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Showing posts with label Australian visa. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Australian visa. Show all posts

Australians Fear Negative Effect Of Immigration

Author: Beau Cole

When it comes to Australia, migration seekers often think of the place as one vast area where they can easily move into. However, some experts say that while the country is indeed big (it is one continent after all), it can, in fact, carry only so many people. And it seems that Australians themselves are saying that there is no more room left in the country.

This would seem to be the case if one looks into the latest survey conducted to get Australians' opinions on various immigration issues. According to the survey conducted by AustraliaScan, an independent survey firm, a large percentage of the 2000 people they surveyed actually agreed that its about time to limit migration into the country. The firm noted that the response was almost as high as the anti-immigration sentiments of the late 90's

However, experts said that these new anti immigration sentiments are actually far different from those sentiments in the past. One thing of note is that the earlier sentiments were mainly characterized by racist tones mainly fanned by the popularity of radical politician Pauline Hanson. On the other hand, experts say that, far from those radical perceptions, the current attitude of Australians with regards to migration definitely has a basis

So, are Australians correct in thinking that there is no more room left for people who want to move into the country? To answer that, it would be a good idea to look into the reasons put forward by those who have responded to the question. One of these is that there are only so much to support the country's population sustainably.

The truth of the matter is, while the country is indeed very large, it only has a limited amount of resources. As the country's population grows larger, these resources in turn get used much quicker. And with the rate at which Australia's population is growing (immigration being one of the leading causes of the increase), it is likely that these resources will get used up much sooner than expected.

And it still doesn't end there. Another threat that a growing population brings forth is pollution. Australians fear that with the increase in people in the country, pollution will also go up much faster. This will be detrimental, not only to the population's health but also to the fragile environment of the continent as well. This will also hasten the land into becoming unlivable.

Another thing that many Australians are considering with regards to the matter of limiting immigration numbers is security. As it turns out, global terrorism is still much of a threat that the country needs to deal with. And along with this, there are still other threats that needs to be dealt with, such as international crime. Thus, many people see immigration cuts as a way in combating these.

Despite these valid points, it is unlikely that the immigration question will be settled soon, what with all the other things that needs to be considered. And for the meantime, Australians cross their fingers and hope that the country can still support its people a little bit longer.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/australians-fear-negative-effect-of-immigration-2716943.html


About the Author

PrincipalVisas provides advice and assistance on applying for an Australia visas. Use this website to find all the information and guidance you will need when visiting Australia. It also contain general Australia Immigration Information about different types of visa and category of travelers. Try our online visa application service at http://www.principalvisas.com and start a new life in Australia.

Australia Updates Character Requirement for Immigration

Author: tradinh

The Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) has recently updated and released the latest version of the Character Requirement, which now includes more criteria in the test, for those who wish to enter and stay in Australia.



In the updated Character Requirement, the DIAC has added one more criteria for passing the character test. The most sufficient list of cases that lead to applicants' failure for the character test is that when:



- they have a substantial criminal record. A person is considered to have a substantial criminal record if they have been: sentenced to either death or life imprisonment; sentenced to a term of imprisonment for 12 months or more; sentenced to two or more terms of imprisonment (whether on one or more occasions), where the total of those terms is two years or more; or acquitted of an offence on the grounds of either unsoundness of mind or insanity and, as a result, the person has been detained in a facility or institution.



- they have been convicted of any offence that was committed while in immigration detention, during an escape from immigration detention, during a period where a person escaped from immigration detention, or if the person has been convicted of the offence of escaping from immigration detention



- they have, or have had, an association with an individual, group or organisation suspected of having been, or being, involved in criminal conduct



- having regard to the person's past and present criminal conduct, the person is found not to be of good character



- having regard to the person's past and present general conduct, the person is found to be not of good character



- there is a significant risk that the person will engage in criminal conduct in Australia, harass, molest, intimidate or stalk another person in Australia, vilify a segment of the Australian community, or incite discord in the Australian community or in a segment of that community, or represent a danger to the Australian community or a segment of that community.



It's compulsory for Australian visa applicants, non-citizen sponsors and non-migrating family members who wish to enter and stay in Australia to have their character assessed, which means they have to meet the character requirements mentioned in Section 501 of the Migration Act 1958.



This section of the Migration Act 1958 designs the character test to ensure that visa applicants, relevant non-citizen sponsors, as well as non-migrating family members are of good character. In addition, the test also gives discretionary powers to either refuse or cancel visas if potential migrants to Australia fail the test.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/immigration-articles/australia-updates-character-requirement-for-immigration-5119708.html


About the Author

For further information and advice on obtaining an Australian Visa, contact Migration Expert by visiting http://www.migrationexpert.com.au


Migration Expert is an online provider of visa and immigration advice and services. The Company has been operating since 2002 when it began its Australian visa services and has since helped people from all over the world apply for visas to Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Immigration to Australia

Author: rajan

Australia's economy is growing leaps and bounds that prompts millions of Indians to fly from their roost and carve their niche in Australian homeland. Superb educational universities, school and collages; great job opportunities, high standards of living in the backdrop picturesque countryside and divine scenic splendor tempts Indians to migrate in Australia.


Every year Indians migration in Australia gets doubled. But before making plans and jetting off to Australia, its important to be well aware of laws of migration in Australian, which are quite different from other countries and are complex. Australian migration refers to the residence of foreigners in those parts of Australian territory where a non citizen should hold an Atustralian Visa to reside legally. Immigration to Australia refers to residence of foreigners within the Australian territory. And to legally reside foreigners must have an Australian visa. Visa to Australia is of different types.


There's student visa for young Indians to go for higher studies, Australian working visa provides all the working benefits and a comfortable stay in the country. Australian working Visa helps skilled professionals be it a doctor, engineer, IT professionals, technicians to get best jobs and improve their career graph. Australian Immigration laws involves certain legal laws and procedures that needs to be taken care of. Australian immigration doesn't grant Australian visa to settle permanently. The law inhibits the unauthorized arrival in the country from any part of the world. There are Obligatory set of laws that stops illegal activity, which can hamper the growth of economic and social prosperity of the country.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/international-studies-articles/immigration-to-australia-446800.html


About the Author

Rajan Kumar

Australia Visa denied for renowned footballer

Author: Pankaj Sharma

Paul Parker has been denied Australia Visa for travel by working as a TV soccer analyst.

He was appointed by the FFNT (Football Federation Northern Territory) as a coaching consultant and was scheduled to commence his work 1 week ago. At present, Paul Parker is in Singapore and has already applied for Australian Visa for "Distinguished Talent". Only after getting this section of Australian Visa, he would be able to commence his work with the FFNT.

According to the Department of Immigration & Citizenship (DIAC) Australia, which looks after the matters related to Australia immigration, Australia Visa to travel does not permit the visa holder to work while in the country. Paul Parker, who was working as a soccer analyst breached the conditions and has been entitled of exile.

"He will be heading our indigenous program. Hopefully he'll have some sort of involvement with the NT's Timor Sea Cup side, work with school sports and with look at club development. They will keep him busy." he added. FFNT is very much keen to see Parker back to the job at his earliest, provided he secures the correct for of Australia Visa.

Daymon Port, who is technical director of FFNT said, "Everything has been left as is".

It should be noted that FFNT is a non-profit organisation which has contributed remarkably to promote football game in the country. Working with it is an opportunity that anybody cant afford to miss. In fact, Parker is trying his best to get the things on track.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/australia-visa-denied-for-renowned-footballer-1782268.html


About the Author

Author is a Team Leader in a UK based company. He has been working in this field since 2006. The clients served by him are the greatest business houses in the UK. To see his profile please visit: http://dpfoc.com/seo-company-india.php

Australian Immigration: 40,000 Skilled Workers Needed To Ease Shortage In Construction Sector

Author: Rochelle Van Der Merwe

Immigration can be the answer to curbing Australian state, Victoria's rise in housing prices because of labour shortages in commercial and residential



The Master Builders Association of Victoria (MBA) believes that to keep pace with the industry's growth, the state needs 40,000 more skilled workers within the next five years.



Because of an acute lack of skilled workers, Victoria's construction activity is being threatened, and, according to a survey of commercial builders by the peak body, recruiting a skilled workforce was the biggest issue preventing the sector from reaching its potential.



Executive MBA director Brian Welch said that this survey highlighted the need for Victoria not only to retain its skilled professionals but also to attract new workers.



Other key findings of the survey showed that 46% of those polled said that it was very difficult to recruit highly skilled workers such as site and project managers. Also, more than half said the greatest difficulty was found in recruiting shop draftsmen.



Mr Welch also said that things are about to worsen if Immigration Australia can't help: "With an ageing workforce and many of our senior building professionals close to retirement age, the situation is expected to worsen".



The problem, Welch explained, was that forcing up the costs for builders, would feed into property prices for consumers.



He warned that the fewer trade contractors there are to do work; the higher house prices will rise as shortages become imminent. Also, he added that we are under-building as it stands and there are a lot of people over the next five years who will retire from the building industry.



Over the past few years, housing affordability in Australia has worsened, with home owners and renters spending more of their income on mortgage or rent payments. Hopefully, Immigration Australia can bring in more skilled workers from overseas to remedy this problem.



Mr Welch said to address the skills shortage, the State Government should introduce several measures, including retraining skilled workers at retirement age so their skills and experience can be kept as 'registered trainers'.



If you are interested in working and living in Australia, "The Lucky Country" offers a variety of work visas, namely:



- Skilled Independent Visa

- Skilled Sponsored Visa

- Skilled Sponsored Family Relative Visa

- Skilled Sponsored State/Territory Visa

- Skilled Regional Sponsored Visa

- Business Sponsored 457 Visa

- Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS)

- Working Holiday Visa



Many of these visas could offer you a doorway to immigration to Australia.



Find out which visa you qualify for by doing our free online visa eligibility assessment, which will deliver instant results!

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/law-articles/australian-immigration-40000-skilled-workers-needed-to-ease-shortage-in-construction-sector-390443.html


About the Author

Rochelle works for Migration Expert Australia, a global leader in online immigration services. For more information on Australian Visas and Working in Australia, visit www.MigrationExpert.com today.

Immigration to Australian Capital Territory Jumps

Almost 1,400 new migrants have been granted their Australian visas and are now trying their luck at the Australian Capital Territory. This is in response to the state's aggressive campaign to bring in more skilled and professional migrants to combat the labor shortage. As reported by ABC News Online, Acting ACT Chief Minister Katy Gallagher says “the city can handle the growth as the Government's Live in Canberra campaign starts to pay dividends.”

This exodus of skilled migrants is the highest in a decade. And while Canberra is still experiencing severe housing and rental problems, this hasn't deterred people from wanting to live and migrate to Australia. For the past three months, real estate in Australia has been bleak. Economist Simon Tennent from the Housing Industry Association cites that the country is about 25,000 dwellings short, with the rental market the biggest sufferer. Canberra is up about two-and-a-half per cent over the last three months.

But the ACT Government declares Canberra can accommodate the growing number of overseas migrants. If anything, this Australian immigration is a welcome addition not just to the state's workforce but to the overall community as well. "We've got a lot of housing coming onto the market soon," Chief Minister Gallagher said.

True enough, as housing steadily mends itself, migration to Canberra gets a lot easier. Again, quoting from ABC News Online, “a Canberra migration agent says it is easier to migrate to the ACT than anywhere else in Australia. We get a sponsorship in a month or two months' time, whereas in other states, it takes nearly six months to get a sponsorship."

Overall, these figures mean a win-win situation for both the state government and all skilled and professional migrants. Indeed, immigration to Australia has never seen better times such as now. And hopefully the trend will continue in the years to come. Come and Live in Australia! At National Visas, you get straightforward solutions to all your Australian visa application and concerns. Take a free online assessment now, because Australia wants you more than ever!

Immigrating to Australia: What You Need to Know

Australia is such a wonderful country. It is no wonder that people may want to immigrate to the country, or even just to spend a few days’ visit in it. However, it is not always easy to get a visa and permission to enter Australia. You need a very excellent guide who will more or less walk you through the process and prepare you for actual application of a visa.

Selecting a Visa

The first step to applying for a visa for immigration to Australia is to know what kind of visa you will be applying for. There are several visas available for entry to Australia, each of them meant for a specific type of applicant. These visas include:

Worker visa

The worker visa itself has different types of visas available. There is a specific visa for doctors or nurses, for people who are sponsored by employers in Australia, as well as seamen and airmen entering Australia.

Family visa

This is for people who are moving into Australia or just visiting the country via petition by family members that are already permanent residents of Australia. This is also for people who have married an Australian citizen and would wish to move to the country. These visas are just but a few of the many specific visas available for immigrating to Australia. Find out which of these visas you are most likely eligible for, and then start applying.

Start Applying

Actual application for the visa can be facilitated through the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs’ website. They have application forms available at the site. You only need to fill it up and follow the instructions indicated. You may think your application is done after this, but no, not yet. You have to send in supporting documents that will prove your eligibility and qualification to move to Australia. There are different documents that may be required depending on your application and the type of visa you are applying for.

For example, if you are applying for a student visa, you will need to send in proof of your enrollment in an Australian university. This includes your Letter of Offer and your Confirmation of Enrollment. These are documents provided by the University after you have completed all the necessary steps for enrollment. On the other hand, if you are married to an Australian and are moving to the country as part of the marriage, you have to provide supporting evidence of your relationship and marriage. These requirements would include your marriage contract, proofs of joint accounts such as electric bills, water bills, and a joint bank account, among others.

Being third in the World Health Organization’s list of countries with the best performance in health care, Australia is very strict about health issues concerning people entering their borders. As part of your application, you would need to complete a medical checkup carried out by the Australian embassy’s accredited physicians in every country. After these steps are carried out, it’s purely a waiting game. However, relax. As long as you have been thorough in completing the requirements and submitting the necessary documents, you will be getting a visa and move to Australia in no time.

Getting The Immigration Information You Need

One of the countries that many people would want to move into is Australia. This is evident from the multitude of people lining up daily in the embassies to get their Australian visas. However, immigration to Australia isn't simply about getting your visa and flying off. In fact, getting immigration information for Australia should be your first concern. Indeed, having the right information will be the key for you to be able to successfully settle in the country. Thus, you need to know where to find them and how to actually use them properly.

Looking for them is actually quite very, as there are many sources that you can find. The Australian immigration department itself provides much of the general information that applicants of Australian visas will need. And there are countless of sites online dedicated to those wanting to find additional tips. However, finding the right ones for you to use can be the hard part. For instance, while the Australian embassy might be able to give you official information, but they won't be able to teach the finer details of getting your visa approved (well, actually, they can, but they still won't). On the other hand, independent parties will be able to give you plenty, but some of these might either be outdated or altogether wrong. Thus you need to weed them out carefully.

The most important factor that you will need to consider is what you actually are going to need. The Australian embassy will be very helpful in getting information on visa application. There are also plenty of sites on the web that will be able to give you the same type of information, so be sure to also check them out. However, as have been previously said, immigration to Australia isn't all about securing a visa. In fact, there are still many other aspects of moving in to another country that you need to sort out as well. Some of the more important ones that you need to consider are: getting a house, securing a job, and adjusting to Australian life in general. You might also want to get some hints and tips regarding matter like understanding Australian English or getting used to the food. There are many books that you can buy that detail life in Australia.

Another way of getting useful information is by hiring the services an immigration agent. They will be very helpful, not only in getting your visa approved, but also in providing you with the needed info in making your migration to Australia even more successful. One thing that you need to keep in mind though, is that they are a bit costly. Once you have all the information that you need, then it's now time to use them to your advantage. However, there is no way to do this properly. Everything will depend on your own perceptions. One thing that you need to remember though, is that you should always have a back up plan and an extra set of information, in case your initial ones don't work the way you want them.

Main Visa Options for Working Holiday Makers in Australia

Main Visa Options for Working Holiday Makers in Australia - subclass 417 visas

This article sets out in simple terms the main Australian visas that are available to a working holiday traveller in Australia. This is not meant to be an exhaustive list but a useful summary giving guidance on some key visa options .

Understanding your options
The first step is to categorise each visa. Determine whether the visa is an independent visa option, obtainable by the applicant alone? Or does the visa require the sponsorship of an employer, spouse, family member or state body for the visa to be granted? Then work out whether the visa is a visa to remain in Australia permanently or temporarily.

Once you have categorised the visas in this way you can then look at the rights that attach to each visa to see whether the visa will help you achieve your goals in coming to or remaining in Australia, e.g. does the visa allow me to work, part time or full time, for who, doing what? Can I study? Can I live anywhere etc? Categorising visas in this way will allow you to work out the best visa option for you depending on your goals and personal circumstances. What options are then available will vary depending on your skills, work experience, qualifications, financial resources and / or whether you are able to gain the support of a sponsor to back you in your application.

Independent Permanent Migration - subclass 175

General skilled Migration – The points test.

A permanent residency (permanent residency) visa is the most beneficial visa to apply for as it allows you to remain permanently in Australia to live, work and study and to gain Australian citizenship. To be eligible for permanent residence you will need to have formal qualifications and at least 12 months work experience in your trade or profession in the 24 months immediately before your application is lodged. Before you lodge your application you will need to have your qualifications and / or skills positively assessed by a designated assessing body and achieve 120 points to satisfy the points test for this visa.

Points are awarded to an applicant on the basis of, among other things, professional qualifications, work experience, age, English language ability and time working in Australia. Calculating your points accurately and categorising your occupation correctly is the key to successfully applying for this visa. An error in either of these areas often leads to the visa being refused and the applicant, rather than gaining permanent residency, having to leave Australia.

With this visa you can live and work anywhere in Australia and are not tied to a sponsor or employer. If you seek permanent residency and do not score sufficient points to emigrate independently, then regional sponsored migration may be an option that you explore after your working holiday visa expires.

Sponsored Permanent Migration

General Skilled Migration with Sponsorship - subclass 176 visa and subclass 475 visa

Again, you must have qualifications and work experience to be eligible for permanent sponsored migration on the basis of points. However, you will either need less points, or gain points for being sponsored, to achieve permanent residency through this visa stream. Being sponsored usually means you have to live and work for 2 years (as a standard rule) in an area related to your sponsor. For example if you are sponsored by a family member, you will have to live in the town or city they live, if you are sponsored by a state government, you will have to live in that state.

Remember parts of regional Australia are some of the most beautiful parts of Australia and offer great lifestyles and opportunities for people that emigrate through this visa stream. Your immigration lawyer or migration agent should be able to assist in obtaining state sponsorship or you can apply directly to each state usually through their websites. After you have spent the 2 years working and living in the designated area, you will then be able to gain an unconditional permanent residence visa to move and live anywhere you wish in Australia.

Sponsored Temporary

Sponsored Working Visa - Subclass 457 visa

If permanent residency is not available to you at this stage, then a temporary working visa may allow you to live and work in Australia until another permanent residence option opens up for you. If you can’t satisfy the points test but have qualifications, work experience and an employer willing to sponsor you, then this may be the most suitable visa for you. If granted this visa, you will have to work for the sponsoring employer for the period of the visa (usually 4 years) or until the employer ends your employment or withdraws their sponsorship or both. If this occurs, then you will usually be given some time to find new employment and a new sponsor to support you to apply for a new subclass 457 visa. However, without a sponsor you will not be able to remain in Australia on this visa.

There are two distinct stages to this visa application. Firstly, the employer applies for approval as a sponsor and when approved, nominates your for the visa. You then make an application for the visa in the nominated occupation. To be eligible you must have qualifications and work experience relevant to the occupation in which you have been nominated. You must also satisfy the relevant English language requirement - either by being from an English speaking country or sitting an IELTS exam.

For your employer to be approved as a sponsor they must employ Australian citizens or permanent residents (at least 2 as a general rule), have good financials and be able to prove it and a good training record or commitment to training, Very new businesses will find it a little more difficult to gain approval to sponsor employees but certainly not impossible with a well drafted and complete application. There are a number of benefits that flow from being sponsored on a temporary working visa, subclass 457.

After 2 years on this visa and 12 months with an employer, your employer can nominate you directly for permanent residence - subclass 856 visa. Once granted, you have no obligation to remain with the employer and can move on to work anywhere. This is why employers often prefer to keep employees on a subclass 457 visa to retain control of their services, rather than helping them get permanent residence and losing them to another employer offering more money or better conditions.

Also, after working in Australia full time on this visa for at least 12 months, you will be eligible for 10 Australian work experience points, which may give you enough points to apply for permanent residency independently. You may also gain points in other areas due to the passage of time and changes in your circumstances.

Independent Temporary

Student Visas – Rights to Study Full Time and Work Part Time.

If you have no skills or qualifications, or can’t find an employer sponsor, or wish to strive for a new career, student visas are a very good, and may be your only, visa option to consider if you are on a working holiday subclass 417 visa. Student visas are a good option because international students, after satisfying the ‘2-year Australian study’ requirement, are eligible to apply for permanent residence. They will still have to satisfy the points test but if they do not have enough points, they are able to apply for a temporary 18-month work visa for the goal of gaining further points from Australian work experience, then pass the points test and ultimately apply for permanent residence.

UK, Ireland, Canada and USA passport holders, which are all level 1 countries, can apply for a student visa in Australia while on a working holiday visa whereas most other passport holders will have to leave Australia to apply. Countries are given a level (or grading) according to the perceived risk a prospective student from a particular country has of breaching student visa conditions. A student visa allows you to study full time and work 20 hours per week during semester, 40 hours per week during holiday periods and term breaks. The key to this visa option is, if your goal is permanent residence, to pick a course of study that when completed allows you to apply for a permanent visa with an occupational qualification that will –

a) Give you enough points in your circumstances to satisfy the relevant points test, and

b) Offers strong employment opportunities either in Australia or your home country or both.

Any good Australian immigration lawyer should be able to give you this kind of direction when choosing your course of study.

Spouse Visas - Sponsored Temporary to Permanent

Married, De facto and Same Sex Couples - subclass 820 / 801 visa, subclass 826 / 814

If you have been in a relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealander, and have lived with them for at least 12 months then you will be eligible to apply for a spouse visa on the basis of your de facto relationship. Same sex couples can also apply for an interdependency visa. The Department of Immigration is very inflexible on this point and if you do not have 12 months living together as de facto partners then you will not be eligible.

If you are married, you can apply on the basis of being married. If granted the visa, you will initially be given a 2-year temporary visa. After 2 years, if the relationship is still ongoing and your partner still sponsors you, you will be eligible for a permanent residence visa.

The challenge to successfully applying for this visa is being able to prove your relationship is genuine and that you have lived together for at least 12 months immediately before the date of your application. This is best achieved by providing a large bundle of documents as evidence including, phone records, emails, leases, household bills, photos, etc. This can be hard if you have been travelling all over Australia, living in variety of places and arrangements, paying cash for everything with very little by way of a paper trail. Without this paper trail, you stand little chance of success.

In this case, and if you have no other options, you can consider applying for a prospective marriage visa (sublcass 300) or getting married. Remember though, simply being married does not guarantee you that the visa will be granted. The ultimate problem with spouse visas is if the relationship ends before you gain permanent residency so does your right to hold the visa and remain in Australia on the basis of your de facto or spouse relationship. Extending your work holiday visa by 12 months - second subclass 417 working holiday visa. Most working holidaymakers are eligible to extend their visa for a further 12-month stay in Australia.

This is achieved by working for 3 months (88 days) in regional Australia (designated post code areas) in a specified occupation or employment. It is now wrong now to use the term ‘seasonal work’ as the list of occupations available to work in to be eligible for extending your visa is now far broader. The great benefit from achieving the 12-month extension, apart from seeing more of Australia, is that it gives you further time to develop other visa options to stay in Australia. Remember though, if you want to extend, don’t leave it to late. You must find work, allow for periods where you can’t work of can’t find work and you must complete your 3-months and apply for your extension of your working holiday visa before your first subclass 417 visa expires. Otherwise, the opportunity to get the 2nd year on your visa is lost.

Get on to the Right Immigration Company

Applying for an immigration status is not that simple like what some people thinks of. Visa application is very arduous, and choosing the right application is critical. Since there are one hundred fifty subclasses of visas in over eighty classes, to know and select which is the best needs an expert knowledge. It is best to have an expert determine which sub class is suitable or fitted. There are options and issues attached to each visa application, designing and planning the best strategy helps reach the desired outcome.

Well established immigration companies have handled various number of applications, they are exposed to it more than the newbie companies. With this, they advise the applicants with possible dangers and opportunities they may not be aware of, a missing part in the newbie companies. Knowing that application is in the same hand is one advantage of choosing the right immigration company. A person doesn't want to be screwed with a fake immigration company. It is annoying to deal with someone who just dig for gold yet leave you behind like a quacking duckling. Choosing the right immigration company from day one will minimize human error and save one from possible danger of being caught up with fake agents.

Employees of top immigration companies are themselves experts and have experiences as economic migrants. They are the best people to deal with and are highly qualified and accredited. Each agent employed has a specific designation. Aside from getting a first hand advice from experts, right immigration companies have greater certainty of outcome. Since they are well established in the society, they are likely to be more reliable and trusted to deal with. This results to a more positive outcome in the process.

The great thing of choosing the right immigration companies in Australia is the chance to have a connection with the jobs and everything possible before landing to the place. Immigration agents have tie ups with big job search companies who at the same time give the applicant options to choose. Since established Australian Immigration are more trusted by the authority, it creates an aura of reliability. Australian visas are conveniently processed . Choosing the right immigration in Australia is a must. If not chosen well, it all makes the effort go down the drain and the hope of Australian migration will just be another mirage. It is best that before applying, a little research would be great to check out the immigration service the Australian immigration company can give. This make immigration to Australia worthwhile.

A right Australian Immigration Company is someone who provide more than just a means to getting a stamp in the passport. In immigration getting the right immigration company is one of the most fundamental parts of preparation. Even in relocation to another country to start a new life choosing the right immigration consultancy is essential. Whether you’re immigrating to Australia, relocating to the UK or setting up to live and work in the USA, the need to know that having the the right team is at your side. With the right immigration company applicants are kept in the driving seat.

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