Immigration FAQ - Your Complete Guide to Australian, Hong Kong, US, Canada Immigration

 

FAQ Content (40 Questions)

Part 1: General Immigration Questions (10 Questions)

Q1: What is immigration? What are the types of immigration?

Answer by Australian Registered Migration Lawyer (LPN5512623):

 

Immigration refers to the process of moving from one country to another for permanent or long-term residence. Based on our 20 years of experience helping 3000+ families, immigration can be categorized into the following main types:

 

1. Skilled Migration

•        Based on professional skills, education, and work experience

•        Examples: Australian 189/190/491, Canada Express Entry

•        Suitable for: Professionals with in-demand skills

 

2. Employer Sponsored Immigration

•        Requires a job offer from a local employer

•        Examples: Australian 186/482, US H-1B/EB-3

•        Suitable for: Professionals with job offers

 

3. Business/Investment Immigration

•        Requires business experience or investment capital

•        Examples: Australian NIV Entrepreneur, Hong Kong Capital Investment Entrant Scheme

•        Suitable for: Entrepreneurs and high-net-worth individuals

 

4. Talent Immigration

•        For individuals with exceptional achievements

•        Examples: Australian NIV Talent (P3/P4), US EB-1A

•        Suitable for: Industry leaders and award winners

 

5. Family Reunion Immigration

•        Based on family relationships

•        Examples: Spouse visa, parent visa, child visa

•        Suitable for: Family members of citizens/permanent residents

 

Real Case Example: Mr. Zhang, a 45-year-old IT professional, successfully immigrated to Australia through the 189 Skilled Migration pathway. Despite his age, we helped him achieve 90 points through professional skills and work experience, receiving PR approval in just 8 months.

 

Free Assessment: Not sure which immigration pathway suits you? Contact us for a free assessment →

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Q2: How much does immigration cost? What fees are included?

Answer by Australian Registered Migration Lawyer (LPN5512623):

 

Based on our 20 years of experience, immigration costs vary significantly depending on the country and visa type. Here's a transparent breakdown:

 

Australian Immigration Costs:

 

1. Government Fees:

•        Skilled Migration (189/190/491): AUD 4,985 (main applicant) + AUD 2,493 (spouse) + AUD 1,247 (child under 18)

•        Employer Sponsored (186): AUD 4,985 (main applicant) + family members

•        NIV Talent/Entrepreneur: AUD 4,985 (main applicant) + family members

•        State nomination fee: AUD 300-500 (varies by state)

 

2. Third-Party Fees:

•        Medical examination: AUD 300-500 per person

•        Police clearance: AUD 50-200 per person (varies by country)

•        Skills assessment: AUD 500-1,500 (varies by profession)

•        English test (IELTS/PTE): AUD 300-400

 

3. Professional Service Fees:

•        Based on service agreement

•        Includes: case assessment, document preparation, application submission, case tracking

•        Transparent pricing, no hidden fees

 

Hong Kong Immigration Costs:

 

1. Government Fees:

•        Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS): HKD 0 (no application fee)

•        Top Talent Pass Scheme: HKD 0 (no application fee)

•        Capital Investment Entrant Scheme: Minimum investment HKD 30 million

•        General Employment Policy (GEP): HKD 230

 

2. Professional Service Fees:

•        Based on service agreement

•        Success-based fee model available

 

Real Case Example: Ms. Li successfully applied for Hong Kong QMAS. Total cost including professional fees was approximately HKD 80,000, receiving approval in just 6 months.

 

Why Choose PremierVisa:

•        ✅ Transparent pricing, no hidden fees

•        ✅ Free initial assessment

•        ✅ Success-based fee model available

•        ✅ Failed application appeal service

 

Free Assessment: Want to know the exact cost for your case? Contact us for a free quote →

 

Q3: How long does immigration take?

Answer by Australian Registered Migration Lawyer (LPN5512623):

 

Based on our 20 years of experience processing 3000+ cases, immigration processing times vary by country and visa type. Here's our real data:

 

Australian Immigration Processing Times:

 

1. Skilled Migration (189/190/491):

•        EOI invitation: 1-6 months (depending on score and occupation)

•        Visa processing: 6-12 months

•        Total time: 7-18 months

•        Our average: 10 months (faster than industry average)

 

2. Employer Sponsored (186/482):

•        Employer nomination: 1-3 months

•        Visa processing: 6-12 months

•        Total time: 7-15 months

•        Our average: 9 months

 

3. NIV Talent/Entrepreneur:

•        State nomination: 2-4 months

•        Federal visa: 6-12 months

•        Total time: 8-16 months

•        Our average: 11 months

 

Hong Kong Immigration Processing Times:

 

1. Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS):

•        Application submission: Quarterly

•        Initial assessment: 4-6 months

•        Final approval: 2-3 months

•        Total time: 6-9 months

•        Our average: 7 months

 

2. Top Talent Pass Scheme:

•        Category A/B: 4 weeks

•        Category C: 6-8 weeks

•        Our average: 5 weeks

 

3. Capital Investment Entrant Scheme:

•        Document preparation: 2-3 months

•        Application processing: 6-12 months

•        Total time: 8-15 months

 

Real Case Example: Mr. Wang applied for Australian NIV Talent. We helped him prepare comprehensive achievement evidence, receiving state nomination in 3 months and federal approval in 8 months—total 11 months, faster than the average 14 months.

 

Why PremierVisa is Faster:

•        ✅ Experienced lawyers know exactly what documents immigration officers want

•        ✅ Comprehensive document preparation reduces RFI (Request for Information)

•        ✅ Proactive case tracking and follow-up

•        ✅ Direct communication channels with immigration departments

 

Free Assessment: Want to know how long your case will take? Contact us for a free timeline assessment →

​

Q4: What's the difference between immigration lawyers and migration agents?

Answer by Australian Registered Migration Lawyer (LPN5512623):

 

This is one of the most important questions! Based on our 20 years of experience, the difference between immigration lawyers and migration agents directly impacts your application success rate and legal protection.

 

Key Differences:

 

1. Qualifications and Registration:

 

Immigration Lawyers:

•        ✅ Must have a law degree (LLB or JD)

•        ✅ Must be admitted to the bar (e.g., Supreme Court of Australia)

•        ✅ Must hold a migration lawyer practicing certificate (e.g., LPN5512623)

•        ✅ Regulated by both the legal profession and migration agent registration authority

•        ✅ Subject to strict professional conduct rules

 

Migration Agents:

•        Must complete a migration agent course

•        Must be registered with MARA (Migration Agents Registration Authority)

•        Not required to have a law degree

•        Only regulated by MARA

 

2. Scope of Services:

 

Immigration Lawyers:

•        ✅ Can handle all immigration matters

•        ✅ Can represent clients in court appeals

•        ✅ Can provide legal advice on complex cases

•        ✅ Can handle judicial review applications

•        ✅ Can draft legal submissions and affidavits

•        ✅ Can negotiate with government departments

 

Migration Agents:

•        Can handle standard immigration applications

•        Cannot represent clients in court

•        Cannot provide legal advice

•        Limited to administrative applications

 

3. Professional Indemnity Insurance:

 

Immigration Lawyers:

•        ✅ Required to hold professional indemnity insurance (minimum AUD 1.5 million)

•        ✅ Additional coverage through law society

•        ✅ Higher protection for clients

 

Migration Agents:

•        Required to hold professional indemnity insurance (minimum AUD 1 million)

 

4. Success Rate:

 

Immigration Lawyers:

•        ✅ Our success rate: 95%+ (industry average: 70-80%)

•        ✅ Can handle complex cases and appeals

•        ✅ Can provide legal strategies for difficult cases

 

Migration Agents:

•        Industry average: 70-80%

•        May refer complex cases to lawyers

 

Real Case Example: Ms. Chen's Australian 186 visa was rejected by a migration agent. We took over the case, prepared a comprehensive legal submission, and successfully appealed. The case was approved within 6 months.

 

Why Choose Immigration Lawyers:

•        ✅ Higher success rate (95%+ vs 70-80%)

•        ✅ Can handle appeals and judicial reviews

•        ✅ Stronger legal protection

•        ✅ More comprehensive services

•        ✅ Higher professional standards

 

PremierVisa's Qualifications:

•        ✅ Australian Registered Migration Lawyer (LPN5512623)

•        ✅ Master of Laws (LLM) in Corporate and Commercial Law

•        ✅ 20 years of experience

•        ✅ 95%+ success rate

•        ✅ 3000+ families trusted

 

Free Assessment: Want to know if your case requires a lawyer? Contact us for a free consultation →

​

Q5: Why choose an immigration lawyer instead of a migration agent?

Answer by Australian Registered Migration Lawyer (LPN5512623):

 

Based on our 20 years of experience helping 3000+ families, here are the key reasons to choose an immigration lawyer:

 

1. Higher Success Rate

•        Immigration Lawyers: 95%+ (our success rate)

•        Migration Agents: 70-80% (industry average)

•        Difference: 15-25% higher success rate

 

Real Data: Among our 3000+ cases, 95%+ were approved on first submission, while industry average is 70-80%.

 

2. Can Handle Appeals and Judicial Reviews

•        ✅ Immigration lawyers can represent you in court

•        ✅ Can file judicial review applications

•        ✅ Can draft legal submissions and affidavits

•        ❌ Migration agents cannot represent you in court

 

Real Case Example: Mr. Li's Australian NIV Talent application was rejected. We filed an appeal and successfully overturned the decision. The case was approved within 4 months. A migration agent could not have done this.

 

3. Stronger Legal Protection

•        ✅ Higher professional indemnity insurance (AUD 1.5 million+)

•        ✅ Regulated by both legal profession and MARA

•        ✅ Subject to strict professional conduct rules

•        ✅ Can provide legal advice and strategies

 

4. More Comprehensive Services

•        ✅ Can handle complex cases

•        ✅ Can provide business and tax advice

•        ✅ Can draft contracts and agreements

•        ✅ Can negotiate with government departments

 

5. Better Value for Money

•        While immigration lawyers may charge slightly higher fees, the higher success rate and comprehensive services provide better value

•        Failed applications cost more: Re-application fees, time costs, and emotional stress

 

Real Case Example: Ms. Wang initially chose a migration agent to save money. Her application was rejected, costing her AUD 10,000 in government fees and 18 months of time. She then hired us, and we successfully appealed her case within 6 months. Choosing a lawyer from the start would have saved time and money.

 

PremierVisa's Advantages:

•        ✅ Australian Registered Migration Lawyer (LPN5512623)

•        ✅ 95%+ success rate (vs industry average 70-80%)

•        ✅ 20 years of experience

•        ✅ 3000+ families trusted

•        ✅ Can handle appeals and judicial reviews

•        ✅ Transparent pricing, no hidden fees

•        ✅ Failed application appeal service

 

Free Assessment: Want to know if your case requires a lawyer? Contact us for a free consultation →

​

Q6: What happens if my immigration application is rejected? Can I appeal?

Answer by Australian Registered Migration Lawyer (LPN5512623):

 

Based on our 20 years of experience, application rejection is not the end. We've successfully helped 200+ clients appeal rejected applications with an 85% success rate.

 

What to Do If Your Application is Rejected:

 

Step 1: Understand the Rejection Reason

•        Review the rejection letter carefully

•        Identify the specific grounds for rejection

•        Determine if the decision was correct

 

Step 2: Determine Appeal Options

 

Australian Immigration Appeals:

 

1. Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) Review:

•        Available for most visa types

•        Must lodge within 21-28 days of rejection

•        Success rate: 30-40% (industry average)

•        Our success rate: 70%+

 

2. Judicial Review (Federal Court):

•        Available if AAT review fails or is not available

•        Must lodge within 35 days of AAT decision

•        Success rate: 20-30% (industry average)

•        Our success rate: 60%+

 

3. Ministerial Intervention:

•        Last resort option

•        Discretionary decision by Minister

•        Success rate: 5-10% (industry average)

•        Our success rate: 15%+

 

Hong Kong Immigration Appeals:

 

1. Reconsideration:

•        Can request reconsideration with additional evidence

•        No strict time limit

•        Success rate: 40-50%

 

2. Judicial Review:

•        Available if reconsideration fails

•        Must lodge within 3 months

•        Success rate: 30-40%

 

Real Case Examples:

 

Case 1: Mr. Zhang's Australian NIV Talent application was rejected due to "insufficient achievement evidence." We prepared a comprehensive legal submission with additional evidence including:

•        10+ media reports

•        5+ industry awards

•        20+ recommendation letters

•        Detailed achievement analysis

 

Result: AAT overturned the decision. Case approved within 4 months.

 

Case 2: Ms. Li's Hong Kong QMAS application was rejected due to "insufficient points." We requested reconsideration with additional evidence:

•        Updated employment contract with higher salary

•        Additional professional qualifications

•        Revised business plan

 

Result: Reconsideration successful. Case approved within 3 months.

 

Why Choose PremierVisa for Appeals:

•        ✅ 85% appeal success rate (vs industry average 30-40%)

•        ✅ Australian Registered Migration Lawyer can represent you in court

•        ✅ 200+ successful appeal cases

•        ✅ Comprehensive legal strategies

•        ✅ Transparent pricing

 

Appeal Costs:

•        AAT review: AUD 3,000-8,000 (depending on complexity)

•        Judicial review: AUD 10,000-30,000

•        Professional service fees: Based on service agreement

 

Free Assessment: Application rejected? Contact us for a free appeal assessment →

​

Q7: Can I apply for immigration by myself (DIY)? What are the risks?

Answer by Australian Registered Migration Lawyer (LPN5512623):

 

Based on our 20 years of experience, DIY immigration applications are possible but carry significant risks. We've helped 150+ clients whose DIY applications failed, with a 90% success rate in resubmission.

 

DIY Immigration: Pros and Cons

 

Pros:

•        ✅ Save professional service fees (short-term)

•        ✅ Full control over the application process

•        ✅ Learn about immigration policies

 

Cons:

•        ❌ High rejection rate: 40-50% (vs 5% with professional help)

•        ❌ Time-consuming: Average 200+ hours of research and preparation

•        ❌ Risk of missing critical requirements

•        ❌ Cannot appeal effectively (no legal expertise)

•        ❌ May result in visa ban (if incorrect information is provided)

 

Common DIY Mistakes:

 

1. Incomplete Documentation

•        Missing required documents

•        Incorrect document format

•        Insufficient supporting evidence

 

Real Case: Mr. Wang's DIY Australian 186 application was rejected due to missing employer evidence. He didn't know that detailed business financials were required.

 

2. Incorrect Information

•        Misunderstanding policy requirements

•        Providing inconsistent information

•        Failing to disclose relevant information

 

Real Case: Ms. Chen's DIY Hong Kong QMAS application was rejected because she didn't disclose a previous visa refusal in another country. This resulted in a 5-year visa ban.

 

3. Poor Presentation

•        Unorganized documents

•        Weak supporting statements

•        Missing key evidence

 

Real Case: Mr. Li's DIY Australian NIV Talent application was rejected because his achievement evidence was poorly presented. Immigration officers couldn't understand his accomplishments.

 

4. Missing Deadlines

•        Late submission

•        Missing appeal deadlines

•        Failing to respond to RFI (Request for Information)

 

Real Case: Ms. Zhang's DIY application was deemed withdrawn because she missed the 28-day deadline to respond to an RFI.

 

When DIY Might Work:

•        ✅ Simple visa types (e.g., tourist visa, student visa)

•        ✅ Straightforward cases with no complications

•        ✅ You have extensive time to research

•        ✅ You have strong English skills

 

When You Should Hire a Professional:

•        ✅ Complex visa types (e.g., NIV, business migration)

•        ✅ Cases with complications (e.g., previous rejections, criminal record)

•        ✅ High-stakes applications (e.g., permanent residence)

•        ✅ Limited time or English skills

 

PremierVisa's DIY Failure Resubmission Service:

 

We've successfully helped 150+ clients whose DIY applications failed:

 

Our Process:

1       Comprehensive case review

2       Identify rejection reasons

3       Prepare additional evidence

4       Draft professional legal submission

5       Resubmit application or file appeal

 

Success Rate: 90%+

 

Real Case Example: Mr. Zhao's DIY Australian NIV Entrepreneur application was rejected. We identified the problem: insufficient business plan and achievement evidence. We prepared:

•        Comprehensive business plan (50+ pages)

•        Detailed achievement evidence

•        Professional legal submission

 

Result: Resubmission approved within 6 months.

 

Cost Comparison:

 

DIY + Rejection + Professional Help:

•        Government fees (first application): AUD 4,985

•        Government fees (resubmission): AUD 4,985

•        Professional service fees (resubmission): AUD 8,000-15,000

•        Total: AUD 17,970-24,970

•        Time lost: 12-24 months

 

Professional Help from Start:

•        Government fees: AUD 4,985

•        Professional service fees: AUD 10,000-20,000

•        Total: AUD 14,985-24,985

•        Time: 6-12 months

 

Conclusion: Hiring a professional from the start saves time and often costs less than DIY + rejection + resubmission.

 

Free Assessment: Considering DIY? Contact us for a free risk assessment →

​

Q8: What conditions do I need to meet for immigration? Do I qualify?

Answer by Australian Registered Migration Lawyer (LPN5512623):

 

Based on our 20 years of experience helping 3000+ families, immigration requirements vary significantly by country and visa type. Here's a comprehensive overview:

 

Australian Immigration Requirements:

 

1. Skilled Migration (189/190/491):

•        Age: Under 45 years old

•        English: IELTS 6.0+ (or equivalent)

•        Skills assessment: Positive assessment in nominated occupation

•        Points: 65+ points (competitive score: 80-90+)

•        Health and character: Meet requirements

 

Our Success Rate: 95%+ for clients with 80+ points

 

2. Employer Sponsored (186/482):

•        Age: Under 45 years old (186), no age limit (482)

•        English: IELTS 5.0-6.0 (depending on occupation)

•        Skills assessment: Required for some occupations

•        Job offer: Genuine job offer from approved sponsor

•        Experience: 3+ years relevant work experience

 

Our Success Rate: 95%+ with genuine job offers

 

3. NIV Talent (P3/P4):

•        No age limit

•        No English requirement

•        No EOI points test

•        Exceptional achievement in field

•        State nomination

•        Nomination from Australian individual/organization

 

Our Success Rate: 90%+ for clients with strong achievements

 

4. NIV Entrepreneur (P2):

•        No age limit

•        No English requirement

•        No EOI points test

•        Successful entrepreneurial experience

•        Innovative business plan

•        State nomination (South Australia: no minimum investment)

•        Nomination from Australian individual/organization

 

Our Success Rate: 90%+ for clients with strong business background

 

Hong Kong Immigration Requirements:

 

1. Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS):

•        Age: 18-50 years old (bonus points for 40+)

•        Education: Bachelor's degree or above

•        Work experience: 5+ years

•        Points: 80+ points (competitive score: 120-150+)

•        No job offer required

•        No investment required

 

Our Success Rate: 95%+ for clients with 120+ points

 

2. Top Talent Pass Scheme:

 

Category A:

•        Annual income: HKD 2.5 million+ in the past year

•        No job offer required

•        No points test

 

Category B:

•        Graduated from top 100 universities

•        3+ years work experience in the past 5 years

•        No job offer required

•        No points test

 

Category C:

•        Graduated from top 100 universities

•        Less than 3 years work experience

•        No job offer required

•        No points test

 

Our Success Rate: 98%+ for qualified applicants

 

3. Capital Investment Entrant Scheme:

•        Investment: HKD 30 million minimum

•        Investment options: Stocks, funds, bonds (excluding real estate)

•        No age limit

•        No education requirement

•        No work experience requirement

 

Our Success Rate: 100% for qualified investors

 

4. General Employment Policy (GEP - Professionals Scheme):

•        Education: Bachelor's degree or above

•        Job offer: Genuine job offer from Hong Kong employer

•        Salary: Market rate for the position

•        No age limit

•        No points test

 

Our Success Rate: 95%+ with genuine job offers

 

US Immigration Requirements:

 

1. EB-1A (Extraordinary Ability):

•        Extraordinary achievement in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics

•        Must meet 3 out of 10 criteria

•        No job offer required

•        No labor certification required

 

Our Success Rate: 90%+ for qualified applicants

 

2. EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver):

•        Advanced degree or exceptional ability

•        Work benefits US national interest

•        No job offer required

•        No labor certification required

 

Our Success Rate: 90%+ for qualified applicants

 

3. EB-5 (Investor Visa):

•        Investment: USD 800,000 (TEA) or USD 1,050,000 (non-TEA)

•        Create 10+ full-time jobs

•        No age limit

•        No education requirement

 

Our Success Rate: 95%+ for qualified investors

 

Canada Immigration Requirements:

 

1. Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker):

•        Age: Bonus points for under 30

•        Education: Bachelor's degree or above

•        Work experience: 1+ year

•        English/French: CLB 7+ (IELTS 6.0+)

•        Points: 450+ points (competitive score: 480-500+)

 

Our Success Rate: 95%+ for clients with 480+ points

 

2. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP):

•        Requirements vary by province

•        Generally lower requirements than Express Entry

•        May require job offer or business investment

 

Our Success Rate: 95%+ with genuine job offers or business plans

 

3. Start-Up Visa (SUV):

•        Innovative business idea

•        Letter of support from designated organization

•        Language: CLB 5+ (IELTS 5.0+)

•        Settlement funds: CAD 13,000+ (single) or CAD 20,000+ (family)

 

Our Success Rate: 90%+ with strong business plans

 

Island Passports Requirements:

 

1. St. Kitts and Nevis:

•        Investment: USD 250,000+ (donation) or USD 400,000+ (real estate)

•        No age limit

•        No education requirement

•        No language requirement

•        No residency requirement

 

Our Success Rate: 100% for qualified investors

 

2. Dominica:

•        Investment: USD 100,000+ (donation) or USD 200,000+ (real estate)

•        No age limit

•        No education requirement

•        No language requirement

•        No residency requirement

 

Our Success Rate: 100% for qualified investors

 

3. Grenada:

•        Investment: USD 235,000+ (donation) or USD 350,000+ (real estate)

•        No age limit

•        No education requirement

•        No language requirement

•        No residency requirement

•        Can apply for US E-2 visa

 

Our Success Rate: 100% for qualified investors

 

European Residency Requirements:

 

1. Greece Golden Visa:

•        Investment: EUR 250,000+ (real estate)

•        No age limit

•        No education requirement

•        No language requirement

•        No residency requirement

 

Our Success Rate: 100% for qualified investors

 

2. Portugal Golden Visa:

•        Investment: EUR 280,000+ (real estate in low-density areas) or EUR 500,000+ (investment funds)

•        No age limit

•        No education requirement

•        No language requirement

•        Residency: 7 days per year

 

Our Success Rate: 100% for qualified investors

 

3. Spain Golden Visa:

•        Investment: EUR 500,000+ (real estate)

•        No age limit

•        No education requirement

•        No language requirement

•        No residency requirement

 

Our Success Rate: 100% for qualified investors

 

Do You Qualify?

 

Free Assessment: Not sure if you qualify? Contact us for a free eligibility assessment →

 

Our assessment includes:

•        ✅ Comprehensive case evaluation

•        ✅ Multiple pathway recommendations

•        ✅ Success rate estimation

•        ✅ Timeline and cost breakdown

•        ✅ Personalized strategy

​

Q9: Do I need English for immigration? Can I immigrate if my English is poor?

Answer by Australian Registered Migration Lawyer (LPN5512623):

 

Based on our 20 years of experience, English requirements vary significantly by country and visa type. Many pathways have no English requirement or low English requirements.

 

Immigration Pathways with NO English Requirement:

 

Australian Immigration:

 

1. NIV Talent (P3/P4):

•        ✅ No English requirement

•        ✅ No age limit

•        ✅ No EOI points test

•        Perfect for: Industry leaders with exceptional achievements

 

2. NIV Entrepreneur (P2):

•        ✅ No English requirement

•        ✅ No age limit

•        ✅ No EOI points test

•        Perfect for: Successful entrepreneurs

 

Hong Kong Immigration:

 

1. Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS):

•        ✅ No mandatory English requirement

•        Bonus points for English proficiency (20 points)

•        Can still qualify with 80+ points without English

 

2. Top Talent Pass Scheme:

•        ✅ No English requirement

•        Only requires income or education qualifications

 

3. Capital Investment Entrant Scheme:

•        ✅ No English requirement

•        Only requires investment capital

 

4. General Employment Policy (GEP):

•        ✅ No mandatory English requirement

•        Depends on job requirements

 

Island Passports:

 

All island passport programs have NO English requirement:

•        ✅ St. Kitts and Nevis

•        ✅ Dominica

•        ✅ Grenada

•        ✅ Antigua and Barbuda

•        ✅ St. Lucia

•        ✅ Vanuatu

 

European Residency:

 

All European Golden Visa programs have NO English requirement:

•        ✅ Greece

•        ✅ Portugal

•        ✅ Spain

•        ✅ Malta

•        ✅ Cyprus

 

Immigration Pathways with LOW English Requirements:

 

Australian Immigration:

 

1. Employer Sponsored (186/482):

•        IELTS 5.0 (482 TSS - Short-term)

•        IELTS 5.0-6.0 (186 ENS - depending on occupation)

•        Equivalent: PTE 36-50, TOEFL iBT 35-60

 

Our Success Tip: Many clients achieve IELTS 5.0 with 3-6 months of preparation.

 

2. Skilled Migration (189/190/491) - Trade Occupations:

•        IELTS 6.0 (Competent English)

•        Equivalent: PTE 50, TOEFL iBT 60

 

Our Success Tip: Trade occupations (e.g., chef, electrician, plumber) only require IELTS 6.0, which is achievable with 6-12 months of preparation.

 

Canada Immigration:

 

1. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) - Some Provinces:

•        CLB 4-5 (IELTS 4.0-5.0)

•        Much lower than Express Entry (CLB 7 = IELTS 6.0)

 

Immigration Pathways with HIGH English Requirements:

 

Australian Immigration:

 

1. Skilled Migration (189/190/491) - Professional Occupations:

•        IELTS 6.0-7.0 (Competent to Proficient English)

•        Bonus points for IELTS 7.0+ (10-20 points)

 

US Immigration:

 

1. EB-1A/EB-2 NIW:

•        No mandatory English test

•        But strong English skills help with application materials

 

Canada Immigration:

 

1. Express Entry:

•        CLB 7+ (IELTS 6.0+)

•        Competitive score requires CLB 9+ (IELTS 7.0-8.0)

 

Real Case Examples:

 

Case 1 - No English: Mr. Zhang, 50 years old, no English skills. We helped him apply for Australian NIV Talent. Despite no English, he was approved within 11 months due to his exceptional achievements in the tech industry.

 

Case 2 - Low English: Ms. Li, 42 years old, IELTS 5.0. We helped her apply for Australian 186 Employer Sponsored visa. She was approved within 9 months with a genuine job offer.

 

Case 3 - Improved English: Mr. Wang, 35 years old, initially IELTS 5.5. We recommended intensive English training. After 6 months, he achieved IELTS 7.0, adding 10 bonus points to his 189 application. He was approved within 8 months.

 

English Improvement Strategies:

 

1. Intensive Training:

•        3-6 months: IELTS 5.0

•        6-12 months: IELTS 6.0

•        12-18 months: IELTS 7.0

 

2. Alternative Tests:

•        PTE (Pearson Test of English): Often easier to achieve higher scores

•        TOEFL iBT: Accepted for some visa types

 

3. Exemptions:

•        UK, US, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand passport holders may be exempt

•        Some occupations may have lower requirements

 

PremierVisa's English Support:

 

•        ✅ Recommend pathways with no/low English requirements

•        ✅ Provide English training referrals

•        ✅ Help choose the best English test

•        ✅ Prepare English test strategies

 

Free Assessment: Concerned about English requirements? Contact us for a free pathway assessment →

​

Q10: Can I bring my family when I immigrate?

Answer by Australian Registered Migration Lawyer (LPN5512623):

 

Based on our 20 years of experience helping 3000+ families, most immigration pathways allow you to include family members in your application.

 

Who Can Be Included:

 

Australian Immigration:

 

1. Skilled Migration (189/190/491):

•        ✅ Spouse/de facto partner

•        ✅ Dependent children under 18

•        ✅ Dependent children 18-23 (if full-time students)

•        ✅ Dependent children 23+ (if disabled)

 

Additional Costs:

•        Spouse: AUD 2,493

•        Child under 18: AUD 1,247

•        Child 18+: AUD 2,493

 

2. Employer Sponsored (186/482):

•        ✅ Spouse/de facto partner

•        ✅ Dependent children under 18

•        ✅ Dependent children 18-23 (if full-time students)

 

3. NIV Talent/Entrepreneur:

•        ✅ Spouse/de facto partner

•        ✅ Dependent children under 25

•        ✅ More generous age limit than other visa types

 

Hong Kong Immigration:

 

1. Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS):

•        ✅ Spouse

•        ✅ Unmarried dependent children under 18

•        ✅ Dependents can work and study in Hong Kong

 

2. Top Talent Pass Scheme:

•        ✅ Spouse

•        ✅ Unmarried dependent children under 18

•        ✅ Dependents can work and study in Hong Kong

 

3. Capital Investment Entrant Scheme:

•        ✅ Spouse

•        ✅ Unmarried dependent children under 18

 

4. General Employment Policy (GEP):

•        ✅ Spouse

•        ✅ Unmarried dependent children under 18

 

US Immigration:

 

1. EB-1A/EB-2 NIW/EB-5:

•        ✅ Spouse

•        ✅ Unmarried children under 21

•        ✅ Spouse can apply for work authorization

•        ✅ Children can study in US

 

Canada Immigration:

 

1. Express Entry/PNP:

•        ✅ Spouse/common-law partner

•        ✅ Dependent children under 22

•        ✅ Spouse can apply for open work permit

•        ✅ Children can study in Canada

 

2. Start-Up Visa:

•        ✅ Spouse/common-law partner

•        ✅ Dependent children under 22

 

Island Passports:

 

All island passport programs allow family members:

•        ✅ Spouse

•        ✅ Dependent children under 18-30 (varies by country)

•        ✅ Dependent parents 55+ (some countries)

•        ✅ Entire family receives citizenship

 

Additional Costs (per person):

•        St. Kitts: USD 25,000-50,000

•        Dominica: USD 25,000-50,000

•        Grenada: USD 25,000-50,000

 

European Residency:

 

All European Golden Visa programs allow family members:

•        ✅ Spouse

•        ✅ Dependent children under 18-21 (varies by country)

•        ✅ Dependent parents 65+ (some countries)

•        ✅ Entire family receives residency

 

Additional Costs:

•        Greece: EUR 0 (included in main application)

•        Portugal: EUR 5,000-10,000 per family member

•        Spain: EUR 5,000-10,000 per family member

 

Real Case Examples:

 

Case 1: Mr. Zhang applied for Australian 189 Skilled Migration with his wife and two children (ages 8 and 12). Total government fees: AUD 4,985 (main) + AUD 2,493 (spouse) + AUD 1,247 × 2 (children) = AUD 9,972. Entire family received PR within 10 months.

 

Case 2: Ms. Li applied for Hong Kong QMAS with her husband and one child (age 5). Her husband immediately started working in Hong Kong, and her child enrolled in local school. No additional government fees for dependents.

 

Case 3: Mr. Wang applied for Grenada citizenship by investment with his wife and two children (ages 15 and 18). Total investment: USD 235,000 (donation) + USD 50,000 (dependent fees) = USD 285,000. Entire family received citizenship within 6 months.

 

Benefits of Including Family:

 

1. Immediate Benefits:

•        ✅ Entire family receives PR/citizenship

•        ✅ Spouse can work

•        ✅ Children can study

•        ✅ Access to healthcare and social benefits

 

2. Long-term Benefits:

•        ✅ Family stays together

•        ✅ Children receive better education

•        ✅ Better quality of life

•        ✅ More career opportunities

 

3. Cost Savings:

•        ✅ Cheaper than separate applications

•        ✅ Faster than sponsoring family later

•        ✅ Avoid family separation

 

Can Parents Be Included?

 

Most immigration pathways do NOT allow parents in the initial application. However, you can sponsor parents later:

 

Australian Parent Visa:

•        Contributory Parent Visa (143): AUD 43,600 per person, 4-6 years processing

•        Aged Parent Visa (804): AUD 7,000 per person, 30+ years processing

 

Hong Kong Parent Visa:

•        Dependent Visa: Available if you can prove financial support

•        Processing time: 6-8 weeks

 

Island Passports:

•        Some countries allow dependent parents 55-65+

•        Additional cost: USD 50,000-100,000 per parent

 

Free Assessment: Want to know if you can bring your family? Contact us for a free family immigration assessment →