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Setting up our merger

My small business has been pretty successful. We've recently been approached to merge with another local company as we think that having twice as many outlets and staff might help us both have more profitable sales. I want to make sure that the merger is fair and that we are not being taken advantage of, so I am getting a full legal review done. Our lawyers have been really helpful in explaining what all of the legal terms mean so that we know what we are actually signing. This blog is to help other people who might be looking for any sort of legal help.

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Australian Permanent Resident Visas: All You Need to Know Before Applying

4 August 2016
 Categories: Law, Blog

Permanent resident visas allow migrants to live or work in Australia indefinitely. However, this does not mean that you have become an Australian citizen. Citizenship can only be obtained after meeting the residency requirements specified by the Australian Immigration Department. Regardless of your reasons for wanting a permanent residency visa in Australia, it is critical to understand various aspects of the process that will help you fill out the right application and get approved for permanent residency.

Types of permanent residency visas

There are numerous types of permanent resident visas that you can choose. Of course, you need to apply for one that suits your reasons for wanting to settle in the country indefinitely. Most common visas include the following:

•    Family-based visas

Family-based permanent residency visas are available for families that want to settle in Australia indefinitely or for an unspecified period. Family, in this case, can refer to a married couple, fiancés, children, or dependent relatives.

•    Work-based visas

Work based visas are used by foreigners who have obtained permanent employment in Australia. Note that if you wish to work in the country during a holiday visit, you will be required to apply for the holiday working visa which is usually valid for a short period. Work-based permanent residency visas are available in the following categories:

  • General skill migration visas, which are available for self-sponsored individuals whose skills are valuable and needed in Australia.
  • Employer sponsored visas, which are available for foreigners who have been sponsored by an Australian employer to work in the country.
  • Skill select visas which are used by professionals who possess certain skills that the country needs.
  • Business owner visas are available for people who wish to start businesses in any Regional Area in Australia.

Other visas available include those for people moving permanently to Australia due to humanitarian issues, refugee visas, adoption visas, and many others.

Conditions for permanent residency

Since there are various types of permanent residency visas, the basic requirements may vary depending on the kind you are applying for. Seeking professional advice can help you to determine whether you meet the eligibility criteria. For example, if you are working in Australia and want a permanent residency visa, you should satisfy the following requirements according to the Department of Immigration and Border Protection.

  • You should have lived for at least two years in a Specified Regional Area, having been self-employed for at least a year in the same region or,
  • You should have attained sponsorship from the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme.

A permanent residency visa allows you to reside, work, and study in Australia without restriction. However, what's more, the application process is exhausting and demanding. An immigration lawyer can help you to make the right visa selection and undertake all paperwork required when applying for permanent residency in Australia.