Life in Australia

A Brief History

Australia is the world's largest island and smallest continent, it is 25 times the size of the UK. The population numbers just 20 million, with most people living within 12 miles of the ocean and on the southeastern side of the continent.

Australia is the most urbanised country in the world, with more than 85 per cent of Australians living in a town or city.

Canberra is Australia 's purpose built capital. The city was established in 1908 to house the Federal Parliament after arch rivals Sydney and Melbourne contested the right to be the capital city.

Australia is divided into six states and two territories;

Australia has a two-tier parliament and a representative of the UK monarchy acting as a symbolic head of state.

The Federal Government is responsible for the national economy, immigration and defence, while the state/territories decide on certain matters like health, education and transport.

Australia is a sovereign country and has the right to decide who can enter and stay on its territory.

Only Australian citizens have the unrestricted right to travel freely in and out of the country. All other people must have an authority, in the form of a visa, to enter and stay in Australia.

With the exception of New Zealand citizens, travelling on New Zealand passports, all foreign nationals must obtain a visa or Electronic Travel Authority before travelling to Australia.

Anyone who arrives without a visa, authority for re-entry or an Australian or New Zealand passport will be refused entry to Australia or delayed until their identity and claims to enter Australia have been checked.

Australian citizens, who have automatic right of entry to Australia, need only present a current Australian passport on arrival.

Australian citizens, who hold dual or multiple nationalities, must use an Australian passport to enter or leave Australia, even if they use a foreign passport overseas.

The only exception is where they have been issued an Australian Declaratory Visa (ADV).

New Zealand citizens, travelling on New Zealand passports, receive electronic visas on arrival, entitling them to stay in Australia.

All other non-citizens, including people who migrated and now live in Australia permanently, must hold a valid visa or authority for re-entry to Australia.

New migrants are issued with a multiple re-entry visa when their immigration to Australia is approved. These visas last up to five years from the date of grant.

After the initial visa has expired, if the holder wishes to continue to travel to and from Australia as a permanent resident, they must obtain a Resident Return Visa (RRV).

The grant of skilled permanent visas to Australia is dependent purely on the applicant's ability to meet the migration criteria of the day.