An interview is held for those sections where the facts cannot easily be assessed from the documents. The immigration authorities need to see you in person to be sure everything is in order for you to take up residence in Australia. The following sections require you to go for an interview:

1. Business Owners
2. Business Owners - Australian State or Territory Sponsored
3. Business Skills - Senior Executive
4. Business skills Investment Linked
5. Talented Migrant (with Australian Support) Section
6. Independent Talented Migrant Section
7. Special Need Relative Section

In addition, you may also be asked to go for an interview for any other section. This can happen if the immigration authorities want to clarify something or need further information.

In the Business Skills Section, the interviewing officer is checking on your business experience and knowledge of the Australian business scene.

In the Talented Migrant with Australian Support Section and the Independent Talented Migrant, the interviewing officer is checking to see if you will fit into Australian life, and if your claims to have special talents are true.

In the Special Need Relative Section, the interviewing officer will ask about the need of your Australian Sponsor to have someone come from overseas to care for him (or her). The officer will also inquire about your experience in caring for sick people and how committed you are to staying with your needy relative.

All interviews are much the same

Whether you are applying for a job, or migration to Australia, the guidelines for how to manage the interview are much the same. The following instructions will probably seem common sense. But read them anyway. There may be something you have overlooked.

Remember, too that the immigration officer is responsible to his (or her) superiors. He has got to go by the rule book, and it is not up to him to write the rules. In a difficult situation where your case is borderline, be aware of his position as you argue your case.

Your appearance

It's not necessary to go out and buy new clothes for all the family. The migration officer will already know about your financial position from reading your documents, and you do not need to impress anyone. Just wear your tidiest casual clothes. If you are a business man, then by all means wear a suit, especially if you have applied for migration under one of the business skills sections. If you are a professional, then wear whatever is normal tidy wear for your profession. For someone in trade, wear smart casual clothes. Ladies have an easier choice. Put on something smart, but not too sexy. You want to look like the migration officer's sister.

If you are bringing children with you, they should have clean, tidy clothes. Up-to-the-minute fashion is not necessary.

If you are coming from a country where the clothing is different from everyday wear in Australia, then wear your usual costume. Wear it with pride. People in Australia will be interested.

Clean and tidy are the important words here, with the main emphasis on clean. It's worth making extra sure you have enough nappies with you, so that the baby too smells beautiful for the interview. If you have teenagers, explain to them in detail what the advantages will be for them if they have clean hair and cut fingernails.

What to say

Tell the truth. It sounds simple, but here are a few extra tips:

• It's all right to take notes when you fill out your application forms, and to take along the notes when you go for the interview. It's what anyone would do if they had to answer questions before a committee. You can't be expected to remember all those dates and details without a reminder.
• If you've honestly forgotten, then say so. No one will think you are cheating or telling lies. It happens to all of us.
• Make sure your spouse has some notes on things he (or she) may get asked. Read the application forms together so that you are both familiar with the documents and the migration procedure.
• If you are taking children with you for the interview plan a little in advance. You may have to wait. Take along some entertainments for the waiting room, and a snack. You want to present the picture of a peaceful family to the migration officer, so be skilful and think ahead. Explain to older children what you are doing, why going to Australia is important for your family. Emphasise the advantages to them.
• When you go for the interview, be positive and enthusiastic about your move to Australia. If you express doubts about your ability to manage in a new country, worries about learning English or reservations about schooling for your children, the immigration officer may think you lack the willpower to make the change. Be realistic about the changes in your lifestyle as you adapt to the Australian way of life, but be positive about your ability and your family's ability to manage.

Time

It sounds really obvious to say 'make sure you get there on time'. You should allow extra time for the emergency that could never happen.

If the emergency does happen, and you know you are going to be late, then ring up the Embassy or Consulate as soon as you realise. Don't hurry on and hope ten minutes won't matter. Telephone and explain why you are going to be late. Ask if they can reschedule your appointment for later in the day.

If you know days in advance that you cannot make the appointment because somebody is ill, or there has been some other crisis then contact the Embassy or Consulate at once.

By showing courtesy and consideration for the Embassy staff, you will be demonstrating what a responsible Australian resident you will make.