Frequently Asked Questions

Lodging your own visa application can be difficult, time-consuming and risky. Australian immigration legislation and statutory requirements change on a regular basis and can be difficult to interpret. A registered migration agent will ensure your application is prepared for the best chance of success, and liaise with the Department of Home Affairs on your behalf to ensure your application is processed correctly and efficiently.
Q. Why should I use a migration agent?

Lodging your own visa application can be difficult, time-consuming and risky. Australian immigration legislation and statutory requirements change on a regular basis and can be difficult to interpret. A registered migration agent will ensure your application is prepared for the best chance of success, and liaise with the Department of Immigration and Border Protection on your behalf to ensure your application is processed correctly and efficiently.

Q. Why should I choose Australian Education and Visa Centre as my migration agent?

Australian Education and Visa (AEV) Centre have established a reputation as one of Australia’s longstanding and trusted migration agencies. We have over 10 years’ experience supporting our clients with reliable, professional immigration and visa services.

Q. What visa should I lodge?

This depends on your circumstances. You may have various options available to you or none at all. At AEV Centre, we’ll help determine what visa you should apply for to help you achieve your goals. To learn more about the types of Australian visas on offer, visit our Visas page.

Q. Can I apply from overseas?

Yes, we regularly assist overseas clients with their applications.

Q. I’m already in Australia. Can you give me advice concerning my visa?

Yes. If you’re in Australia, we can advise you on any migration issue, including helping you to:

  • Extend your current visa
  • Apply for a different visa
  • Become a permanent resident of Australia
  • Become an Australian citizen
  • Communicate with the Department of Home Affairs
  • Deal with the cancellation of your visa
  • Appeal against a Department of Home Affairs
Q. Can I book a face-to-face consultation?

Yes. We offer face-to-face consultations for $50 AUD per hour.

Q. What is included in a consultation?

We’ll conduct an eligibility check, occupation check, explain the approval process and provide customised advice about your options and the actions you need to take.

Q. How much is a visa application?

Prices vary depending on the visa type and timing. The latest fees for each visa application visit our Visas pages.

Q. Can agents certify documents?

Yes. Registered migration agents, in and outside of Australia, can certify copies of original documents that relate to visa applications.

Q. How long will it take to process my migration application?

This all depends on the specific visa category and subclass. We’ll detail this in your assessment report.

Q. Who can we include in a migration application?

Details on who can be included in a migration application are provided in each assessment provided by us.

Q. How soon can I enter Australia?

This all depends on the type of visa you’re applying for migration. Each application is unique and a time estimate can only be determined once a consultant has done a personal assessment.

Q. Do I need a qualification?

While not essential for all visa types, a formal tertiary qualification will definitely aid you if you are under the age of 45.

Q. Does age matter?

There are certain age requirements and restrictions, however, it depends on your personal circumstances and the type of visa you apply under

Q. What about my children?

If they are still under your roof and dependent on you, they will be included on your visa. Married and independent children don’t qualify under any Australian visa.

Q. I’m applying for a partner visa. Do you need to interview me and my partner/sponsor?

In most cases, we may need to interview you, but this is usually over the telephone. We’ll contact you if we need to arrange an interview.

Q. If I change my course, do I have to apply another Australian student visa?

If you already have a student visa and want to change your main course of study to a lower Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) level course or a non-AQF level course, you will generally need a new student visa. This requirement applies even if the course you change to is with the same education provider.

For example:

  • If you are studying a Bachelor of Science (Level 7) at a university and wish to transfer to a Diploma of Accounting (Level 5) at the same institution, you would need to apply for and be granted a new student visa.
  • If you are studying a Certificate IV (AQF level 4) and want to transfer to an ELICOS course (non-AQF course), you will need to apply for and be granted a new student visa.
  • If you are studying a non-AQF course and want to transfer to an AQF course, you would not need to apply for a new student visa.
Q. If I complete my course early, can I stay in Australia until my student visa expire?

No, if you complete the course for which your visa was granted earlier than the end date on the Confirmation of Enrolment, your enrolment will end. You are expected to make arrangements to depart Australia or apply for a new visa within 28 days of completing your principal courseor your visa may be considered for cancellation.

Q. What health insurance can be accepted for student visa?

All student visa holders must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) which provides medical and hospital insurance in Australia. You must not arrive in Australia before your health insurance starts.

Currently, five Australian health funds have signed the Deed and provide OSHC policies for overseas students;

  • Australian Health Management
  • Peoplecare Health Limited (Allianz Global Assistance offers OSHC products and policies under an arrangement with Peoplecare)
  • BUPA Australia
  • Medibank Private
  • Nib Health Funds Limited

Australian Education and Visa Centre is partners with BUPA Australia, Medibank Private and nib Health Funds Limited.

If you wish to join, please e-mail at

Q. Can I change school or course?

If you hold a Student visa and are thinking about changing your course of study, ensure that you continue to meet all the conditions that apply to your student visa.

If you have not completed six months of your principal course (the main course of study you are undertaking) and you want to change your education provider, the ESOS National Code explains the circumstances in which this will be possible. Unless special circumstances apply, you usually need to have permission from your existing education provider to transfer to another education provider.

If you want to transfer, your education provider must assess or consider your request to transfer. All education providers have documented procedures about their transfer policy. Make sure you understand your education provider’s transfer policy, and what your written agreement says you must do, before you attempt to enrol with a new education provider.

If your education provider does not give you permission to transfer to another education provider and you are not satisfied with the outcome, you should first use your education provider’s internal appeal process. If you are still not satisfied, you can appeal the education provider’s decision at an external complaints handling body such as the State or Territory Ombudsman or the Overseas Student Ombudsman.

If you change courses and your new Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for your principal course has a shorter end date, you must depart Australia or apply for a new visa within 28 days of completing your principal course or your visa might be considered for cancellation.

Q. Why should I choose Australian Education and Visa Centre as my migration agent?

Lodging your own visa application can be difficult, time-consuming and risky. Australian immigration legislation and statutory requirements change on a regular basis and can be difficult to interpret. A registered migration agent will ensure your application is prepared for the best chance of success, and liaise with the Department of Immigration and Border Protection on your behalf to ensure your application is processed correctly and efficiently.

Q. What visa should I lodge?

Lodging your own visa application can be difficult, time-consuming and risky. Australian immigration legislation and statutory requirements change on a regular basis and can be difficult to interpret. A registered migration agent will ensure your application is prepared for the best chance of success, and liaise with the Department of Immigration and Border Protection on your behalf to ensure your application is processed correctly and efficiently.

Q. Can I apply from overseas?

Lodging your own visa application can be difficult, time-consuming and risky. Australian immigration legislation and statutory requirements change on a regular basis and can be difficult to interpret. A registered migration agent will ensure your application is prepared for the best chance of success, and liaise with the Department of Immigration and Border Protection on your behalf to ensure your application is processed correctly and efficiently.

Q. What is the point test?

If you apply for a visa to work in Australia, you might have to pass the points test.

The points test is used to help Australia select people who have the skills and attributes it needs.

The number of points you need to pass the points test depends on the visa you apply for.

You can be given points for a number of reasons, including your:

  • Skills
  • Age
  • English language ability
  • Occupation
  • Australian work experience and Australian qualifications.
Q. What is SkillSelect?

SkillSelect is an online expression of interest service for skilled workers and business people who are interested in migrating to Australia.

If you record your details in SkillSelect, you can be nominated for skilled visas by Australian employers or state and territory governments, or you might be invited by the Australian Government to apply for a visa.

The following visas must be applied for using SkillSelect:

  • Business Talent (Permanent) (subclass 132) visa
  • Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) (subclass 188) visa
  • Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa
  • Skilled – Nominated (subclass 190) visa
  • Skilled – Nominated or Sponsored (Provisional) (subclass 489) visa.

You can apply for the Temporary Work (Skilled) (subclass 457) visa, the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa, and the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187) visa using SkillSelect.

Q. What is an expression of interest?

An expression of interest (EOI) is a method of showing your interest in applying for a skilled visa to migrate to Australia. It is an online form in SkillSelect which asks a series of questions about your skills depending on the visa subclass you select.

It is used to calculate your ability to meet the points test for certain visas and can be made available to employers and state and territory government agencies if you would like to be considered for a sponsored skilled visa.

Business Talent visa (subclass 132)

  • Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188)
  • Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)
  • Skilled – Nominated visa (subclass 190)
  • Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 489).

You can also submit an expression of interest using SkillSelect for the following visas:

  • Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)
  • Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187)
  • Temporary Work (Skilled) visa (subclass 457).

Your expression of interest must specify:

  • which visa subclass and stream you intend to apply under
  • If you are seeking sponsorship from a state or territory government, one or all Australian states and territories.
Q. What are there work experience requirements for the TSS visa?

This requirement protects Australian jobs. Two years relevant work experience is interpreted as two years full time relevant work experience in the same or a similar occupation. The requirement for TSS visa applicants to have two years work experience in the nominated occupation or a related field will be considered flexibly under policy in the context of the occupation. This includes recognition of relevant experience gained as part of: a Masters or PhD, clinical/industry placement and internships, performances undertaken during study for performing artists, and relevant industry experience for niche and generalist occupations.

Q. Is it possible to invest in residential real estate?

No. Direct investments in residential real estate, will not be considered a complying significant investment for a Significant Investor visa or complying premium investment for a Premium Investor visa.

Q. Is my overseas marriage valid under Australian Law?

An overseas marriage will generally be recognised in Australia if it:

  • Was a valid marriage in the overseas country
  • Would have been recognised as valid under Australian law if the marriage had taken place in Australia.

In some cases, a marriage will not be recognised in Australia even if it is valid in the country in which it was solemnised, for example, same sex marriages.

To be legally married in Australia, both spouses must:

  • Not be married to someone else
  • Not be marrying a parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, brother or sister
  • Be at least 18 years old, unless a court has approved a marriage where one party is aged between 16 and 18 years old
  • Understand what marriage means and freely consent to being married and living together as a married couple
  • Use specific words during the ceremony
  • Give written notice of their intention to marry to their authorised celebrant.
Q. Why do I need to provide extra evidence of my relationship of I am married and the marriage is already valid under Australian law?

To be eligible for a partner visa, it is not sufficient for you to simply show that you are married or in a de facto relationship. You must also demonstrate that your relationship with your spouse or de facto partner is genuine, continuing and mutually exclusive, as per the prescribed legislative definitions. If you fail to demonstrate that you are in such a relationship you may be refused a visa, regardless of whether you are married or in a de facto relationship.

Q. Can my visa application fee be refunded if my application was refused?

No, the visa application charge is the amount of money that must be paid for a visa application.  The Department will not usually refund the visa application charge, even if the visa application is refused or withdrawn.

Q. Can you become a dual citizen?

Australia allows its citizens to hold dual nationality. Other countries may not. To check if your country allows its citizens to hold dual or multiple citizenships, contact the embassy or consulate of that country in Australia.

Q. What is the citizenship test?

The Australian citizenship test plays a valuable role in encouraging people to find out more about Australia, as well as understanding the responsibilities and privileges being an Australian citizen brings.

The citizenship test:

  • Is in English
  • Consists of 20 multiple choice questions, and
  • Has a pass mark of 75 per cent.

There is not a separate English language test but you will need a basic knowledge of English to pass the test.

Before you can sit the citizenship test, you must apply for citizenship.

Q. Who can apply for evidence of Australia Citizenship (Australian citizenship Certificate)?

You can apply for evidence of your Australian citizenship if you were:

  • Born in Australia before 20 August 1986 and are an Australian citizen by birth 
  • Born in Australia on or after 20 August 1986 and one parent was a permanent resident or Australian citizen
  • Born in Australia on or after 20 August 1986 and you spent the first 10 years of your life in Australia
  • Previously issued with an Australian citizenship certificate (this includes children who are listed on a parent’s certificate)
  • A permanent resident and adopted in Australia on or after 22 November 1984 and became an Australian citizen
  • Born in the former Australian Territory of Papua before 16 September 1975 and retained your Australian citizenship
  • Born outside Australia before 26 January 1949 to a father who was born in Australia and you arrived in Australia before 1 May 1987 and acquired Australian citizenship.
Q. I am New Zealand citizen. Can I apply for an Australian Citizen?

Since 1 September 1994, all non-citizens in Australia must hold a visa. The Special Category visa (SCV) is a temporary visa introduced for New Zealand citizens. However, it allows a New Zealand citizen to remain indefinitely and live, work or study in Australia lawfully as long as that person remains a New Zealand citizen.

As the SCV is not a permanent visa, visa holders do not have the same rights and benefits as Australian citizens or Australian permanent residents. Those arriving on or after 27 February 2001 must first apply for and be granted a permanent visa before applying for Australian Citizen. 

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