Australia offers a wide range of visas depending on your purpose of visit or stay. Below are the main categories relevant to Brisbane:

a. Visitor Visas

  • Subclass 600 (Visitor Visa): For tourism, visiting family, or business purposes.
  • Subclass 601 (Electronic Travel Authority - ETA): For short-term visits (tourism or business) for passport holders of eligible countries.
  • Subclass 651 (eVisitor): For short-term visits for passport holders of certain European countries.

b. Student Visas

  • Subclass 500 (Student Visa): For full-time study in Australia.
  • Subclass 590 (Student Guardian Visa): For guardians of international students under 18.

c. Work Visas

  • Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage Visa): For skilled workers sponsored by an employer.
  • Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme Visa): For permanent residency through employer sponsorship.
  • Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa): For skilled workers not sponsored by an employer, state, or family.
  • Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa): For skilled workers nominated by a state or territory government.

d. Family and Partner Visas

  • Subclass 820/801 (Partner Visa): For partners or spouses of Australian citizens or permanent residents.
  • Subclass 300 (Prospective Marriage Visa): For fiancรฉs of Australian citizens or permanent residents.
  • Parent Visas: For parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents (e.g., Subclass 103, 804, 143).

e. Permanent Residency (PR) Visas

  • Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa): Points-tested visa for skilled workers.
  • Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa): State-nominated PR visa.
  • Subclass 191 (Permanent Residence Visa): For regional provisional visa holders.

f. Business and Investment Visas

  • Subclass 188 (Business Innovation and Investment Visa): For entrepreneurs and investors.
  • Subclass 888 (Business Innovation and Investment - Permanent): For permanent residency after meeting business or investment requirements.

g. Refugee and Humanitarian Visas

  • For individuals seeking asylum or protection.

2. Costs Involved

Visa application fees vary depending on the type of visa. Below are approximate costs (as of 2023):

  • Visitor Visa (Subclass 600): AUD 150โ€“370.
  • Student Visa (Subclass 500): AUD 650.
  • Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482): AUD 1,330โ€“2,770.
  • Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801): AUD 8,085.
  • Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): AUD 4,640.
  • Parent Visa (Subclass 143): AUD 4,425โ€“47,755.
  • Business Innovation Visa (Subclass 188): AUD 6,085.

Note: Additional costs may include health checks, police certificates, and biometrics.

3. Application Procedures

The visa application process generally involves the following steps:

Step 1: Determine the Right Visa

Step 2: Create an ImmiAccount

Step 3: Gather Required Documents

  • Collect all necessary documents (see Section 4 below).

Step 4: Submit the Application

  • Complete the online application form via ImmiAccount and pay the application fee.

Step 5: Provide Biometrics

  • If required, schedule an appointment at a local Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide biometrics.

Step 6: Health and Character Checks

  • Undergo medical examinations and provide police clearance certificates if requested.

Step 7: Wait for Processing

  • Monitor your application status through ImmiAccount.

Step 8: Receive Visa Decision

  • Once approved, you will receive your visa grant notification via email.

4. Necessary Documentation

The required documents vary by visa type but generally include:

a. Identity Documents

  • Passport (valid for at least 6 months).
  • Passport-sized photographs.

b. Supporting Documents

  • Proof of financial capacity (e.g., bank statements, payslips).
  • Evidence of health insurance (for student and work visas).
  • Proof of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL scores) for certain visas.
  • Employment documents (e.g., job offer, contract) for work visas.
  • Academic transcripts and enrollment confirmation for student visas.

c. Character and Health Documents

  • Police clearance certificates.
  • Health examination results (arranged through an approved panel physician).

d. Relationship Evidence (for Family/Partner Visas)

  • Marriage certificate or proof of de facto relationship.
  • Joint financial statements or lease agreements.

5. Processing Times

Processing times vary depending on the visa type and individual circumstances. Below are approximate timelines:

  • Visitor Visa (Subclass 600): 20โ€“50 days.
  • Student Visa (Subclass 500): 1โ€“3 months.
  • Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482): 2โ€“4 months.
  • Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801): 12โ€“24 months.
  • Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): 6โ€“12 months.

Note: Processing times can be affected by incomplete applications, high demand, or additional checks.

6. Local Offices and Centers in Brisbane

For in-person assistance or biometrics, you can visit the following centers:

a. Visa Application Centre (VAC)

  • Address: VFS Global, Level 4, 316 Adelaide Street, Brisbane City QLD 4000.
  • Services: Biometrics collection, document submission.
  • Website: VFS Global Australia

b. Department of Home Affairs Office

  • Address: 299 Adelaide Street, Brisbane City QLD 4000.
  • Services: General immigration inquiries (appointment required).
  • Website: Department of Home Affairs

c. Migration Agents and Legal Assistance

7. Local Considerations for Brisbane

  • Cost of Living: Brisbane is relatively affordable compared to Sydney or Melbourne. Expect monthly expenses of AUD 1,500โ€“2,500 for a single person (excluding rent).
  • Public Transport: Brisbane has an efficient public transport system (buses, trains, ferries). Use a go card for discounted fares.
  • Health Insurance: International visitors and students must have Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) or Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
  • Cultural Nuances: Brisbane is known for its friendly locals, outdoor lifestyle, and multicultural community. Be respectful of local customs and laws.

8. Additional Resources

If you have specific questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!