If you are currently a temporary visa holder and would like to apply to become an Australian Permanent Resident, it is essential to plan your steps accordingly as the process can take a number of years. Below are some helpful pointers:

1. Have a copy of all your personal documents and other information which would support a visa application. The relevant information required for each visa will be different but it does not hurt to have all your personal documents scanned, translated and authenticated where necessary. Being prepared will save you time later on and help you meet deadlines. If you would like help to understand what documents you require and how to prepare them in a format acceptable to the Department of Home Affairs, you can speak to one of our immigration law experts by calling 03 9602 3988.
2. Speak to an immigration specialist to discuss your options. You do not want to spend tens of thousands of dollars studying a degree or pursuing a course of action which you may later find was not necessary, yet every year thousands of people commence studying a degree or pursue a course of action to meet a specific visa’s application requirements. If the person had only spoken to an immigration law specialist for a half hour consultation costing a couple of hundred dollars, they could have saved thousands of hours of time from researching online and paying for degrees or a business which they may not have needed to.
   Chua Tan Associates provides practical advice on immigration pathways to Australia and are experts in applying for visas. Our immigration law practitioners have helped thousands of people successfully obtain permanent residency.
3. Do not simply follow what people around you are doing. Every person’s situation is different and there are different facts which might point to a different visa being the best option to obtain Australian permanent residency. You want to avoid spending time finding out what is in the grape vine, as the information is often inaccurate or outdated, especially if it comes from someone who is not a lawyer or migration agent. For updated and accurate advice, speak to one of our immigration lawyers today.