Local residents in the Central West will have the opportunity to discuss their immigration issues face-to-face when Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) staff visit the region in the week beginning September 19.

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 great deal 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.

Bathurst:
 Immigration officers will be available for an appointment in Bathurst on September 19 from 10.30am-4pm. Appointments will be at the Bathurst Information and Neighbourhood Centre, 96 Russell Street, Bathurst. Bookings are essential – phone 02 6332 4866.

Cowra: 
Immigration officers will be available for an appointment in Cowra on September 20 from 9-11am. Appointments will be at the Cowra Information and Neighbourhood Centre, 15 Vaux Street, Cowra. Bookings are essential – phone 02 6342 4900.

Parkes:
 Immigration officers will be available for an appointment in Parkes on September 20 from 1.30-4.30pm. Appointments will be at the Parkes and District Neighbourhood Centre, 80 Currajong Street, Parkes. Bookings are essential – phone 02 6862 3757.

Dubbo:
 Immigration officers will be available for an appointment in Dubbo on September 21 from 10am-4pm. Appointments will be at the Dubbo Neighbourhood Centre, 213 Brisbane Street, Dubbo. Bookings are essential – phone 02 6882 2100.

Orange: 
Immigration officers will be available for an appointment in Orange on September 22 from 10am-4.30pm. Appointments will be at the Orange Community Information and Services Centre, 79 Kite Street, Orange. Bookings are essential – phone 02 6393 8600.

Lithgow:
 Immigration officers will be available for an appointment in Lithgow on September 23 from 10am-1.30pm. Appointments will be at the Lithgow Information and Neighbourhood Centre, 1 Padley Street, Lithgow. Bookings are essential – phone 02 6352 2077.