Like any immigration process, Australian immigration is a time consuming and lengthy procedure that can take anywhere from a few months to over a year, depending on the circumstances. However, as it can be for any individual, sometimes circumstances are such that you need to move for one reason or another – and that’s why the government has these policies in place.

There are a variety of ways to earn residency rights as an immigrant to Australia. One is to be sponsored by a company requiring your specific set of skills. Another is to pass the skills test and apply for a work visa under their skilled migrant program. Yet another is for people planning on getting married in Australia. In order to apply for this type of immigration visa one of the spouses must hold Australian residency or citizenship.

There are two ways to do this. One is to apply for a spouse temporary visa and permanent visa. This allows your spouse outside of Australia the right to enter and stay in Australia with their partner. If after two years the spousal relationship is ongoing, a permanent residency visa may be granted.

Additionally there is a prospective marriage visa, in which the Australian resident or citizen gains permission for their fiancé to enter Australia and marry, at which point you can then apply for a permanent residency visa.

While a lengthy process, immigrating to Australia is relatively hassle free in that you are allowed to live in the country with your spouse or fiancé during your wait, which is a luxury many countries do not allow. For more information please see Australia’s immigration website at http://www.immi.gov.au/immigration/