Australia is among the most immigrant-friendly countries in the world today. At present, they have various immigration programs that allow people from different parts of the globe to enter and work in the country or to join their families who are already there.

The Land Down Under is also highly welcoming of tourists, international students, and foreign entrepreneurs who want to set up their business in the country.

But even if Australia’s immigration policies are generally quite manageable for foreigners, you still need to devote time and effort when you will be applying for an entry visa. If you are too lax and don’t prepare well for the application process, you will end up having your visa declined. This means having all the effort and money you put in simply going to waste.

There are some simple yet handy tips you can follow to increase your chances of having your Australian visa application approved. Below are some of the most important ones:

• Check your passport

Your passport is one of the primary documents you need to submit when you are applying for any kind of Australian visa. As such, this should be the first thing you should check.

Make sure your passport will still be valid for six months at the time of your planned departure for Australia. If it will be expiring in six or seven months at the time of your application, it is best to renew it first before you continue with the process.

Check if your passport has at least two blank pages as well. Even if your passport is still valid for a year or so but it doesn’t have any more blank pages, you will have to renew it as well.

• Set a deadline for your application

Local Australian embassies receive hundreds of visa applications every day. Because of this, they will take time to process your application.

Setting a deadline for the completion of your requirements and submission of your visa application will help you ensure you can leave for Australia on your preferred date.

It is best to start preparing your documents and other requirements two or three months before your target date. You should also submit your application at least two months prior to this date. By doing so, you will have enough time to get any missing paperwork and fix any errors if you’re application is refused, and to apply again.

• Ensure you submit the right and up-to-date visa application forms

Each visa category requires a different set of application forms. Make sure you have downloaded or will be filling the right ones online as specified by the type of visa you are applying for.

These visa application forms are also regularly updated. Frequently check the official Australian Visa Information website in your home country to be sure you have the latest forms.

• Be consistent with your answers

You will be placing the same information repeatedly on various parts of the visa application form and on other questionnaires. Make sure you read each question carefully and think about the information required since you may have already provided the same or a similar detail in another part of the form.

It is important that you be consistent with your answers, especially to similar questions. This should also be evident in your purpose for your application or travel and other personal information including the spelling of your name, birthdate, address, etc.

If you are inconsistent with any information, you will create confusion. You will even increase the chances of your application being rejected.

• Do not leave any blanks on your forms

Whether you have already provided the same information before or you think the question isn’t important or doesn’t apply to you, do not leave anything on your form blank or unanswered.

The visa application form and other questionnaires are designed for the entry clearance officer to get to know you. As such, they require all the information you need to place on the form.

• Be honest

To get an approved visa, putting your best face forward will help you. However, do not lie or conceal important facts. You have to answer all questions truthfully even if you think the information you provide may hurt your chances of getting a visa.

Keep in mind that the penalties for filing a fraudulent or inaccurate application can be severe, so always be honest.

• Double-check your application form and supporting documents

Ensure you don’t leave anything blank on your forms and that all your answers are correct, complete, and consistent one last time. Be on the lookout for any typos as well.

Don’t forget to download a list of requirements you need to provide and check that you have all these documents days before you submit your visa application.

You can have another person double-check your forms and supporting documents to be certain you did not miss or forget anything.

The best persons to help you double-check your application are reputable immigration consultants. With their assistance, you will be sure you will submit an application pack that is complete, organized, and correct — one that will give you better chances of getting an entry visa. Then, all you will need to worry about is packing for your overseas move.

AUTHOR BIO

Bevan Berning is an Immigration professional and owner of Pathway Visas, an Immigration Agency dealing mostly with skilled immigration to Canada and Australia. Bevan’s enthusiasm for the industry has kept in the Immigration field for the past seven years. Bevan is South African by birth and has been residing in Dubai for the past eight years.