• Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

The Aristos Group

MENU
  • Home
  • About
  • Jobs
  • Employers
  • Referrals
  • IELTS Training
  • Visa Assistance
  • Blog
  • Contact

Visa

The jobs Australia is so keen for migrants to fill that they’re offering permanent residency

20 November, 2020 By Howard Johnson

The jobs Australia is so keen for migrants to fill that they're offering permanent residency

Key Points:

  • 79,600 spaces are available for the Skilled Migration scheme in 2020-2021
  • 17 occupations have been prioritised in the health, construction and IT sectors 
  • This includes nurses, doctors, midwives, software engineers and programmers 

Skilled workers are in such short supply in Australia the federal government is offering qualified migrants permanent residency. 

A total of 17 occupations have been identified on the federal government’s priority migration skilled occupation list to help Australia recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.  Immigration authorities will prioritise workers in the healthcare, construction and information technology industries.  The list includes nurses, doctors, midwives, psychiatrists, software engineers, computer programmers and mechanical engineers. 

Acting Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs Alan Tudge said the changes would strike the right balance for Australia’s economic recovery.  “Our priority is getting Australians back into work but we also need key health workers to help fight the virus and skilled migrants who are going to be job multipliers, to help the economy recover” Mr Tudge said. 

The occupations were selected out of more than 200 on the Department of Home Affairs Skills List granting residency under the Skilled Migration Scheme.  The skilled migration program is offering 79,600 places for 2020-2021.  The scheme falls under the 189 Skilled Independent Visa and allows workers to apply for permanent residency after three years.  The skilled stream is considered the most desirable way to gain immigration to Australia.  

Alternative pathways to migration involve gaining sponsorship from an employer or government authorities.  The skilled work regional visa, known as the subclass 491 visa, offers a short term stay for migrants willing to work in regional Australia.  They must remain in the area for up to five years, but may apply for permanent residency after three years if they have met the income requirements.  Migrants can also gain permanent residency through the 186, 482 and 494 visas which require sponsorship through an employer. 

The federal government also offers highly talented specialists a chance to gain permanent residency through the Global Talent Independent Program.  The program targets specialists across seven industries: ag-tech, med-tech, space, fin-tech, energy and mining technology, cyber security, and data science.  The scheme is the fastest way to gain permanent residency in Australia.  Migrants applying through this program must show they area capable of earning a salary above the income threshold of $153,600 each year.  They must also have their application supported by an Australian specialist working in their field. 

The 17 Priority Occupations For 2020 – 2021 are:

The following 17 occupations were identified as priorities to help bolster the nation’s economy in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic:

  • Chief Executive or Managing Director 
  • Construction Project Manager  
  • Mechanical Engineer 
  • General Practitioner 
  • Resident Medical Officer
  • Psychiatrist 
  • Medical Practitioner nec 
  • Midwife 
  • Registered Nurse (Aged Care) 
  • Registered Nurse (Critical Care and Emergency) 
  • Registered Nurse (Medical) 
  • Registered Nurse (Mental Health) 
  • Registered Nurse (Perioperative) 
  • Registered Nurses nec 
  • Developer Programmer 
  • Software Engineer 
  • Maintenance Planner 

We recommend you position yourself early for the opportunities that will avail themselves as we come out of these unprecedented times so Contact us for a confidential discussion and refer family, friends and colleagues and be rewarded.

Come Live Our Philausophy
Facebook
Linkedin
Youtube
Share this:

Filed Under: AHPRA, aristos, Australia, Blog, Migration, Visa Tagged With: australia, Australianvisa, career, immigration, migration, recruitment

Eight ways you can get Australian permanent residency and citizenship

19 March, 2020 By Howard Johnson

In most countries you must spend several years living and working there before you can qualify for permanent residency. Australia is different...

Australia offers a range of permanent visas that allow you to stay in the country indefinitely from the moment your visa is granted.  Here are some Australian visas that can lead to permanent residency and citizenship.  

Australia’s high quality of life, prosperous economy, diverse population, excellent healthcare and world-class education system continue to make it one of the most popular countries for people looking to settle abroad. 

In 2018, there were 7.3 million migrants living in Australia, making up 29% of the country’s total population. People born in England continued to be the largest group of overseas-born residents, accounting for 4.0% of Australia’s total population.

Permanent residency and citizenship continue to rise

In the period 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2019, 127,674 people became citizens of Australia through residency (also referred to as conferral by the Australian government) – an increase of 58.3% from the previous year. In the same period, 238,300 people became Australian citizens.

Moving to Australia: How you can make a permanent move Down Under

Before you can obtain Australian citizenship, you must first become a permanent resident. Permanent residency allows you to live in Australia indefinitely and leave and re-enter the country as often as you wish. You’ll also enjoy many of the rights and privileges of citizens, such as access to free or subsidised legal and health services. 

Permanent residency is a five-year visa, but what’s great about this visa is that even when it expires, you’ll still be allowed to stay in Australia indefinitely without breaching immigration regulations.

While there are Australian visas that are temporary and can eventually lead to permanent residency and citizenship, there are some that can fast-track the process. 

If your goal is to live in Australia permanently and become a citizen, these are the visas you should apply for.

Employer-sponsored visas

To be eligible for these visas, you need to find an Australian-based employer that will sponsor you. Employers can only sponsor you if they can’t find an Australian citizen with the skills and experience needed for the job. When you receive a sponsorship, you can only work for the employer who sponsored you.

Temporary Skilled Shortage visa (subclass 482)

The Temporary Skilled Shortage visa (TSS) has a short-term stream and a medium-term stream. To qualify for permanent residency, you must work in an occupation on the medium-term stream for three years. 

Jobs on the short-term stream are only eligible for a two-year visa and will not allow you to qualify for permanent residency. Should your occupation fall on the short-term list, it is possible to extend your stay for another two years. Your employer will need to submit a new nomination and you will have to apply for a new visa.

Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186)

This is a permanent visa, which means that you’ll be a permanent Australian resident the moment your visa is granted. There are three streams under this visa, all of which allow you to:

  • Stay in Australia indefinitely
  • Work and study in Australia
  • Enrol in Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare scheme
  • Bring your relatives with you 
  • Travel in and out of Australia for five years
  • Apply for citizenship, if eligible

Temporary Residence Transition stream

You’ll need to apply for this visa if you’re already in Australia on a medium-term 482 visa and have worked for your employer for at least three years. Your employer will need to sponsor your application for permanent residency.

Direct Entry stream

You can apply for this stream if you work in an occupation on the medium-term stream and have an employer willing to sponsor you. Usually you are living outside of Australia or have only briefly worked in Australia. As part of your application, your skills will be assessed to ensure they meet the standards of the occupation you’re applying for. You’ll need to receive a positive skills assessment to apply for this stream. 

Agreement stream

You’ll be eligible for this stream if you’re currently working or will work for an employer under a labour agreement. Labour agreements allow approved businesses to sponsor skilled overseas workers when there isn’t a suitable Australian candidate and standard temporary or permanent visa programmes are not available. 

Skilled visas

The skilled migration visa for Australia works on a points-based system. Points are awarded based on your age, qualification, experience and English language skills. Your eligibility for the visa is determined by your occupation. Having an occupation that is in demand gives you the greatest visa options. 

Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)

This is a permanent resident visa and one of the most sought-after visas because it allows you to live and work anywhere in Australia. To be eligible you must be under 45 years of age, score at least 65 points on the immigration points test and have an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). 

Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)

To be eligible for this visa, you must be nominated by a state or territory government. To be nominated or invited to apply, you must first submit an expression of interest to the specific state or territory you want to work in (e.g. New South Wales or Queensland). 

You must be under 45 years of age, score at least 65 points and have an occupation on the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL). 

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)

This visa allows you to live and work in specific regional areas in Australia for up to five years. To apply, you will need to be sponsored by an eligible relative or nominated to apply by a state or territory government agency. 

If you’re being sponsored by a relative, they can be one of the following: 

  • A parent
  • A child or stepchild
  • A sibling, including adopted and step siblings 
  • An aunt, uncle, adoptive aunt, adoptive uncle, step-aunt or step-uncle
  • A nephew, niece, adoptive nephew, adoptive niece, step-nephew or step-niece
  • A grandparent
  • A first cousin
  • Your relative must also: 
  • Be 18 years old or older
  • Reside in a designated regional area in Australia* 
  • Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or an eligible New Zealand citizen
  • Be you or your partner’s eligible relative

Regional Australia is defined as: South Australia, Tasmania, Western Australia, Australian Capital Territory, Victoria (except the Melbourne metropolitan), Queensland (except the greater Brisbane area) Northern Territory and New South Wales (except Sydney).

The cut-off age for this is 45 years. As with the other skilled visa, you must score at least 65 points or more and your occupation must be on the list of eligible occupations. After three years of living on the 491 visa you can apply for permanent residency. 

Business visa routes

There are various options for individuals wanting to establish a business or invest in Australia. 

Overseas business sponsorship

If you own a business, you can move Down Under by expanding your business to Australia. This is done by applying for an overseas business sponsorship as well as the 482 visa. The process from your first application through to obtaining Australian citizenship comprises four stages.

Stage 1 – Become an overseas business sponsor 

This stage is a three-step process. You’ll need to:

  • Apply to be an overseas business sponsor
  • Nominate a position within your new Australian business
  • Apply for your TSS 482 visa 

You can bring your family with you to Australia by including them on your visa application. Once you’ve been granted your TSS 482 visa, you can move to Australia and establish the Australian branch of your business. 

Stage 2 – Become a standard business sponsor and get Australian permanent residency

To make the transition from a temporary residence visa to a permanent residence visa, your Australian-based company must first obtain a standard business sponsorship. 

Stage 3 – Become a permanent resident on the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)

You’ll move onto this stage once you have lived and worked in Australia for three years. 

When applying for your permanent visa, you will need to show that your Australian business can meet its obligation of paying staff members and other statutory requirements. You must also show that you’ve lived in Australia and worked for your sponsoring business for three years. 

Stage 4 – Apply for Australian citizenship

Once you’ve lived in Australia for the qualifying period and met all the requirements, you can apply for citizenship.

Business Talent (Permanent) visa (subclass 132)

The Business Talent (Permanent) visa is suited to business owners, investors or property developers. In the last 20 years, the Australian property market has provided an average capital growth of 6.8% a year. A growing economy and population have led to a huge demand for houses.

We help entrepreneurs meet the requirements of the Business Talent visa and start a business. The programme requires that you form or join a property development company that will allow you to build and sell property in Australia. With the assistance and guidance of our team in Australia, you can continue to buy, develop and sell property within your own company.  

To be eligible for the Business Talent visa, you must:

  • Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
  • Be nominated by an Australian state or territory government agency
  • Be invited to apply for the visa
  • Have the required funding or assets

This visa has two streams: 

  1. The Significant Business History stream, which allows experienced business owners to start a new or existing business in Australia
  1. Venture Capital Entrepreneur stream, which allows you to start a new or existing business if you have sourced venture capital funding from a member of the Australian Investment Council (AIC), in the Venture Capital Membership category

Significant Business History stream

To be eligible for this stream, you must: 

  • Be under the age of 55* 
  • Have an overall successful business career
  • Have a genuine intention to establish a qualifying business in Australia, or participate in an existing business
  • Be committed to the business in a manner that benefits the Australian economy
  • Have a total net asset of at least AU $400,000 as the ownership interest in one or more qualifying businesses for at least two of the four fiscal years immediately before you are invited to apply
  • Have an annual business turnover of at least AU $3 million for at least two of the four fiscal years immediately before you are invited to apply
  • Have total assets of at least AU $1.5 million that can be transferred to Australia within two years of the 132 visa being granted 

*This requirement can be waived by a state or territory if your proposed business offers substantial economic benefit to the nominating state or territory.

Venture Capital Entrepreneur stream

To qualify for this stream, you need to source venture capital funding from a member of the Australian Investment Council (AIC), in the Venture Capital Membership category. You must: 

  • Have agreed with a venture capital firm to provide capital funding for either an early phase start-up, commercialisation of a product, development of a business or the expansion of a business
  • Have at least AU $1 million in funding from a venture capital firm
  • Have a genuine intention to establish a qualifying business in Australia, or participate in an existing business
  • Be committed to the business in a manner that benefits the Australian economy

How to get Australian citizenship

Obtaining citizenship through residency is also sometimes referred to as by conferral. This route applies to:

  • Australian permanent residents aged 18-59
  • Children aged 16 or 17
  • Children 15 years or younger applying with a parent or guardian
  • Partners or spouses of an Australian citizen
  • To qualify through this route, you must fulfil the following residency requirements: 
  • Have lived in Australia for four years
  • Have been a permanent resident for at least 12 months
  • Have not spent more than 365 days outside of Australia in the past four years
  • Have not spent more than 90 days outside of Australia in the past 12 months
  • You also need to meet the following criteria:
  • Pass the Australian citizenship test (unless you are over the age of 60)
  • Be a permanent resident at the time of application and decision
  • Satisfy the residence requirement
  • Be likely to reside, or to continue to reside, in Australia or to maintain a close and continuing association with Australia
  • Be of good character

Other pathways to Australian citizenship

Descent

If one of your parents was an Australian citizen at the time of your birth, you can claim Australian citizenship. You’ll be entitled to citizenship irrespective of your country of birth or if your parent has lost their citizenship.

Birth

If you were born in Australia between 26 January 1949 and 20 August 1986, then you could be eligible for citizenship. People born after 20 August 1986 do not automatically become Australian citizens as the status of their parents dictates whether a claim can be made.

Adoption

To qualify, at least one of your parents must have been an Australian citizen at the time of your adoption. You must be able to show that you were fully and permanently adopted under either the Hague Convention or a bilateral agreement and that you are of good character.

We can assist you in navigating the pathway to Australia so Contact us for a confidential discussion and refer family, friends and colleagues and be rewarded.

Come Live Our Philausophy

Facebook
Linkedin
Youtube
Share this:

Filed Under: Australia, Blog, Visa Tagged With: australia, opportunity, permanentresidency, thearistosgroupinternational, visa

Australia and Melbourne: Top tier locations for talented global workers

3 March, 2020 By Howard Johnson

Australia and Melbourne: Top tier locations for talented global workers

An annual index, ranking countries and cities on their ability to grow talent, has placed both Melbourne and Australia in the top tier.

When it comes to attracting global talent, Australia makes the top 10 and Melbourne is Australia’s second most competitive city, according to the latest 2020 Global Talent Competitiveness Index (GCTI).

The index ranks locations on their ability to grow, attract and retain international talent. This year Australia ranks 10th, rising from 12th in 2019. Switzerland holds first place. Melbourne is the fifth most competitive city for global talent in the Asia-Pacific region.

The 2020 GCTI focuses on global talent in the age of artificial intelligence. Cities that dominate the top rankings demonstrate a future readiness to undertake activities in fields such as AI and advanced technologies. The report notes that AI talent is scarce, and cities are striving to become AI hubs and attract relevant talent.

The index also more broadly identifies talent competitiveness in other areas including innovation and leadership, such as availability of academic researchers, scientists and engineers.

The Victorian Government provides visa nomination to select migrants with skills and qualifications in areas of demand, including ICT occupations as well as health, engineering and construction and other key sectors.

Contact us for a confidential discussion and refer family, friends and colleagues and be rewarded.

Melbourne, Australia

Facebook
Linkedin
Youtube
Share this:

Filed Under: Australia, Blog, Visa Tagged With: australia, career, immigration, jobs, recruitment, visa

The Migration Advisory Committee’s latest report on Brexit

20 February, 2020 By Howard Johnson

The Migration Advisory Committee's latest report on Brexit

The Migration Advisory Committee (“MAC”) recently published their much awaited report on the Australian-style Points-based system as a model for the UK’s future immigration system. To many immigration lawyers, the report came as a surprise as it suggests no significant changes to the existing Points-based system that has been in place since 2008.

 

This 2020 MAC report builds on their 2018 report dealing with EU migration. In the 2018 report the MAC made radical recommendations to relax the overall requirements for a work visa under the Tier 2 (General) route, for example: abolishing the annual cap on work visas, eliminating the resident labour market test and reducing the job skills threshold. The 2020 MAC report makes it even easier for employers to sponsor highly-skilled and medium-skilled migrants by proposing to reduce the minimum salary threshold from £30,000 per year to £25,600 per year.

 

Having said the above, there are many important issues still to be addressed before the end of this year:

 

1) Employers contemplating hiring EU nationals from outside the UK from 1 January 2021 (after the end of the Brexit transition period) will require a sponsor licence, unless the Home Office introduces a new system which is streamlined and user friendly. This is likely to create a surge in demand for licences, which will create more delays due to capacity issues within the Home Office.

2) Employers seeking to recruit new workers from the EU from 1 January 2021 will face significant cost pressures as a typical Tier 2 (General) work visa valid for three years for a large company will cost approximately £5,000 in Government fees alone.

 

3) There is very little discussion surrounding low-skilled workers. The December 2018 White Paper published under Theresa May’s government describes a separate visa category to allow low-skilled workers from low risk countries with strict conditions (e.g. 12 months maximum duration with a cooling-off period of 12 months). The 2020 MAC report unfortunately does not shed any more light on what this route will look like and whether there will be any special requirements to qualify.

 

4) The proposed £25,600 minimum salary threshold is still too high for some sectors, such as the retail and consumer industry. Many franchise restaurants, for example, may not be able to pay this level of salary for their chefs. Whilst the 2020 MAC report does not suggest a variation in the minimum salary threshold across different sectors in the UK economy, the Government may need to consider this in order to address the acute shortage of workers in some sectors.

 

5) Businesses only have 11 months to prepare for the new Immigration Rules to take effect. As with the previous introduction of new rules, we foresee confusion and inconsistencies in the decision-making process by the Home Office. This is likely to cause more delays and frustration on the part of businesses and workers.

 

Whilst the new 2020 MAC report provides important information, there remains a substantial number of issues to be resolved in order to create a better immigration system that benefits employers and protects our resources (e.g. medical care, roads and social services) from being overwhelmed.

 

Given that this 2020 MAC report may not go far enough in the eyes of the Government, it is certainly possible for Mr Johnson to go beyond their recommendation. However, the administrative machinery of the Home Office may not be able to incorporate such drastic changes by the end of this year. We await the discussion of the 2020 MAC report amongst Cabinet ministers next month and it is expected that a new White Paper on the future of business immigration policy will be published shortly thereafter.

 

Employers are advised to remain vigilant for further updates.

Will the UK have a points-based system for entry?

Facebook
Linkedin
Youtube
Share this:

Filed Under: Blog, UK, Visa Tagged With: healthcarejobs, immigration, international, jobs, recruitment, visa

‘We need all hands on deck’: Backpackers called in to bushfire recovery effort

19 February, 2020 By Howard Johnson

The new visa system details are now becoming clear

Backpackers are being brought in as reinforcements for the bushfire recovery effort under a new plan by the federal government.  The visa system will be overhauled so backpackers are incentivised to help farmers and communities rebuild after the crisis.

Acting Immigration Minister Alan Tudge has announced three major changes following a recommendation from the National Bushfire Recovery Agency as follows:

  • Backpackers can work for an employer for 12 months instead of six months
  • Construction work is now included as part of the designated activities backpackers are allowed to participate in
  • Up to three months of voluntary work will now count towards backpackers’ eligibility for a second-year visa

Mr Tudge said the response to the announcement has been significant and overwhelmingly positive.

“They’re very practical measures just to get more people on the ground.  “Going right now because we need all hands on deck.”

As this initiative unfolds we will keep you informed however we suggest you get in early to take advantage of this opportunity so Contact us for a confidential discussion and refer family, friends and colleagues and be rewarded.

Raging Australian wildfires force residents to water's edge

Facebook
Linkedin
Youtube
Share this:

Filed Under: Australia, Blog, Visa Tagged With: aristos, australia, immigration, international, opportunity, visa

Backpackers Invited To Help Australia Rebuild In Wake Of Bushfires

18 February, 2020 By Howard Johnson

Come Help Us Rebuild Our Country

Backpackers are being invited to help Australian farmers and communities rebuild after devastating bushfires, with visa changes designed to encourage them to join the effort.  Under the changes, backpackers will be able to count volunteering as work when applying to extend their working holiday visas, and those in bushfire zones can stay with the same employer for a year instead of six months.

Construction work in disaster zones will also count as work under the new rules designed to support farmers and regional businesses.  The changes were announced by Acting Immigration Minister Alan Tudge in regional Victoria yesterday.  Mr Tudge said the working holidaymakers would be able to help farmers and businesses with demolition and land clearing on properties, as well as repairing dams, roads and railways.  

“These hardworking Australians have been hit by the recent bushfires, but from today they can employ backpackers for six months longer, helping them at a critical time in the recovery effort,” he told the newspaper.  “This recovery will be driven locally, by local workers and communities.  “But this will be a massive recovery effort and we want businesses and charitable organisations to have as many boots on the ground as they need.”

The visa rule changes follow recommendations from the National Bushfire Recovery Agency.

Contact us for a confidential discussion and refer family, friends and colleagues and be rewarded.

Aerial footage captures devastating aftermath of Mallacoota bushfires

Facebook
Linkedin
Youtube
Share this:

Filed Under: Australia, Blog, Visa Tagged With: australia, immigration, international, jobs, opportunity, visa

Australian-style UK Visa Points-Based System By End Of 2020

17 February, 2020 By Howard Johnson

Full details of the new system have yet to be announced

During his time as London Mayor, and upon becoming Prime Minister, Boris Johnson has called for an immigration system similar to Australia’s, in the UK. Now UK Home Secretary, Priti Patel, is pushing for Britain’s Australian-style, points-based UK visa and immigration system to be in place by the end of 2020, two years earlier than originally planned. Now it seems Johnson’s Home Secretary is keen to implement an Australian-style system to coincide with the UK’s transition period with the European Union (EU).

 

The push for a points-based UK visa and immigration system has been a matter of confusion because the UK’s highly skilled, Tier 2 visa category already operates under a points-based system, with applicants currently needing a minimum of 40 points to be eligible for a UK visa.

 

At this stage, it’s unclear what an Australian-style, points-based immigration system in the UK will look like, leaving many businesses worried about how they will hire foreign staff, when Britain leaves the EU. The government has been very vague about the plans, but has made it clear that low-skilled immigration will be heavily restricted.

 

The news of Priti Patel’s push for an Australian-style immigration system in the UK by the end of 2020 comes amid comments made by Prime Minister Boris Johnson at the UK-Africa investment summit on 20 January.  Johnson said: “The UK should be the investment partner of choice for Africa and my government will put people before passports. Change is coming and our system is becoming fairer and more equal between all our global friends and partners, treating people the same, wherever they come from.”  “By putting people before passports, we will be able to attract the best talent from around the world, wherever they may be,” Johnson added.

 

Patel’s push for the new immigration system to be introduced by the end of 2020 has been met with heavy criticism.  Under existing UK visa and immigration plans, outlined by former Prime Minister Theresa May, there is a temporary extension of EU rules in place following Brexit, which comes to an end on 31 December, 2020.  A Confederation of British Industry (CBI) statement said: “Priti Patel’s plans could seriously impact British businesses. Companies will need at least two years to adapt to any new immigration system.”

 

The UK’s shadow Home Secretary, Diane Abbott, said: “This is an ill-informed and reactionary policy that will damage us all, damaging to everything from the NHS to other public services and some of our key private sector industries.”  “Ministers talk about ending uncontrolled migration when they have been in office for 10 years. In reality this is just a new twist in the long Tory campaign against migrants, scapegoating them for the terrible effects of Tory policies,” Abbott added.

 

Meanwhile Christine Jardine, Home Affairs spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats, described Patel’s plans as a ‘national embarrassment’, saying that such a decision makes it very obvious that the Conservative government has no intention of ending its hostile environment policy.  Jardine said: “For business and our economy, such draconian changes to immigration rules is utterly unworkable. To think the Home Office could implement the changes in the time given is a joke.”

 

Explaining how the points-based immigration system in Australia works, Dr Alan Gamlen of Monash University in Melbourne said: “It’s a general skilled migration programme, where immigrants applying for a visa are typically selected based on ‘economically relevant characteristics’ like education, language skills and work experience.”  Dr Gamlen outlined that the exact way points are allocated is dependent on immigration policy and the state of the labour market, but generally an applicant will select a skilled occupation from a set list and must score a minimum number of points.

 

In the run up to the UK general election, Boris Johnson said that an Australian-style, points-based system in the UK would limit the number of lower-skilled immigrants allowed into the country. Johnson said that lower-skilled immigrants would only be eligible for UK entry if there was a specific skills shortage.

UK: Britain to introduce points-based immigration system - Home Secretary

Facebook
Linkedin
Youtube
Share this:

Filed Under: Blog, UK, Visa Tagged With: immigration, international, jobs, opportunity, recruitment, visa

BLOG SERIES – WORKING IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (UAE) – PART 11

16 February, 2020 By Howard Johnson

How to get a visit visa to the UAE?

Tourism is a big part of the UAE’s economy, with the industry expected to boom to Dh116.1 billion by 2027.  Here is a breakdown of all that you need to know about the regulations and costs related to visit visas.  There is a slight difference between tourist visas and visit visas, wherein a visit visa can later be converted (before expiry) into an employment visa or a residence visa without the need to exit the country upon payment of a fee.

 

Visit Visa:

Can be of 30 days or 90 days with two extensions possible of a maximum of 90 days each. Visit visas can be broken down into the following categories:

  • 30-day single entry visa
  • 30-day multiple entry visa
  • 90-day single entry visa
  • 90-day multiple entry visa

There are also options available for two-days, four-days or 14-days visa but they are considered transit or service/business visas and have different regulations around them.

 

To apply for a visit visa, you need to provide the following documents:

  • Completed application form.
  • Passport-sized photograph with a white background.
  • Passport copy, with the passport valid for at least six months at the time of travel.

 

It is advisable to also have other official documents with you in case you are travelling with family members.  You may be asked to submit your marriage certificate if you are travelling with your spouse, birth certificates of your children, if they are travelling with you as well as your parents’ documents showing proof of relationship, if they are above 60.

 

A tourist/visit visa can be applied for by any of the following UAE-based agencies:

  • Airline
  • Hotel
  • Travel agency
  • Individuals

 

What is the process?

There are certain requirements for each of these organisations if you would like to apply for a visa through them. UAE-based airlines – Emirates, Etihad, Air Arabia and FlyDubai – offer tourist visa services.  Airlines or hotels would require you to book your travel or stay with them in order for them to process your visit visa.

 

If you are booking with a travel agent, you would need to book the tour package with the agency. However, always check whether the travel agencies are registered before sending them your official travel and identification documents. You can do so by contacting the UAE embassy in your country.

 

If a trusted friend or family member lives in the UAE, he or she can also apply for your tourist visa through any of the approved platforms:

  • The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA)
  • General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA)
  • Mobile apps
    • GDRFA Dubai’s mobile app – available on Apple and Android
    • DubaiNow – available on Apple and Android
  • Typing centres
  • Amer centres in Dubai

 

It is important to note that the cost of the visa can vary based on which agency you have approached and which emirate you are applying from.

For residents applying for a visit visa for a family member or a friend, they may also need to make a deposit.  You could also get a discount on the visa from agencies if you are making a group booking. Find out more by speaking to people and agencies before you make the final decision. The cost for visit visa and tourist visa are different.

 

These are the costs for the visit visa, if you apply through Amer centres:

  • 30-day single entry visa – Dh393
  • 30-day multiple entry visa -Dh653
  • 90-day single entry visa – Dh793
  • 90-day multiple entry visa – Dh1,653

 

These are the costs for a tourist visa, if you apply through Amer centres:

  • 30-day single entry visa – Dh253
  • 30-day multiple entry visa -Dh553
  • 90-day single entry visa – Dh603
  • 90-day multiple entry visa – Dh1,553

 

However, applying through Amer centres requires a security deposit which is refunded when the sponsored exit the country.

 

Do I need to carry the visa copy with me?

With the automation drive in the UAE, visas are now issued online and at the immigration, you should be able to go through based on the e-visa associated with your passport. However, it is always advisable to carry a copy of all necessary documents while travelling.

 

Can I extend my visa?

All types of visit and tourist visas can be extended for 30 days twice, upon renewal without the need to leave the country:

  • To renew your visa for 30 days, you would need to pay approximately Dh1,450
  • To extend your visa for 90 days, you would need to pay approximately Dh2,000

 

This cost, too, can vary based on your agent and the emirate you are applying from. If you overstay your visa, you will have to pay a fine of Dh100 for each day of the overstay, calculated from 10 days after the visa expiry.  However, the new rule for extension does not apply on the following categories:

  • visitors and tourists who are residents in GCC countries
  • residents accompanying GCC nationals
  • those on special entry permits
  • those on 96-hour permit for special missions.
  • Visa on arrival

 

Nationals from 59 countries can get visa on arrival in the UAE. The list of the countries can be found here.  However, the duration of the visa as well as provision of extension can vary based on which country you are from.

  • a visit visa issued by the USA or
  • a green card issued by the USA or
  • a residence visa issued by the UK or
  • a residence visa issued by the EU

They can obtain a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 14 days provided that the visas or the green card is valid for at least six months from the date of arrival into the UAE.

 

Should I get travel insurance?

It is always recommended that you get travel insurance when visiting a country. While the amount might seem like a lot, it protects tourists and visitors from extreme expenses in case of medical emergencies.

Contact us for a confidential discussion and refer family, friends and colleagues and be rewarded.

Types of Visa in the UAE. Moving to Dubai

Facebook
Linkedin
Youtube
Share this:

Filed Under: Blog, UAE, Visa Tagged With: international, jobs, opportunity, recruitment, visa

  • Go to page 1
  • Go to page 2
  • Go to page 3
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Go to page 6
  • Go to Next Page »

Footer

CONTACT US

+61 (0) 477 915 800
info@thearistosgroup.com

Recent Jobs

  • AVAILABLE NOW FOR DUBAI – BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

    • Anywhere
    • Full Time
  • THE FOLLOWING CANDIDATES READY TO GO NOW – AUSTRALIA & DUBAI

    • Australia & Dubai
    • Full Time
  • MENTAL HEALTH NURSES (MULTIPLE POSITIONS)

    • Hobart, Tasmania
    • Full Time
    • Part Time
  • AVAILABLE – Candidate with Bachelor of Computer & Data Processing

    • Geelong, Australia

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

Facebook
© 2019 · The Aristos Group · All rights reserved · Website by Terri Love Designs