Local residents in the New England region will have the opportunity to discuss their immigration issues face-to-face when Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) staff visit the region on November 15-18.

The department’s regional visits program was established to allow people outside the capital cities access to experienced immigration officers to discuss their particular issues.

“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,” a departmental spokesman said.

“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.”

“While the department has a lot of information available over the phone or on our website, some people may not be aware of recent policy changes or they may prefer to speak to an officer in person. These visits meet those needs.”

Meetings can be arranged with immigration outreach officers on topics such as citizenship, work visas, visas for family members, partner visas and the process for proposing refugees.

Moree:
 Immigration officers will be available for an appointment in Moree on November 15 from 9am-11.30am. Appointments will be at the office of Mark Coulton MP, Member for Parkes, 69 Heber Street, Moree. Bookings are essential – phone 02 6751 1251.

Inverell: 
Immigration officers will be available for an appointment in Inverell on November 15 from 2pm-4pm. Appointments will be at the office of Tony Windsor MP, Member for New England, 88 Otho Street, Inverell. Bookings are essential – phone 02 6761 3080.

Armidale:
Immigration officers will be available for an appointment in Armidale on November 16 from 9am-4pm. Appointments will be at Basement Room, Armidale Town Hall, 135 Rusden Street, Armidale (access via the Cinders Lane Carpark). Bookings are essential – phone 02 6761 3080.

Tamworth: 
Immigration officers will be available for an appointment in Tamworth on November 17 from 9am-2pm. Appointments will be at the office of Tony Windsor MP, Member for New England, 259 Peel Street, Tamworth. Bookings are essential – phone 02 6761 3080.

Singleton: 
Immigration officers will be available for an appointment in Singleton on November 18 from 11am-1pm. Appointments will be at the Singleton Neighbourhood Centre, 21 Mary Street, Singleton. Bookings are essential – phone 02 8861 4130.