Showing posts with label immigration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label immigration. Show all posts

Monday, November 3, 2008

Australian Migration to Only Become Harder in 2009

Australia may be forced to decrease its intake of migrants in 2009 and possibly further into the future. Pressure is rising from the opposition to cut the number of new arrivals before the current financial years end. This pressure is a result of the global financial meltdown, which in turn is forecast to push unemployment rate up in Australia.

This may mean that 2008 may be the best time to commence your Australian migration, so to improve your chances of successfully obtaining a visa.

The opposition for Immigration spokeswomen, Sharman Stone, said “It is important they remain flexible because the most important thing to do is look after Australia's own unemployed”.

Such calls from the opposition seem to be coming from the result of the bigger banks cutting interest rates so to push up spending. The Commonwealth Bank (Australia’s biggest home loan lender) became the third bank to cut rates recently, shaving 0.21% off its standard variable rate fro home loans, thus resulting in repayments on a standard $300,000 loan to be cut by about $42 a month.

The worldwide slowdown is cutting growth in Australia and some economists are now predicting unemployment will surge by 200,000 and hit 6 per cent by the end of 2009.

Australia was battling a general labor shortage earlier this year but now key industries have started to shed jobs, with even the mining industry slowing down.

It is thought that the migrant intake should be re-examined and looked at via skill categories first then on settlement locations before cutting numbers willy-nilly.

Monday, October 13, 2008

Changes to Australian Visa Laws - Skilled Graduate (subclass 485)

As from the 27th October 2008, the Australian Government will introduce a change to the laws regarding the Skilled Graduate Visa (subclass 485). (note: This date may be subject to change.)

Up until the 27th October migrants were able to lodge their visa application prior to achieving sufficient IELTS scores. This is with the intention of attaining the necessary IELTS scores in the near future. The system worked favorably for the migrant as it gave them more time and options.

However, the new changes that take place on the 27th October will mean that one can only lodge their application for a skilled Graduate Visa (subclass 485) after they have received their required IELTS test results. The results (evidence) needs to be shown at the time of lodgement so to prove that they have met the relevant English language standards.

The standard for professionals, para-professionals and managerial occupations is ‘competent’ English (a score of at least six (6) on each of the four (4) components of the International English Language Test Scheme (IELTS) test or equivalent standard in a specified test).

For people who nominate an occupation in the Major Group IV in the Australian Standard Classification of Occupations, the standard is ‘vocational’ English (a score of at least five (5) on each of the four (4) components of the IELTS test).
IELTS test results must be no more than two (2) years old at the time of application.
This is a departure from the current regulations which allow an applicant to apply having only booked an English language test.


There are exceptions though, people who hold an eligible passport from either Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, United Kingdom or United States of America are not required to submit evidence of their English standard.

For further information about this policy change and how it may affect you please contact our office.

PH: +61 7 3876 4000

Email: migration@noborders-group.com

Website: http://www.noborders-group.com

MIGRATING TO AUSTRALIA – THERE MAY NOT BE A BETTER TIME

If you have been thinking of migrating to Australia, recent events may be the push you’ve needed to make your dreams a reality. The attractive exchange rate for overseas nationals buying Australian dollars, an economy better placed than most in the developed world to withstand the current turmoil, and the likely tightening of the migration scheme which may make it more difficult to migrate in the future, means there may not be a better time than now for moving to Australia.

In recent months the Australian dollar has collapsed, from a high of almost dollar for dollar with the US to 1US : 0.69AUD, and 1 Euro now buying 2 Australian Dollars. The exchange rate is likely to become even more attractive as the Australian Reserve Bank cuts central interest rates to keep the Australian economy moving.

Just like the rest of the world, the Australian economy is weakening and as the rate of unemployment grows the government will be under pressure to cut skilled migrant intakes. The current Rudd government has announced overnight that next year’s intake of skilled migrants will be lower than this year’s. This policy could be introduced by lowering the maximum number of applications per annum, raising the threshold requirements prospective migrants will need to meet, or indeed both.

Nevertheless, the International Monetary Fund reported yesterday that while the rest of the world enters into a recession, Australia may experience 2% growth. Australia’s commodity boom is likely to slow, but there should remain plenty of opportunity in the mining sector and related occupations, and Australia seems to have a shortage of skilled employees in key areas throughout the economy.

If you are interested in migrating to Australia, it is certainly a time to take some action. There is no doubt that opportunities will begin to decrease in the current economic climate and there is no knowing just how bad the situation could get in Europe, the UK and the United States. Australia will also suffer, however with the exchange rate low and dropping, your savings may well go a lot further in Australia, and if you have the right skills your employment prospects may also be a lot rosier.

For a quick assessment of your options to migrate to Australia CLICK HERE or visit our website: www.noborders-group.com, email our friendly staff: migration@noborders-group.com

Monday, September 1, 2008

Australia Wants USA Workers

Australia is actively marketing the region as a desireable immigration destination for skilled workers from the United States.

There is record unemployment in America's industrial states due to manufacturing plants shutting down or laying off workers. In response, Peter Beattie, former Queensland premier and now Queensland's trade commissioner who is who based in Los Angelas, issued press releases stating that "Queensland wants you!" to various media outlets in the affected states.

Queensland and the rest of Australia has a particular need for skilled workers -- especially in the manufacturing, mining, and engineering sectors. Labor shortages are an acute problem in Australia, prompting immigration authorities to increase its skilled immigration quotas for the current financial year.

Australia's lack of a language barrier and Queensland's focus on family, education, and work rights and the sunny climate makesfor an attractive destination for US workers from the northwest US states.

However, Australia is not only looking to America to fill its skills shortages. The country has a highly successful skilled immigration program that brings skilled workers to Australia from all over the world.

Source: Workpermit.com

Man Drought Down Under

An analysis of new census figures has shown that Australia is suffering from an unprecedented "man drought".

The statistics have revealed that there are almost 100,000 more females than males in Australia. The problem is worse in the coastal cities, where women have moved seeking better jobs and lifestyles, while many men have gone overseas.

Thirty years ago Australia was with flush with men thanks to immigration policies that favoured males. That position has been reversed because thousands of Australian men in their 20s and early 30s have gone overseas either to travel or to work.

Demographer Bernard Salt says the exodus of young men to foreign countries is leaving its mark. "If you go into the United Arab Emirates census you'll find there is around 12,000 Australians living in Dubai, mostly male, mostly in the 25 to 34-year age group.

But the situation outside of the larger towns and cities is very different.
Vast numbers of women have abandoned the countryside seeking better jobs or education in metropolitan areas. They have left behind communities overloaded with younger males. In the town of Glenden in the northern state of Queensland there is one single female for every 23 men.

Source: Phil Mercer - BBC News Sydney.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

International Students Come to Australia for a Reason

Recent government amendments to Australian immigration programs have resulted in more foreign students being able to join the Australian educational system than ever before. Creating some of the best opportunities in the world for international students.

2007 saw around 455,000 international student enroll into Australian Universities. To put this into perspective that is a 30% increase over the previous five years.
People believe it is the Australian hands-on approach to learning, in-class discussion and freedom of individual thought that is attracting international student to study in Australia. Also that Australian institutions are smaller and more active allowing learning easier for students.

The shifting attitude of the Australian community to foreign skilled workers and international students, along with the increased demand for skilled labour in the workforce, has also created a wealth of employment opportunities.

Companies such as Amex, Westpac and KPMG are now realigning their recruitment strategies to attract more foreign students with specific skills and are offering more part-time roles, graduate positions and internships in their Australian and international offices.

"Employers who are involved with the program are so impressed by the skills and abilities of the [international] students that they take on more students," said Monique Gunn of Workers Solutions.

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Australian Skilled Migration gets an A+

The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship Senator Chris Evans said yesterday the temporary skilled migration (subclass 457 visa) program has been a success during 2007-08.

New data shows an increase of 27% from last year in the numbers of 457 visas granted to foreign workers. This in turn means a greater number of positions in the Australian workforce are being filled by overseas workers migrating to Australia.
In fact 110,570 visas were granted last year to temporary visas and their dependents, compared to 87,310 in 2006-07.

New South Wales is the biggest user of the scheme, while Western Australia increased its usage by 40 per cent last year. 81 per cent of the workers on a subclass 457 visa were highly skilled professionals, such as IT professionals, nurses, and business professionals. The average nominated base salary is currently sitting on $73,100.

UK residents comprise the largest group of foreign workers on a temporary visa for Australia, making up one quarter of the 110,000. The conversion rate of temporary visas to permanent residency is also up by 30 per cent; nearly 25,000 subclass 457 visa holders became permanent residents last year.

The Government is currently using the scheme to fill nominated positions in the workforce which are highest in demand. The Minister has said it is vital to fill these positions at a time when the unemployment rate is low, in order to maintain the country’s economic momentum.

The Government also recently introduced legislative changes to the Migration Act so that the rights of lower-skilled workers can be protected from abuse from employers.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Migrant Workers Receive the Big Bucks Down Under

The Health and IT sectors received a large influx of overseas workers migrating to Australia to fill positions. Data released yesterday on the 457 temporary working visa shows that more than 58,000 457 visas were granted to people in 2007-08. This is an increase of 24% from 2006-07.

Average base salaries paid to overseas workers, who arrived last year, increased 2% from last year to $73,100. This is well above the Australian average of $55,000.
Employers are required to pay s457 workers more than a legislated minimum of around $43,000 – set to increase to 3.8% in August – but the data suggests very few workers rely on the minimum.

The highest paid foreign workers are in the mining sector, with an average wage of $125,000, while those in hospitality are the lowest paid on $49,000 per year.
Computing professionals, registered nurses, and business and information professionals were the top three occupations for temporary overseas workers. Despite the intense demand for workers in the resources sector, staff such as welders, civil engineers and motor mechanics ranked further down the list.

Just over 8% of s457 visa holders hired in 2007-08 were employed in occupations classified as professional and highly skilled.

Britain was the single biggest source of temporary overseas staff for Australian employers, making up 22% of the total, followed by India on 14%, the Philippines on 9%, South Africa 6%, China 6% and the USA on 6%.

Employers of s457 workers are likely to face significant new reporting obligations and big penalties for breaching immigration rules and legislation to be introduced by Evans in September.

Source: Mike Preston; Smart Company. 23 July 2008

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Britian is out - Australia is in

A recent study by uSwitch.com, has placed the UK second last in Europe for quality of life, which is made even more interesting by the fact the Uk is also placed at 1st for the highest wage earners.

Reasons for such a result are being pushed towards the fact that the UK is experiencing much higher fuel and essential goods prices than other European countries. Whilst also investing less into the country’s health and education areas.
Quality of life is also downgraded due to the studies results displaying the UK residents are taking far less holidays, up to a week less than their European counterparts.

On average UK residents earn 10,000 pounds more than other Europeans however, paying up to 18% more for diesel, 6% more for unleaded petrol, 46% more for gas and 5% more for electricity compared to other Europeans.

Hundreds of thousands of UK residents and UK visa holders have realized the worsening crisis in Britain and have decided to act with their call to action being to migrate elsewhere. In fact migration rates in the past years have reached record heights.
The Australian Government's research shows record numbers of Australians are leaving the UK, and Britons are following closely in tow. While Spain and France may be closer to family and friends in the UK, Australia is offering UK migrants competitive salaries in skilled positions, a safer economic environment during the global credit crunch, a lower cost of living, and even a tropical climate.

With such migration and British opinions going around the Australia Government has seen an opportunity to help source solutions to the country’s own troubles with labour shortages. The Australian Government is currently heavily campaigning for more skilled workers from the UK to apply for an Australia visa so that increasing demands for development can be met, particularly in the construction and mining industries.

Monday, July 14, 2008

Australia sees the need for speed

Three new Australian 'Centres of Excellence' have been established in Perth, Sydney, and Melbourne to speed up the processing of temporary 457 visa applications for employers seeking to employ overseas workers.

This is in response to the increasing demand in Australia for skilled workers in the labour sector.

The 457 visa allows Australian employers to employ skilled workers from abroad to fill occupations in Australia on a temporary basis for between three months and four years.

Statistics show that in June 2007, an average of 400 cases was processed within seven days whereas in June 2008, more than 1200 applicants were granted visas within a week,

Minister of Immigration, Chris Evans said that "The 457 program is critical to meeting the current labour market demands and the new Centres of Excellence will continue to improve the effectiveness of the processing of visas.”

Australian immigration authorities were dealing with a backlog of about 13,000 subclass 457 visa applications since March. That backlog has since been cleared.

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Australia Immigration & You

It is no secret that Australia is seeing a great rise in the number and the interest people have in immigrating to Australia.

Two factors, I believe, are heavily contributing to this current trend.

One; Australia needs to increase its population in order to fill gaps in the work force, especially in mining, construction, aging health care and service industries. This is to also in turn help improve the country's economy. These needs have created better chances and easier processes for immigration.

Two; Australia is a great place to live. The lifestyle, standard of living, opportunities, laws and rights and the climate all add up. In comparison to other countries Australia is very lucky, war and conflict doesn't seem to arrive on Australia's shores.

It's a tick in every box!

Now I am Australian, so I guess everything in this blog carries bias, but let me know your thoughts about Australia. Any negatives that you or a friend you know may have experienced. Or push some more positives.

For those considering immigrating to Australia this may be a great chance to ask questions.

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

More Positives Come from Australian Immigration than Negatives

Australian immigration has contributed not only to the rise of population figures but also the economic growth of the country as a whole - the positives of immigration ultimately outweigh the negatives.

In the past six months almost 100 000 foreigners have come to Australia on either permanent or temporary visas. These people are seen as the key to filling labour shortages and contributing to Australia's ever growing economy.

According to a recent report in PowerHomeBiz.com the Australian government acknowledge the need for migrants in order to counteract the constant call for labour. It is estimated that as many as 18 000 extra workers are needed a year in order to maintain Australian economic growth rates.

"Australia desperately need skilled workers," says Erin Ryan of international global mobility specialists. She explains that, "This is due to an aging population and current financial boom." Immigrants are seen as the solution.

Australia has essentially become a country of immigrants with an estimated quarter of the population born overseas and half having a parent who was born abroad. Various studies show the social benefits of such immigration.

From creating new business, supplying specialized skills and ultimately contributing to the prosperity of the country as a whole, immigration to Australia contributes to Australian development.

In a 2007 study by the Australian government entitled, 'The Social Costs and Benefits of Migration into Australia,' the problems involved with immigration are shown to be of less impact than the benefits.

Despite language difficulties, infrastructure inadequacies and cultural diversity, the overall fact that most immigrants go down under and work, produce and fill skills shortages is highlighted. As the report says, "Migrants to Australia have made and continue to make substantial contributions to Australia's stock of human, social and produced capital."

However how to manage this influx of migration in order to escalate the contributions and reduce any negative impacts has become the core issue at hand.

It is however clear that Australia profits through immigration and the contributions of immigrants.

Source: Global Visas - 17/06/2008 by Bryan Palmer

Visa Approvals for Australian Immigration Rise

The number of approved temporary Australian visas approved has increased since last year, under the new Labor government. The visa (subclass 457) approvals in April and May increased to 6,130 a month, compared to the last six months of last year where an average of 4,625 visas were approved by the Howard government.

The high level of approvals may be attributed to an order from the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, to clear the backlog of applications by the end of this month. Bob Kinnaird, an immigration consultant, said businesses will be pleased by the news, with certain sectors benefiting more from the visa changes. "There has certainly been a big increase in manufacturing and construction and to a lesser extent mining," he added.

Mr Kinnaird said changes needed to be made to the systems in order to better support these Australian visa holders, including introducing fairer wages for the group. Currently several unions are looking to change the minimum wage awarded to the Australian visa holders and create a market wage in its place.

Source: Aust. Visa Bureau; 18.06.2008

Australian Immigration Seminar in Europe

Seminar Dates

2nd Nov 2008 - München
3rd Nov 2008 - Karlsruhe
4th Nov 2008 - Dortmund
6th Nov 2008 - Bremen
7th Nov 2008 - Erfurt
8th Nov 2008 - Wien


No Borders Migration Advocates Seminar Details...

Referent:

Agnes Kemenes - Migration Agent since 1998 (MARN licence 9803083)

Price:

50.00 EUR per person, couples pay 90.00 EUR instead of 100.00 EUR
Please refer to our Terms & Conditions

This contains:

- Entry to seminar
- Information material + CD
- General assessment about your chance coming to Australia
- Light finger food
- Description:


Get detailed information about your chance for an Australian Visa.
Our seminar refers mainly to skilled people with certificate and work experience in trades, management, medical and many other areas (ie. motor mechanics, chefs, engineers, dentists, nurses, IT, electrician just to name a few).

If you would like to migrate to Australia you won't just find a paradise of oceans, rain forests and endless range. Australia offers so much more as:
- a high level of living
- a healthy environment
- a low unemployment rate
- a great future for your children

Australians are helpful and friendly people, once you visit Australia 'THE SPIRIT OF AUSTRALIA' will never let you go.

In our seminar we will inform you about the most common visa categories, we will explain the terms & conditions and we will pass on general tips to migrate to Australia.

Beside all these detailed information we will talk about the lifestyle in Australia, we will inform you about the maintain costs, house-/renting prices, medical care, jobs, tax and many other things.

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Employer Nominated Visa Category

Australian businesses of all sizes are increasingly experiencing a shortage of skilled workers. If you are an employer, and unable to find a suitable Australian person to fill a position, you may be able to sponsor a highly skilled person from overseas.

REQUIREMENTS:

First the employer must apply for approval as a standard business sponsor and nominate the position(s) to be undertaken in Australia by the overseas worker. That means that the sponsor has to show that they are operating a lawful, reputable business in Australia, the sponsorship is of benefit to Australia and that they will be the direct employer of the applicant.

To nominate a position there must be a need for a paid overseas employee in a full-time position and the position must be on the list of approved occupations. This list is quite broad and includes trades people and professionals. The employer has to specify the kind of tasks the employee will need to perform and what experience and skills are required. The employer must also show that they will pay the employee the minimum salary specified by the government for migration purposes. They also have to accept certain obligations towards the employee including providing acceptable working conditions.

The overseas employee then applies for a visa to fill the nominated position. The employee must show that they possess the training, qualifications and experience which are necessary to fill the position. The employee will need to produce their qualifications and employment references and may be required to undergo a skills assessment.

You can sponsor overseas employees on a temporary term (from 3 months to 4 years) or for permanent residency. Although the requirements for a permanent visa are very similar, they are more stringent than for the temporary visa. For example for a permanent visa the applicant must be under 45 years this is not necessary if you apply for a temporary visa.

For further information, such as information about regional areas CLICK HERE

Frequently Asked Immigration Questions part 4

IMMIGRATION AUTHORITIES AND MIGRATION AGENTS

- Will the immigration authorities or Embassy help me to prepare my application?

- Why should I use a migration agent?

- Can you guarantee the success of my application?

- What will my visa cost?

- How long will it take until my visa is granted?

- Can the immigration authorities refuse my application?

- What can I do if my application was refused by the immigration authorities?

- Once approved, how much time do I have until I have to move to Australia?

For more answers to frequently asked migration questions CLICK HERE

Monday, June 16, 2008

From Singapore to Alice Springs - Migration Success Story

Caroline had been coming to Alice Springs from her home in Singapore for more than ten years, visiting her mother and her older brother. After studying in Australia she gained sponsorship under the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS).

She now has permanent residency and is looking forward to becoming an Australian citizen. "I used to come over and stay for three months then go back to Singapore and work," recalls Caroline. "I was just spending time with my family in Alice Springs. I wanted to find a way to stay in the Northern Territory, when my brother suggested I study here. I went to college in Alice Springs for two and half years to study child care and because I was enjoying it here and the people were so nice I decided to ask the childcare centre where I worked part-time to sponsor me to migrate."

For Caroline's employers at the YMCA Childcare Centre in Alice Springs, helping Caroline to migrate under RSMS was a win-win situation. Manager Anthony says there is shortage of qualified childcare workers. "We had Caroline here already, working part time as a student doing 20 hours a week, which her student visa allowed, and she was seeking support to stay in Alice Springs. We had a staff shortage and she had the skills. The advantage for us is that we get consistency in our staff." The YMCA Childcare Centre also values overseas staff for the multicultural influence they bring to the centre. A diversity of people makes it more interesting for the children. It's a definite plus to have different cultures in the workplace.

Western Australia Needs 18,000 Extra Workers Every Year

Unprecedented economic growth in Western Australia means that up to 17,800 extra skilled workers will be desperately needed every year for the next ten years, according to a report launched today by education and training minister Mark McGowan. Some of these skilled workers must come from Australia immigration.

The Beyond the Resources Boom study was commissioned by the State Training Board (STB), and examines Western Australia's economic growth and the challenges faced by the state's workforce.

Skill shortages are set to remain a feature of the labour market, the report concludes, due to the strength of the economy and the ageing workforce. STB chairman Keith Spence said the demand would be met through a combination of general population growth, skilled immigration from interstate and overseas, and the development of local training initiatives.

Among the top performing occupations, in terms of projected annual average employment growth between 2006 and 2016, are intermediate mining and construction workers, plumbers, structural construction tradespersons, and mining, construction and related labourers. Demand for jobs in the mining and construction sectors is very high and a downturn is considered unlikely.

Many of these occupations are on the Australia Skilled Occupation List and the Australia MODL (Migration Occupations in Demand List), which entitles people applying for Australian immigration to extra points.

Economic projections modeled by the report indicate there is unlikely to be a boom-bust scenario in the short to medium term. This reflects the resource-driven construction boom, which is underpinned by strong growth in demand from China and record commodity prices, particularly for the state's main export, iron ore.

Skilled occupations currently make up nearly 60 per cent of the workforce and the report forecasts that overall demand for higher skills in Western Australia is likely to remain constant as a proportion of the economy. Other skilled occupations in demand include managers, administrators, professionals, associate professionals, tradespersons and related clerical, sales, transport and production workers.

Source: Powerhomebiz.com