Australian Immigration Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some answers to commonly asked questions about visas and immigration to Australia:

Who can certify my original documents?

Australian Registered Migration Agents can certify your original documents. Other persons who can certify documents include Public Notaries, Magistrates, Justices of the Peace, Commissioners of Declarations, Commissioners of Affidavits, solicitors, and medical doctors. The people authorised to verify documents, may vary from country to country. Photocopies or faced copies of certified documents are not acceptable.

Where can I have my medical done?

The level of medicals required varies from country to country. Medicals needs to be conducted by a panel doctor or radiologist (if an x-ray is require) who has been appointed by the Australian Government to perform medical examinations on visa applicants outside of Australia. Please contact ISA Group for details of panel doctors.

Do I need to obtain a police clearance?

Yes, in most instances you will be required to provide police clearances for every country you have lived in for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. ISA Group migration agents can advise you on how this can be done in your country of origin.

Who can translate my documents to English?

Documents in languages other than English must be accompanied by an accurate English translation of each document. If documents are being translated outside of Australia, the services of a Registered Translating Service in that country must be used. If documents are being translated in Australia, this must be done by a translator who is accredited by the National Accreditation Authority for Translations and Interpreters (NAATI). ISA Group can refer applicants to a NAATI accredited translator and provide details of a overseas Registered Translating Service.

Do I need to sit the IELTS English test?

If an applicant is from an English speaking country (i.e. UK, Canada, New Zealand, USA and Ireland) they will not be required to sit the IELTS English test. If you are not from an English speaking country then please contact ISA Group for further information on English language requirements as they vary from visa to visa.

Do ISA Group fees include Government charges?

Our fees do not include any Government charges or costs associated with obtaining medicals, police clearances and English tests.

Does ISA Group help people with immigration assistance to move to countries other than Australia?

ISA Group can provide assistance to individuals and businesses who wish to apply for a visa to live or work in countries other than Australia.

What is meant by an 'eligible New Zealand citizen'?

For sponsorship purposes, an 'eligible New Zealand citizen' is a person who held a Special Category Visa (SCV) on 26 February 2001; or held a SVC for at least one year in the two years preceding that date; or has a certificate, issued under the Social Security Act in 1991, that states that the New Zealand citizen was, for the purposes of that Act, residing in Australia on a particular date. For an eligible New Zealand citizen to be a sponsor, they must meet health and character requirements. An ISA Group Registered Migration Agent will be able to provide whether health and/or character checks will need to be undertaken.