As many people say “the future is now!” In the blink of an eye, we’ve already found ourselves here in the year 2020! If you want to ensure that your future visa application doesn’t fly by beneath your eyes, follow these 6 tips to avoid the panic of a last minute scramble to get all your documents and rushing to lodge your visa application. 

1. Certify and scan your identity documents

In any visa application, it is mandatory to provide evidence of your identity. Your passport is one of those documents. Other identity documents include national ID card, birth certificate, drivers’ licence, marriage certificate, citizenship certificate or a social security card. If you have any of these documents, you should be prepared by scanning a copy of them and getting that copy certified by a justice of the peace or notary public. Keep the certified copies as they will most certainly be required for your visa application.  

2. Apply for police checks

Most visa applications with the exception of visitor visas will require you to provide evidence that you are of good character. Police checks are to be provided by any visa applicant over the age of 18 from countries where the applicant has lived for more than 12 months in total since they turned 16. In Australia, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) is the authority that provides National Police Certificates. Each country will have their own national police force or agency that conducts police checks. It is recommended to apply for one before you apply for your visa application. The Department of Home Affairs accepts police certificates that are no more than 12 months old. 

3. Keep a record of your previous visa applications

If you have previously applied for a visa to Australia, we advise that you keep a copy of all the decisions made in relation to those applications. This includes visa grant letters, visa refusal notifications and any visa cancellations. This will ensure that when you complete the visa application form, you will be able to correctly answer the question about whether you have previously applied for a visa to Australia and if you have ever had a visa refused or cancelled. Decisions on previous visa applications may affect your chances on any future visa applications. Knowing the reasons for any previous visa refusals or cancellations will help you or your Migration Agent appropriately address any concerns that the Department of Home Affairs may have. 

4. Update your details

If any of your personal circumstances have changed since you were granted your last visa and arrived in Australia, you must inform the Department of Home Affairs. This includes if your relationship status has changed, if you have had any newborn children, if you have been issued with a new passport or if you have changed your residential address. It is important to update the Department of Home Affairs as soon as possible as this may affect your current visa or any future visa applications. You can make things easier for the Department if they are quickly able to verify your details when processing your visa application. We recommend ensuring all your details and circumstances are up to date before applying for a new visa. 

5. Do a VEVO check

It’s always good practice to be well aware of the conditions and expiry date of your current visa. This will ensure that you are able to comply with the conditions of your visa and avoid overstaying your visa. It also allows you to plan ahead and make preparations to either depart Australia or apply for a new visa before your current visa ends. You can do this by performing a VEVO check online using your name, passport details and current visa grant details. 

6. Seek advice on your options ahead of time

It is always a good idea to seek advice on your visa and immigration options well before your current visa expires or your intended travel date to Australia. Migration agents and immigration lawyers can help identify potential pathways for you to remain or migrate to Australia. They can also advise on the process, the requirements and help you plan for your visa application. Always make sure that the advice you obtain is from a Registered Migration Agent. You can confirm if they are registered by checking their details and Migration Agent Registration Number (MARN) on the Migration Agents Registration Authority website. 

Get in touch with us early

If you would like to arrange a consultation so that we can help you prepare early for your visa application, contact us or book a consultation online to speak with our registered migration agent.