Immigration Procedures for Overseas Visiting Academics
Overview
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) requires Australian Universities to sponsor overseas academics who wish to visits their institutions. The visiting academic will need to apply for a Training and Research (Subclass 402) Visa - Research Stream. The University of Newcastle is an accredited sponsor for this visa class. This Visa can be granted for a maximum of 12 months.
For visits of less 4 weeks duration the visitor may be eligible to apply for a Business Visitor Visa (subclass 600, ETA 601). Each case must be assessed on its merit and may require an assessment by our Immigration Lawyers. Cost associate with this assessment will need to be met by the inviting area.
Eligibility
This visa is for professional academics from overseas who, because of a significant record of achievement in their field, and nominated by an Australian tertiary or research institution to come to Australia to observe or participate in an Australian research project.
It is not appropriate for academics who will be involved in teaching/lecturing in Australia, or for students, including PhD students who want to undertake research in Australia that is credited towards an award or qualification in their home country. It is also not an appropriate visa for recent PhD graduates who are not currently employed as professional academics or researchers and cannot demonstrate experience as such.
Nomination Process
1. The sponsoring academic is required to complete the Visiting Academics Request Form and attach:
A copy of the candidates passport
A copy of the candidates CV.
2. The request must be approved by the Head of School and the Pro-Vice Chancellor.
3. The request and associated attachments must be sent to the Immigration Co-ordination in Human Resource Services for processing and lodgement with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship. Please allow a minimum of 2 months for processing and approval of visa by Department of Immigration & Citizenship
The nominating academic and responsible Faculty must comply with the Honorary Appointments Policy and associated guidelines.