FAQ
Our immigration consultants will guide you through your visa application process.
UIS Australia’s team of certified MARA immigration consultants are here to share their expertise and years of experience in the field of Australia immigration with you, to help you meet the necessary requirements and handle any challenges that may show during your visa application process.
Below are the most common questions asked by our clients regarding the Australian visa application process:
Why should I use immigration consultants?
Our immigration consultants and legal advisors are MARA certified and can assess your visa eligibility to determine your options for immigration to Australia, thus saving you time and money. Additionally, they can assist you with collecting and submitting time-sensitive documents, ensuring your visa application is up to par with government requirements, advising you on complicated decisions, assisting with legal matters, and representing you in front of the Australian government.
What are the fees?
UIS Australia’s immigration consultancy services fees may vary according to the type of visa you are applying for, how many applications you need, the complexity of your immigration case, etc.
Fees are to be paid in U.S dollars. In some cases, under the sole discretion of our MARA consultants, a payment plan tailored to your personal financial situation may be available.
How long does it take to process a visa application?
The time it would take to process your visa application is affected by several factors, such as changes in immigration policies, the type of visa you’re applying for, the complexity of your immigration case, etc. For example, a Working Holiday Visa application can take 15 days to process, while a 189 Visa can take around 8 months. *Bear in mind that all noted time frames for visa applications should be taken as estimations.
I’m already in Australia but I need help. What can you do?
We will be more than happy to assist you. Our immigration consultants can do the following:
Help you become a permanent resident
Help you become an Australian citizen
Help you extend your visa
Help you apply for a different visa
Help you with a cancelled visa
Contact an immigration consultant to receive professional consultation based on your particular case.
What is a Bridging Visa?
Bridging Visas (A & B) allow you to stay in Australia while you wait for another visa application to be processed, or to provide you with lawful status while you prepare to leave Australia. However, there is a difference between each Bridging Visa: only a Bridging Visa B (BVB) allows you to leave and re-enter Australia while you wait for a decision. You might be eligible for a BVB if you already hold a Bridging Visa A (BVA).
My application was refused. Can I reapply?
Under certain circumstances the answer is yes – you can reapply after your initial visa application was refused. Our immigration consultants will be able to assess your personal circumstances and advise you on the best course of action. Just let us know what is the issue you are dealing with.
Can I apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA)?
There are specific countries that are eligible for an ETA. If you hold a different travel document, a non-citizen passport or certificate of identity then you will not be able to apply for an ETA. For a list of the eligible countries click here.
What is the Australian policy regarding same-sex marriages?
Australia is a liberal country that legalized same-sex marriage on 9 December 2017. States and territories began granting domestic partnership benefits and relationship recognition to same-sex couples from 2003, with federal law recognizing same-sex couples since 2009 as de facto relationships. Australia places no restriction for immigration applicants who are in a same – sex relationship or marriage.
I discovered that I’m eligible for Australian permanent residency. Am I guaranteed to succeed?
First of all, congratulations! You are one step closer to obtaining an Australian permanent residency visa. However, there can’t be any guarantees because while you may qualify for permanent residency in Australia under the general criteria, you must prepare your visa application according to visa-specific requirements.
To ensure you have the highest possible chances of succeeding and to help your visa application stand out strong, consider undertaking additional studies, gathering more work experience, and scoring higher on your English proficiency test, because work experience, academic achievements and language proficiency play an important role in your visa application. Additionally, you should contact your personal immigration agent for more tips and advice.
What is the difference between a permanent residency visa and a temporary residency visa?
Obtaining a permanent residency visa means that you will be able to apply for permanent residency in Australia and enjoy most of the same rights that are given to Australian citizens; you will be able to register for free healthcare, subsidized education, sponsor your family to come live with you, and more. Temporary residency visas allow you to live and work in Australia for a limited time.