VISA ASSIST

IARC provides free, high-quality, and confidential immigration and citizenship advice to union members through Visa Assist. Visa Assist is a partnership between IARC and Unions NSW.  

We believe that everyone should feel safe in their workplace regardless of visa status and that everyone should be empowered to enforce their workplace rights.   

Through Visa Assist, IARC advises on all immigration and citizenship matters, including: 

  • Skilled visas
  • Permanent residency
  • Visa refusals and cancellations
  • Student and Graduate visas
  • Family visas
  • Protection, Refugee, and Humanitarian visas
  • Australian citizenship 

To access Visa Assist, you must contact your union and ask them for a referral. 

If you are not a member of a union and would like to access Visa Assist, you can visit the Unions NSW Visa Assist page and fill out their Join Your Union form.  Someone from Unions NSW will then get in touch with you to talk about Visa Assist and joining your union. You do not need to get in touch with IARC yourself.

Artwork by Judy Kuo, of three migrant workers looking staunch. Text reads, 'Everybody deserves to be safe at work regardless of visa status'.

Artwork by Judy Kuo.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

To access our Visa Assist program, you will need to ask for a referral from your union. 

Please contact your union for further information. 

If you are not a member of a union and would like to access Visa Assist, you can visit the Unions NSW Visa Assist page and fill out their Join Your Union form. Someone from Unions NSW will then contact you to talk about Visa Assist and joining your union. You do not need to contact IARC yourself.  

No, you only have to be a union member to access this service. All immigration and citizenship advice and assistance provided by IARC is free. 

If you would like IARC to provide advice on pathways to permanent residency, please ask your union for a referral to our Visa Assist program. Please also ensure that you have an up-to-date resumé on hand, so that we can assess your options.  

Given the ever-changing nature of immigration law, we are unable to suggest course options that could lead to permanent residency in the future. Immigration law may change at any time without notice, so we are unable to guarantee the future availability of permanent residency pathways.  

IARC can advise you on your employer’s obligations to you in accordance with the kind of visa that you hold.  

We can provide you with immigration advice and possible visa options if you are facing workplace exploitation, wish to cease working for your employer, or have been dismissed by your employer. 

IARC can provide you with advice on the work rights attached to your current visa. If you do not currently have the right to work, we can advise you on how you may be able to get it. 

IARC does not provide advice on employment law. You should direct any questions about employment law issues to your union. 

Your employer cannot cancel your visa. Only the Department of Home Affairs/the Minister can cancel your visa. We recommend that you contact your union representative for a referral to our Visa Assist program, so that we can advise you on your options. 

We can advise you on your post-study visa options. You should contact your union representative to make an appointment through our Visa Assist program. 

We can provide advice on all immigration and citizenship issues. If your immigration question is not related to a skilled or work visa, please contact your union for a referral to our Visa Assist program. 

Please send us an email at [email protected] and we will direct your enquiry accordingly. We can also provide training to unions about Visa Assist and how to access it. 

Breakdown of Relationship – Partner Visas

SUBCLASS 820/801, 309/100 AND 300

An updated factsheet, reflecting changes in the family violence provisions effective from 15 October 2024, is coming soon. If you are experiencing domestic and family violence and need legal advice about your visa situation you can contact us via our enquiry form at iarc.org.au/help.

Workplace Justice Visa

SUBCLASS 408

This factsheet is about the Workplace Justice visa. It explains what it is, who is eligible, how to apply, where to get your workplace exploitation claim certified and where to get assistance or advice.

Download

Prospective Marriage Visas

SUBCLASS 300

This information sheet may be relevant to you if you are over the age of 18 and intend to marry an Australian citizen or permanent resident, or an eligible NZ citizen.

Download

Partner Visa Applications in Australia

SUBCLASS 820/801

Information about how to apply for a partner visa if you are onshore.

Download

Partner Visa Applications outside of Australia

SUBCLASS 309/100

Information about how to apply for a partner visa if you are offshore.

Download

Condition 8503

Information for visa holders who are subject to condition 8503.

Download

Offshore Refugee and Humanitarian visas

Information about Australia’s offshore refugee and humanitarian visas.

Download