Antipodes Migration

13/10/2023

Referendum
Saturday 14 October 2023
Don't forget to Vote

Quick Facts...

Australians last voted to change the Constitution more than 20 years ago -

This will be the 45th time Australians have been asked to consider changing the Constitution -

Statistically, Australians are very shy when it comes to change. Only 8 of the previous 44 referendums were successful in changing the Constitution -

For the proposed change to 'get up', the majority of voters nationally must vote yes and the majority of the 6 states must also vote yes - a 'double majority' -

VOTING IS COMPULSORY FOR ALL CITIZENS OVER 18 YEARS OLD

04/10/2023

Tip of the Day!
Remember to advise your migration agent when you get a new passport!
Your visa is linked to the passport you used when you applied for your visa. Failure to update your new passport details could put you in breach of your visa conditions and could see you being denied boarding your flight!

09/11/2022

Love was never meant to be easy...

So the saying goes! But when you find the love of your life and that person is not an Australian citizen, love can get a whole lot harder.

Australians are a restless mob. Always eager to pack a bag and head overseas in search of new adventures and experiences. What they do not plan, however, is falling in love in the process. Love takes us by surprise and is often found when we are not looking for it!

While some Aussies opt to remain with their new love in their country, many couples decide, after careful thought and consideration, to begin the process of settling back in Australia.

Should be easy right!?

Here are some statistics...

The Australian government caps its annual migration program. For the 2022-23 program year the government has announced that of a total planning level of 195,000, 52,500 places will be reserved for reuniting families. Of those 52,500 places, 40,500 are allocated to Partner Visas. This is in fact a decrease of close to 44% on the previous year.

The process of applying for a Partner Visa is time consuming and VERY expensive. Indeed, the current Visa Application Charge begins at an eye watering $8,085 and there is no refund if their application is refused.

Many applicants and their partners become enormously frustrated.
They love each other.
Their friends, families and colleagues know they love each other.
So why then is it so very complicated and crucial to prove to a stranger, sitting in an office that you love each other?!
The answer is simply that this stranger has the power to decide whether the couple get to continue their lives together in Australia and the burden of proof is heavy.

The hard-working case officers who process Partner Visa applications have an enormous workload. Our philosophy is to make their job as simple as possible by submitting applications that remove any doubt as to the genuine nature of our clients' relationships.

It's true, at Antipodes Migration we love love! But even more, we love working with our clients to plan, prepare and lodge Partner Visa applications that are thorough, decision ready and bullet proof. We explore every aspect of your life and love to maximise your chances of success. Let us take care of the tricky bits, while you take care of each other.

13/10/2022

Immigration Minister Andrew Giles says the government is starting to see results on a blitz of Australia’s crippling visa backlog.

12/08/2022

Driving in Australia 🚙 🏍

Australia is a big country with so much to see and there is nothing more awe inspiring than a road trip. But did you know that drivers licence requirements are determined by the Australian states and territories? This can be confusing because while each state or territory has some common rules, there are a number of important differences that you should be aware of.

One common factor is that all states and territories allow visitors to drive on either an International Driving Permit or their current FULL drivers licence, provided that licence is valid and current. BUT, and this is important – you must always carry your foreign licence with you while driving AND carry and an approved English translation of the overseas licence or an International Driving Permit along with your foreign licence

The rules of each state or territory become a bit more complicated for people who plan to stay for more than 3 months or who have gained permanent residency. Here is a breakdown of those rules on a state or territory basis.

In Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia you must apply for a local licence within 3 months of gaining your PR status. Tasmania requires you to get your state licence within 6 months of PR grant. If you are planning an extended stay in the Northern Territory (NT) of more than 3 months, you must apply for a local licence. This is true for whatever, temporary or permanent, visa you hold. Importantly, the NT requires a person to carry an International Driving Permit if their foreign licence is not in English, in this case, an English translation is not sufficient.

Victoria is somewhat similar to NT except that the Victorian government allows a person to drive on their foreign licence for 6 months before they need to obtain a state licence, regardless of whether you are a temporary or permanent visa holder.

The Australian Capital Territory government, requires people to obtain a local licence within 6 months of commencing residence there. Tourists, business people and student can simply use their foreign licence for the duration of their stay.

Visitors and students in New South Wales (NSW) can drive on their valid overseas licence for the duration of their stay. Beware however, that if you are pulled over by police in NSW, you may be asked to prove your temporary visa status, this may include a copy of your visa grant notice and / or a letter from your education institution. Upon being granted PR, you must obtain a local licence within 3 months of your PR grant.

Of course it goes without saying, you must drive according to the local road rules, regardless of where you are from.

Use these links for more detailed information and safe and happy driving.

Tasmania - https://www.transport.tas.gov.au/licensing/interstate_or_overseas_licences/driving_in_tasmania_on_an_interstate_or_overseas_licence

Victoria - https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/licences/new-to-victoria/interstate-overseas-licence-holders

New South Wales - https://www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/driver-and-rider-licences/visiting-or-moving-to-nsw/overseas-and-interstate-visitors
Australian Capital Territory

Queensland - https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/licensing/driver-licensing/overseas/driving

Northern Territory - https://nt.gov.au/driving/licence/new-nt-residents-and-visitors/driver-licence-rules-for-new-nt-residents-and-visiting-drivers

South Australia - https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/driving-and-transport/licences/interstate-and-overseas/driving-with-an-overseas-licence

Western Australia - https://www.transport.wa.gov.au/licensing/visiting-from-overseas.asp

NAATI – Translations - https://www.transport.wa.gov.au/licensing/visiting-from-overseas.asp

17/08/2020

The heartbreaking impacts of political point scoring 😤
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-08-14/partner-visa-process-criticised-by-former-immigration-official/12553190?fbclid=IwAR21GCZr6PS998D2uWgk4SKSXIeGfM1Ev1hVeXYRQ_SH7xd0_hrF7NJlnEk

Delays in partner visa approvals meant Demir missed the birth of his first child, and a former senior immigration official says the process needs to change.

06/08/2020

What are they talking about?
Every country has their own slang and Australia is no different. In fact, some new to 'Straya (Australia) reckon they spend their first few months here completely confused.
Here are some tips to get you started...

Learn these phrases to communicate with the Aussie locals, from ripper larrikins to bogan nuffies and everyone in between.

06/08/2020

Aussie humour can be tricky to understand for those not used to its quirks - here are some of our best comedy classics for some humour (and tips) during lockdown.
https://australianmovies.net/30-amazing-australian-comedies

Here's our movie list highlighting almost 40 Australian comedy classics that you should be adding to your watch list. Follow the link at each movie for reviews, trailers, synopsis, where to watch