With the high cost of living and competitive rental market, it’s important to have a solid plan in place to secure a rental property.

Below, we discuss some tips and techniques to help you get a rental property in Australia.

Research the Market

Before you start your search for a rental property, it’s important to research the market in the area you are interested in.

Look at the average rental prices, vacancy rates, and the types of properties available. Realestate.com.au and search engines are a good starting point.

Thorough research will give you an idea of what to expect and help you determine a realistic budget for your rental.

Save for a Security Deposit

Most landlords in Australia require a security deposit before you can move into a rental property. This is usually equivalent to four to six weeks’ rent.

It’s important to start saving for this deposit as soon as possible to avoid any delays in securing a property. You may also need to pay the first month’s rent in advance, so make sure you have enough funds to cover these costs.

Prepare Your Documents

When applying for a rental property, you will need to provide certain documents to the landlord or real estate agent. These may include proof of income, references from previous landlords, and a copy of your ID.

It’s a good idea to have these documents ready before you start your search, as it will make the application process smoother and show the landlord that you are a serious and organised tenant.

Consider getting references from your home country before you leave for Australia.

Consider a Guarantor

If you are a student or have a low income, you may need a guarantor to secure a rental property. A guarantor is someone who agrees to pay your rent if you are unable to.

This can be a family member or friend who has a stable income and good credit history. Having a guarantor can increase your chances of getting a rental property, especially if you are a first-time renter.

Be Prepared to Negotiate

In Australia, the cost of living and renting can be high, so it’s important to be prepared to negotiate with the landlord or real estate agent. This could include negotiating the rent price, the length of the lease, or any additional fees.

It’s also a good idea to have a backup plan in case your first choice falls through. In this competitive market, it’s commonplace to receive rejected applications.

A backup plan could include having a list of other properties you are interested in or being open to different locations.

Seek Professional Help

If you are struggling to find a rental property or are unsure of the process, it may be beneficial to seek professional help.

There are many real estate agents and property managers who specialise in helping people find rental properties. They can also provide valuable advice and guidance on the rental market in your desired area.

By following these tips and techniques, you can increase your chances of securing a rental property in Australia. Remember to do your research, save for a security deposit, and be prepared to negotiate.

With determination and a solid plan, you can find the perfect rental property for your needs.

Start your move to Australia by booking a visa consultation

The post How to get a rental property in Australia appeared first on Visa Go Australia.

Many people make mistakes during the application process that can result in delays or even rejection of their visa. To ensure a smooth and successful visa application, here are some common mistakes to avoid when applying for an Australian visa.

Not Seeking Professional Help

One of the biggest mistakes people make when applying for an Australian visa is not seeking professional help. While it may seem like a simple process, there are many intricacies and requirements that must be met in order to be granted a visa.

A migration agent can provide valuable guidance and assistance throughout the application process, increasing your chances of success.

Not Understanding the Visa Requirements

Each type of Australian visa has its own set of requirements that must be met in order to be granted. Many people make the mistake of not thoroughly understanding these requirements before applying.

This can result in a rejected application or delays while trying to gather the necessary documents. It is important to carefully read and understand the visa requirements before beginning the application process.

Providing Incomplete or Inaccurate Information

When filling out the visa application, it is crucial to provide complete and accurate information. Many people make the mistake of leaving out important details or providing incorrect information, which can lead to a rejected application.

It is important to double check all information before submitting the application to ensure its accuracy. Migrations agents check over applications and documents on multiple occasions throughout the visa process.

Not Meeting Health and Character Requirements

In order to be granted an Australian visa, applicants must meet certain health and character requirements. This often includes undergoing a medical examination and providing a police clearance certificate.

Many people make the mistake of not completing these requirements or not providing the necessary documents, resulting in additional paperwork. It is important to carefully follow all health and character requirements to avoid any delays or rejections.

It is also important to declare all criminal convictions, cautions and charges.

Not Applying for the Right Visa

Another common mistake is applying for the wrong type of visa. Australia offers a variety of visas for different purposes, such as work, study, or family sponsorship.

It is important to carefully research and understand which visa is most suitable for your situation before beginning the application process. Applying for the wrong visa can result in a rejected application and may also negatively affect future visa applications. Consulting with an experienced migration agent before starting the visa process is advisable.

Book a visa consultation for $120 with Visa Go Australia

Waiting Until the Last Minute

The visa application process can take several months, so it is important to start the process as early as possible. Many people make the mistake of waiting until the last minute to apply, which can result in delays or even missing important deadlines.

It is important to plan ahead and give yourself enough time to complete the application and gather all necessary documents.

See the latest visa processing times on the Department website

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can increase your chances of a successful Australian visa application. Remember to seek professional help, thoroughly understand the visa requirements, provide accurate information, meet health and character requirements, apply for the right visa, and start the process early.

With careful planning and attention to detail, you can make your dream of moving to Australia a reality!

The post Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for an Australian Visa appeared first on Visa Go Australia.

About the Teach in Australia Webinar Feb 2024

Hear from Migration Agent Darren and Case Processor Sue about the visa options available for teachers.

Rowan from ANZUK Education reveals what Australian schools are looking for, and how to secure an interview before you arrive in Australia.

This webinar also includes lesser-known information about state sponsorship, priority processing and QTS qualified teachers.

Did you know that most Australian states let you apply for teaching registration before you arrive in Australia?

If you’re a teacher migrating to Australia, then this webinar is a must-see!

Helpful time stamps

3:00 – Introduction to presenters
5:10 – Popular visas for teachers wanting to live and work in Australia
6:50 – Working holiday visa
8:00 – Working holiday visa changes for UK passport holders
11:07 – Employer sponsored visa
13:24 – Skilled visa (subclasses 189, 190 and 491)
16:45 – Skilled visa costs
20:20 – Examples of visas available to UK and Irish teachers
25:52 – Examples of visas available to Fiji and South Africa teachers
31:30 – Do I need an English test?
34:06 – Which qualifications do I need for a positive skills assessment?
35:50 – UK teacher visa options and conditions
38:04 – Can I apply for two visas at the same time?
39:06 – AITSL skills assessment advice and current processing times
41:40 – Teaching registration
43:00 – What are my chances of securing employer sponsorship?
46:20 – Teaching success stories and DET Initiative in Victoria
47:10 – How to get started with your move to Australia
49:20 – Relocation support (Victorian Government initiative)
50:00 – Roles in demand
50:30 – Audience questions, including EOI wait times
1:08 – Webinar end

Listen to our Teach in Australia Webinar Feb 2024

If you need further advice about migrating to Australia as a teacher, we recommend booking a consultation with our Migration Agent Darren Chatt.

Learn more about teaching jobs and registration in Australia

Learn more about the teaching skills assessment for Australia

The post Teach in Australia Webinar Feb 2024 appeared first on Visa Go Australia.

New Perth office

This month we moved into a new office in Wembley, Perth. We are delighted to have a bigger office to expand our visa and employment services.

You can find us at 59 Grantham Street, WEMBLEY WA 6014. *Please note we do not offer walk-in consultations.

At our office we host Vetassess technical interviews for trade occupations.

Our Case Processor Kimberley is based in this office. She assists with Australian partner visas and employment services.

Kimberley has been studying a Graduate Diploma in Migration Law this year. In 2024, she will complete her Capstone exam to become a licensed Migration Agent.

An update from our Migration Agent

It’s been a busy year with lots of exciting visa changes. Our Migration Agent Darren Chatt MARN:0211214 reflects on some of these changes.

“Australia is committed to attracting skilled migrants. We have seen many state sponsorship invitations for our clients, particularly teachers and nurses. We also welcomed WA’s Construction Visa Subsidy Program.”

WA’s Construction Visa Subsidy Program is a monetary incentive for migrants to build a life in WA. Applicants can claim up to $10,000!

There has been good news for temporary skilled visa holders too.

“The Department have announced easier pathways to PR (permanent residency) for temporary skilled visa holders. Soon, applicants will be able to apply for PR under the 186 visa after just two years of working with for sponsors.”

Read: A Migration System for Australia’s Future

We have also received multiple requests and grants for our contributory parent visa clients.

Our partner visas continue to be processed in 2-6 months from lodgement. This includes both onshore and offshore applications. Submitting a complete application with the correct documents helps reduce processing times.

Ask us for a partner visa quote

Visa consultations

This year we implemented an online booking and payment system for visa consultations.

A visa consultation with Darren is an excellent way to understand your Australian visa options.

As a licensed Migration Agent, Darren provides honest and reliable advice about your chances of migrating to Australia.

Learn more here: Australian Visa Consultation – MARA Registered Agent – Visa Go Australia (visa-go.com)

The post An update from Visa Go Australia appeared first on Visa Go Australia.

Build a life in WA!

WA Construction Visa Subsidy Program

The WA State Government created this program to entice skilled construction workers to relocate to WA. It aims to fill construction jobs, as the demand for housing in WA continues to grow.

There are a variety of construction and building occupations included. From electricians, to architects, surveyors, bricklayers and more!

This program is for skilled migrants wanting to build a life in WA. No other states or territories are currently offering this program. but watch this space…

 How much money can I claim?

• Skilled migrants outside Australia – $10,000 paid in 2 instalments
• Skilled migrants inside Australia – $5,000 paid in 2 instalments

Am I eligible for this grant?

To apply, you must meet all the following:

• Be granted a subclass 190 or 491 visa (with WA sponsorship);
• Work for a WA business headquartered and undertaking building and construction work in WA;
• Work in an eligible occupation (refer to this occupation list)

There are currently 34 construction occupations on the WASMOL.

Alternatively, WA employers sponsoring skilled migrants can claim this grant. This includes visa subclasses 482, 494 and 186 and DAMA’s.

See the full terms and condition of this program on the Migration WA website.

How do I apply?

Follow these steps:

1. Obtain WA state sponsored visa (subclass 190 or 491).
2. Register your arrival in Australia and visa approval with WA Migration Services here: Register your arrival · WA Migration Services (powerappsportals.com)
3. Start employment with an eligible employer and submit first claim here: https://migrationservices.powerappsportals.com/cvsp-snmp/
4. After six months working in WA’s construction industry, submit your final claim here: https://migrationservices.powerappsportals.com/cvsp-snmp/

Visa Go Australia can process the first stage by helping you obtain a skilled visa. Following this, there’s help available from the Construction Migration Office.

Build a life in WA and enjoy the best beaches in the world!

The post Get paid to build a life in WA! appeared first on Visa Go Australia.

Working Holiday age increases for UK applicants

The Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement was signed nearly 2 years ago in December 2021. This agreement makes it easier for British people to live and work in Australia and vice versa. As part of this agreement, both Governments agreed to increase the eligible age for working holiday makers.

UK passport holders can now apply for a working holiday visa until the age of 35. Previously, UK applicants could only apply until the age of 30. UK passport holders can lodge an application for any Working Holiday (subclass 417) visa until midnight (AEST) on the day before their 36th birthday.

This will be welcomed news for those who want to live and work in Australia!

To see full details of the changes, please refer to the Government website.

Why choose a working holiday visa

A working holiday visa is a desirable option for migrants. This visa lets you experience Australia, with work rights allowing you to fund your travels. Other advantages include:

• Quick processing times
• Straightforward online visa application
• Low visa application fee
• Can be extended to 3 years if specified work is completed

This visa is temporary and has work limitations. Therefore, it’s not designed for those wanting to move permanently to Australia. You cannot include children on this visa, and each applicant must apply individually.

However, it may be a good ‘stepping stone’ visa, as it allows you to experience Australian life and discover employment opportunities at low cost. Some of our clients have found employer sponsorship opportunities after arriving in Australia as a working holidaymaker.

If you’re seriously considering a move to Australia, we recommend booking a visa consultation. Our migration agent Darren will explain your visa options to you, and help you decide the best pathway.

The post Working Holiday age increases for UK applicants appeared first on Visa Go Australia.

Australian visa changes will see more UK working holiday makers come to Australia.

Below, we outline the main Australian visa changes from 1 July 2023.

UK working holiday age increased

Perhaps the most anticipated change, more UK passport holders are eligible to apply for a working holiday visa. Eligible applicants can apply between the ages of 18-35 inclusive.

Full details are on the Department website.

Price increases

Visa application charges increase in line with inflation each year. Most fees have increased by 6% this year. Some popular visa categories outlines below:

Refer to the Department website for a full list of current visa application charges.

Increased income threshold for skilled applicants

Australian visa changes will see increased base wages for 482 visa holders

The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) has increased to $70,000. The TSMIT is the minimum wage a 482 visa holder must receive. Previously, the TSMIT was $53, 900 and

had not been updated since 2013.

By raising the income threshold, it’s hoped that international workers are paid a liveable salary and locals will not be undercut for jobs. However, this increase in salary will make it difficult for smaller businesses as the cost of employer sponsorship continues to rise. Time will tell how this will affect the willingness of Australian businesses to sponsor overseas workers.

If you need visa advice, you can book a consultation with our Migration agent here: Australian Visa Consultation – MARA Registered Agent – Visa Go Australia (visa-go.com)

The post Australian visa changes from 1 July 2023 appeared first on Visa Go Australia.

We work with Halo Financial, an award-winning UK foreign exchange brokerage. Halo simplify the currency exchange market to save you time and money. Keep reading to see their latest GBP/AUD exchange rate update.

GBP/AUD exchange rate

GBP/AUD Exchange Rate

The GBP/AUD rate is $1.91 (at the time of writing). This level has only been reached twice very briefly in the last 3 years, so if you are transferring money from GBP to AUD, you may want to consider taking advantage of this level NOW.

Speak to our Foreign Currency Partner Halo Financial, to find out more about GBP/AUD currency movements, rates and options available to help you to achieve the best possible rate within your time frame.

Contact our friendly Kiwi contact at Halo geraldine.collett@halofinancial.com

Or register with Halo to keep up to date with AUD & GBP rates or other worldwide exchange rates.

Phone: +44 (0) 20 7350 5470

Email: geraldine.collett@halofinancial.com

Website: https://www.halofinancial.com/visa-go-australia

The post Exchange Rate Alert: GBP/AUD Exchange Rate appeared first on Visa Go Australia.

An update on GBP/AUD rate

The GBP/AUD rate has hit the highest level for over a year (at the time of writing), so if you are transferring money from GBP to AUD, you may want to consider taking advantage of this level now.

Speak to our Foreign Currency Partner Halo Financial, to find out more about GBP/AUD currency movements, rates and options available to help you to achieve your desired exchange rate.

Contact our friendly Kiwi contact at Halo geraldine.collett@halofinancial.com

Or register with Halo to keep up to date with AUD & GBP rates or other worldwide exchange rates.

Phone: +44 (0) 20 7350 5470

Email: geraldine.collett@halofinancial.com

Website: https://www.halofinancial.com/visa-go-australia

The post Update: GBP/AUD Exchange Rate appeared first on Visa Go Australia.

I am a teacher over 45 years old. Can I still apply for a permanent residency visa?

Darren Chatt MARN:0211214

“If you’re over 45 you can apply for an employer sponsored visa (subclass 482). There are no age restrictions on the 482 visa, however pathways to permanent residency are difficult.

If you’re a teacher over 45 years old, you can apply for permanent residency (PR) via the Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA). Applying under a DAMA bypasses the age restriction for PR.

Far North Queensland (FNQ) are approved under the DAMA, and teachers are on their occupation list.

If you’re over 45 and aiming for PR, it’s advisable to seek Queensland schools approved under this agreement. The school must have been operating within the Designated Area for at least 12 months prior to seeking endorsement.”

Teaching occupations included in DAMA

Teaching occupations included in the Far North Queensland Designated Area Migration Agreement:

• Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher ANZSCO 241111
• Primary School Teachers ANZSCO 241213
• Secondary School Teacher ANZSCO 241411
• Special Education Teacher ANZSCO 241599
• Special Needs Teacher ANZSCO 241511
• Teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) ANZSCO 249311
• Vocational Education Teacher ANZSCO 242211

All 7 occupations have an age concession of 55 years old.

DAMA areas

The FNQ DAMA designated area comprises the Cairns, Douglas, Mareeba, Tablelands and Cassowary Coast local government areas. Also, the Cook Shire Council, Torres Shire Council, and Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council local government areas, and the Weipa Town Authority area.

The business must have been operating within the Designated Area for at least 12 months prior to seeking endorsement.

Full details of the FNQ DAMA can be found on their website. The occupation list is regularly updated.

Teaching in Australia after 45 is possible via Queensland’s DAMA

Learn more about the teaching skills assessment on our dedicated page.

The post Teaching in Australia after 45 – Is PR possible? appeared first on Visa Go Australia.