Local residents will have the opportunity to discuss their immigration issues face-to-face when Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) staff visit Newcastle on December 5 and 6.

The department’s regional visits program was established to allow people outside the capital cities access to experienced immigration officers to discuss specific issues they may have face-to-face.

“People in regional communities have a wide variety of immigration questions, ranging from the skilled migration program which helps small business owners who can’t find experienced local staff, to issues for overseas students or people who want to enquire about sponsorship of family members or citizenship,” a department spokesman said.

“While the department has a lot of information available over the phone or on the Internet, some people may not be aware of recent policy changes or they may prefer to speak to officers face-to-face. These visits meet those needs.”

The department particularly wants to encourage people who have been residents of Australia for a long time to consider taking the final step in their immigration journey by becoming an Australian citizen.

Immigration outreach officers can assist people on topics related to citizenship, work visas, visas for family members, partner visas and the process for proposing refugees.

Newcastle:
Immigration officers will be available for an appointment in Newcastle from 10.30am-4pm on December 5 and on December 6 from 9am-midday. Appointments will be at Northern Settlement Services, 8 Chaucer Street, Hamilton. Bookings are essential – phone 02 4969 3399.

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