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| Australian Immigration NEWS! |
Dated: 06th of July, 2013The Consolidated Sponsored Occupation List (CSOL) has changed from 1 July 2013, with seven new occupations to be added.
Click here to read more news
Dated: 03rd of January, 2013Click here for details
Dated: 26th of September, 2012Visa Label
Australia does not require a person holding a valid Australian visa to have a label in their passport to travel to, enter or remain in Australia. Australia's electronic visa system enables visa status to be confirmed electronically.
Dated: 18th of September, 2012A Corruption and Crime Commission report tabled in Parliament today found a former Curtin University staff member accepted bribes to log into the International English Language Testing System under another staff member's name to change scores. The tests are part of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship's application process for visas or permanent residency.
Mr Kok Keith Low, a former staffer at the university, is one of 12 people to receive sentences for a total of 73 counts of bribery.
Mr Low is currently serving a two-year sentence over his involvement in the scheme.The report said a number of factors allowed Mr Low to alter the scores of those doing the IELTS tests including:
- Curtin staff were involved in the testing shared usernames and
passwords to access the Australia-wide IELTS database if it crashed,
allowing Mr Low to logon using the name of other staff.
- The IELTS database could only detect the last score entered and could not track
changes made to test scores.
- Periodical audits of the test forms used in the tests were not conducted. Curtin University has since cancelled its involvement in IELTS and the database has been upgraded.
Dated: 27th of August, 2012Doctors, dentists, nurses and engineers have dominated the first round of skilled migrants invited to formally apply for visas under the government’s new online SkillSelect service.
Accountants, ICT analysts and programmers were also strongly represented in the 100 invitations in the first round, which drew the highest scoring candidates from the initial expressions of interest (EOI).
“This is an excellent result for the economy, employers, and ultimately for Australia,” a spokesman from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) said today.
“SkillSelect helps to ensure the skilled migration program is based on the economic needs of Australia. It supports the government in managing who can apply for skilled migration, when they can apply and in what numbers.”
More than 10 000 skilled people have completed EOIs through www.skillselect.gov.au since it went live on July 1.
Earlier this month, the first automated invitation round for skilled independent (90 visas) and skilled regional family-sponsored (10 visas) was completed.
The lowest points score invited was 75 points in both the skilled independent and skilled family sponsored visas. This is significantly above the 60 point pass mark, and demonstrates the quality of the skilled people interested in migrating to Australia, and the benefits of selecting only the best.
“The points score varied from 75 up to 85 across the two visa subclasses,” the spokesman said.
“Additionally, almost 400 skilled people have been invited since July 1 following nominations lodged by state and territory governments.
“More than 160 of these invited clients have already lodged their visa applications, and the others have 60 days to lodge their documentation using DIAC’s electronic lodgement system,” he added.
Full details of the first round of SkillSelect visa invitations are available at www.skillselect.gov.au.
For more information on the first round offers and statistics on SkillSelect go to www.immi.gov.au/skills/skillselect/index/report-2012-08/
Dated: 03rd of July, 2012 Changes to the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) w.e.f. 1st July, 2012. Four occupations will be added to the list and four occupations will be removed.
Click here for details
Dated: 28th of June 2012
The Visa fees for applications lodged in India and Nepal will be revised from 1 July 2012.
Click the link to see List of VACs-1 July 2012
Dated: 18th of June 2012 A move being resisted by local unions, much to the amusement of foreign
students, The Australian government will relax immigration
rules next year to allow all foreign students who graduate from
Australian universities to be eligible for work visas lasting two to
four years.
The new rules would
potentially allow all 220,000 foreign university students in Australia
to work in any job once they graduate in an attempt to curb the labour shortage and
to boost Australia's education exports
Under the current
system, only graduates who have studied for a skilled occupation -
including the trades, medicine, engineering, architecture, accounting
and teaching - may work in Australia for up to 18 months. Other foreign
students must leave Australia within a month of graduation.
But, from next year, visas will be granted to all graduates regardless
of their field of study. The 18-month time limit will also be extended
to two years for graduates with a bachelor degree, three years for a
master's degree and four years for a doctorate, the report said.
Visa holders will need "competent English" and health insurance,
besides having to pass health, character and security requirements.
Immigration Minister Chris Bowen said the expansion of the Skilled
Graduate visa scheme would "help to enhance the competitiveness" of
Australia's A$18 billion (S$23 billion) inbound student industry.
The Australian Council of Trade Unions, the largest peak body
representing workers in Australia, and the Construction Forestry Mining
and Energy Union (CFMEU), lobbied the Immigration Department last year
against expanding student work permits. CFMEU construction division
national secretary, Mr Dave Noonan, criticised the new rules.
"There are some very serious job losses in the construction
industry," he said, adding: "There is already significant exploitation
of workers under student visas and this will probably see that
increase." Agencies
Dated: 23rd of March 2012
Amendments of Migration Regulations 1994 Relating to Student Visas
Commencement:24 March 2012 Client summary
- From 24 March 2012, the Migration Regulations 1994 ('the Regulations') are amended to:
- provide for a new subset of eligible Subclass 573 (Higher Education Sector), 574 (Postgraduate Research Sector), and 575 (Non-Award Sector) visa applicants enrolled to study certain courses at certain specified education providers, who would be subject to new visa requirements similar to the existing Assessment Level (AL) 1 criteria, which are intended to enable a streamlined visa process for those eligible higher degree students and eligible university exchange students
- provide that the Minister may specify the education providers eligible to participate in the streamlined visa processing arrangements in an instrument in writing, including their nominated educational business partner providers
- exempt the Minister from the requirement to specify a course in an instrument in writing made under regulation 1.40A if the course would be undertaken by eligible Subclass 573 (Higher Education Sector), 574 (Postgraduate Research Sector), and 575 (Non-Award Sector) visa applicants
- exempt eligible higher degree students and eligible university exchange students from the AL regime and the requirements set out in Schedule 5A to the Regulations
- provide new visa requirements for Subclass 580 (Student Guardian) visa applicants whose nominating student was an eligible higher degree student or eligible university exchange student at the time their visa was granted
- repeal a Subclass 571 (Schools Sector), Subclass 572 (Vocational Education and Training Sector), Subclass 573 (Higher Education Sector), Subclass 574 (Postgraduate Research Sector) and Subclass 580 (Student Guardian) visa as visas for the purposes of regulation 2.07AO
- repeal certain provisions that are considered to be spent for Subclass 571 (Schools Sector), Subclass 572 (Vocational Education and Training Sector), Subclass 573 (Higher Education Sector), Subclass 574 (Postgraduate Research Sector) and Subclass 580 (Student Guardian) visas providing for persons designated under regulation 2.07AO in Parts 571, 572, 573, 574, and 580 in Schedule 2 to the Regulations
- amend English language requirements for Subclass 571 (Schools Sector) visa applicants subject to AL4 to be consistent with AL1 to AL3 English language requirements for that visa
- increase the maximum duration of English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) (or other English language tuition) to 50 weeks for Subclass 571 (Schools Sector) visa applicants subject to AL3 or AL 4 who are not secondary exchange students and will undertake an ELICOS (or other English language tuition) before commencing their principal course
- require Subclass 571 (Schools Sector) visa applicants subject to AL 5 who are not secondary exchange students and will undertake an ELICOS (or other English language tuition) before commencing their principal course, to give evidence that the ELICOS (or other English language tuition) will have a duration of no more than 50 weeks
- provide that Subclass 580 (Student Guardian) visa holders may undertake ELICOS study of less than 20 hours per week while holders of that visa, while maintaining the three month study restriction for any other studies or training that is not ELICOS
- clarify that secondary applicants subject to AL4 must give a declaration stating that they have access to funds from an acceptable source that are sufficient to meet certain costs for the remainder of their proposed stay in Australia after the first 24 months.
The following provisions of the Regulations are amended:
Regulation 1.40A is substituted:
Subregulation 1.41(1) is substituted:
Subregulation 1.41(1A) is inserted:
Subregulation 1.42(7) is substituted:
Paragraphs 2.07AO(3)(n) to (r) are omitted:
Paragraphs 2.12BF(1)(m) to (q) are omitted:
Schedule 2, clause 570.229 is substituted:
Schedule 2, subclause 571.223(2) is substituted:
Schedule 2, clause 571.230 is amended:
Schedule 2, clause 571.235 is substituted:
Schedule 2, subparagraph 571.312(2)(d)(ii) is substituted :
Schedule 2, paragraph 571.312(2)(e) is omitted:
Schedule 2, subclause 572.223(2) is substituted:
Schedule 2, clause 572.230 is amended:
Schedule 2, clause 572.234 is substituted:
Schedule 2, subparagraph 572.312(2)(d)(iii) is substituted:
Schedule 2, paragraph 572.312(2)(e) is omitted:
Schedule 2, Division 573.1, the heading is substituted:
Schedule 2, clause 573.111, definitions of educational business partner; eligible :
education provider; and eligible higher degree student are inserted:
Schedule 2, clause 573.112 is inserted :
Schedule 2, clause 573.212 is inserted:
Schedule 2, paragraph 573.223(1)(b) is amended:
Schedule 2, subclause 573.223(1A) is inserted:
Schedule 2, subclause 573.223(2) is substituted:
Schedule 2, clause 573.230 is substituted:
Schedule 2, clause 573.231 is substituted:
Schedule 2, clause 573.234 is substituted:
Schedule 2, subparagraph 573.312(2)(d)(iii) is amended:
Schedule 2, paragraph 573.312(2)(e) is omitted:
Schedule 2, subparagraph 573.322(b)(ia) is inserted:
Schedule 2, Division 574.1, the heading is substituted:
Schedule 2, clause 574.111, definitions of educational business partner; eligible education provider; and eligible higher degree student are inserted:
Schedule 2, clause 574.112 is inserted:
Schedule 2, clause 574.212 is inserted :
Schedule 2, paragraph 574.223(1)(b) is amended :
Schedule 2, subclause 574.223(1A) is inserted:
Schedule 2, subclause 574.223(2) is substituted :
Schedule 2, clause 574.230 is substituted :
Schedule 2, clause 574.231 is substituted :
Schedule 2, clause 574.234 is substituted :
Schedule 2, subparagraph 574.312(2)(d)(iii) is amended :
Schedule 2, paragraph 574.312(2)(e) is omitted:
Schedule 2, subparagraph 574.322(b)(ia) is inserted:
Schedule 2, Division 575.1, the heading is substituted:
Schedule 2, clause 575.111, definitions of eligible education provider; and eligible university exchange student are inserted :
Schedule 2, clause 575.112 is inserted :
Schedule 2, clause 575.212 is inserted :
Schedule 2, paragraph 575.223(1)(b) is amended:
Schedule 2, subclause 575.223(1A) is inserted :
Schedule 2, subclause 575.223(2) is substituted :
Schedule 2, clause 575.231 is substituted :
Schedule 2, clause 575.234 is substituted :
Schedule 2, subparagraph 575.322(b)(ia) is inserted :
Schedule 2, clause 576.232 is substituted :
Schedule 2, clause 580.114 is amended :
Schedule 2, subparagraph 580.211(2)(d)(iii) is substituted :
Schedule 2, paragraph 580.211(2)(e) is omitted :
Schedule 2, paragraph 580.226(1)(b) is amended:
schedule 2, paragraph 580.226(1A)(a) is omitted :
Schedule 2, paragraph 580.226(1A)(b) is amended :
Schedule 2, paragraph 580.226(1A)(d) is amended :
Schedule 2, subclause 580.226(1B) is omitted :
Schedule 2, subclause 580.226(6) is inserted :
Schedule 2, subparagraph 580.311(2)(d)(iii) is substituted :
Schedule 2, paragraph 580.311(2)(e) is omitted :
Schedule 5A, subclause 5A301(1A) is inserted :
Schedule 5A, subclause 5A304(1) is substituted :
Schedule 5A, subclause 5A304(2) is amended :
Schedule 5A, subclauses 5A304(3) to (10) are omitted :
Schedule 5A, subclause 5A307(2) is amended :
Schedule 5B, paragraph 5B201(2)(d) is amended :
Schedule 8, clause 8201 is substituted. :
Additional information
Nil
Transitional provisions:
The amendments apply to applications for visas made on or after 24 March 2012.
Forms
The following forms will be amended to reflect these amendments:
- Form 157A Application for a student visa
- Form 157G Application for a Student Guardian visa
- Form 157N Nomination of a student guardian
- Form 919 Nomination of student dependants
- Information form – Applying for a student visa
- Information form – Applying for a Student Guardian visa. The following forms will be withdrawn as a result of these amendments:
- Form 1216 Schools Sector – English Proficiency Details of nominated education agent
- Form 1218 Schools Sector – English Proficiency Advice on tests
- Form 1252 Supplementary form – Student visa subclass 571 (Schools Sector).
PAM3 will be amended to reflect these changes by 24 March 2012.
All news item from official website of Australian government
Dated: 03rf of July 2011Australia introduced drastic changes to its immigration policy to curb the labour shortage & in making its shores open to better & skilled immigrants by raising points for IELTS scores, changes in Age factor & other important points.
These changes are done for using the resources for contribution to the economy of Australia.
Dated: 20th of May 2011TOEFL test made its way for Australian student visas, breaking the decade old monopoly of IELTS, being conducted by IDP Australia, with joint partners British Council & University of Cambridge.
Administered by ETS from America, TOEFL is presently conducted online (computer based), with same four modules being tested for. What is to be seen is with its poor infrastructure & non-proffessional test conducting practices, can TOEFL make a dent in the firmly established market of IELTS in India & China, where students always prefer pen & paper exams, & an exam which makes tham more comfortable.
Dated: 20th of April 2011Over one hundred Asylum seekers & other detainees at Sydneys Villawood detention centre set fire to many buildings with an Oxygen cylinder being set alight, which led to explosion. Fire fighters had tough time in controlling the fire in over nine buildings.
Protesters climbed atop the roof tops & hurled tiles, furniture at the officials. Over 400 people were detained, including those who have overstayed or Asylum applications pending.
Dated: 21st of Dec. 2010
All the student visa applications that would be lodged on or after April 01, 2011, the students would need to show funds for only two years of the studies. At present the requirement is for three years. In future funds are required to be only three-months old against the six-months old current requirement. As per the new law students can show the funds of any individual against the current legal requirement, which limits the sponsorship to applicant's spouse, parents, siblings, grandparents and uncle or aunt meeting a certain criterion.
But the fact to be seen is that will these new immigration law help Australia to counter the rising Australian Dollar, filling in the empty couffeurs of Australian education sector facing the worst ever crisis. As there are a few takers of Australian education in the wake of tough immigration rules which is the prime reason of attraction for Indians than to education.
Dated: 17th of Dec. 2010 Australia is considering relaxing its student visa norms, with pressure mounting on the country after relaxed visa norms applied by Canada & New Zealand diverting the potential students to these countries. .The federal government has bowed to pressure from the country's tertiary institutions over international student visa criteria, The Age reported on its website.
Critics say that the delay in processing student visas has hurt the international students market in the country & often changes in Australian immigration law further did the job to divert students to countries like New Zealand & Canada. Universities, Colleges cried foul over the attitude of policy makers, with their budgets shrinking & definite job cuts to be applied.
Announcing a review of student visas Wednesday, Tertiary Education Minister Chris Evans conceded that changes were necessary to prop up the ailing sector, worth $4.5 billion to Victoria state each year.
"The Australian international education sector has come under increasing pressure as a result of the rising value of the Australian dollar, the ongoing impact of the global financial crisis in some countries, and growing competition from the United States, New Zealand and Canada for international students," Senator Evans said.
New measures to shore up student numbers include: Reducing assessment levels from April 2011, including the higher education visa assessment levels for applicants from China and India. The most recent international student figures show a 1.4 percent decline in enrolments since December last year - in stark comparison to the past eight years, in which the sector grew 11 percent a year.
Senator Evans said the review would consider ways to "better manage immigration risk" and recommend ways to improve partnerships between education providers and visa-processing arrangements.
Headed by former NSW minister for the Sydney Olympics Michael Knight, the review is scheduled to report back to Senator Evans and Immigration Minister Chris Bowen by mid-2011.
Australia should understand the needs of immigration of the international students before formulating policies, any misuse of these policies is not the strength of applicant, but is weakness of the immigration authorities.
Dated: 26th June, 2010Australian Skilled Occupations List
Accounting and Finance| Code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 221111 | Accountant (general) |
| 224111 | Actuary |
| 221213 | External auditor |
| 221214 | Internal auditor |
| 221112 | Management accountant |
| 221113 | Taxation accountant |
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing
| Code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 234111 | Agricultural consultant |
| 234112 | Agricultural scientist |
| 234113 | Forester |
Engineering
| Code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 233911 | Aeronautical engineer |
| 233912 | Agricultural engineer |
| 233913 | Biomedical engineer |
| 233111 | Chemical engineer |
| 233211 | Civil engineer |
| 312211 | Civil engineer draftsperson |
| 312212 | Civil engineer technician |
| 233311 | Electrical engineer |
| 312311 | Electrical engineer draftperson |
| 312312 | Electrical engineer technician |
| 233411 | Electronics engineer |
| 133211 | Engineering manager |
| 233914 | Engineering technologist |
| 233915 | Environmental engineer |
| 233212 | Geotechnical engineer |
| 233511 | Industrial engineer |
| 233112 | Materials engineer |
| 233512 | Mechanical engineer |
| 233611 | Mining engineer (excluding petroleum) |
| 233612 | Petroleum engineer |
| 233513 | Production or plant engineer |
| 233214 | Structural engineer |
| 233215 | Transport engineer |
Shipping
| Code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 233916 | Naval architect |
| 231212 | Ship's engineer |
| 231213 | Ship's master |
| 231214 | Ship's officer |
Communications
| Code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 313211 | Radiocommunications technician |
| 263311 | Telecommunications engineer |
| 313212 | Telecommunications field engineer |
| 263312 | Telecommunications network engineer |
| 313213 | Telecommunications network planner |
| 313214 | Telecommunications technical officer or technologist |
Information Technology
| Code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 261311 | Analyst programmer |
| 261312 | Developer programmer |
| 261111 | ICT business analyst |
| 261313 | Software engineer |
| 261112 | Systems analyst |
Health Care & Medical Industry
| Code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 253211 | Anaesthetist |
| 252711 | Audiologist |
| 253312 | Cardiologist |
| 253512 | Cardiothoracic surgeon |
| 252111 | Chiropractor |
| 253313 | Clinical haematologist |
| 253314 | Clinical oncologist |
| 272311 | Clinical psychologist |
| 411211 | Dental Hygienist |
| 411212 | Dental Prosthetist |
| 252311 | Dental specialist |
| 411213 | Dental technician |
| 411214 | Dental therapist |
| 252312 | Dentist |
| 253911 | Dermatologist |
| 272312 | Educational psychologist |
| 253912 | Emergency medicine specialist |
| 253315 | Endocrinologist |
| 253316 | Gastroenterologist |
| 253111 | General medical practitioner |
| 253317 | Intensive care specialist |
| 253399 | Internal medicine specialist nec |
| 134211 | Medical administrator |
| 251211 | Medical diagnostic radiographer |
| 253999 | Medical practitioners nec |
| 251212 | Medical radiation therapist |
| 254111 | Midwife |
| 253318 | Neurologist |
| 253513 | Neurosurgeon |
| 251213 | Nuclear medicine technologist |
| 254411 | Nurse Practitioner |
| 134212 | Nursing clinical director |
| 253913 | Obstetrician and Gynaecologist |
| 252411 | Occupational therapist |
| 253914 | Ophthalmologist |
| 251411 | Optometrist |
| 272313 | Organisational psychologist |
| 253514 | Orthopaedic surgeon |
| 251412 | Orthoptist |
| 252112 | Osteopath |
| 253515 | Otorhinolaryngologist |
| 253516 | Paediatric surgeon |
| 253321 | Paediatrician |
| 253915 | Pathologist |
| 252511 | Physiotherapist |
| 253517 | Plastic and reconstructive surgeon |
| 252611 | Podiatrist |
| 134213 | Primary health organisation manager |
| 253411 | Psychiatrist |
| 272399 | Psychologists nec |
| 272314 | Psychotherapist |
| 253916 | Radiologist |
| 254499 | Registered nurse |
| 254412 | Registered nurse (aged care) |
| 254413 | Registered nurse (Child and Family Health) |
| 254414 | Registered nurse (community health) |
| 254415 | Registered nurse (critical care and emergency) |
| 254416 | Registered nurse (development disability) |
| 254417 | Registered nurse (disability and rehabilitation) |
| 254421 | Registered nurse (medical practice) |
| 254418 | Registered nurse (medical) |
| 254422 | Registered nurse (mental health) |
| 254423 | Registered nurse (perioperative) |
| 254424 | Registered nurse (surgical) |
| 253322 | Renal medicine specialist |
| 253323 | Rheumatologist |
| 251214 | Sonographer |
| 253311 | Specialist physician |
| 252712 | Speech pathologist |
| 253511 | Surgeon (general) |
| 253324 | Thoracic medicine specialist |
| 253518 | Urologist |
| 253521 | Vascular surgeon |
| 234711 | Veterinarian |
Aircraft Maintenance Trades
| Code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 323111 | Aircraft maintenance engineer (avionics) |
| 323112 | Aircraft maintenance engineer (mechanical) |
| 323113 | Aircraft maintenance engineer (structures) |
Education
| Code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 241111 | Early childhood (pre-primary school) teacher |
| 241411 | Secondary school teacher |
| 241599 | Special education teachers nec |
| 241511 | Special needs teacher |
| 241512 | Teacher of the hearing impaired |
| 241513 | Teacher of the sight impaired |
Architecture
| Code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 232111 | Architect |
| 232112 | Landscape architect |
Surveying and Valuing
| Code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 232211 | Cartographer |
| 224511 | Land economist |
| 233213 | Quantity surveyor |
| 232212 | Surveyor |
| 224512 | Valuer |
Social and Community Services
| Code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 134111 | Child Care centre manager |
| 272511 | Social worker |
| 134214 | Welfare centre manager |
Science and Research
| Code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 234211 | Chemist |
| 234611 | Medical laboratory scientist |
Construction and Building
| Code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 133111 | Construction project manager |
| 133112 | Project builder |
| 232611 | Urban and regional planner |
Automotive Trades
| Code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 321111 | Automotive electrician |
| 321212 | Diesel motor mechanic |
| 321211 | Motor mechanic (general) |
| 321213 | Motorcycle mechanic |
| 321214 | Small engine mechanic |
| 324311 | Vehicle painter |
Metal and Machinist Trades
| Code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 323313 | Locksmith |
| 322311 | Metal Fabricator |
| 322211 | Sheetmetal trades worker |
Construction Trades
| Code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 331111 | Bricklayer |
| 331212 | Carpenter |
| 331211 | Carpenter and Joiner |
| 333211 | Fibrous plasterer |
| 333111 | Glazier |
| 331213 | Joiner |
| 332211 | Painting trades workers |
| 333212 | Solid plasterer |
| 331112 | Stonemason |
Electrical Trades
| Code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 342211 | Electrical linesworker |
| 341111 | Electrician (general) |
| 341112 | Electrician (special class) |
| 342313 | Electronic equipment trades worker |
| 342314 | Electronic instrument trades worker (general) |
| 342315 | Electronic instrument trades worker (special class) |
General Trades
| Code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 334112 | Airconditioning and mechanical services plumber |
| 342111 | Airconditioning and refrigeration mechanic |
| 334113 | Drainer |
| 334114 | Gasfitter |
| 341113 | Lift mechanic |
| 324111 | Panelbeater |
| 334111 | Plumber (general) |
| 322312 | Pressure Welder |
| 334115 | Roof plumber |
| 342212 | Technical cable jointer |
| 333411 | Wall and floor tiler |
| 322313 | Welder (first class) |