Map of Australia in Breakfast this morning!

When I was making breakfast for my son this morning, yogurt and strawberry Jam, the Jam made the shape of Australia.

I had to add Tasmania, so that they did not feel like they were missing out. 

I am interpreting this as a positive Sign.

Is this a Sign? Any fortune tellers out there?

457 Visa - Review and Planned changes to the work visa program - Minister Michaela Cash speech to MIA  

Minister Michaela Cash comments on review and planned changes to the 457 visa program in speech  to the Migration Institute of Australia conference on 31 October 2014, stating following:

“Extensive review of the 457 programme

As you know, Government regulatory activity can significantly impact business and Australia's reputation for doing business - in either a positive or negative manner.

And migration policy is one of the suite of regulatory levers available to Government to enhance our social and economic wellbeing.

The 457 programme continues to make a valuable contribution to Australia's economy and society.

The Abbott Government's migration programme and immigration policies serve to support employers in addressing skill shortages, grow productivity, create jobs for all Australians and keep Australia secure through well managed border controls and integrity in visa programmes. 

To ensure we remain an economically strong and competitive nation, it is critical that appropriate migration policies are implemented to provide us with a workforce that is capable of ensuring Australia's strong growth and continued economic success into the future.

Australia has one of the most well managed skilled migration programmes amongst developed countries. 

This Government recognises that our skilled migration programme must be run in the national interest.

It recognises the need for Australian business and industry to access a wide range of specialist competencies, skills, futuristic ideas and technology from overseas in order to be competitive and continue to grow in an increasingly global economy. 

The skilled migration programme helps to build economic growth by attracting the best and brightest migrants to address skills shortages, prevent labour force decline and improve our declining worker-to-retiree ratio.

Skilled migration fills genuine skills shortages with skilled migrants who complement, and do not displace, Australian workers.

Where an Australian worker with the right skills is available, this person is the right choice. However, if an Australian worker with the right skills is not available, the process for employing an overseas worker should be streamlined, efficient, transparent and robust.  

It is critical that future changes to the 457 programme are based on evidence and analysis.

This is why I announced an independent review earlier this year to ensure that the programme continues to respond to economic conditions in order to facilitate the entry of globally skilled persons to address skills shortages in the local labour market.

You would be aware that the final report for the independent review, titled, Robust New Foundations, was released by Minister Morrison in September and is currently available on the Department's website.

It is clear from reading the report that the recommendations are formed as a result of extensive consultations and considered discussions with stakeholders.

The panel met with more than 150 stakeholder groups across the country including with representatives from the MIA in early May.

The panel also invited public submissions and received nearly 200 responses from a variety of stakeholders, including a very comprehensive submission from the MIA.

The panel found no evidence to support claims of widespread rorting of the 457 programme, and identified a number of reforms that will improve the 457 programme. The report's 22 recommendations will make it easier for businesses to access skilled workers where there is a genuine need, and ensure a robust integrity framework is in place for the future of the 457 programme. Some of the key reforms from the panel's report were announced as part of the Industry, Innovation and Investment Competitiveness Agenda earlier this month.

These reforms include:

• simplifying sponsorship requirements for employers to reduce the time and cost involved for business;
• increasing the sponsorship approval period for start-up businesses for 12 to 18 months;
• streamlining the processes of sponsorship, nomination and visa applications to reward low risk applicants and re-focus compliance and monitoring activities on high risk applicants;
• providing greater flexibility in relation English language testing and skill requirements for 457 applicants; and
• retaining the current Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold at $53, 900.

Reforms such as these highlight the Government's work to create conditions for business to prosper by supporting growth and removing unnecessary regulation.

These changes to the programme demonstrate our commitment to evidence based productivity reform and I will be able to provide you with further information on a timeframe for implementation and a fulsome Government response to the report, in the coming months.”

Sources:

Migration Institute of Australia

News release by Senator the Hon. Michaelia Cash:

http://www.minister.immi.gov.au/media/mc/2014/mc218908.htm

Warning -This information is accurate on the 06 November 2014.  

DIBP will change visa requirements in an ongoing manner and all current requirements must be established prior to lodging an application. 

Do you Need Help with the 457 process, to be approved as a business sponsor or to get an Australian Visa for an employee?

If you require further information regarding an employer sponsored visa applications , either as an employer or an applicant, we can help you.

Contact us on (08) 7225 5091 or +61 8 7225 5091

or  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Accountant Skills Assessment for Australian Migration- New English Tests TOEFL and PTE Academic are now acceptable  

The Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia announced the following on the 31 October 2014:

“English language requirements

From 1 November 2014 we will be recognising the following programs or tests as meeting the English language requirement for the specific types of assessments we undertake.

IELTS

PTE Academic 

TOEFL iBT

Minimum scores of each of the components will need to be achieved and are listed below:

Permanent residency

Temporary Visa Subclass 485

There are no exemptions for any criteria for migration purposes. All applicant’s will be assessed against the same assessing criteria, including the English language requirement.  You will need to ensure that you meet the English language requirement as listed above.”

Sources:

The Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia website:

http://www.charteredaccountants.com.au/The-Institute/Migration-assessment/About-migration-assessment.aspx

Warning:

 This information is accurate on the 05 November 2014.  State/Territory Bodies and DIBP will change requirements in an ongoing manner and all current requirements must be established prior to lodging an application. 

Do You Need Help with  Australia Migration?

At Work Visa Lawyers we are experience in assisting applicants with the Expression of Interest, State Sponsorship and Visa application process for state sponsored subclasses 190 and 489.  We can also assist with the Independent 189.

If you require further information regarding an application or your Australian visa options

you can contact us through:

 (08) 7225 5091 or +61 8 7225 5091  

or     This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Employer in Regional SA looking for Cabinet Maker with positive TRA skills assessment for migration purposes and good English.

Must be willing to live in Mt Gambia and have intention of staying in the job for an exended period. 

The employer would consider sponsorship for 457 or Australian PR visa  

Send CVs to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

We will be at the South Australian Korean Culture and Food Festival this Saturday 8 November

Work visa Lawyers will have a stall at the South Australian Korean Culture and Food Festival where we will meet and chat with anyone who is at the Festival.  Last year we enjoyed the Festival, meeting with people, answering migration questions and eating the delicisious food.   So we are back again this year.  The photo above is our display from the 2013 festival. 

Chris Johnston the founder of Work Visa Lawyer and Christine Lee, an experienced Registered Migration Agent and Korean native speaker, will be attending.  

Christine has been writing articles on migration requirements and changes in Raon Korean Magazine.

She has developed strong relationships with the Korean Community and looks forward to catching up with everyone.

Here is Christine’s full profile:

www.workvisalawyers.com.au/our-people.html

The Korean Festival is on the same day as the Christmas Pageant and so it is great day for anyone in the city to enjoy the event with some great and to catch up with us.

10th Korean Culture and Food Festival – Event Details

The 10th Korean Cultural and Food Festival will be held at Rundle Park (Corner North and East Terrace) Adelaide on the same day as Credit Union Christmas Pageant.

The event is designed to unite growing Korean community in South Australia as well as sharing our rich culture and food with other South Australian communities.

It will be a celebration of the development of social, cultural and economic trading relations between South Australia and South Korean communities.

It is the family-friendly festival, which provides free fun activities for children, Korean food stalls and cultural performances.

When:   Nov 8 2014 
Where:Rundle Park Adelaide 
Time(s):10am – 4pm

Cost Details: - Free

Venue Details: Rundle Park
Address: Corner North and East Terrace-

See more at: http://www.adelaidecitycouncil.com/whats-on/event/10th-korean-culture-and-food-festival#sthash.dpypZmAT.dpuf

We Hope to catch up with you at the Korean Fair, but if you cannot make it the then you can Contact Our Office?

At Work Visa Lawyers we are experience in assisting applicants with skills assessments, visa applications and appeals.

If you require further information regarding an application or your Australian visa optionsyou can contact us through:

 (08) 7225 5091 or +61 8 7225 5091  

or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Time of Publication:

This information is accurate on the 02 October 2014. 

Sources:

www.adelaidecitycouncil.com/whats-on/event/10th-korean-culture-and-food-festival

Five tips for the IELTS test by English tutor Fran Reid.

1.      Know what the examiners want for each section of the test.

Each section of the test is marked according to certain criteria, knowing what the examiner is looking for will help you to target your responses.

2.      Speak, listen, read and write English as much as possible.

‘Using’ English in your everyday life will improve your confidence in using English in a relaxed way.

3.      Practice the test on a regular basis.

Practice gives you a feel for the timing of the test and increases your self confidence by giving you a realistic idea of your English capabilities.

         4.   Manage your time so you have a quiet space for practice.

Make sure you are in a good position to prepare for the test. Work and family responsibilities often get in the way of studies so plan for this study period.

5.      Engage a tutor or not?

Taking IELTS preparation classes provides you with a controlled environment where a tutor will monitor your work and give you feedback to help you understand where you need to improve.

Do You Need Help with the IELTS Test?

At MarketPlaceEnglish I assist people with the IELTS Test using authentic practice materials and providing constructive feedback.

I am a qualified and experienced tutor having helped hundreds of people gain their desired band score.

I provide English tuition in the city of Adelaide in South Australia.

If I can be of assistance or you require further information and would like to make a booking please contact Frances on:

Phone: 042 117 8286

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

New Work and Holiday visa arrangement signed by Australia and Israel

From the DIBP news blog on posted on October 24, 2014:

“Australia and Israel signed a reciprocal Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462) arrangement on 22 October 2014.

Soon young adults, aged 18–30 years, from Australia and Israel will be able to experience a once in a lifetime opportunity to play, work and study in each other’s country for up to 12 months. There will be 500 places on offer for each country per programme year.

Once a start date has been determined for this visa programme, eligible young adults from both countries will be able to apply for this visa. This process can take some time, however, we will announce the start date on our website and social media channels.”

Other Developments in Work and Holiday Visas (462):

A similar announcement was made in May 2014 that 500 Work and Holiday Visas (462) were going to be made available to Greeks:

 http://www.workvisalawyers.com.au/news/tags/greek.html

Comments by Chris Johnston, Lawyer and Registered Migration Agent:

This is exciting news, presenting an opportunity for a limited number of young people from Israel.  I predict that the number of 500 will be much lower than the demand for this visa, so when the visa is opened, better apply fast.

Warning:

This information is accurate on the 29 October 2014. 

DIBP will change visa requirements in an ongoing manner and all current requirements must be established prior to lodging an application. 

Sources:

http://www.immi.gov.au/News/Pages/australia-israel-sign-work-holiday-visa-agreement.aspx

Do You Need Help in Relation to Making the transition from a Working Holiday Australian Visas?

We have many people apply make the transition from Working Holiday visas to other Australian Visas.  Common target visas include:

·          457 work visa if the applicant has relevant skills to an occupation on the CSOL and an employer to sponsors them or

·         Partner Visa if the applicant has is in a serious relationship with an Australian Citizens or Permanent Resident.

If you require further information regarding Australian visa options you contact our offices on:

 (08) 7225 5091 or +61 8 7225 5091  

or

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

NSW skilled nominated 190 intake for October 2014 is closed and will not reopen this month – here are some details 

The NSW Government has provided the following update on the October 2014 sponsorship round which is now closed:

“The October intake has reached the cap of 1,000 and it is closed. 

Following analysis of the second intake on 22 October 2014, the applications lodged during this intake are able to proceed to assessment. The October intake was capped at 1,000 applications to ensure the annual cap was not exceeded. 

Applicants who have lodged an application and who still need to supply additional information, attachments or complete full payment will be contacted directly. 

NSW is a highly competitive destination for skilled migrants and as such, demand for NSW nomination under this visa program far exceeds the number of places available. In recognition of ongoing high demand and to ensure that places allocated under the program are well-balanced and aligned to the skills needs of the state's economy, NSW is continuing to implement operational and policy reforms. The application process will open again in February 2015. This will be after an analysis of the intakes to date which will determine the approach to future intakes. Information on future intakes will be posted on the website in January 2015. 

NSW anticipates nominating another 2,000 applicants between February-June 2015. 

This program is one of many visa options and NSW encourages potential applicants to explore alternative pathways as the program will not be able to accommodate all eligible candidates.

When did the October 2014 intake open and close?

The October 2014 intake for NSW nomination program for the 190 visa opened on Wednesday 22 October, 10:00 AEDT (UTC+11 hours).

The intake closed when the number of applications received reached the 1,000 limit.

Why were certain occupations not on theNSW State Skilled Occupation List - Skilled Migrationfor the October 2014 intake?

NSW Trade & Investment removed a number of occupations from the NSW State Skilled Occupation List - Skilled Migration for the October intake(identified in table above).

The adjustments were made in response to over-subscription of nomination applications received in the July 2014 intake from applicants in Accounting and Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) occupational categories. More than 75 per cent of the 1,000 nominations offered for the July 2014 intake were to applicants in these groups.  

Prospective applicants qualified in these occupations may be eligible for NSW nomination in future intakes.  Decisions on eligible occupations are made on an ongoing basis as part of NSW regular review of skills needs in the state.  Information about eligibility will always be published on this website prior to each application intake. “

Have you missed State sponsorship for a 190 in NSW or Victoria? Here are 10 options to consider!

Follow this link for some options for those who have missed NSW Sponsorship.

http://www.workvisalawyers.com.au/news/entry/have-you-missed-state-sponsorship-for-a-190-in-nsw-or-victoria-here-are-10-options-to-consider.html

Comment by Chris Johnston, Principal Solicitor with Work Visa Lawyers:

The simple explanation for the difficulty in obtaining NSW nomination for a 190 is supply and demand.  NSW only has 4000 nominations to sponsor for the whole program year between 1 July 2014 and 30 June 2015 which is very low supply compared to the high number of people trying to apply for sponoship which is the demand.  Given that the positions offered at 1000 per intake are being filled in one day, with 3,500 people or more on the NSW system before it crashed, it can safely be assumed that those trying to apply must be in the tens or thousands.

Given the poor match between supply of positions from the NSW government and the demand, the result for applicants is that trying to obtain NSW state sponsorship is not a reliable pathway. It seems to be partly luck as to whether you can get sponsorship in the half day that each round is open.  So as an applicant it is wise to consider back up plans, in terms of sponsorship from other States or Territories, or looking at other visa pathways.  

Sources:

NSW Trade and Investment website:

http://www.business.nsw.gov.au/live-and-work-in-nsw/visa-and-migration/skilled-nominated-migration/october-2014-intake

Warning:

 This information is accurate on the 25 October 2014.  State/Territory Bodies and DIBP will change requirements in an ongoing manner and all current requirements must be established prior to lodging an application. 

Do You Need Help with  Australia Migration?

At Work Visa Lawyers we are experience in assisting applicants with the Expression of Interest, State Sponsorship and Visa application process for state sponsored subclasses 190 and 489.  We can also assist with the Independent 189.

If you require further information regarding an application or your Australian visa options

you can contact us through:

 (08) 7225 5091 or +61 8 7225 5091  

or    This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Have you missed State sponsorship for a 190 in NSW or Victoria? Here are 10 options to consider!

This is not an exhaustive list of options, but it may be a helpful starting point to turn your focus the possible options. 

1. Check the lists of other States and Territories for your occupation to see if you can obtain sponsorship somewhere else in Australia

Here are links to the relevant authorities:

Australian Capital Territory
www.canberrayourfuture.com.au/portal/migrating/article/skilled-visas/

New South Wales
http://www.business.nsw.gov.au/live-and-work-in-nsw

Northern Territory
http://www.migration.nt.gov.au/

Queensland

http://migration.qld.gov.au/

South Australia
https://www.migration.sa.gov.au

Tasmania

http://www.migration.tas.gov.au/

Victoria
http://www.liveinvictoria.vic.gov.au/visas-and-immigrating/state-nomination

Western Australia

Skilled visas

http://www.migration.wa.gov.au/services/skilled-migration-wa

 Business visas

http://www.businessmigration.wa.gov.au/

2. Try to secure a position with an employer to sponsor you for a 457, RSMS or ENS

The acceptable positions for a 457 and ENS are on the CSOL.

http://www.immi.gov.au/Work/Pages/skilled-occupations-lists/csol.aspx

The RSMS is available for all skill level 1, 2 and 3 positions.

Here is a link to an explanation of to skills levels:

http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/[email protected]/Lookup/1220.0Chapter32013,%20Version%201.2

3. Are you eligible for a Graduate Visa (485) or Skilled—Recognised Graduate visa (subclass 476) for Engineering Graduates?

These are great visas to allow you the time to get a relevant job to boost your chances of applying for a skilled visa.

You can try to get one year of skilled experience towards an occupation on the SOL or CSOL.

You could also try to get a job with an employer, who may be able to sponsor you for a skilled visa.

4. Are you able to apply for a Working Holiday Visa (417) or a Work and Holiday Visa (462)?

These visas are only eligible for a select number of countries.

You will have to apply from outside Australia.

5. Consider further studies – with a view to obtaining a qualification in line with the current SOL and CSOL

Here are links to the SOL and CSOL:

http://www.immi.gov.au/Work/Pages/skilled-occupations-lists/sol.aspx

http://www.immi.gov.au/Work/Pages/skilled-occupations-lists/csol.aspx

6. If you study a suitable course in a Regional Area full time for two years then you may get up to five points for Regional study towards the subclass 190 or 489.

From the Immigration site:

“Study in regional Australia

You can receive five points if each of the following applied:

- you met the Australian Study requirement

- if you have lived and studied in regional Australia or a low population-growth metropolitan area

none of the study undertaken constituted distance education.

7. If you study in a Regional area then you have a greater chance of securing state sponsorship, because the lists are more generous.

As mentioned above, you can check the lists of the various states and territories.

8. Consider studying a further course in Tasmania that will give you an occupation on the SOL or CSOL

The state or territory lists tend to be more generous in Regional areas.  Tasmania is very proactive in sponsoring its graduates and so offers a great opportunity for those who want to maximise there chance of sponsorship with then finish their studies. 

9.. Do you have a family member in SA who could sponsor you for Chain Migration?

The details for chain migration are provided on the Immigration SA website.

They include that:

          “Chain Migration is a state nomination pathway for applicants who have an immediate family member permanently residing in South Australia.”

“12.6.1 The family member residing in South Australia must be the applicant’s grandfather, grandmother, father, mother, brother or sister. Applicants can still apply if it’s a step or adoptive parent / sibling.

12.6.2 The family member must be over 18 years of age.

12.6.3 The family member in South Australia must be either an Australian Permanent Resident or an Australian Citizen.

12.6.4 The family member must be currently residing in South Australia and have resided in South Australia for the last twelve months.”

Further details can be found at:

https://www.migration.sa.gov.au/eligibility_requirements

10. Contact a Registered Migration Agent and Migration Institute of Australia member, for a professional opinion on your visa options

Here is a link the the Migration Institute of Australia, which lists relevant Agents.

http://www.mia.org.au/

I am a qualified Lawyer, Registered Migration Agent and a Member of the MIA and can provide you with professional advice on your options.

Here are my contact details:

 (08) 7225 5091 or +61 8 7225 5091  

or   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Sources:

DIBP website and State and Territory Websites.

Warning:

 This information is accurate on the 22 October 2014.  State/Territory Bodies and DIBP will change requirements in an ongoing manner and all current requirements must be established prior to lodging an application. 

Do You Need Help?

At Work Visa Lawyers we are experience in assisting applicants with the Expression of Interest, State Sponsorship and Visa application process for state sponsored subclasses 190 and 489.  We can also assist with the Independent 189.

If you require further information regarding an application or your Australian visa options

you can contact us through:

 (08) 7225 5091 or +61 8 7225 5091  

or   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Final-year students in Australia in Medicine, Nursing, Dentists, OT and more urged to apply for registration now!

The following information is available on the AHPRA website:

“AHPRA is now calling for online applications for registration from students who are in their final year of an approved program of study.

Students due to complete study at the end of 2014 are urged to apply for registration four to six weeks before completing their course. Fourth-year psychology students can also apply. 

Students are encouraged to apply online, however some applicants may be required to complete a paper application form. All applicants must provide some supporting documents to AHPRA to complete their application.

Students are encouraged to read the information under Graduate applications, including FAQ.

Profession-specific information, including whether final-year students must apply for provisional or general registration, is available on the National Board websites:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practice Board of Australia
• Chinese Medicine Board of Australia
• Chiropractic Board of Australia
• Dental Board of Australia
• Medical Board of Australia
• Medical Radiation Practice Board of Australia
• Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia
• Occupational Therapy Board of Australia
• Optometry Board of Australia
• Osteopathy Board of Australia
• Pharmacy Board of Australia
• Physiotherapy Board of Australia
• Podiatry Board of Australia
• Psychology Board of Australia”

“Frequently asked questions

On this page:

What are graduate applications? 

Five Steps to Graduate Registration

• Why apply early?
• Who can apply?
• When can I apply?
• How can I apply?
• I completed my course in mid-2013. This was several months ago but I have yet to apply for registration. What do I do?

What are graduate applications?

Graduates seeking to work as health practitioners in Australia must be registered before joining the workforce. Students who are about to complete National Board-approved programs of study can apply for health practitioner registration early. AHPRA has put in place systems to make registration for graduates as streamlined as possible, including accepting online applications from students graduating mid-year or in late 2013.

Five Steps to Graduate Registration:

1. Students apply for registration 4 to 6 weeks before completing their course, under Graduate Applications.
2. Applicants fill out an online application (if eligible) or download an application form. All applications require some documents to be sent to AHPRA by mail.
3. Education providers advise AHPRA when applicants are eligible to graduate.
4. AHPRA finalises assessment, confirms registration, publishes new graduates’ names on the Register of Practitioners and sends out registration certificates.
5. New graduates registered with their profession’s National Board are eligible to start working as soon as their name is published on the Register of Practitioners.

Why apply early?

Processing applications for registration takes time and AHPRA is aiming to smooth the path for new graduates from study to work. By applying for registration early, you will help AHPRA to register you as a health practitioner soon as possible after your education provider advises us that you have successfully graduated. As soon as you are registered, your name will be published on the national Register of Practitioners and you will be eligible to start work.

Who can apply?

All students in regulated health professions who will be completing an approved program of study in 2013 and who are expecting to join the Australian health practitioner workforce when they graduate or soon after can apply.

Note: The name on your application for registration must match the student name for approved course completion provided to AHPRA by your education provider. If your name has changed after enrolling in an approved program of study you must contact the education provider to update these details.

When can I apply?

AHPRA is recommending that students apply for registration at least four to six weeks before the end of their course.

How can I apply?

Online applications are open to students completing an approved program of study mid-year or at the end of 2013 …”

Registration is different to applying for a migration skills assessment for some occupations such as Registered Nurses and Enrolled Nurses!

The skills assessing authority for Registered Nurses and Enrolled Nurses is ANMAC:
http://www.anmac.org.au/resources

Warning -This information is accurate on the 21 October 2014.  

Registration authorities can change requirements in an ongoing manner and all current requirements must be established prior to lodging a skills assessment or visa application. 

Sources:

http://www.ahpra.gov.au/Registration/Graduate-Applications-for-Registration-FAQs/What-are-Graduate-Applications-FAQs.aspx

http://www.ahpra.gov.au/News/2014-10-13-Students-seeking-registration.aspx

http://www.anmac.org.au/resources

Do You Need Help in Relation to a Professional Registration, Skills Assessment or visa application as a Health Professional?

At Work Visa Lawyers we are experienced in assisting with skills assessment to enable applications for skillselect subclass 189, 190 and 489 visas and Employer Nomination Scheme applications.

We can help you with state sponsorship and visa application.

For further information regarding your Australian visa options you contact our offices on

 (08) 7225 5091 or +61 8 7225 5091.

Or email:   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.