Your visa is now granted – what next ?
Next steps checklist
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Make sure you complete and return the form "notification of change of circumstances" to DIAC or the local embassy with your file details on the forms |
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Present your passports to your local embassy to have the visas "evidenced" (pasted) into your passport (we will provide instructions on this) together with a copy of your visa grant letter |
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When you get your passports back with the visas in them, immediately make 2 copies (and certify them) of your Australian visa page, and keep these in your "visa file" (in case your passport is lost or stolen – makes it easier to get a new visa issued) |
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Open up a visa / migration file for yourself and keep all critical documents in that folder. (see checklist below of what you should keep in it). This folder must be kept in a safe place and taken with you when you fly to Australia |
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Check the visa and accompanying letters. Make sure you arrange to make your first entry into Australia by the date shown ! Note that the main applicant MUST enter Australia first (or at the same time as the dependents). On your first entry, you may stay indefinitely, or make only a short entry to validate your visa. |
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Note that a permanent residence visa is normally (exceptions apply) valid for entry (apart from the first entry) for 5 years. You MUST take up residency within this 5 year period. Should you not do so, you will at best get a 3 month Resident Return Visa (RRV) at the end of the 5 year period if you are not resident in Australia to enable you to return to Australia as a resident. If you are resident in Australia at the end of your 5 year initial period, you may apply for a RRV in Australia to enable you to travel in & out of Australia if you are not yet a citizen.
To get a 5 year RRV, you must stay in Australia at least 9 of the last 12 months of the initial 5 years. (absolute minimum criteria for a 5 year RRV) |
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To become a citizen, you must be resident in Australia as a permanent resident for at least 2 years (730 days) cumulatively – and of these 2 years, be here at least 9 months in the 12 months immediately preceding the date of application for citizenship. You will remain subject to the migration act (and visas) until you are a citizen (and obtain an Australian Passport) |
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Business skills migrants are reminded to check the criteria for business migrants as contained in our guide on the subject ! |
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PR visa holders (and their dependents) usually have no work limitations at all on their visas and may work anywhere from date of arrival. |
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Always keep ASA informed of your address and contact details (at least for your first 3 years after arrival in Australia |
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