Year: 2010

Changes to Work and Holiday Visa – Subclass 462

Notably, as of 31 December 2010, amendments to the Work and Holiday visa will be introduced, enabling nationals of Bangladesh to apply for this visa.

Applicants for a working holiday visa must hold passports from specific countries and hold the educational qualifications outlined in the table below.

Country Educational Qualification
Islamic Republic of Iran Diploma or Degree
Kingdom of Thailand Diploma or Degree
Chile Tertiary qualification or have satisfactorily completed or have been approved to undertake a third year of undergraduate university study
The Republic of Turkey Hold tertiary qualifications, or have satisfactorily completed at least two years of undergraduate university study
United States of America Hold secondary school qualifications
Malaysia Hold tertiary qualifications, or have successfully completed at least two years of undergraduate university study
Indonesia Hold tertiary qualifications, or have successfully completed at least two years of undergraduate university study
Bangladesh Hold tertiary qualifications, or have successfully completed at least two years of undergraduate university study

 

This is general information only and does not constitute legal advice.

Disclaimer:

The information on this website is intended only to provide a summary and general overview on relevant matters. It is not intended to be comprehensive nor does it constitute legal advice. You are advised to seek legal or other professional advice before acting or relying on any of the content contained in this website.

Tasmanian State Migration Plan

The Tasmanian State Migration Plan has now been introduced and requires successful applicants to live in Tasmania for a minimum of two years following grant of State sponsorship. The list of eligible occupations for Tasmanian State sponsorship is now available.

Specific eligibility criteria for Tasmanian State sponsorship apply to the relevant visa subclasses including the subclass 176 Skilled Sponsored visa, subclass 475 Skilled- Regional Sponsored visa, subclass 487 Skilled- Regional Sponsored visa and subclass 886 Skilled Sponsored visa.

Subclass 176 Visa

In order to be eligible for a subclass 176 visa it is necessary to meet the following criteria stipulated by the Tasmanian Government:

  1. You must have a positive skills assessment from a designated Australian assessing authority and your occupation should be on the Tasmanian State Migration Plan list.
  2. You meet the conditions specified on the State Migration Plan list such as a job offer and/or IELTS score.
  3. Applicants must also demonstrate a genuine desire to live and work in Tasmania. In addition to skills, the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and the Arts will consider factors such as:
  • Educational, commercial and/or personal links to Tasmania
  • Evidence of job search and/or strong interest from a local employer
  • Previous visits to Tasmania
  • Potential ease of resettlement and employment in the state
  • Transferrable assets (i.e. A$20,000 for the primary applicant and A$10,000 for each dependent family member.)

Subclass 475 Visa

Eligibility for a subclass 475 visa requires that you satisfy the following criteria:

1. You must meet one of the below specifications:

  • Your occupation is on the Tasmanian State Migration Plan list and you meet the requirements or specialisations required by your occupation (such as the IELTS score) on the list. You also demonstrate good prospects to secure skilled employment on arrival; or
  • Your occupation is not on the Tasmanian State Migration Plan list but you have secured a job offer from your Tasmanian employer; or
  • You recently graduated from a Tasmanian educational institution and returned to your home country but are still eligible for DIAC’s work experience exemption due to the recent two year full-time study. (Any occupation from schedule 4 SOL can be considered). You must explain how you will secure skilled employment in Tasmania.

2. Applicants must also demonstrate a genuine desire to live and work in Tasmania. In addition to skills, the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and the Arts will consider factors such as:

  • Educational, commercial and/or personal links to Tasmania
  • Evidence of job search and/or strong interest from a local employer
  • Previous visits to Tasmania
  • Potential ease of resettlement and employment in the state
  • Transferrable assets (i.e. A$20,000 for the primary applicant and A$10,000 for each dependent family member.)

Subclass 487 Visa

The Tasmanian Government has published different criteria in terms of eligibility for a subclass 487 visa depending on whether an applicant is a Tasmanian Graduate, Non-Tasmanian Graduate or the holder of a Working Holiday or Occupational Trainee visa.

Tasmanian Graduates must meet the following criteria:

  1. You have studied in Tasmania for two years or longer, and meet DIAC’s ‘two year study requirement’;
  2. You have obtained a skills assessment from a recognised Australian assessing authority for your nominated occupation, or can provide evidence of applying for your skills assessment;
  3. You have sufficient English language ability to meet DIAC’s requirements;
  4. You must demonstrate a genuine desire to live and work in Tasmania, as opposed to other regions in Australia;
  5. If you do not have a skilled job offer, explain how you will secure skilled employment in Tasmania.
  6. In addition to skills, the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and the Arts will consider factors such as:
  • Personal links to Tasmania
  • Transferable assets

Any occupation from Schedule 4 SOL can be considered. However, you must meet all of the above to apply for the sponsorship.

Non-Tasmanian Graduates must meet the following criteria:

  1. You have already relocated to Tasmania and worked in a skilled job in your nominated occupation for a Tasmanian employer for at least 3 months full time after completing your qualification; (Note: to achieve this you will need to apply for a Skilled Graduate Visa (subclass 485) before applying for the Skilled Sponsored visa)
  2. Your Tasmanian employer is happy with your work performance and the job is on-going;
  3. Applicants must demonstrate a genuine desire to live and work in Tasmania, as opposed to other regions in Australia;
  4. In addition to skills, the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and the Arts will consider factors such as:
  • Personal links to Tasmania
  • Transferable assets

Any occupation from Schedule 4 SOL can be considered. However, you must meet all of the above to apply for the sponsorship.

Holders of Working Holiday or Occupational Trainee visas must meet the following criteria:

  1. You hold a valid Working Holiday visa (subclass 417) and have spent at least 6 months on the visa; or
  2. You have lived in Tasmania and worked in a skilled job in your nominated occupation for a Tasmanian employer for at least 3 months full time, and the job is on-going;
  3. You hold a valid Occupational Trainee visa (sublcass 442) and completed the specified training;
  4. You have obtained a skills assessment from a recognised Australian assessing authority for your nominated occupation, or can provide evidence of applying for your skills assessment;
  5. You have sufficient English language ability to meet DIAC’s requirements;
  6. You demonstrate a genuine desire to live and work in Tasmania, as opposed to other regions in Australia.
  7. In addition to skills, the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and the Arts will consider factors such as:
  • Personal links to Tasmania
  • Transferable assets

Any occupation from Schedule 4 SOL can be considered. However, you must meet all of the above to apply for sponsorship.

Subclass 886 Visa

Applicants for a subclass 886 visa must satisfy the following specifications published by the Tasmanian Government:

  1. You have studied in Tasmania for two years or longer, and meet DIAC’s ‘two year study requirement’;
  2. You have lived in Tasmania and worked in a skilled job in your nominated occupation for a Tasmanian employer for at least 3 months full time, and the job is on-going. To achieve this, you may need a 485 visa;
  3. You have obtained a skills assessment from a recognised Australian assessing authority for your nominated occupation, or can provide evidence of applying for your skills assessment
  4. You have sufficient English language ability to meet DIAC’s requirements;
  5. You demonstrate a genuine desire to live and work in Tasmania, as opposed to other regions in Australia.
  6. In addition to skills, the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and the Arts will consider factors such as
  • Personal links to Tasmania
  • Transferable assets

Any occupation from Schedule 4 SOL can be considered. However, you must meet all of the above to apply for sponsorship.

If you are a skilled worker interested in applying for sponsorship by the Tasmanian Government, please contact us for assistance.

This is general information only and does not constitute legal advice.

Disclaimer:

The information on this website is intended only to provide a summary and general overview on relevant matters. It is not intended to be comprehensive nor does it constitute legal advice. You are advised to seek legal or other professional advice before acting or relying on any of the content contained in this website.

Western Australian State Migration Plan

Western Australia has now published its State Migration Plan and is now able to process applications for Western Australian State sponsorship.

The Western Australian skilled occupation list applies to the following visa types:

  • Skilled Sponsored Visa (SSV) – Subclass 176 (Offshore) and
  • 886 (Onshore)
  • Skilled Regional Sponsored (Provisional) Visa (SRSV) – Subclass 475 (Offshore) and 487 (Onshore)

Additional requirements apply for specific occupational groups.

1. Criteria for Managers and Professionals:

Visa subclass 176 886 475 487
IELTS* 7 7 7 7
Work experience 7 years 18 months 5 years 3 years

*International English Language Testing System

  • It is necessary for holders of a subclass 417 Working Holiday visa to have been employed in their nominated occupation prior to working in Australia.
  • In applying for a subclass 886 Skilled- Independent (Residence) visa, students will need to hold a subclass 485 Skilled Graduate Temporary visa to be eligible for Western Australian State Sponsorship.
  • Holders of a subclass 485 Skilled Graduate Temporary visa will be require 18 months work experience in their nominated occupation on a full-time continuous basis in Western Australia to be eligible for Western Australian sponsorship.

2. Criteria for Technicians and Trade Workers:

Visa subclass 176 886 475 487
IELTS* 7 7 7 7
Work experience 7 years 18 months 5 years 3 years

*International English Language Testing System

  • It is necessary for holders of a subclass 417 Working Holiday visa to have been employed in their nominated occupation prior to working in Australia.
  • In applying for a subclass 886 Skilled- Independent (Residence) visa, students will need to hold a subclass 485 Skilled Graduate Temporary visa to be eligible for Western Australian State Sponsorship.
  • Holders of a subclass 485 Skilled Graduate Temporary visa will be require 18 months work experience in their nominated occupation on a full-time continuous basis in Western Australia to be eligible for Western Australian sponsorship.

Pilot for Food Trades

According to the Western Australian Department of Training and Workforce Development, there are currently a large number of applications in the food trades in the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) processing pipeline. However, these occupations still appear on the Western Australian Skilled Occupation List due to an expected demand in these occupations over the next four years. Western Australia has begun a pilot program using a panel of industry experts to determine the employability of chefs and cooks in assessing their eligibility for state sponsorship.

3. Criteria for Off-list Nominations:

a) For onshore applicants:

CRITERIA FOR
ASSESSMENT OFF-LIST NOMINATION (Onshore)
Visa subclass * 176 475 487
IELTS 7 in each band 7 in each band 7 in each band
Work experience 7 out of the last 10 years 5 out of the last 7 years 3 out of the last 5 years
Employment Contract Working here for 12 months and employment for further 12
months
Working here for 12 months and employment for further 12
months
Working here for 12 months and employment for further 12
months

* Eligible visa holders applying onshore

b) For offshore applicants:

CRITERIA FOR
ASSESSMENT OFF-LIST NOMINATION (Offshore)
Visa subclass 176 475
IELTS 7 7
Work experience 10 years 7 years
Job Offer Yes Yes

Graduate students will not be considered for an off-list.

If you are a skilled worker interested in applying for sponsorship by the Western Australian Government, please contact us for assistance.

This is general information only and does not constitute legal advice.

Disclaimer:

The information on this website is intended only to provide a summary and general overview on relevant matters. It is not intended to be comprehensive nor does it constitute legal advice. You are advised to seek legal or other professional advice before acting or relying on any of the content contained in this website.

Queensland State Migration Plan

Queensland has released its State Migration Plan, which has been published on its website at http://www.workliveplay.qld.gov.au. The Queensland Government has stated that applications for Queensland State Sponsorship are now open.

Eligible skills lists are available for the following visa types:

As well as having an occupation on the eligible skills list, and meeting the requirements for the relevant visa subclass, applicants must also be assessed as likely to provide a clear benefit to the Queensland economy.

The Queensland Government has moreover released processing timeframes information.

If you are a skilled worker interested in applying for sponsorship by the Queensland Government, please contact us for assistance.

This is general information only and does not constitute legal advice.

Disclaimer:

The information on this website is intended only to provide a summary and general overview on relevant matters. It is not intended to be comprehensive nor does it constitute legal advice. You are advised to seek legal or other professional advice before acting or relying on any of the content contained in this website.

Northern Territory State Migration Plan

The Northern Territory has released its State Migration Plan, which has been published on its website at www.migration.nt.gov.au. Potential applicants will be required to meet one of the following criteria:

  • To have completed at least two years of study in the Northern Territory.
  • Can demonstrate that they have lived and worked in the Northern Territory in their skilled occupation of a closely related skilled occupation for no less than six months prior to applying for sponsorship.

They are considered for sponsorship for the Skilled Regional Sponsored subclass 487 or 475 visas unless they can demonstrate close ties to the Northern Territory.

The Northern Territory Government has indicated that it will favour Charles Darwin University graduates who have completed at least two years of study in the Northern Territory for State Sponsorship in relation to the subclass 886 Skilled Sponsored (Residence) visa, 176 Skilled Sponsored (Migrant) visa and Skilled Regional Sponsored subclass 487 and 475.

Click here to access the Northern Territory Skilled Occupation List 2010.

Please note that there are a limited number of places available for sponsorship within each occupation group.

If you are a skilled worker interested in applying for sponsorship by the Northern Territory Government, please contact us for assistance.

This is general information only and does not constitute legal advice.

Disclaimer:

The information on this website is intended only to provide a summary and general overview on relevant matters. It is not intended to be comprehensive nor does it constitute legal advice. You are advised to seek legal or other professional advice before acting or relying on any of the content contained in this website.

New General Skilled Migration Points Test Released

The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, The Honourable Chris Bowen MP, has today announced changes to the skilled migration points test which will come into effect on 1 July 2011. The new points test will apply to the following visas:

  1. Subclass 175: Skilled- Independent (Migrant) visa
  2. Subclass 176: Skilled-Sponsored (Migrant) visa
  3. Subclass 475: Skilled- Regional Sponsored (Provisional) visa
  4. Subclass 487: Skilled- Regional Sponsored (Provisional) visa
  5. Subclass 885: Skilled- Independent (Residence) visa
  6. Subclass 886: Skilled- Sponsored (Residence) visa

The new points test can be viewed here.

The new points test puts greater emphasis on applicants’ work experience and high level educational qualifications. Points will no longer be awarded for occupations under the new points test, however it is essential for applicants to nominate an occupation listed on the new Skilled Occupation List (SOL).

Notably, the age limit in applying for a skilled visa will increase from being under 45 to under 50. The tiered points system will change so that the 25-32 year old age group will receive the most points.

Under the new points test, points will continue to be awarded for completing an approved Professional year, study in Australia, study in a regional area, partner skills and community languages. Points will be available for demonstrating “superior” English language skills through obtaining an IELTS score of 8.0.

Anyone applying for skilled migration to Australia after 1 July 2010 will need to meet the passmark for the new points test. If you are eligible under the current points test, it may be prudent to apply for your visa soon.

This is general information only and does not constitute legal advice.

Disclaimer:

The information on this website is intended only to provide a summary and general overview on relevant matters. It is not intended to be comprehensive nor does it constitute legal advice. You are advised to seek legal or other professional advice before acting or relying on any of the content contained in this website.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Migration Plan

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has now released its State Migration Plan which will come into effect today. Applicants who have an occupation in demand in the ACT, may be eligible to apply for sponsorship from the ACT Government.

Sponsorship may be approved for applicants seeking to apply for subclass 176 Skilled-Sponsored (Migrant) visas or subclass 886 Skilled- Sponsored (Residence) visas. In order to apply for ACT sponsorship, it is necessary to have an occupation listed in the State Migration Plan Occupation List.

For the latest information on the ACT State Migration Plan, access the links below:

In order to be eligible for ACT State Sponsorship, as well as having an occupation on the list it is necessary to have sufficient English language abilities for reasonable employment opportunities in the ACT, there must be sufficient employment opportunities in the ACT in your chosen occupation, you must have sufficient financial resources to remain in the ACT whilst seeking work and must show a commitment to living and working in the ACT for a minimum of two years.

As well as being eligible for ACT State Sponsorship, it is of course necessary to meet all the visa requirements for grant of a subclass 886 Skilled- Sponsored (Residence) visa or 176 Skilled-Sponsored (Migrant) visa. If you wish to check your eligibility for ACT State Sponsorship, you can contact usfor more information.

This is general information only and does not constitute legal advice.

Disclaimer:

The information on this website is intended only to provide a summary and general overview on relevant matters. It is not intended to be comprehensive nor does it constitute legal advice. You are advised to seek legal or other professional advice before acting or relying on any of the content contained in this website.

Victoria State Migration Plan Released

Victoria has released its State Migration Plan which will come into operation on 3 November 2010.

Victoria’s State Migration Plan includes a separate list of occupations for sponsorship under the subclass 886 Skilled Sponsored visa program. Moreover, sponsorship arrangements for the subclass 176 Skilled Sponsored (Migrant) visa, subclass 475 Skilled Regional Sponsored visa and the subclass 487 Skilled Regional Sponsored (Provisional) visa have also been published.

Click here to view the visa subclass 886 State Sponsorship Eligibility List.

Click here to view the visa subclass 175, 475 and 487 State Sponsorship Eligibility List.

Based on formal arrangements between the Victorian Government and the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC), the number of visas granted to skilled migrants by the Victorian Government is limited by a quota, which for 2010/11 is set at 4,500. Each occupation listed on the State Sponsorship Eligibility List is also limited by a quota.

If you are a skilled worker interested in applying for sponsorship by the Victorian Government, please contact us for assistance.

This is general information only and does not constitute legal advice.

Disclaimer:

The information on this website is intended only to provide a summary and general overview on relevant matters. It is not intended to be comprehensive nor does it constitute legal advice. You are advised to seek legal or other professional advice before acting or relying on any of the content contained in this website.

Sponsored Family Visitor Visa Update

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) has issued information regarding Sponsored Family Visitor visas (subclass 679) applications for the forthcoming holiday period of December/January 2010/11. DIAC has called for all Sponsored Family Visitor visa applications to be lodged by 6 November 2010 due to the high volume of applications made for this period.

DIAC has advised that applications lodged on or before 6 November 2010 will be finalised to enable applicants to travel before 25 December 2010.

Although DIAC will assess applications for Sponsored Family Visitor visas lodged after 6 November 2010, it is advisable to lodge them on or before this date where possible that if you plan on coming to Australia this coming December or January that you lodge your application on or before this date.

Should you require help preparing your subclass 679 Sponsored Family Visitor visa, please contact us for assistance.

This is general information only and does not constitute legal advice.

Disclaimer:

The information on this website is intended only to provide a summary and general overview on relevant matters. It is not intended to be comprehensive nor does it constitute legal advice. You are advised to seek legal or other professional advice before acting or relying on any of the content contained in this website.

Interim Occupation List for South Australian Sponsorship

As we eagerly await the implementation of State Migration Plans, South Australia has published a list of occupations that it will consider for State Sponsorship for the purposes of skilled migration. This list will be applicable until the State Migration Plans are finalised.

Click here to view South Australia’s State sponsorship interim list of occupations.

For more information on State sponsorship for skilled migration, contact us today with your enquiry.

This is general information only and does not constitute legal advice.

Disclaimer:

The information on this website is intended only to provide a summary and general overview on relevant matters. It is not intended to be comprehensive nor does it constitute legal advice. You are advised to seek legal or other professional advice before acting or relying on any of the content contained in this website.