4 Tips to improve your chances of staying in Australia

If you hope to stay in Australia long term, it is important to strengthen your visa pathway wherever possible. You may have a clear visa pathway where you will only need to meet the general eligibility criteria of your visa. However sometimes in Australian immigration law you need to make a strong argument of why your visa should be granted.

Examples of this may be:

·         if you have a health issue that is expensive to treat;

·         if the government is considering cancelling your visa;

·         if you are applying for a partner visa in Australia when you are on a bridging visa;

·         or if you have had your visa refused, been unsuccessful at the ART and are seeking ministerial intervention.

Each of these examples have slightly different requirements, and each case will depend on each person’s individual circumstances. However, there are some practical steps that you can take to help demonstrate your commitment to Australia. Here are four things you can start doing now to improve your chances of remaining in the country. 4 Tips to improve your chances of staying in Australia

Volunteer in your community

Volunteering is one of the clearest ways to show that you are contributing to Australian society. This can include helping at community centres, participating in local events, assisting not for profit organisations, or offering your time to support vulnerable people. Decision makers often look favourably on applicants who show a genuine connection to their community. Volunteer work can also help you build friendships, gain local experience, and strengthen your character references. In QLD you can find volunteering opportunities here: https://volunteeringqld.org.au/

Work towards the ideal job for your visa pathway

Where possible, work for an Australian employer in a skilled occupation. It is often very helpful to show that if you had to leave Australia an Australian business would struggle without you.

Also, if you are able to find a skilled job with an Australian employer it is possible that they might offer you employer sponsorship in the future if your other visa pathways do not work out.

In some cases showing financial stability from Australian employment can also help your case (for example if you are seeking a health waiver).

If you have time in Australia it is often a good idea to use it to work towards getting the qualifications and experience for an occupation that is in high demand in Australia. The government advertises jobs that are in shortage here: https://www.jobsandskills.gov.au/data/occupation-shortage/occupation-shortage-list  Ideally, the occupation should also be on the “list” for employer sponsorship.

Build strong Australian relationships

Australian connections matter. This includes your partner, friends, colleagues, neighbours, and anyone who forms part of your support network. Positive relationships can help show that Australia is your home and that you are settled here. These relationships can also provide important evidence if you ever need character statements, support letters, or proof of your integration into the community.

If you are in a genuine relationship with an Australian permanent resident, citizen or a New Zealand citizen you may also be eligible to apply for a partner visa or NZ citizen family relationship visa if your other visa options do not work out.

Improve your English

Although learning another language can be challenging, it is often helpful if you can improve your English. This makes it more likely that you can be eligible for different types of visas (such as employer sponsorship).

It may also help you build more connections and opportunities in Australia.

Stay informed and seek professional advice

If you are in a situation where you need to prove that you have “compelling” “compassionate” or other special circumstances in order to stay in Australia it is important to carefully review every aspect of your life to see what argument can be made in favour of your application. Volunteering, working, and building Australian relationships are just a few examples of things that are likely to improve your case.

Sometimes unexpected things happen when you are trying to migrate permanently to Australia. Implementing some of these suggestions at the beginning of your journey can help you overcome any setbacks you encounter along the way.  

Final thoughts

Staying in Australia is often about preparation, consistency, and demonstrating real ties to the country. By volunteering, building your career, strengthening your relationships, and seeking the right advice, you can give yourself the best chance of success.

At Mandeville Migration, we can help you plan a pathway that gives you the best opportunity to remain in Australia and respond to any obstacles on your journey.