Top Tips for Applying for a Visa in Australia

• Do your research and make informed decisions about the right visa for you. Visit the Department of Home Affairs website https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-finder, speak to a registered Australian migration agent such as visa4you.com.au, join visa forums, discuss with friends and family who have successfully applied for an Australian visa – choosing the right visa for you will set you up for a successful visa application.
• Ensure you meet ALL the prerequisites for your visa of choice – each visa carries a strict set of prerequisites, if you don’t meet all the prerequisites you are setting yourself up for visa refusal. 
• Ensure you provide all the documents you need to support your visa application – letters from former employers, qualifications, police clearances etc. If you have made a claim in your application this will need to be backed up by documentation.
• Be transparent – if you have a criminal record disclose it on your visa application, even if it was something minor from ten years ago – everything must be declared. Not declaring a conviction on your visa application can result in a visa refusal or visa cancellation. The Department of Home Affairs can audit people once their visas are approved and visas can still be cancelled.
• Check and double check your visa application – make sure you have correctly answered all the information required. Check for mistakes, even small mistakes such as an incorrect passport number or date of birth can result in refusal of entry on arrival.
• Be timely – visa applications have timeframes which need to be met, ensure you provide information and documentation within timeframes.
• Ensure you have enough funds to support yourself initially in Australia – The Department of Home Affairs recommends about $5000 as enough money for your stay in Australia and/or enough to buy a ticket to leave Australia – you will need to provide proof of this with your visa application.
• Ensure you meet the age requirements of the visa – some visas have age limits