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Showing posts with label study in Australia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label study in Australia. Show all posts

Tradesmen Needed in Australia

Author: Lindsay Wagner

Currently, Australia is in need of skilled tradesmen and as a result there are opportunities galore. Perhaps you've acquired the skills but you don't have the necessary official qualification papers to qualify for Australian Immigration ?


No worries, there is a solution - are you willing to do what it takes?


Currently, tradespersons earn much more than graduates. This is due to the high demand for trade skills.


The opportunity to study a trade in Australia ensures an opportunity to migrate to Australia successfully. Over 30 percent of TAFE (Technical and Further Education) students in Australia already hold bachelor degrees but are training for trade skills to gain lucrative jobs.


How can you benefit?


The bottom line is – Australia’s economy is booming. Fortunately for you, the growth is restricted due to shortages of skilled people across many of the trade industries. In fact, there are huge infrastructure developments that are on hold because of this great shortage of skills.


Currently, tradespersons are earning much more than graduates. This is due to the high demand for trade skills.


Study in Australia? The study options avaliable are open to international students. This will allow these students to gain skills to qualify in a number of occupations that are in demand. If you already hold a degree you're able to gain admission to two year post graduate courses to gain recognition as accountants, teachers, nurses and IT Specialists. If you've attained a HND (Higher National Diploma) you're able to gain credit into a Bachelor degree. You can then qualify in a wide range of occupations. You'll also enhance your chances of gaining skilled migration.


If you don’t have qualifications


You can train as a cook, hairdresser, bricklayer, automotive mechanic, cabinet maker or backer (there are more trades that you can train for). Of course, those in the above mentioned categories can also train for these trades.


How to go about it...


Generally, Australia aim to attract young people that have proficient English skills and are qualified in skilled occupations. Preferably, these applicants want to settle in regional areas. An Eligibility test will determine the above factors. The eligibility points allocate points to applicants based on age, skill, English language ability, work experience and a few other factors.



For skilled Migration you'll need 120 points.


How are points gained?


If you study specific programmes in Australia for at least 2 years will allow you to gain points for;


Skilled Occupations – amounts to 40, 50 or 60 points


If you study in Australia for two years you can gain 5 points


If you studied in a regional area in Australia you are given a bonus of 5 points


If you graduate with qualifications included on the Migration Occupation In Demand List (MODL), you may attract an additional 15 points.



The Age Requirement


Persons under 30 years of age with good English skills and qualified in a 60 point occupation (through 2 years of study in a regional area in Australia) will gain 120 points which is the current target.


Various occupations are shown on the Skilled Occuptations List (SOL)


Sought-after Trades Skills


Which skills are in demand?
Nurses, Accountants, Cooks, Hairdressers, Bricklayers are on the MDOL.


The MODL is reviewed at least every 6 months. This is done in line with the current workforce demands at the time. For example, If you proceed to do cookery courses , ensure that when by the time you're expected to complete the course, your newly attained skill will still feature on the MODL. Remember, not all courses will qualify you for a migration outcome. In order to be granted points, you'll need to meet the criteria that are set down by the relevant assessing body. Particularly for the occupation you're studying for as shown on the SOL.



The Requirements


Ensure that you're in possession of the necessary requirements. You'll need one of the following;


Degree or Postgraduate qualification that is on the assessing body’s accredited list. Examples; accountants or IT Specialists.


Certificate III in a specific subject and 900 hours that are recognised as relevant work experience is needed. Examples; bricklayers, hairdressers’ or Automotive Mechanics.


Recognised qualification that incorporates a minimum amount of days done under supervised work experience.



High English Score - For example, teacher and nurses require 7.0 on the international English Language Testing System Test or;



Diploma or Degree that features on the accredited list


Applicants must ensure that the course that they're studying for will meet the criteria of the relevant assessing body.



These requirements may change. Throughout the past five years to qualify as a cook and attain 60 points, the TRA assessing body required students to have the following;



  • One year Certificate III in Commercial Cookery,

  • One year Certificate III in Commercial Cookery,

  • Have Passed Skills Test,

  • Hold a Certificate III (in conjunction with a minimum two year study package) and

  • 900 hours of relevant work experience.



What's worth Knowing?


Once you’ve applied for your student visa, it can take up to 3 months to be granted, before courses commence. You're obligated to attend at least 80 per cent of your classes. You're also expected to meet your course requirements. Moreover, immediate dependent family members are generally included on the student visa. Child Dependants of school going age must be enrolled in a school before your visa is granted. It's greatly advised that you consult a clued up consultant that is proficient in dealing with such cases.



It's also important to remember that you'll not be allowed to work until you've started the course and applied for work rights.



Once you’ve applied for work rights, you'll be permitted to work for 20 hours per week during term and full-time during holidays. Your partner or spouse will be allowed to work 20 hours a week during the entire student visa period, once he/she has been granted work rights. Note that spouses of students studying towards a Masters or research Masters or PHD are permitted to work full-time. Although work that is registered as part of your course will not be included in the limited 20 hours.


Migration can become a very real possibility once you’ve completed your studies. So, hang in there and give it all you’ve got!


Want more information from one of our trained professionals? Fill out our FREE ASSESSMENT form or call us on 0845 2 606030 on a no obligation basis.


Disclaimer: While all due care has been taken to ensure that the information within this article at the time of publication is correct, I.U cannot accept responsibility for the content for any inaccuracies that occurs as a result of changes in immigration regulations, policy or other variables affecting the eligibility of individual applicants. Immigration laws, skill shortage determinations etc are subject to change by appropriate authorities and thus are outside of our control. Please contact us for further advice before taking steps towards immigrating. This article is published in good faith.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/tradesmen-needed-in-australia-668646.html


About the Author

Immigration Writer

immigrationunit.com

Study in Australia Visa Programs

Author: Myrthle Robillos - National Visas

A vision to fulfill our life with knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm. Study in a high level of quality into reputable educational institution is one of our dream. A dream that we admit on study abroad programs is a total journey for better enhancement of our goal in life. In order to fulfill those vision, universities in Australia provides you a complete educational program and courses with highly innovative educational methods and instruction which recognized internationally. Some of Universities here in Australia, have their different reputations that provide a broad range of courses that are up-to-date or relevant to the modern employment in the country and through out the world.

As they invest, it is one way to empower the country by means of important breakthroughs in modern technology and gaining high standard of quality education whom they made the whole world proud of them. Australia reach now the honor of center for quality education as they prove that large number of international students was decided to choose Australia as their destination in pursuing their study. We search and explore everything in order to uplift our life in best lifestyle that we pursue to achieve. That's why study in Australia is the best destination for us to start-up our career and enhance knowledge and talents.

Australia is a safe and friendly country. It was sophisticated and harmonious society in which the students can learn, travel and work. In that matter, Australia has a different Visa programs which intends to every purpose of a person who want s to visit, migrate, travel, work, and study in the amazing country of Australia. For those who want to study in Australia, there are specific Visa programs for you to secure. That is Australian student Visa Program. In securing your student Visa, make sure that you meet the respective qualification and requirements. Student Visa are categorized into five programs.

These are English language course Visa, School sector Visa, Vocational education or Training sector Visa, Higher education sector Visa, and Masters and Doctorate sector Visa. These 5 programs are intends for every sector of respective educational program in Australia. There are Visa for completing a language course, Visa for completing the study elementary and secondary education, a Visa for completing vocational course or any training programs, Visa for those who want to pursue their higher education in Australia such as bachelor degree or college degree courses, and a Visa for graduate study such as Masters in research and Doctoral degrees.

You can choose among those Visa programs which suited for your pursuing educational programs. Not only that, while studying in Australia, you were able to travel in some beautiful places in every regions of the country. Or by securing holiday Visa, you can have part time job in Australia. If you are industrious enough, you can earn more money there because of lot of workplace for you to have part time jobs. When you graduate d a course in certain educational institution in Australia, a brighter future is already in you that keeps your identity as a successful student which is a product of a certain university in Australia. A mark of a world class standard of quality education that gave to you by the university in Australia.

Myrthle Robillos - National Visas

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Australia Visa Immigration
Australia Visa Information
Australia Immigration General Information


Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/study-in-australia-visa-programs-665333.html


About the Author

Myrthle Robillos - is the official writer of National Visas. She's a Law student.



Australia Visa and Immigration||Australia student visa||Migrate to Australia

Study in Australia

Everyone speaks of Australia as a very cool place to live or visit, but what he studied?

Australia is a leading global provider of education and training. There are more than 400,000 students from 200 countries studying in Australia each year!
There are several reasons why you should study in Australia.

Education in Australia is both challenging and flexible. Australia is a safe, modern and dynamic that is a leader in the Asia-Pacific region and plays an important role worldwide. Australian education is recognized worldwide.

There are several reasons to choose Australia as a destination of choice. Education in Australia is both flexible and challenging but above all he is internationally recognized and respected. Australia is a safe, modern and dynamic that is a leader in the Asia-Pacific region and plays an important role in the world.
 
Here are some good reasons for studying in Australia: 

a) quality, b) affordability, c) a complete experience for education, d) the reputation, and e) Security

Quality

Australian institutions have an international reputation for excellence in all areas of education and training. In fact, Australia offers best practices in the world for quality assurance of education and training. The education system is subject to continuous checks and controls by the government, industries and professional bodies to maintain and improve its already high standards. Several institutions in Australia have also ISO 9001 certification, which guarantees the quality of services they offer.

Australian universities are widely recognized in many areas. In fact, the Times Higher Education rankings placed seven Australian universities in the World's Top 100 universities in 2006. Australia has a reputation for the creation and adoption of new technologies and innovative. Australian universities have placed great importance in the development of world class facilities and research centers of excellence. This reputation was confirmed with eight Australian researchers receive the Nobel Prize in various fields.

Lastly, you will find that graduates from Australia are very successful in finding employment after graduation and develop successful careers in the world. When you study in Australia, study programs, you have often been developed in consultation with various industries. This guarantees that the studies you undertake are relevant and meet the needs and requirements of businesses and industries themselves seeking highly qualified individuals with an internationally recognized qualification.

Affordability

Living expenses and tuition fees in Australia are much less expensive than other countries like United Kingdom and United States of America. The structure of the Australian education system is both affordable and high quality. In addition, international students have the opportunity to work up to 20 hours per week on a casual basis during their studies and full time during vacations provided they hold a work visa question. This offers students the opportunity to gain valuable work experience and / or earn extra money to support themselves while in Australia.

A comprehensive educational experience. Studying in Australia is an experience full of life! International students in Australia while doing to their program of study chosen, have the opportunity to improve their studies by participating in many extracurricular activities offered by all Australian institutions. Most Australian institutions include internships, exchange programs and volunteer program in the regular curriculum to allow students to add value to their experience in international studies. In Australia, institutions know that companies are looking for graduates with a profile complete with international experience and understanding the world around them. 

In addition, the prospect of multicultural Australia allows students to meet people from hundreds of countries worldwide. Remember, there are students from over 200 countries studying in Australian institutions! Where in the world can you walk into a classroom and have the opportunity to network and make friends for life with people from all corners of the globe? The geographical location of Australia also allows the opportunity to travel to other countries in the Asia-Pacific. That is if you consider yourself a citizen of the world!

Reputation

Australia was a popular destination for the study of thousands of international students and has been for many years now. In 2006, around 400,000 international students from around the world studied in Australia. Australian institutions are sensitive to cultural and religious needs and provide adequate, safe, welcoming and quality of services provided to foreign students studying in Australia. 

Australian institutions have years of experience and expertise in hosting and supporting international students and this is provided by the extended support services. They attach great importance to your experience in Australia is as easy as possible and quickly adapt to your new environment. They will help you as best they can to ensure you enjoy your time in Australia and make the most of your study experience. In fact, all Australian institutions must provide comprehensive support to students for their international students by Australian law.

Security

The Australian government has passed legislation to protect foreign students while studying in Australia. In Australia you get a more stringent safeguards in the world for international students through the "education services for students from overseas (SDO) Act 2000.

The ESOS Act is a law that regulates Australian institutions that provide education to foreign students. The ESOS legislation ensures that they meet nationally consistent standards in education delivery, facilities and services. He also directs a nationally consistent approach to registering education providers so that quality programs and support services for students, remains high.

Australia Universities Fascinate a Magnetic Spell over Foreign Students

Australia, the land of kangaroos is not only famous for its world champion cricketers but also for its renowned universities. The Australia universities and colleges impart world class education and training to the students. An Australian degree filled with knowledge, skills and passion can be the source of personal and professional growth. This has attracted most of the young ambitious students to see a dream to get an Australian degree.

The Australia universities proffer both flexible and challenging education. Their degrees are also recognized and respected all over the world. With the modern and dynamism in education system this country has played as a leader in the Asia-Pacific region and also world wide.

Here we can discuss some magnetic reasons to study in Australia.

The cost of living and study expenses are considerably low than other countries like USA, UK. A full time graduation and post graduation courses in Australia costs around 10,000 to 20,000 Australian dollars. Here the universities provide high quality and affordable study structure that suits most of the foreign students. For better study Australia University also offer part-time job opportunity up to 20 hours a week and full-time job during the vacations. This provides the foreign students to acquire valuable work experience as well as earn some extra money to support in their study while staying in Australia. To work full-time in Australia, students have to hold both relevant working visa as well as student visa.

It is the norm to score high in the IELTS exam, to get an admission in good Australia universities. The IELTS score must be 6 or more that that. If a student has scored equal to or more than 213/300 in computer based TOEFL exam, he can also take admission in a top university in Australia.

Student visa is a must at the time of admission in Australia but in Germany it is not that important for students who belong to Canada, Australia, Japan, Switzerland, Israel, New Zealand and United States of America. For students does not having student visa Australia Universities do not allow them to get an admission. The student has to send his copy of electronic Confirmation of Enrollment sent by the University he had applied, to the Australian embassy for the Visa.

However, the extensive support services of years of experience and knowledge of the Australia universities has made the international students to get most out of their study experience. Studying in Australia one can enjoy a blend of multicultural prospective by meeting students from different parts of the world. In the safe and friendly atmosphere in Australia any foreign student can easily and quickly adjust the new environment. They can take part in the many extra curricular activities offered by all the universities and many other institutions.

The Leading Australian Universities Named Australian National University, University of Sydney, University Of Melbourne, Victoria University, and University of Canberra have been always the point of attraction for many foreign students from around two hundred nations around the world. If you are planning to gain an Australian degree in its dynamic and innovative learning environment it will surely help you to bang on a bright future.

Studying in Australia

Australia is one of the worlds leading education and training providers. There are over 400,000 students from 200 countries studying in Australia each year. Top Australian universities provide infinite opportunities and courses. You can choose from courses including traditional areas of learning and vocational courses as well. All the Australian universities have their own areas of specialization. There are universities in all major Australian cities and throughout regional areas of the country ranging in size from around 3,000 students to 50,000 students. About 20 percent of students enrolled in Australian universities are from overseas. Most popular streams for Study in Australia are Law, MBA, English and Engineering.

Australia has one of the highest standards of living in the world, and the tuition fees and living costs are cheaper than in comparable countries like the US, UK and Canada. In addition, Australia offers a safe and student-friendly environment with a cultural diversity that is rich enough to enable students to integrate comfortably into the Australian way of life. Australia is the world's smallest continent and the largest island. It is like nowhere else in the world. It has an area as big as mainland of the United States but has a population of only 20 million people. The population is comprised of over 130 nationalities which makes Australia one of the most multicultural countries in the world. This broad ethnic mix has created a rich cultural blend of languages, fashions, architecture and cuisines.

There are several reasons to choose Australia as an education destination. Education in Australia is both challenging and flexible but most importantly it is internationally recognized and respected. Institutions in Australia must be accredited and courses offered to international students must be approved and listed on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). Qualifications offered to students in Australia must fit the Australian Qualifications Framework. The staff at Australian institutions is also very experienced in helping students from other countries, and there are well-established support systems in place for international students who come for education in Australia.

In a nut shell Australia is a dynamic and vibrant country with a great deal to offer students looking for international education:
  •     Australia has dynamic and progressive education programs with a reputation for excellence
  •     Australia has globally-recognized courses and qualifications
  •     Australia has a relaxed, enjoyable and safe lifestyle
  •     Australia has cheaper study and living expenses compared to many other countries
  •     Australia has vibrant, appealing and multicultural cities
  •     Australia has great weather
  •     Australia has amazing and diverse landscapes and scenery
  •     Australia has unique and wonderful flora and fauna.

Australia has great employment opportunities in International Companies after passing out from any Australian University. Moreover, with the changes in Assessment level for India from July 2011 will benefit students in Documentation, Financial support and evidence result in increase in trend for Australian Study. Australia is a safe, modern and dynamic country that is a leader in the Asia-Pacific region and which plays a significant role worldwide.

Australian Immigration cuts Brisbane's Foreign Students

It's foreign students no-more as an immigration policy declared a cut to Brisbane's student immigration to Australia. The country's two parties, Labor and Liberal National Party, have been arguing over which factors greatly affects the continuous increase in Australia's migration. After a long road of talk, they end up with a conclusion stating that the number of international students entering the country is the largest contributor to net overseas migration.

It is a fact that Brisbane holds 80% of Queensland's $2.7 billion international student industry which is a part of an international education sector that generated $18.6 billion in the 2009 export earnings. If we'll look into it, it's Queensland that sets the high jump in overseas students since 2004 – showing a number of Immigration Department figures of more than doubled from 25,231 to 52,347 in 2009.

However, some sources reported that as the number of overseas university students grow up, foreign students heading for TAFE colleges had been "tanked". In year 2008-2009, the total number of Australian student visa holders had decreased from 320,368 to 269,826 in 2009-2010. While enrollments on higher education dropped from 133,990 to 118,541. According to Glenn Withers, the chief executive of Universities Australia, the issue of international students' slowing number had already been experienced before. He then advised the two major parties to be more careful in their plan of cutting the number of foreign students.

"A severe drop in international student numbers would cost many Australians their jobs," He said. "For example, according to Access Economics estimates, a 50 percent drop in international student numbers represents 62,000 jobs gone - and this process is already happening. Many of these jobs are in marginal and regional seats where universities and colleges are a major community presence," Withers explained. Aside from this, the Australian Tourism Export Council has also cautioned the two parties to consider the economic consequences, especially if they wish to continue the cut to international student visa numbers.

As stated by ATEC managing director Matt Hingerty, more than 80% of all foreign students attract at least one other overseas visitor during their stay to Australia. "Any changes to international student visa numbers need to be made with the knowledge of the flow-on effects this will have on other sectors of the economy," he uttered in a statement. But it seems that the opposition group is still on their way to continue the plan. Opposition Leader Tony Abbott announced that there will be no cuts to Australian skilled  migration categories, only to overseas student immigrants. He recently introduced a plan stating that they will reduce Australia's net overseas migration to 170,000 people each year by 2013.

Along with Abbott, Tony Burke, government's Minister for Sustainable Population, also unveiled a cut to foreign students, especially on hairdressing and chef courses. This is due to an evidence explaining that some overseas students used student visas just to have a permanent citizenship. "Some of them weren't being used to fill work shortages, they were being used to get cheaper workers. There were some overseas students coming, not for the purpose of getting an Australian education, but as a pathway for permanent residency," Mr. Burke explained.

Tradesmen Needed in Australia

Currently, Australia is in need of skilled tradesmen and as a result there are opportunities galore. Perhaps you've acquired the skills but you don't have the necessary official qualification papers to qualify for Australian Immigration ?

No worries, there is a solution - are you willing to do what it takes?

Currently, trades persons earn much more than graduates. This is due to the high demand for trade skills.

The opportunity to study a trade in Australia ensures an opportunity to migrate  to Australia successfully. Over 30 percent of TAFE (Technical and Further Education) students in Australia already hold bachelor degrees but are training for trade skills to gain lucrative jobs.

How can you benefit?

The bottom line is – Australia’s economy is booming. Fortunately for you, the growth is restricted due to shortages of skilled people across many of the trade industries. In fact, there are huge infrastructure developments that are on hold because of this great shortage of skills.

Currently, tradespersons are earning much more than graduates. This is due to the high demand for trade skills.

Study in Australia? The  study options avaliable are open to international students. This will allow these students to gain skills to qualify in a number of occupations that are in demand. If you already hold a degree you're able to gain admission to two year post graduate courses to gain recognition as accountants, teachers, nurses and IT Specialists. If you've attained a HND (Higher National Diploma) you're able to gain credit into a Bachelor degree. You can then qualify in a wide range of occupations. You'll also enhance your chances of gaining skilled migration.

If you don’t have qualifications

You can train as a cook, hairdresser, bricklayer, automotive mechanic, cabinet maker or backer (there are more trades that you can train for). Of course, those in the above mentioned categories can also train for these trades.

How to go about it...

Generally, Australia aim to attract young people that have proficient English skills and are qualified in skilled occupations. Preferably, these applicants want to settle in regional areas. An Eligibility test will determine the above factors. The eligibility points allocate points to applicants based on age, skill, English language ability, work experience and a few other factors.

For skilled Migration you'll need 120 points.

How are points gained?

If you study specific programmes in Australia for at least 2 years will allow you to gain points for;

Skilled Occupations – amounts to 40, 50 or 60 points

If you study in Australia for two years you can gain 5 points

If you studied in a regional area in Australia you are given a bonus of 5 points

If you graduate with qualifications included on the Migration Occupation In Demand List (MODL), you may attract an additional 15 points.


The Age Requirement

Persons under 30 years of age with good English skills and qualified in a 60 point occupation (through 2 years of study in a regional area in Australia) will gain 120 points which is the current target.

Various occupations are shown on the Skilled Occuptations List (SOL)

Sought-after Trades Skills

Which skills are in demand?

Nurses, Accountants, Cooks, Hairdressers, Bricklayers are on the MDOL.

The MODL is reviewed at least every 6 months. This is done in line with the current workforce demands at the time. For example, If you proceed to do cookery courses , ensure that when by the time you're expected to complete the course, your newly attained skill will still feature on the MODL. Remember, not all courses will qualify you for a migration outcome. In order to be granted points, you'll need to meet the criteria that are set down by the relevant assessing body. Particularly for the occupation you're studying for as shown on the SOL.

The Requirements

Ensure that you're in possession of the necessary requirements. You'll need one of the following;

Degree or Postgraduate qualification that is on the assessing body’s accredited list. Examples; accountants or IT Specialists. Certificate III in a specific subject and 900 hours that are recognised as relevant work experience is needed. Examples; bricklayers, hairdressers’ or Automotive Mechanics. Recognised qualification that incorporates a minimum amount of days done under supervised work experience.


High English Score - For example, teacher and nurses require 7.0 on the international English Language Testing System Test or;


Diploma or Degree that features on the accredited list

Applicants must ensure that the course that they're studying for will meet the criteria of the relevant assessing body. These requirements may change. Throughout the past five years to qualify as a cook and attain 60 points, the TRA assessing body required students to have the following;

  • One year Certificate III in Commercial Cookery,
  • Have Passed Skills Test,
  • Hold a Certificate III (in conjunction with a minimum two year study package) and
  • 900 hours of relevant work experience.


What's worth Knowing?

Once you’ve applied for your student visa, it can take up to 3 months to be granted, before courses commence. You're obligated to attend at least 80 per cent of your classes. You're also expected to meet your course requirements. Moreover, immediate dependent family members are generally included on the student visa. Child Dependants of school going age must be enrolled in a school before your visa is granted. It's greatly advised that you consult a clued up consultant that is proficient in dealing with such cases.

It's also important to remember that you'll not be allowed to work until you've started the course and applied for work rights.

Once you’ve applied for work rights, you'll be permitted to work for 20 hours per week during term and full-time during holidays. Your partner or spouse will be allowed to work 20 hours a week during the entire student visa period, once he/she has been granted work rights. Note that spouses of students studying towards a Masters or research Masters or PHD are permitted to work full-time. Although work that is registered as part of your course will not be included in the limited 20 hours.

Migration can become a very real possibility once you’ve completed your studies. So, hang in there and give it all you’ve got!

Want more information from one of our trained professionals? Fill out our FREE ASSESSMENT form or call us on 0845 2 606030 on a no obligation basis.

Disclaimer: While all due care has been taken to ensure that the information within this article at the time of publication is correct, I.U cannot accept responsibility for the content for any inaccuracies that occurs as a result of changes in immigration regulations, policy or other variables affecting the eligibility of individual applicants. Immigration laws, skill shortage determinations etc are subject to change by appropriate authorities and thus are outside of our control. Please contact us for further advice before taking steps towards immigrating. This article is published in good faith.

International Students common questions about Australian Visas and Immigration answered

How do the new student visa integrity measures affect international students? What are the Changes? The main changes are around showing sufficient funds to study in Australia. There are two separate measures in relation to this:

1.      Funds for living costs have increased from $1,000 per month to $1,500 per month. As a result, the amount of funds you need to show for a student visa extension may be much higher than you needed to show for your initial student visa

2.      Students must show that they can actually access the funds shown. For example, if relying on bank accounts held by a relative, the Department of Immigration (DIAC) will often ask that you show that funds have actually been transferred to your account. If relying on a loan, DIAC may require you to show that the funds have been released to a bank account over which you have access.

However, it's not all bad news. People undertaking research qualifications (ie masters by research and PhD) will now be at either Assessment Level 1 or 2 (Assessment Level 1 being the best). This will mean that the amount of funds you need to show might not be as high as for other types of qualifications. Can subject choice improve your chances of immigration?

At the moment, if you have an occupation on the Critical Skills List (CSL), your application will be processed significantly faster than if you are not on the CSL. Examples of occupations on the CSL include secondary school teachers, nurses, engineers and accountants (provided you either have a minimum 7 in IELTS or have completed a professional year).

However, the rules for skilled migration are due to change significantly. The Department of Immigration is concerned that students have been choosing courses which are good for immigration, not in occupations which they intend to work in the future. There has been a significant growth in the vocational sector in particular - in courses such as hairdressing and cookery - which have until now been good for migration. In addition, the Department of Immigration is giving higher and higher priority to employer sponsored applications. As a result, the best advice is to do a course which you are genuinely interested in and in which you have a good chance of obtaining employment in Australia. When is the new Skilled Occupations List coming out? When will it come into effect?

Skills Australia has reported to the Department of Immigration on their recommendations for the new list on 30 April 2010. However, the suggested list was not released at this time. The Department of Immigration has announced that the list will be published in May 2010. The list is due to come into effect in "mid 2010". Many have speculated that this means 1 July 2010, but there has been no confirmation of the exact date. It is possible that the list will come into effect at the same time as it is announced.

The current Skilled Occupations List has some 400 occupations on it. Our best guess is that the new list will have around 200 occupations on it. Skills Australia produced a list called the specialised occupations list. It is possible that this will form the basis of the new skilled occupations list. The specialized occupations list included the following types of occupations:
  • Building & Engineering
  • Medical - doctors, nurses
  • School teachers & academics
  • Accountants and Auditors (CPA or equivalent)
  • Legal Professionals

There are only a few trade occupations on the list, and the future of students completing vocational courses in Australia is far from clear. What happens if I am not on the new Skilled Occupations List?

If your occupation is not on the new SOL, it is still possible to apply for:
  • A skilled graduate subclass 485 visa
  • State nominated skilled visas
  • Employer sponsorship

Unless you had already applied for a graduate skilled visa as of the 8th of February 2010, you will only be able to apply for the following types of visa if you are on the new list:
  • Skilled independent
  • Family sponsored skilled visas

So you should still be able to apply for a graduate skilled visa after your course is finished, providing you meet the necessary requirements, even if you are not on the new SOL. Once on the graduate skilled visa, you have full work rights for 18 months. Provided you find either an employer or state government willing to sponsor you during this time, you can still apply for permanent residence. How are the points calculated?

The main elements of the current points test are:

1.      Occupation: either 40, 50 or 60 points
2.      Age: 30 if you are under 30, down to 15 if you are between 40 and 44
3.      English language ability: 25 for IELTS 7 minimum, or 15 if 6 minimum
4.      Study in Australia: 5 for a course taking 2 years, up to 25 if you have completed a PhD in Australia
5.      Work experience in Australia: 10 for working in your occupation for a year or 10 for completing a professional year
6.      Skilled Spouse: 5 points
7.      Language other than English: 5 if you have passed the NAATI test as a translator or interpreter, or have a degree taught in the language
8.      State Nomination: 10 points

Note that the Department of Immigration is conducting a review of the points test. Recommendations are due in June 2010, and the following changes have been discussed:
  • Making all occupations worth the same number of points
  • Giving more points for higher levels of English
  • Giving more points for longer periods of employment
  • Increasing spouse skills points

What are the specific procedures for general skilled migration application?

There are generally 3-4 main stages of the application:

1.      Skills Assessment: this is a process of having your qualifications assessed, and in some cases you also need to provide evidence of English and work experience. The exact procedure depends on your occupation. Generally this takes 2-3 months to complete and you must have a completed skills assessment to apply for a permanent general skilled migration visa

2.      Skilled Graduate Subclass 485 visa: because the skills assessment can take some time, many students will need to apply for a 485 visa to ensure that they have enough time to complete the necessary processes to apply for their permanent skilled visas. A 485 visa requires you to have completed a qualification taking 2 years of study in Australia, 6 minimum for IELTS and to have lodged your application for skills assessment.

3.      State Nomination: This is an optional process, but may be necessary if you do not otherwise have sufficient points to qualify. It can also significantly speed up processing of your application. Generally, the state will require a skills assessment and evidence of English. States have different criteria, and some also require evidence of funds to settle in Australia, work experience in the state, and in some cases study or residence in the state.

4.      Permanent Skilled Application: for this you'll need a completed skills assessment, evidence of English, health and police checks and evidence of your studies in Australia. This stage is currently relatively fast if you have a CSL occupation, but can take 2-3 years if you are not on the CSL.

What is the minimum required mark in the dreaded IELTS test?

This will depend on which visa type you are trying to apply for:
  • Skilled Independent: to meet the pass mark, you'll need a minimum of 7 in all 4 components unless you have previous work experience (Proficient English)
  • Skilled Graduate: a minimum of 6 in all 4 components (Competent English)
  • Skilled Regional Sponsored: average of 6 (Concessional Competent English)
  • Employer Nomination Scheme: minimum of 5 in all 4 components (Vocational English)
  • Regional Skilled Migration Scheme: average of 4.5 (Functional English)

Most types of application require you to show the level of English at the date of application - so you need to plan ahead and make sure you don't leave your English test till the last minute.

Note also that some skills assessing authorities require a higher level of English. For example, accountants will need to show that they have at least 7 in all 4 components of the Academic IELTS from 1 July 2010.
What are the compulsory requirements for student visas and the Do's and Do-not's of a student visa?

There are a number of very important student conditions you need to comply with. Non-compliance with these conditions can result in cancellation of you student visa:
  • Work Restriction 8105: This allows you to work for 20 hours per week during semester and full time in semester break. The work rights start once you commence your course. After completion of your course, you can generally work full time if you have applied for an onshore skilled visa.
  • Satisfactory Academic Progress 8202: This requires you to maintain your enrollment, attend your classes and pass your assignments. In some circumstances (eg health reasons), it is possible to defer for a semester, but in most cases, the Department of Immigration will expect you to depart Australia during the deferral
  • Notify Change of Address 8533: You need to tell your education provider within 7 days if you change address. This is important as any correspondence from the Department of Immigration will also be sent to the last address you gave to your education provider