ICT Opportunities Announced in Melbourne area

The Victorian State Government is updating its occupation lists, which detail occupations eligible to apply for state sponsorship. This year, Victoria is seeking to attract up to 6000 skilled migrants and dependants in a range of priority industries. In 2010-11, Victoria attracted more than 4000 skilled migrants and their dependants, providing critical skills and experience to Victorian workplaces and communities.

All occupations on the new lists, including ICT occupations, will be open for sponsorship applications as soon as the lists are published. A new system has also been introduced to provide forewarning of occupations that are attracting a high number of applications and are likely to close before the end of the program year. This advice will be updated on the front page of the Occupation Lists at the start of each month or as required.

For information about Victoria's minimum eligibility requirements, assessment criteria and processes for state sponsorship, contact Four Corners.

Source: Live In Victoria, Sep 2011

Migration News now also on Facebook!

16th of September

Migration News goes social! The new Migration News Facebook-page is now up and running and waiting for you the join the discussion. The Facebook-page will feature news, events, pictures and current information about Australia so don't miss out and "like" the page today.

The Facebook-page can be accessed from here.

Western Australia Needs You!

Migration Bureau's London office team were recently invited to the Australian High Commission, by the Western Australia Government, for a full briefing on the state's Migration Plan, as well as its sponsorship support and assistance for skilled visa applicants.

Present at this event were the Hon. Peter Collier, WA Minister for Training and Workforce Development and also several senior representatives of Western Australian industry associations and companies. After an update on the migration plan, the briefing then moved to skills shortages and the message from Western Australia was quite clear "We have an enormous skills shortage and our doors are wide open to all skilled migrants. We predict sustained growth until 2017 with new projects looking to contribute a further 200 billion dollars to the Australian economy".

For further information about emigrating to Western Australia, please contact Migration Bureau now. 

1st July Brings New Australian Opportunities

Launch of Australia's new immigration points system + More occupations added to the in-demand list

1st July 2011 sees the launch of a revised points test for Australia’s General Skilled Migrant Program.
Amongst several notable changes is an increase in the age cut-off for skilled migration from 45 to 49 years, which recognises the potential of experienced skilled workers in their mid to late 40s.

The new system will also focus on better English levels, more extensive skilled employment, and higher level qualifications obtained in Australia and overseas. There will no longer be a distinction in the pass mark between independent & sponsored visas, and permanent & provisional visas. The pass mark will be 65 points.

Note: Each Australian state and territory may have additional criteria and requirements for skilled migration than those of the new (federal) points test.

Australia’s federal Skilled Occupations List (SOL) is also been updated on 1st July 2011. The number of high value occupations has been increased to 192, with 13 new ones (see below) being added and 4 existing ones removed.

 •Medical Physicist
 •Environmental Health Officer
 •Occupational Health and Safety Adviser
 •Hospital Pharmacists
 •Retail Pharmacists
 •Barrister
 •Solicitor
 •Fitter (General)
 •Fitter and Turner
 •Fitter-Welder
 •Metal Machinist (First Class)
 •Boat Builder and Repairer
 •Shipwright

 Anyone considering emigrating to Australia, or who may have thought themselves ineligible in the past, should contact the Migration Bureau now to explore what options may exist following these changes.

 

Australia Tops Quality of Life Index

27 May 2011

If you want to be happy for the rest of your life ... move to Australia.
 
That's the finding of the latest OECD "Better Life Index" that covers 34 countries and measures quality of life in areas such as housing, income, employment, education, environment and governance.
 
The survey concludes that Australia performs exceptionally well in measures of wellbeing and ranks among the top countries in a large number of topics.
 
The index shows Australians live long lives with an average expectancy of 81.5 years, more than two years above the OECD average, and beaten only by Japan with 82.7.
 
In the US, for example, its citizens can expect to live 77.5 years, the UK 79.7 and New Zealand 80.4.
 
In the employment field, 72% of people aged between 15 to 64 have a paid job in Australia, way above the OECD average of 65%. And again Australia outdoes the US (67%), the UK (70%) and tie with New Zealand (72%).
 
The Australian household earned an average $US27,039 ($A25,731) in 2008, again, well above the OECD average of $US22,284 ($A21,206). The US outdid us there, earning $US37,690 along with the UK ($US27,208) while Kiwi households averaged just $US18,996 ($A18,077).
 
When asked, 75% of Australians said they were satisfied with their lives, higher than the OECD average of 59%. In the US, 70% said they were satisfied, 68% of Britons were happy enough while 77% of New Zealanders said they were satisfied with how life was working out.

Source: SkyNewsAustralia, May 2011
 
For more information about Australian emigration - please contact the Migration Bureau now.


DIAC announces stricter immigration procedures

In a briefing to assembled immigration industry representatives - including the staff of the Migration Bureau's London office - the Australian Government's Department of Immigration & Citizenship highlighted its recent moves to tighten immigration procedures. The new policies - the details of which will be further outlined over the coming months - will cover a broad range of areas from border control, international police co-ordination and more significantly, the procedures for processing visa applications. These new visa procedures will aim to strengthen the selection criteria used for all permanent residence applicants in order to improve the quality of the flow of immigrants into the Australian economy.

To find out more about what the new changes might mean for you - please contact the Migration Bureau now.

 

More Australian Opportunities Announced

11th March 2011

The New South Wales State Government has launched its latest Migration Plan, which includes some new 'in-demand' occupations.

The plan includes a cap on the number of skilled migrants that can be sponsored by Industry & Investment NSW each year from the agreed NSW State Sponsorship Eligibility Lists. This limit is set by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC).
The NSW State Migration Plan includes 138 occupations.  There are 18 occupations included on the NSW State Migration Plan that are not on DIAC's new Skilled Occupation List (Schedule 3). Eight of these occupations are now open for new sponsorships by NSW under the Skilled Regional Sponsored or Skilled Sponsored visa programs.

There are six new occupations now open for sponsorship for the Skilled Regional Sponsored 475/487 visa. They are:
• Chef, Baker, Fitter (General), Metal Machinist (1st Class), Toolmaker, Cabinet Maker
There are two new occupations now open for sponsorship for the Skilled Sponsored 176/886 visa.  They are:
• Insurance Broker, Solicitor

NSW has also added the occupation of Ships Engineer from DIAC's new Skilled Occupation List to the list of occupations sponsored for the Skilled Sponsored 176/886 visa.
There are ten occupations included in the NSW State Migration Plan that are not on the new Skilled Occupation List that are temporarily closed to new sponsorships.  This is because there are already sufficient applications to be processed by DIAC in the next few months.  Existing applications 'on hand' in DIAC sponsored by NSW in these occupations will receive Level 2 priority processing:
• Financial Investment Adviser, Life Scientist, Biochemist, Pastrycook, Production Manager (Manufacturing), Vocational Education Teacher, Corporate General Manager, Medical Administrator, Pharmacist Hospital, Pharmacist Retail

The remaining 120 occupations that are on the NSW State Migration and that are on DIAC's new Skilled Occupation List are listed on the skilled sponsored and skilled regional sponsored pages of this web site.  Existing applications 'on hand' in DIAC sponsored by NSW in these occupations will also receive Level 2 priority processing.
The occupations sponsored by NSW may be subject to change during the year depending on application rates and changes in the employment market.
A new State Migration Plan is expected to apply from 1 July 2011.

Source: Industry & Investment NSW

For more details of the available occupations under different visa streams, please contact the  

 

Business Migrants Urged To Act Before Forthcoming Policy Review

9th February 2011

Australia’s Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) has announced a comprehensive review of the country’s Business Skills Visa Program.

It wishes to a) determine whether the program is meeting its intended objectives and if any adjustments are necessary, b) determine what role the Business Skills program should play in building Australia’s economy, including the economies of regional Australia, and c) ensure that the program aligns with and contributes to the broader strategic objectives of the Skilled Migration Program.

Roydon Hartnett, Business Migration specialist of Four Corners commented, “Following their recent restructuring of the Skilled Visa Program, the Australian Government is turning its attention to policies for business visas. It is therefore very important that prospective business migrants contact their migration agent as soon as possible, in order to explore their visa options under the existing policies and avoid missing out when new changes are made”.

 

 

 

For more details of the forthcoming review or of emigration to Australia in general - please contact Four Corners now.

 

Queensland Launches Its New State Migration Plan

 

7th December 2010

Queensland, one of Australia’s most popular states for new settlers, has launched its State Migration Plan and announced the re-opening of state sponsorship applications. The Queensland Government say that the aim of the SMP is “to strengthen the economy of Queensland by attracting people with skills in critical shortage”.

 

Queensland’s new eligible skills list will relate to the Skilled Sponsored (Migrant) Visa (Subclass 176),  Skilled Regional Sponsored (Provisional) Visa (Subclasses 475 and 487) and Skilled Sponsored (Residence) Visa (Subclass 886). The Queensland Government provides nominations to those skilled migrants who have an eligible skill and who are assessed as likely to provide a clear benefit to the Queensland economy. DIAC's eligibility is also a condition of Queensland nomination for a Skilled Sponsored, Skilled Regional Sponsored visa or other sponsored visas.  A limited number of sponsorships are also available under the Queensland Off-List Nomination Program.

 

Grant King, Director of the Migration Bureau commented "One by one, the Australian states are re-starting the processing of skilled migrant visas. Anyone who is thinking of moving to Australia, should now investigate the opportunities offered at both national and regional level".

 

For details of the new Queensland State Migration Plan, or if you have general questions about emigrating to Australia, please contact the Migration Bureau

 

Australia's Immigration Ball Keeps Rolling - New ACT opportunities announced!

10th November 2010

Following the recent re-opening of Victoria State's skilled migration, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has today announced the commencement of its own State Migration Plan.

Canberra, the nation's capital, is located within the Australian Capital Territory (population 300,000) and is a lakeside city of parklands, impressive restaurants, beautiful bushland and leafy suburbs

The ACT's State Migration Plan offers opportunities for people wanting to emigrate there, or for others who may not meet the current federal immigration criteria but could obtain residency via the ACT. New settlers must demonstrate a commitment to living and working in the ACT for at least 2 years, as well as satisfying the Territory's relevant occupation, skills, and language criteria.

David Lloyd, Registered Migration Agent of the Migration Bureau commented, "The announcement of the ACT Migration Plan is a bold initiative that will serve the Territory well. It offers opportunities for new settlers in occupations focussed on developing the capital's infrastructure and economy.

For details of the new ACT State Migration Plan, contact the Migration Bureau.

For a free, no-obligation test (5-10 mins) of your eligibility to emigrate to Australia, please click here. 


Victoria State Could Be Your Gateway To Australia!

 

2nd November 2010

 

Applications for Victorian Government state sponsorship will open under the State Migration Plan on 3rd November 2010.  

 

For those wishing to emigrate to the State of Victoria, or to Australia in general, this will be a definite step forward to achieving your residency.  Victoria’s State Migration Plan identifies those occupations and skill sets eligible for sponsorship, supported by labour market evidence.

 

For some applicants whose occupations are not on the Australian (federal) “Skilled Occupation List” (Schedule 3), this is an alternative avenue towards residency.

 

The Victorian Government has a formal agreement with the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship, concerning the state sponsorship of skilled migrants to Victoria under the Skilled - Sponsored (176 and 886) and Skilled - Regional Sponsored (475 and 487) visas.  Under the agreement, the number of skilled migrants that the Victorian Government can sponsor against each occupation listed on the State Sponsorship Eligibility Lists is limited by a quota, and by an overall cap on the total number of applications that can be sponsored each year.  

 

Potential applicants should contact their Migration Agent now for details of the opportunities available for state sponsorship by Victoria, as well as advice on such vital matters as Skills Assessment.  Contact Migration Bureau now

 

General Skilled Migration Program Reopens and States Follow On

As of 1st July 2010, the offshore General Skilled Migration subclasses that closed in May 2010 have officially re-opened. Applications are now being accepted from 01 July 2010 in the following subclasses:

 

• Subclass 175 (Skilled – Independent),
• Subclass 176 (Skilled – Sponsored), and
• Subclass 475 (Skilled – Regional Sponsored)

To coincide with these developments, DIAC (Australia’s Dep’t of Immigration & Citizenship) has introduced new application forms and fees. (Ask your consultant for details).

 

Also on 1st July 2010, the federal government’s new Skilled Occupations List (SOL) (click to view) officially came into effect. All applicants applying for skilled migration must now nominate an occupation on the SOL in the new ANZSCO code.  Those applicants whose occupations were on the old SOL but are not on the new SOL can consider making an application under the State Migration Plans.

 

As yet, the General Skilled Migration Points Test remains unchanged with the re-opening of the off-shore GSM subclasses, so applicants are still awarded points for their occupations. (See New SOL list). The Points Test is currently under review and the results of the review may be published later this year. The Minister, Senator Chris Evans, explained “I have asked my Department to look at introducing a new system where applicants initially put forward their claim for skilled migration, and are then selected as candidates by employers, by State and Territory governments, or by the Commonwealth. That way we marry demand with supply, the best outcome for all concerned or in other words immigration is the job matching agency for the nation, connecting employers to the global labour market where skills cannot be sourced locally”.

 

If you are in a position to meet the current pass mark for your relevant visa subclass, you are strongly recommended to complete all the requirements and provide all the requested documentation as soon as possible. Changes later in the year may have an adverse affect to your position. Contact your MIGRATION BUREAU consultant now.

 

Skills Assessments Authority Transitional Arrangements
All applications for skilled migration must be made in an eligible occupation according to the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO). If you possess a skills assessment from a relevant skills assessing authority issued prior to 01 July 2010 in an ASCO code, you should check the official DIAC correlation table to determine the correct occupational classification. Correlation table of occupations from ASCO to ANZSCO.

 

State Migration Plans

 

These plans are now under development with most states and territories anticipating that their Skills In Demand lists will be in place in the next couple of months. (ACT specifies 1st August, others don’t specify). Each State and Territory will be able to specify occupations outside the main SOL, under which applicants are encouraged to apply. Currently, most states and territories have temporarily suspended sponsorships until their new State Migration Plans are announced.

 

New South Wales introduced its Skills In Demand list (in the new ANZSCO codes) on 1st July 2010 and will be nominating applicants with high level skills and experience for both state-wide and regional skilled visas. Health professionals, Finance, ICT, Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology, Sustainable Environmental Technologies, Engineering, and Trade occupations are the main areas of sponsorship to NSW. New NSW List

 

Grant King, Director of MIGRATION BUREAU commented, "NSW have opened up options for certain highly skilled occupations (i.e. Accountants and Architects etc) to move to Sydney with state sponsorship for the first time which is good news. The NSW Government have established essentially a new tier of regions in NSW, mostly those regions further away from Sydney and inland, and the NSW Government will now consider state sponsorship of applicants in selected occupations to these "third tier" regions".

 

If you can obtain an  offer of skilled employment in your nominated occupation, this is likely to greatly improve your position and may also allow you to consider an application under the Employer Nomination Scheme or Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme. These visas are processed with priority, which is generally 2-3 months, or even sooner in most cases where the application is decision ready.

 

Contact your MIGRATION BUREAU consultant now.

 

For a free, no-obligation test (5-10 mins) of your eligibility to emigrate to Australia, please click here.



Australian Business Leaders Worried About Talk of Reducing Immigration Numbers

 

15 Aug 2010

Immigration has been a fairly high profile topic in the campaigns of both of the main parties contesting the upcoming Australian federal election. The conservative opposition Liberal Party has been more strident in its calls for reduced numbers of immigrants, suggesting a cut of almost 50%. However, the ruling Labour Party has also sought to dispel the recessionary fears of Australians worried about the effects of immigrants on jobs, health services and housing.

At the same time, many business leaders are warning that such politicking may lead to measures that will endanger the future growth of the Australian economy, by creating significant skills shortages in key industries. James Pearson, chief executive of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia, believes plans to restrict immigrant numbers are short-sighted. “Australia is crying out for skilled workers”, says Pearson. Other economists warn that more than 200,000 positions across a range of sectors in Western Australia will remain vacant unless there is an influx of qualified staff from overseas.

Australian agriculture is also reporting a skills deficit, with a dearth of agronomists, vets and managers, through to those with experience of operating harvesting machinery and shearers."The farmers, unfortunately, don't have enough workers," says Denita Wawn from the National Farmers' Federation.
"We are estimating that we need up to 100,000 additional workers over the next five years."
The vast majority of these jobs will be in the skilled or semi-skilled category as agriculture becomes more technologically advanced. "We are very concerned that the lack of people will impede increased productivity," says Ms Wawn, adding that farmers would be "exceptionally concerned" if a revamped immigration programme did not have the requisite flexibility to meet their specific needs.

As election day approaches, Prime Minister Julia Gillard and her opposition Liberal Party rival Tony Abbott - incidentally, both migrants from Britain - have insisted that any scaling back of immigration will not damage the hearty glow of the Australian economy.

 

Source: BBC News, Aug 2010

For information on your options for emigrating to Australia, contact Migration Bureau now.
For a free, no-obligation test (5-10 mins) of your eligibility to emigrate, please click here.

 

Record Number of New Settlers Flock to Sunny Brisbane

20/07/10

Brisbane, capital of Queensland on the Eastern Coast of Australia, is proving consistently popular with new settlers moving from the UK looking for a better lifestyle.

Amongst its many attractions, the year-round warm weather obviously ranks highly, combined with the close proximity of the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast beaches. In a recent BBC report (News Magazine July 2010), recent immigrants also praised the city's excellent public education system, which makes it an ideal place for young families.

 

John Aitken, head of Brisbane Marketing, highlights the "relaxed, outdoor lifestyle that few cities in the world can offer". He also highlights the collaborative business style as the biggest attraction for more than 1,000 new arrivals on a weekly basis, with this in turn fuelling a vibrant social scene. "This rapid growth has delivered new entertainment precincts, an exciting live-music scene and quaint urban villages… with a beautiful river, natural bay and scenic rim at our doorstep."

 

For information on emigrating to Brisbane, please contact Migration Bureau, and for a FREE test of your eligibility to emigrate to Australia, please click here.

 

Important: Australian Skilled Occupation Announcements

The Australian Government has today confirmed that its new Skilled Occupations List for the General Skilled Migrant category has come into effect. The suspension on applications that has been in force since March has now been lifted. Anyone considering emigrating to Australia should contact their registered migration agent for details of lodging their residence visa application.

 

Also, New South Wales has today announced its State Migration Plan including the occupations list for Skilled Sponsored Visa Subclass 176 and 475. Other states are set to follow in the near future, allowing prospective emigrants further opportunities for regional migration as an alternative to the federal options.

 

For details of the new changes, please contact:-

• Migration Bureau, or
• Visa Centre, or
• Four Corners Immigration 

 

For a free initial test (5-10 mins) of your eligibility to emigrate to Australia, please click here.


Business Visa Criteria Raised

 

On 19 April 2010, the following changes to minimum eligibility requirements for the Business Skills Migration Program came into effect. By these measures, the Australian Government aims to increase the potential contribution of business migrants to the economy, create more jobs for Australians and improve visa integrity.

 

Increased net assets
The minimum net business & personal assets required for the following sponsored provisional Business Skills visas have been increased from AUD250,000 to AUD500,000 in response to increases in the cost of living and business establishment costs: 

 

•  State/Territory Sponsored Business Owner (Provisional) (Subclass 163) visa
•  State/Territory Sponsored Senior Executive (Provisional) (Subclass 164) visa

The minimum net business & personal assets required for the following provisional Business Skills visas have been increased from AUD500,000 to AUD800,000 in response to increases in the cost of living and business establishment costs:

 

•  Business Owner (Provisional) (Subclass 160) visa
• Senior Executive (Provisional) (Subclass 161) visa

Increased business ownership
Business migrants will now be required to own a substantial or controlling interest in a business to meet visa requirements. The minimum business ownership percentage required has been increased from 10 per cent to:
 51 per cent where the business turnover is less than AUD400,000
 30 per cent where the business turnover is AUD400,000 or more or
 10 per cent where the business is a publicly-listed company.

 

This amendment applies to all business owner visas (subclasses 132, 160, 163, 890, 892, 845, 846) and applies to the definition of ‘main business’ at Migration Regulation 1.11.  A transitional provision will be available for onshore visa applicants who have purchased a business in Australia prior to the change and are applying for a permanent onshore business owner visa (subclasses 890, 892, 845, 846).

 

Senior manager option removed from the Subclass 163 visa
Applicants who are employed as senior managers of a business can no longer apply for a State/Territory Sponsored Business Owner (Provisional) (Subclass 163) visa. This visa option has been removed in response to a high incidence of fraud and integrity issues identified with this cohort. Only business owners are now eligible for this visa.  Other visa options may be available to skilled senior managers of overseas businesses. Senior executives of a major business may be eligible for a provisional senior executive visa (subclasses 161 and 164). Skilled managers who gain sponsorship from an Australian employer may be eligible for an employer sponsored visa depending on factors such as age, qualifications, experience and English language skill.

Source: DIAC, April 2010

 

To check your eligibility for Business Migration to Australia, please take a FREE "Quick Check" - 5 minutes, no obligation test.
For more information on Business Skills visas please contact your nearest Migration Bureau office or agent.

 

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Migration Bureau staff receive briefing from Australia's Department of Immigration & Citizenship (DIAC)

 

Migration Bureau's staff recently received a detailed briefing at the Australian High Commission in London to update them on current immigration policy and forthcoming developments. The briefing was designed exclusively for migration agencies with MARA Registered Migration Agents to help them better assist their visa applicant clients. The Migration Bureau is one of Australia's largest visa and immigration agencies and has a large team of MARA agents to help applicants through the increasingly complex Australian immigration system.

 

Enlightening presentations were provided by the Regional Director of DIAC (Australia's Department of Immigration and Citizenship). Migration Bureau staff also met with other DIAC staff, including the Principal Migration Officer. After the briefing, Grant King, Director of the Migration Bureau said "This was an excellent opportunity for our staff to receive up-to-the-minute details of the Australian immigration policy. It ensures that our agents are well-equipped to assist our clients and to react quickly to changes in Australian immigration policy - this is one of the keys to success for visa applicants these days. With the increasing complexity of Australia's immigration procedures and large cuts in the annual intake, more applicants now than ever before are using companies with MARA agents, such as the Migration Bureau". 

The Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship indicated that such briefings are likely to be held more regularly in order to foster the positive working relationship between DIAC and MARA Registered Migration Agents.

If you want to lodge an application for permanent residence in Australia, you are recommended to consult a MARA Registered Migration Agent who is licensed by the Australian Government Office of Migration Agents Registration Authority www.mara.gov.au .

For more information on the Migration Bureau and to receive a free initial eligibility assessment, please visit www.migrationbureau.com 

 

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Changes to the General Skilled Migration Program - Removal of the MODL

 

 

 

On 8 February 2010, the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, announced the outcomes of a review of the Migration Occupations in Demand List (MODL).

The review found that the existing MODL needed to be revoked and replaced by a more targeted skilled occupations list to better meet the demands of Australia’s labour market. The revocation of the current MODL will not affect those who at the date of announcement:

 

• hold a Skilled—Graduate (subclass 485) visa, or have a pending subclass 485 visa application and are yet to apply for a permanent or provisional General Skilled Migration (GSM) visa, or
• have a pending GSM visa application.

New Skilled Occupation List from mid-2010

On 8 February 2010, the minister also announced the replacement of the current Skilled Occupation List (SOL) in the second half of 2010, with a new list of targeted occupations determined by the independent body, ‘Skills Australia’. As the new SOL will be a comprehensive, targeted list, the current Critical Skills List will be revoked.

The new SOL will come into effect from mid-2010 and will apply to all applicants lodging visa applications made on or after this date, except to GSM applicants who at the date of announcement ( 8 February 2010):

 

• hold a Skilled—Graduate (subclass 485) visa, or had a pending subclass 485 visa application and had not yet lodged an application for a provisional or permanent GSM visa and who make an application by 31 December 2012, or
• have a pending GSM visa application.

In addition, the new SOL will not apply to people applying for a Skilled—Graduate (subclass 485) visa who at 8 February 2010 hold a:

 

• Vocational Education and Training Sector (subclass 572) visa
• Higher Education Sector (subclass 573) visa 
• Postgraduate Research Sector (subclass 574) visa.

However these student visa holders will be required to have an occupation on the new SOL to apply for a permanent GSM visa.

 

GSM applications lodged before 1 September 2007

 

Under section 39 of the Migration Act 1958, the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship has the power to set a maximum number of visas of a class that may be granted in a particular financial year.

On 8 February 2010, the minister announced he would set a maximum number of offshore GSM visa applications made before 1 September 2007 that could be granted. Once this number is reached, any applications awaiting a decision will not be considered and the application returned to the applicant or their authorised recipient. These applications will be taken not to have been made.

Refunds of the visa application charge (VAC) will be made to the payer of these charges for affected visa applicants.

 

Who do the changes to GSM apply to?

 

 

Groups affected by the GSM changes	Revocation of the MODL from 8th Feb 2010	New SOL in effect from mid-2010
Current applicants	No	No
Skilled—Graduate (subclass 485) visa applicants and holders as at 8 February 2010 yet to apply for a permanent or provisional GSM visa	No, provided they apply for a permanent or provisional GSM visa by 31 December 2012	No, provided they apply for a permanent or provisional GSM visa by 31 December 2012
Higher Education, Postgraduate Education and VET sector student visa holders as at 8 February 2010	Yes	Yes, unless they apply for a Skilled—Graduate (subclass 485) visa prior to 31 December 2012.
People who are considering applying for a GSM visa	Yes	Yes

 

Source: DIAC Feb 2010

 

Given these new changes in Australian immigration policies, it is even more important for potential applicants to contact their registered migration agent - who can provide guidance and reassurance on the best way to meet the changes. They will be able to advise on how to adapt your application to suit the new requirements or suggest alternative "routes" to achieve your residency visa.

 

Act now - before further changes occur. Click here to contact your Migration Bureau agent today!

 

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New levels in the 2009/10 Migration Program

 

30/05/09

 

The Australian Government recently cut the permanent skilled migrant intake to 108,100 places for the 2009/10 Migration Program, in response to the continued economic slowdown. This follows an earlier cut in March 2009 of 14%. The total reduction is almost 20% on previous planning levels.

 

Senator Chris Evans, , said, “The migration intake in the coming year reflects the economic climate while ensuring employers can gain access to skilled professionals in industries still experiencing skills shortages. The reduction is being achieved through a cutback in places for the general skilled category rather than in the high-demand employer-sponsored category or in areas in which Australia has critical skills shortages.”

 

At the same time, the Australian Government will provide more opportunities for family reunions with an increase of 3,800 places in the family component of the Migration Program, to 60,300. The increase includes an additional 2,500 places for partners, 1000 places for contributory parents and 300 for child visas.

 

“We are recognising the importance of family through this boost which will benefit Australians who seek to have their parents, partners or children join them to live here permanently,’ the minister said.
Overall, the Migration Program will total 168,700 for 2009–10, which comprises the 60,300 family places, 108,100 skilled places and a further 300 places for special eligibility.

 

Are you eligible to emigrate?  Find out now.  Click here for a FREE initial eligibility assessment provided by the Migration Bureau (officially recognised immigration and visa consultants). 

 

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New Priority Processing times set for Australian Immigration

 

29/09/09

 

The Australian Department for Immigration & Citizenship (DIAC) has announced policy changes that will have implications for those currently applying to immigrate and for those intending to do so.

 

The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, has set new priority processing arrangements for certain Skilled Migration visas. These arrangements are designed to better address the needs of the Australian economy by giving priority to people seeking to migrate to Australia who have skills or qualifications in one of the occupations on the current Critical Skills List (CSL).

 

The new arrangements apply to applications in the pipeline that have not been finalised, and to applications lodged with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, on or after 23 September 2009.

 

For information on -

 

- the new priority processing times
- which visa classes and occupations are affected
- which visa classes and occupations are exempted

please contact your local Migration Bureau or Visa Centre agent

 

Essentially, the changes mean that it is now even more important for all applicants to be fully informed of the best way and the best time to apply, in order to achieve visa success.

 

“We recommend that all eligible candidates for immigration to Australia apply now, without delay”, said Grant King of the Migration Bureau/Visa Centre. “Although the DIAC changes may entail longer processing times under certain skilled visa categories, it is essential that all prospective settlers to Australia lodge their applications now in order to secure their position and protect themselves from further changes.”

 

WHY YOU NEED TO ACT NOW - Using a registered Migration Agent will ensure that applicants are kept well informed of all such developments and of the different options open to them. “In many cases,” Grant King advised, “intending migrants can adjust or improve the quality of their applications in order to suit the requirements of other visa classes. For instance, we are currently re-assessing all of our clients to determine whether they could apply under a different visa class which would be more advantageous for them. If applicants can obtain a qualifying job offer, they can in fact speed up their visa processing by applying under an employer-sponsored category or a temporary work visa class (eg. 457).”

 

New applicants are definitely recommended to seek the professional advice of a registered Migration Agent in order to ensure that their application to immigrate to Australia is drafted in the best way possible and targeted to the visa category most likely to ensure them success.

 

For Business migrants the need to act now is imperative. The Australian Government has advised that changes to business visa regulations are likely to follow in the near future, so prospective candidates should apply without delay to safeguard their opportunities to immigrate.

 

Are you eligible to emigrate?  Find out now.  Click here for a FREE initial eligibility assessment provided by the Migration Bureau (officially recognised immigration and visa consultants). 

 

Source: Media Release from Chris Evans, Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Australia

 

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More Migrants now Using Agents

It now seems more migrants to Australia are using agents compared to migrants of other destinations according to the latest Emigrate Australia reader survey. 59.4% of readers now say they are using an immigration consultant for their applications.

The Emigrate Australia reader survey looked at various issues of the immigration process including demographics, family factors, motivations and the immigration process. Other significant trends for Australia include Western Australia taking out a clear victory as the preferred destination for UK migrants (followed by South Australia) and financial motivations rising in comparison to lifestyle and climate factors.   

Most respondents indicated that the WAITING was the most difficult part of the process.  Therefore, there is a strong case for using an immigration consultant, who can help the applicant AVOID DELAYS and assist with QUICKER PROCESSING by presenting a 100% correct and complete application.

 

Secondly, the application process and preparing paperwork was also perceived to be a difficult part of the process. Again, there is a strong case for IMMIGRATION CONSULTANTS who can make the application process smoother and clearer and provide personalised assistance and representation in this bureaucratic process.

 

The vast majority of readers indicated the more appealing lifestyle and safer place to bring up children, with climate being a major factor for emigration to Australia.

 

If you would like to know if you meet these pass marks, we will work it out for you for FREE. Click here to complete a free initial eligibility assessment provided by the Migration Bureau (officially recognised immigration and visa consultants). 

Source: Emigrate Australia January 07, Outbound Publishing

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Migration Bureau attends training at Australian High Commission

The Director of the Migration Bureau, Grant King and his London office team have had a busy year attending numerous events at the Australia High Commission to receive immigration policy training and information on State Government regional sponsorship opportunities for clients. Grant and his team received training from the South Australian, Western Australian, Victorian, and Queensland Governments, as well as meeting staff from the Australian Department of Immigration (DIAC).

Separately, Grant also attended formal luncheons with Hon Kevin Rudd, Australian Prime Minister and Hon Wayne Swan, Treasurer of Australia.

Following the meetings, Grant commented that “attending regular events at the Australian High Commission and meeting key Australian decision-makers ensures that our staff remain fully abreast of changes in immigration policy and that we have up-to-date information on Australia to pass onto our valued clientele – it further entrenches our position as the undisputed market leader”. 

For more information visit www.migrationbureau.com

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