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UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE THIS PRACTICE HAS CEASED PROVIDING MIGRATION AGENT SERVICES.

At Southern Cross Migration, we've done our best to create a Web site that anticipates and satisfies our customers' needs. With that goal in mind, we've compiled a list of frequently asked questions. Because of the complexity of Australian migration and general law and also how frequently the laws and procedures are changed this web site can only provide some general principles and short summaries of the many visas available. Also because everyone’s circumstances are personal and individual to the particular applicant there is no substitute for a personalised assessment of your eligibility to obtain an Australian visa. If you do not find an answer to your question here, contact us at +61387502314 or contact@southerncrossmigration.com.au.

Will I have to sit the IELTS English language test?

People from a native English speaking country do not have to sit the IELTS English language test. Those from non-native English speaking countries likely will have to sit the IELTS test. The English language requirements differ from visa to visa. Please contact us to find out the requirements in your particular case.

How long will it take to process my application?

Processing times differ from visa to visa. Some visa applications must be processed in Australia and others can be assessed overseas. It may take a few days for a visitor visa application to be processed and it could be a year or more for a skilled independent visa application to be processed. If you are applying under one of the skilled categories then your application will be given priority processing and you will be awarded extra points if your occupation is in particular demand in the MODL list.

What is an assurance of support and will I need one?

An assurance of support (AOS) is a legal obligation placed upon one or more Australian residents / citizens to repay to the Australian government certain welfare payments received within a certain period by a new Australian resident. Generally the AOS lasts for two years. Some visas have a Required AOS and others have a Discretionary AOS. A bond is also compulsory for all Required AOS but Discretionary AOS may or may not require a bond. Most visa categories may require a Discretionary AOS. The categories of visa with Required AOS are:

Skilled - Australian-sponsored
Skilled - Designated Area-sponsored
Skilled - Australian-sponsored Overseas Student
Skilled Designated Area-sponsored Overseas Student
Skilled Australian-sponsored New Zealand Citizen
Skilled Designated Area-sponsored New Zealand Citizen
Parent
Aged Parent
Contributory Parent
Contributory Aged Parent
Aged Dependent Relative
Remaining Relative
Carer

Will I need to have a skills assessment done?

All skilled migration applicants must have their nominated skilled occupation assessed by an approved Australian assessing organisation for their application to be valid. There is a fee charged for this assessment.

Is a police clearance required?

Most visa applications, other than very short stay visas like visitor visas, require a police clearance. See Form 47P for details on obtaining your police clearance.

Are Southern Cross Migration’s fees inclusive of Government charges?

At Southern Cross Migration we charge a fee for work done rather than a lump-sum fee for a particular visa type. If your application is less complex then you will pay less. Complex applications requiring a lot more skill and attention and reviews or appeals in courts or tribunals would obviously attract larger fees. We use the Practitioner Remuneration Order, First Schedule, as determined by the Supreme Court of Victoria to calculate our professional fees for migration work and non-litigious legal work. Litigious work is costed according to the various scales of the relevant Court or Tribunal.

All government filing fees and bonds as well as costs associated with obtaining police clearances, medical reports and English language tests are to be paid by the applicant and or their sponsor.

How do I find a Panel Doctor for my medical report?

Usually only designated Panel Doctors can provide you with the necessary medical reports for your visa application. If your region or country is not listed on the Immigration Panel Doctors list then you will need to contact us to find an alternative for you.

The contents of this site are for information purposes only and should not, under any circumstances, be used as a substitute for legal advice. We highly recommend that you seek legal advice about your personal situation before you submit any migration application or approach any government or private organisation for assistance. Unfortunately corruption in government departments in some countries and unscrupulous dealings by some people and organisations can lead to unwary applicants having a very bad experience.