In addition to personal legal appointments, we offer a range of other migration assistance services, including:

Migration Workshops

We offer popular Migration Workshops held early each semester that explores key options for students seeking to migrate permanently to Australia. Our workshops usually provide:

• Comprehensive cover on permanent migration options to Australia, with a specific focus on n the ACT Canberra Matrix; and
• A deep-dive to the 485 Post-higher Education Work Visa
• A Migration Workshop tailored to HDR students 

Migration Monday

Whether you are navigating general questions or just looking for quick guidance, we can assist you. We host a migration walk-in, drop-in session every Monday from 2:00 to 3:00 PM (excluding Public Holidays and closure periods) at the ANU Coffee Lab*.

The information provided during these sessions is general in nature and should not be taken as legal advice. For specific or complex legal questions, you are welcome to book an appointment with a lawyer at the ANUSA Legal Service.

Contact sa.admin@anu.edu.au for more information or follow the ANUSA Facebook Page for more updates.

*Note: we may change locations to suit student needs but will announce any changes on the ANUSA Facebook page in advance. 

Publication of Migration and Visa Information

This webpage and the associated Visa webpage provide additional information tailored for students.

Due to resource constraints, the ANUSA Legal Service, cannot help with lodging, drafting, or reviewing visa applications. If you need specific assistance on lodging your visa applications, we can refer you to a service who can help. If you are unsure about your eligibility for a visa or have questions about how a change of your circumstances we can help with advice.

What is an Australian Permanent Residency (PR)?  

An Australian Permanent Resident (PR) is a type of visa status which allows foreign nationals to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely with pathways to Australian Citizenship. As a Permanent Resident, you may enjoy various rights and benefits such as rights to enrol in Australia’s national health scheme Medicare, apply for bank loans to buy property, work and study in Australia, and other entitlements. Below we provide information about permanent residency and links to key resources to help you navigate the system.

There are several pathways to obtain Australian PR including, but not limited to:

1. Skilled Migration

The Skilled Migration Program aims to attract individuals with skills that are in high demand in Australia. Typically, these visas require an invitation to apply. Applicants must meet various criteria, including fulfilling a points requirement, undergoing a skills assessment, having an occupation listed on a relevant skilled occupation list, and meeting other specified requirements.

There are various visa subclasses under this program, including:

• Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)
• Skilled Nomination Visa (Subclass 190)
• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491) and the associated Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (subclass 191).

These visas (although each having its unique elements) follow a similar structure. They all require you to submit an expression of interest and to be invited to apply for the visa. In terms of key eligibility criteria including:

• having sufficient immigration points
• having a skilled occupation certificate for a skill on the skill occupation list published by the Australian government
• having a recent language test (for most passports).

In addition, the 190 visa and the 491 visas require a sponsor (usually a state or territory). This requires a separate application to a state or territory to sponsor you for that visa. The ACT, for example, has its own minimum criteria and competitive ‘matrix’ for applicants. The links below provide more information about these kinds of elements.

2. Employer Sponsorship

If you are a skilled worker employed by an Australian employer, your employer may choose to sponsor you for an employer sponsored visa, provided that your occupation is included on the relevant skilled occupation list, you meet the necessary qualification requirements including having a skills assessment, and you have adequate work experience.

There are various visa subclasses under this program including:

• Skills In Demand Visa (subclass 482)
  • Specialist Skills Pathway
  • Core Skills Pathway
  • Essential Skills Pathway
• Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186, 187)

3. Family and Partner Visa

Australia offers various visa options to help you reunite with family members or a partner. You may be able to apply for PR through a family member who is an Australian citizen or permanent resident. This could include spousal visas, parent visas, or child visas.

There are various visa subclasses under this program including, but not limited to:

• Partner Visas
  • Partner Visa (apply in Australia) (subclasses 820 and 801)
  • Partner Visa (apply overseas) (subclasses 309 and 100)
  • Prospective Marriage Visa (subclass 300)
• Child Visas
  • Child Visa (onshore) (subclass 802)
  • Child Visa (offshore) (subclass 101)
  • Adoption Visa (subclass 102)
• Parent Visa (subclass 103, 143, 173, 884, 864, 804, 870)

4. Other Visas

The visas listed above aren’t necessarily the only ones that may be relevant to your particular situation. Book in for an appointment for advice.

PhD students have some special opportunities in the migration system. In particular the ACT provides very favourable conditions for sponsoring graduated PhD students who have completed their PhD at a Canberra university for the 190 or 491 visa.

Below is a list of resources you can explore to guide you through various aspects of migration, with a particular focus on skilled migration, which is a commonly asked topic.

General

PR

ACT Canberra Matrix

189 Skilled Independent Visa

Temporary Visas