J The Migration Team

My friends said, this and that

2011-12-27T08:11:00.001+11:00

Australian migration is a changing arena. The law and policies changes, from time to time, government to government. Things happen last year, it doesn't mean that will apply to you this year. Each applicant circumstances are different. Don't always assume that whatever your friends experiences with the department from the donkey years, would be the same to you.

It is advisable to always seek the advise from someone who know stuff. Your lawyer, solicitor or registered migration agent and so forth. Trying to save a few dollars, not gonna do you any good. Unless you are not serious about getting your visa done.

There are countless of time that I encountered. People come to me most of the time and said that..."oh, my friends said this and that....blah....blah....". errr.... yeap, whatever your friends said, that was true... but that was 1-2 years ago. Things now are change...oops.

I don't feel sorry that things are changing all the time. I believe that the change is for a better. I am sure the that the government has thought it through before making any changes. It may favor some, and disadvantage some. But...that is life. There are set of rules that we have to follow to keep this country in a good order, good shape.

Time for spammers to stop

2011-12-24T23:20:00.002+11:00

It has been a few times when I publish my blog, that someone would come and comment on it. I am welcome the comments, as long as they are genuine comments, not spams!

There has been more than once that someone comment something but then have the links to their websites to sell or promote their products or services. Oh, well... I believe that it might be part of their marketing strategy or whatever. But the thing is, all comments would come to me to moderate them first. Whatever comments that look like spams to me, they won't get publish. So, please don't waste your time. It won't pass my filter...

Extension of the post-study work arrangements from 2013

2011-11-30T18:30:00.001+11:00

An extension of the post-study work arrangements from 2013.

Post-study work arrangements for university graduates will be available for:

Graduates who complete their Bachelor degrees after at least two academic years’ study in Australia will be eligible for a two year stay;
Graduates who complete their Masters degrees after at least two academic years’ study in Australia will be eligible for a three year stay; and
Graduates who complete their PhD after at least two academic years’ study in Australia will be eligible for a four year stay.

The existing Temporary Skilled Graduate (Subclass 485) visa, which provides for a stay of 18 months for those with qualifications in eligible fields of study, will still be available.

The announcement also states that post-study work arrangements would apply to Bachelor or higher degree graduates from other education providers accredited to offer degree level programs, in addition to university graduates.

Resource: MIA

Subclass 457 Sponsorship Accreditation – from 7 November 2011

2011-11-05T11:31:00.000+11:00

Minister Bowen has announced that DIAC will introduce a Sponsorship Accreditation system from Monday 7 November 2011.

Employers can apply for Accredited Sponsor status to qualify for priority processing for Subclass 457 visa nominations and visa applications.

Accredited Sponsor status is valid for six years, unless it is revoked because the employer no longer meets the required criteria.

Accreditation status is for employers with have a long and positive history of dealing with the Department and an excellent record of compliance with workplace and migration laws.

Applications for Accredited Sponsor status are made in the same way as applications for approval as a Standard Business Sponsorship applications, online or using Form 1196S.

A company must meet all the following criteria to gain Accredited Sponsor status:

be a government agency, a publicly listed company, or a private company, with a minimum of $4 million turnover per year over the last three years;
have been an active Subclass 457 visa sponsor for the past three years (with a break of no more than six months, which was not due to any sanction);
have no adverse information known of it based on DIAC and DEEWR monitoring, including formal warnings and sanctions;
have had at least 30 primary Subclass 457 visa applications granted in the previous 12 months;
have lodged a high level of Decision Ready applications over the previous two years;
have a non-approval rate of less than three percent during the previous three years; and
have Australian workers comprising at least 75 percent of its workforce in Australia, and have made a commitment to maintain this level.

Source: MIA

Work and Holiday Visa for Argentina

2011-11-02T17:21:00.002+11:00

Minister Bowen today announced that Argentina has been added to the list of countries which have access to the Work and Holiday (Subclass 462) visa arrangements.

Work and Holiday visas are currently available for Bangladesh, Chile, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Thailand, Turkey and the USA.

On 12 October the Minister announced that Papua New Guinea (PNG) would be added to the list.

PNG will have 100 visas, and Argentina 500.

The actual date of these visas being available has yet to be announced.

Source: Migration Institute of Australia

The limitation of ETA (subclass 976)

2011-10-30T12:37:00.001+11:00

While ETA is one option of a Tourist Visa (subclass 976) that allow citizen of a few countries that have some arrangement or agreement with Australian government to easily apply for a short tourist visa. There are some limitations that one should be aware of:

- it can only allow the applicants to stay up to 3 months.
- the visa holder cannot renew or extend this visa while in Australia, or after the 3 months period.

If the applicant want to stay longer, the better option is a generic Tourist Visa (subclass 676) that would allowed the visa applicant to stay up to 12 months.

New English Language Tests for Student Visas from 5 November 2011

2011-10-27T23:18:00.001+11:00

From 5 November 2011, the department will accept English language test results from the following alternative tests to the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) for Student visa purposes taken in any country:

Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based test (TOEFL iBT)
Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) test (also known as Certificate in Advanced English).

Source: http://immi.gov.au

Private Health Insurance for visa 457

2011-10-12T12:31:00.003+11:00

Getting private health insurance for visa 457 is not that hard or expensive like many people think.

I just talked to Medibank Private Health Insurance about 10 minutes ago.
Here are the things that everyone should know.
- It's true that you need to buy the private health insurance for 4 years, but you can make arrange to pay this on monthly basis, work out be at $105.00 per month, as of today.
- There is no contract, so you could cancel this anytime. If your visa application is not successful, then you can just simply ring them up and cancel your policy.
- As of today, it got 30 days cooling off period. So, if anything go wrong with your visa application within this 30 days, you can just call it off and get your money refund...

oh...BTW... I am doing this not to promote Medibank or whatever. I didn't get any commission or any benefit of doing it. This is purely for a benefit of people who are worries (some of my clients do) about the cost of 4 years private health insurance that they need to pay when they submit their visa application; 457.

It's not that hard as you might think...people...ask or consult the one who knows...:)

only people who work in "migration" field would understand this

2011-07-14T08:19:00.003+10:00

I have been working as a Registered Migration Agent for quite sometime now. From my personal observation, I then realize how hard people want to migrate to Australia. Seems that only people who work in the "migration" field would ever understand.

I have met and know lots of people who get their residency status easily. That was because their mum re-marriage to an Australian man. Then those young children effortlessly migrated with their mother. Most of the paper work and all the hard work has been done by their mum. So, those kids start to take things for granted. Sadly, a lots of them have not make a full use of the opportunity given.

On the other hand, there are many people who have skills and will be very benefit both socially and economically to this country, trying so hard to gain a residency status and migrate here. Yet, they have been put in such a long waiting period.

What I wanted to point out here is that, those people who successfully migrate to Australia and gain their residency status should really make a full use of their opportunity. Study hard, work hard.... and at least...please contribute something back to the society, to this country.

Remember.... what goes round, come around!!!

My son is 19, can I include him into my application?

2011-07-13T07:49:00.005+10:00

Yesterday, I got a called from one lady. She recently just re-marriage to an Australian man. She has a son from her previous marriage, he is now 19 years old. She would apply for her Australian permanent residency and would like to know if she would be able to include her son into her application.

The answer is "no". She can't include her son in the same application as he is now over 18. Only the children under 18 could include in the same application as an independent child.

However, she could still sponsor him once she got her residency status. She could do that before he turn 25, as long as he still single and very much depends for her financial support. This is important that both mom and son need to show evident of dependency. If she still transfer money to her son, she would need to keep those receipt and bank statement...and so on.

As spouse visa has 2 stages:
- Stage 1, the application has been approved and the applicant will get a Temporary Residency (TR) status.
- Stage 2, 2 years after the application date, if the couple still in relationship, then the lady will be granted for her Permanent Residency status.

In order to sponsor for her son, the mother doesn't need to wait for her stage 2 visa status. She could just sponsor him after she got her TR status in stage 1.

Anyone need more information on this, please do not hesitate to contact me. Either via email (preferred) or phone.

Leaky Boat

2011-07-12T08:51:00.001+10:00

Interesting special Q&A session about the refugee and politic in Australia.
I encourage anyone to watch this online at http://www.abc.net.au/iview/#/view/795011

Please be informed that I am not in any ways to persuade anyone about this issues; refugee & politic in Australia. I just found this program is informative and would love to share this with you all. Everyone entitle to have your own opinion on this.

IELTS seems to be part of everything...

2011-07-10T12:44:00.010+10:00

It seems that IELTS is now part of everything in Australia. Whether to get job, or to migrate into this country. You will need an IELTS.

I got a few clients who sat and re-sat for IELTS many times, just to get whatever score that will leads them to employment or residency status in this country. I felt bad for them some time, but I guess that it's just part of life. It's just another thing in life that we have to dealt with, things that we have to go through. Take a look from a bigger perspective, then it's in fact a good policy or good strategy from Australian government. I am "for" the IELTS test as part of the migration program. I think everyone should have a basic knowledge of English language, in order to communicate effectively in Australia society. That is to enable our citizen to integrate into the society. It's just a bit of pieces and puzzles, and IELTS is part of it.

For those people who want to gain the residency status or migrate into Australia, it is advisable that you sit for your IELTS test earlier. As sometime, the test result might surprise you. I have seen lots of people who over-confidence and thought that s/he could get a good result. Not until they sat for the IELTS, they then realize of their real level of English language skill that they have.

To avoid any unnecessarily surprises, I strongly suggest to anyone, to sit for IELTS test, as soon as possible. Don't leave it until the last minute. It won't do you any good... :)

Student Visa English Language Requirements

2011-05-24T21:13:00.000+10:00

Some Student visa applicants are required to provide the results of an English language test.

As of 20 May 2011, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test is one English language test option accepted by the department for Student visa purposes. The department can also accept an English language test result from test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the Occupational English Test (OET) in 14 countries where IELTS is not available.

However, the department will shortly be able to accept the following English language test options for Student visa application purposes:

TOEFL in all countries
Pearson Test of English Academic (Pearson) in all countries
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) from Cambridge ESOL (Cambridge) in all countries.

Equivalency scores for TOEFL, Pearson and Cambridge are being finalised and will be announced shortly. Test results from these alternative test providers (or in the case of TOEFL, from applicants in countries other than the 14 previously specified) will not be accepted for Student visa purposes until after this process has been completed. This is expected to be in place later this year.

The department will continue to accept a test result from IELTS. Current testing arrangements and equivalency scores for IELTS will not change.

The department will be closely monitoring the implementation of the new test providers and a review will be undertaken to determine whether these should be extended for the use with other visa programs.

Visa Assistance for Japanese Nationals

2011-03-14T18:28:00.000+11:00

Visa Assistance for Japanese Nationals

The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen, has issued a media release advising all Japanese nationals in Australia who are unable to fly home or are on temporary visas to contact the Department of Immigration and Citizenship as soon as possible.

‘DIAC will take the circumstances in Japan into account when dealing with requests for visa extensions and will consider, on a case by case basis, the options for Japanese in Australia whose visas to remain here are about to run out.'
Australian citizens in Japan should contact DIAC immediately if they wish to travel to Australia with their children if those children are not Australian citizens.

‘Australian citizen parents located in Japan who have children born overseas who have not applied for, or been approved for, Australian citizenship by descent should contact DIAC to discuss the most appropriate way for their children to travel to Australia,' Mr Bowen said.

DIAC will also look at extending the validity of time-limited requirements for visa applicants located in Japan if the assessment of an application has been delayed by events there.
In view of the disaster in Japan, the Australian Embassy's immigration staff in Tokyo will work throughout the weekend to address urgent migration issues.

PASSPORT ASSISTANCE FOR AUSTRALIANS AFFECTED BY JAPANESE TSUNAMIThe Foreign Minister, Kevin Rudd, has announced that Australians who have lost their passports during Japan’s natural disaster will not have to pay to replace them. The Australian Government will waive fees for replacing valid passports lost, damaged, destroyed or unavailable due to the earthquakes and tsunami in Japan.

New Change to Student Visa (onshore)

2011-03-08T11:50:00.000+11:00

OVERSEAS STUDENT HEALTH COVER (OSHC): Since 1 January 2011 it has become mandatory that all international students take out OSHC to cover the entire duration of their proposed stay in Australia. This includes the period after the course has finished but before the visa expires (can vary from one month to four months depending on length of course and when the course finishes). Evidence of the OSHC must be provided regardless of Assessment Level (including AL1 countries who previously were granted based only on declaration). The only students exempt from taking out OSHC are those with specific overseas students reciprocal health care arrangements with Australia, namely Belgium and some students from Norway and Sweden.

important information people should know before applying for Australian visa

2011-01-15T10:28:00.000+11:00

There are important things you should know before applying for, or being granted, an Australian visa.

This includes information about:

applying for the right type of visa
application requirements
your obligations while in Australia
the importance of complying with visa conditions.

The video 'Coming to Australia' will provide you with helpful information regarding your visit

please see YouTube VDO at http://www.youtube.com/immitv#p/c/0/AVM0JriJ_p8

General Skilled Migration points test

2010-12-11T14:42:00.000+11:00

Here is the new GSM points test, will be using from 1 July 2011. There are exception, please see my previous blog.

- No point for occupation

- Age 18-24, got 25 points
- Age 25-32, got 30 points
- Age 33-39, got 25 points
- Age 40-44, got 15 points
- Age 45-49, no point but still eligible to apply... :)

- English language, IELTS result 6 (6 x 4), got no point
- English language, IELTS result 7 (7 x 4), got 10 points
- English language, IELTS result 8 (8 x 4), got 20 points

- Australian employment, 1 year in the past 2 years before application, got 5 points
- Australian employment, 3 years in the past 5 years before application, got 10 points
- Australian employment, 5 years in the past 7 years before application, got 15 points

- Overseas employment, 3 years in the past 5 years before application, got 5 points
- Overseas employment, 5 years in the past 7 years before application, got 10 points
- Overseas employment, 8 years in the past 10 years before application, got 15 points

- Professional year, got 5 points

- Australian PhD or overseas PhD, got 20 points
- Australian Bachelor degree, or Bachelor + Masters/Honours, got 15 points
- Overseas Bachelor degree, or Bachelor + Masters/Honours, got 15 points
- Australian Diploma, got 10 points
- Australian Certificate III/IV, got 10 points
- Offshore apprenticeship, got 10 points

- Australian study requirement (2 years), got 5 points
- Community language skills, got 5 points
- Regional study, got 5 points
- Partner skills, got 5 points
- State or Territory Nomination, got 5 points
- Designated area sponsorship, got 5 points

The pass mark is 65

New Points Test for General Skilled Migration (GSM) Announced

2010-11-13T02:46:00.002+11:00

The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, the Honourable Chris Bowen MP, has announced the new Points Test for General Skilled Migration (GSM) on 11 Nov 2010.

Designed to complement the new Skilled Occupation List (SOL) that came into effect on 1 July, the Points Test is "proposed to take effect from 1 July 2011, subject to passage of supporting legislation through the Parliament. It will apply to anyone lodging an application from 1 July 2011."

The new points test will not apply to unfinalised applications lodged prior to 1 July 2011.

The new points test will not change the generous transitional arrangement in place until 31 Dec 2012 for former international students.

Amongst its features:

Distinction between 40/50/60 point occupations abolished, those points removed from test
Age points adjusted to reflect productive working years rather than youth
Additional 10 point differential introduced for “Superior English” language ability (IELTS 8)
Additional points for extended periods of employment in Australia
Additional points for longer periods of professional experience generally
Considerable additional points for university graduates, particularly for applicants with PhDs
Relative advantages of trade and degree qualified occupations have been reversed
Regional nomination and family sponsorship points reduced
No indication of difference between independent and sponsored pass marks at this stage
Pass mark of 65

same-sex relationship registration in NSW

2010-10-16T12:11:00.001+11:00

Background

The NSW Relationships Register commenced operation 1 July 2010. It provides legal recognition for a couple, regardless of their sex, by registration of the relationship.

Who is eligible to register a relationship?

Adults who are in a relationship as a couple, regardless of sex, can apply for registration of their relationship, provided at least one of them lives in NSW. Adults in both heterosexual and same-sex relationships are eligible to register.

People under 18 years old are not eligible.

A relationship cannot be registered if either person is:

married,
in another registered relationship,
in a relationship as a couple with another person, or
if they are related by family.

A couple does not have to live together to be eligible to register their relationship.

Ref: http://www.bdm.nsw.gov.au/Relationships.htm

Be Wary Of Migration Scams

2010-10-08T23:49:00.000+11:00

Wednesday, 6 October 2010

Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen MP, today warned prospective migrants and visa applicants to Australia to be wary of migration scammers.

'It is vital that people are aware of fraudsters' tricks before handing over money for immigration assistance which is never provided,' Mr Bowen said.

'This is why the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) has launched a new online consumer protection resource to help people to learn about migration scams online and safeguard against scams.

'The Protect Yourself from Migration Fraud information kit includes victims' stories, tips to stay safe online, information on how to identify non-genuine websites and fraudulent emails, links to consumer resources and a video testimonial.'

The information kit has been developed following an increase in complaints about internet migration scams, which often appear to be official Australian Government websites.

'A common tactic of these sites is the use of language such as 'registered provider' or 'Australian visa application service',' Mr Bowen said.

'They claim that they can 'guarantee' a visa, this is a 'once in a lifetime opportunity' or it is your 'only chance' to travel or migrate to Australia.'

In the most prevalent scam, clients are invited to register online before a salesperson contacts them and asks them to provide credit card details. Charges are then debited to their card despite no migration service being provided.

Migration fraud involves illegal operators posing as migration professionals. In Australia, migration agents must be registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority.

People with information about migration scams or illegal operators should telephone DIAC's Dob-In Line or visit the DIAC website.
Telephone: 1800 009 623

copy from http://www.minister.immi.gov.au/media/media-releases/2010/cb10067.htm

show off my new poster

2010-09-23T23:53:00.000+10:00

Subclass 417 (Working Holiday) and Subclass 462 (Work and Holiday) visas

2010-09-12T15:50:00.000+10:00

From 21 August 2010, the Migration Regulations will be amended to make changes in relation to Subclass 417 (Working Holiday) and Subclass 462 (Work and Holiday) visas.

The amendments will prevent a person who has previously been in Australia as the holder of a Subclass 462 (Work and Holiday) visa from applying for a Subclass 417 (Working Holiday) visa, and will provide that Subclass 462 (Work and Holiday) visa applicants cannot be accompanied by dependent children (except applicants who are members of a class of persons specified by the Minister in an instrument in writing).

follow "J Migration Team" on facebook

2010-06-16T10:01:00.000+10:00

We are now on facebook...

Please join us to always keep in touch with "J The Migration Team"

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Wollongong-Australia/J-The-Migration-Team/144545904049?ajaxpipe=1&__a=4

lodging online GSM applications before 1 July 2010

2010-06-16T09:45:00.002+10:00

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) has advised that any online GSM visa applications made before 1 July 2010 should be made well before 6:00pm Wednesday 30 June 2010.

This is because the implementation of the new Skilled Occupation List (SOL) and other department system changes are likely to cause a systems outage.

J The Migration Team

My friends said, this and that

Time for spammers to stop

Extension of the post-study work arrangements from 2013

Subclass 457 Sponsorship Accreditation – from 7 November 2011

Work and Holiday Visa for Argentina

The limitation of ETA (subclass 976)

New English Language Tests for Student Visas from 5 November 2011

Private Health Insurance for visa 457

only people who work in "migration" field would understand this

My son is 19, can I include him into my application?

Leaky Boat

IELTS seems to be part of everything...

Student Visa English Language Requirements

Visa Assistance for Japanese Nationals

New Change to Student Visa (onshore)

important information people should know before applying for Australian visa

General Skilled Migration points test

New Points Test for General Skilled Migration (GSM) Announced

Sponsored Family Visitor Applications for 2010-2011 Holiday Period

same-sex relationship registration in NSW

Background

Who is eligible to register a relationship?

Be Wary Of Migration Scams

show off my new poster

Subclass 417 (Working Holiday) and Subclass 462 (Work and Holiday) visas

follow "J Migration Team" on facebook

lodging online GSM applications before 1 July 2010