Author Archives: Jag Khairra

07 Sep 2020

New taskforce for attracting businesses and talent to Australia

Categories Employer Sponsored Visas, Visa

The Hon Alan Tudge MP, Acting Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs has publishd the following on 4 Sep 2020:

New taskforce for attracting businesses and talent to Australia

​International businesses will be lured to Australia and exceptional talent will be encouraged to call Australia home under a new initiative to support the post-COVID recovery and boost local jobs.

The new, whole-of-government Global Business and Talent Attraction Taskforce will bring together experts from across the Commonwealth, States and Territories as well as the private sector, as part of the Government’s JobMaker plan.

Senior business leader, Peter Verwer AO, has been appointed as the head of the Taskforce and will be known as the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for Global Business and Talent Attraction.

The Taskforce will operate as a ‘strike team’ to turbo-charge the creation of jobs by boosting our efforts to attract high value global business and exceptional talent.

The initial focus will be on three key sectors: advanced manufacturing, financial services (including FinTech) and health.

Australia is strategically well positioned given its management of the pandemic and our relatively strong economy. We have always been an attractive destination due to our lifestyle, democratic system, clean cities and proximity to Asia. We can use those advantages to bring more global business and talent to our shores and help create more Australian jobs.

Acting Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs Alan Tudge said the global context had significantly changed and many talented people and businesses will now be looking to places like Australia.

“Australia has always been an attractive destination for talent and investment, but given our relative success economically, from a health perspective, and socially, we will be even more attractive.

“We want to capitalise on this and be very focussed on attracting key businesses and global super talent to Australia.  This will aid our recovery and boost jobs for Australians.”

“The Taskforce will take a whole-of-government approach, including coordinating closely with State Government initiatives.  We will be leveraging our networks abroad, including the Australian diaspora, to help identify opportunities.”

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Simon Birmingham said luring more investment from global businesses in emerging industries would be a critical part of Australia’s overall economic recovery from COVID-19.

“Through this taskforce and the ongoing work of Austrade we will highlight to global businesses that our overall economic management and handling of the COVID-19 pandemic strengthens our reputation as a stable and attractive investment destination,” Minister Birmingham said.

“As our economy continues to transform, attracting talent and investment will be critical to bringing additional business nous and new technologies to help drive growth in the development of high-value goods and services in emerging industries.

“With one in 10 jobs already supported by foreign direct investment, boosting investment and getting more global businesses to set up shop here will help drive more jobs and opportunities for Australians.”

On 9 July, the Prime Minister announced that Australia would develop incentives to attract export orientated Hong Kong based businesses to relocate to Australia.

This initiative builds on this idea, and the Global Talent and Business Innovation and Investment programs, to attract high value businesses and exceptionally talented individuals to Australia to create jobs for Australians.

The Taskforce will join up the Department of Home Affairs with the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), and draw on expertise from the Treasury, the Departments of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Industry, Science, Energy and Resources, Defence, and the Department of Education, Skills and Employment.

They will work closely with the States and Territories, industry leaders and specialists in identifying and executing opportunities.

 
Interested to know more?

Please Book a Consultation for an initial assessment and find out if you are eligible for an Australian visa and let us guide you towards your Australian migration goal.

 

Disclaimer

The above article constitutes only generic information on migration issues, and does not constitute specific migration advice to any entity or individual.

30 Apr 2020

COVID-19 support for international students in Victoria

Categories Australia, Coronavirus, Education, International Students, Victoria, Visa
On 29 April 2020, the Victorian Government announced a $45 million fund to support international students in Victoria facing hardship as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The fund is being delivered in partnership with Victoria’s tertiary education providers.
HIGHLIGHTS
The International Student Emergency Relief Fund will provide a payment of up to A$1,100 for vulnerable international students who have lost their job or had a significant reduction to their employment and are facing financial hardship as a result of coronavirus (COVID-19). The fund complements the range of relief programs offered by Victorian universities, education providers and existing government support. International students from Victoria’s tertiary education providers including universities, TAFEs, private Vocational Education and Training providers and English language colleges are eligible to apply for the hardship payment.
Who is eligible to apply?
International students who have lost their job or had a significant reduction to their employment and are facing financial hardship as a result of coronavirus (COVID-19).
How to apply?
Fill out the form on this website: https://www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au/help-and-support/support-for-students-coronavirus
Need help with visa or admissions?
Click here to book a FREE 30 min. consultation with our friendly team. You may also fill out the Online Assessment Form for a free assessment to know your eligibility for a visa to Australia.
Disclaimer
The above article constitutes only generic information on migration issues, and does not constitute specific migration advice to any entity or individual.
07 Feb 2020

7 tips to avoid a 485 visa refusal

Categories Australia, Courses for PR, GSM, Visa

Most international students would apply for a 485 visa (commonly known as a TR) at some stage of their stay in Australia.

Some students try to save money and lodge this visa by themselves and get rejected due to mistakes made in the application. There are plenty of reasons an application for a 485 visa could be refused.
Here are the top 7 tips to avoid a 485 refusal:

  1. Choosing the correct stream

There are two streams to choose when applying for the 485 visa application.

You must choose the correct stream or risk getting the application refused. A simple tick indicating wrong choice means you will have an expensive and irreversible visa refusal at your hand.

Post Study Work Stream – If you have completed a Bachelor’s degree or higher in Australia and applied for your first student visa on or after November 2011. This visa would be granted with a minimum of two years and a maximum of six years.

Graduate Work Stream – If you have completed a trade certificate, diploma or bachelor in the last six months and your occupation is on the skill list (MLTSS) and you have arranged for a skills assessment. Also, if your first student visa was applied/granted on or before November 2011, and you completed a Bachelor’s degree or higher in the last 6 months, then you would be choosing this stream. This visa would be granted for a maximum of 18 months.

  1. English language requirement

You can either show that you hold a valid passport from the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada, New Zealand or the Republic of Ireland, or prove your English proficiency. To do this, show evidence that in the last 3 years, you achieved one of the following acceptable scores:

IELTS – Overall score of at least 6 with a minimum score of 5 for each of the 4 modules (Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening)

TOEFL iBT – Total score of at least 64 with a minimum score of 4 for listening, 4 for reading, 14 for writing and 14 for speaking

PTE – Overall score of at least 50 with a minimum score of 36 for each of the 4 parts

OET – At least B for each of the 4 parts

Cambridge C1 Advanced Test – Overall at least 169 with a minimum score of at least 154 in each of the 4 test components

It is important to note that if relying on the English language test, you must have undertaken the test prior to lodgement of your 485 application.

While there is no requirement to provide the test result at the time of application, the test date must pre-date the visa application date.

Far too many applications have been refused because applicants didn’t sit for the test before submitting the application. So, don’t risk it and consult a professional if you are not confident!

  1. Australian Federal Police (AFP) clearance

Unlike many other visa applications, 485 visa application requires that you must have applied for an Australian Federal Police (AFP) clearance prior to lodging the 485 visa application. Failing to do so will result in a refusal.

Also note that you must have applied for a “correct” police clearance type. For immigration purposes, tick the code 33 when applying for your AFP clearance.

For more instructions on applying for your AFP clearance, read here.

  1. Meeting Australian Study requirement

This is one of the most confusing requirements for a 485 visa application. To be eligible for a 485 visa, in the 6 months immediately before making an application, you must have completed either:

  • a single eligible qualification that requires at least 2 academic years study, or
  • more than 1 qualification that results in a total of at least 2 academic years study resulting in an eligible qualification

You must have completed your study in Australia, in a total of no less than 16 calendar months, while you held a visa authorising you to study.

Your course, or courses, resulting in the award of an eligible degree, diploma or trade qualification, must be registered on the CRICOS register and instructions must be completed in English.

For more information about Australian study requirements, read here.

  1. Skills Assessment

The Graduate Work Stream application must have been accompanied by evidence that the primary applicant had applied to a relevant assessing authority for an assessment of their skills in their nominated skilled occupation.  The skills assessment body will depend on the occupation as listed in the ANZSCO dictionary.

To satisfy the time of application criteria, it is not necessary to provide a copy of the skills assessment result when lodging the application.  The applicant should attach an evidence of making an application to the relevant assessing authority to have their skills assessed for their nominated occupation.  This may include a test reference number or an acknowledgement of a skills assessment application.

Once a positive skills assessment is received, it should be attached to the application as soon as possible or when a further request by the DHA case officer is made.

Understanding the requirements of a skills assessment application is crucial for a successful 485 visa grant. An experienced Registered Migration Agent can assist you with the skills assessment and the 485 visa application. So, if you think it’s too much to handle and you don’t want to risk a refusal, do get in touch with a professional!

  1. Studying an eligible course

Not all courses will be eligible for a 485 visa. If you are studying at a Diploma level which is not a trade qualification, then chances are that you may not be eligible. Also studying at Bachelor or higher level but applying under Graduate Work Stream requires that your nominated occupation must be on the appropriate skill list (MLTSSL). The nominated occupation will depend on the field of your study. So, if you have studied something which does not relate to a nominated occupation on the MLTSSL, then you may not be eligible for the 485 visa.

Most students don’t understand this requirement, or they fall prey to unregistered agents, who are not qualified enough to guide properly. It is therefore very important to either have complete knowledge of the rules and regulations that apply to your visa type or hire a professional.

  1. Health Cover

You must have adequate health cover for the whole of your stay to be granted this visa. Your cover should cover you for medically necessary treatment, including transport.
You must hold an appropriate health cover at the time of application, otherwise your application may be refused.

If your Overseas Students Health Cover (OSHC) is valid at the time of application of 485 visa, you may be able to use it to apply but must change to Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) before your OSHC expires or when the case officer requests.

  1. Bonus TIP

Here’s a bonus tip!

If you have a current visa with a ‘No further stay’ condition 8534 or 8503 on your current visa, you will need to apply for this visa using the paper form (Form 1409). Only the paper form has an application to have the ‘No further stay’ condition waived.

Summary
Applying for a skilled graduate visa may not seem like a complicated process, however in many circumstances, it may be the only visa available for an applicant to remain in Australia and plan for permanent residency or other work visas. Therefore, it’s important to ensure that you understand the requirements and documentation of the visa.

Currently, there is a trend of offering visa services at bottom low prices and many applicants have fallen prey to these marketing tactics by unscrupulous agents. Lot of visa applications are refused due to incompetency of agents and applicants’ lack of knowledge. Read one such case here.

We hope that these tips will be helpful for you, especially if you are planning to lodge the visa application yourself. However, if you believe that it’s in your best interest to seek professional help, then we can certainly assist you with any visa services.

My Migration has a team of experienced migration consultants with more than 20 years of combined experience and thousands of successful applications. Feel free to check our reviews on Facebook and Google before deciding.

Interested to know more?

Click here to book a FREE 15 minute phone call with one of our friendly consultants. You may also fill out the Online Assessment Form for a free assessment to know your eligibility for a visa to Australia.

Disclaimer

The above article constitutes only generic information on migration issues, and does not constitute specific migration advice to any entity or individual.

01 Feb 2020

Finishing Studies Soon? What’s next?

Categories Australia, Courses for PR, GSM, Professional Year, Visa
International Students in Australia may be eligible for temporary visas (also called TR or 485 visas) once they complete eligible Australian qualifications. Finishing a course means different things for different people. Some graduates may be ready to enter the workforce the minute they graduate, while others might find the decision a little more difficult. If you are not quite sure where you are heading once you finish studying, read on as we explain your options. Here are some of the things you can do once you have graduated! Take some time out to relax After years of study, you may want to relax or have some time to yourself before you start looking for work. This might mean taking a few months to travel. Australia is a large, beautiful and diverse country; if you want to spend some time exploring the country and taking a well-earned break, a tourist visa or other type of temporary visa would be a good option or take a break to enjoy a few sleep-ins. Complete further studies Many international students choose to stay on in Australia to complete further studies or gain a higher level of qualification, such as a graduate diploma or master’s degree. Continuing your studies will enable you to maximise your time in Australia, get the most out of an education system that you are now familiar with and gain the advanced qualifications and skills needed to get a job. Working holiday People aged between 18 and 30 from approved countries can apply for a ‘working holiday visa’ or a ‘work and holiday visa’, which allows them to travel and work in Australia for up to 12 months. Gain professional work experience Engineering, accounting, and computer science graduates can complete a Professional Year Program. This program is ideal for students who want to qualify for permanent residency in Australia because those who complete it, earn an extra 5 points to qualify for a skilled migration visa. Volunteer in Australia It is no secret that Australia is one of the top destinations for worthwhile volunteer abroad experiences. It is a satisfying and a learning experience and looks good on your resume! Beef up Your Communication Skills As cantankerous as it sounds, the digital age is indeed killing our face-to-face, IRL communication. This is good advice for anyone, really, but it can be especially critical when you are young, inexperienced, and perhaps too used to communicating over email or text. Picking up a new skill DIY is always going to be useful; rather than calling your parents or landlord for help, maybe try teaching yourself to be self-proficient? Have you ever bled a radiator? Put up some shelves? There are plenty of tutorials online, you need to start looking. Write a poem, a story or share experiences If there’s something you are enthusiastic about, write about it. You can start a blog or contribute to an existing blog — while it is unlikely to make much money for you, it’s a rewarding experience and helps you sharpen your writing skills and showcase your talent to online communities. Find a graduate job Even this late in the game, it is not too late to find a graduate job. Look for companies that offer career progression so that once you have completed your graduate placement, you may be able to move into a permanent role within the company. Some companies will rotate you around different departments so you can get a feel for what sort of area you might want to progress into. These can include IT, finance, HR, marketing and business development.
Plan extended stay if you are an International Student
Many international students enjoy their time in Australia so much that they apply for further visas (temporary or permanent), so they can continue to live and work in Australia. The most common visa applied by an international student is the TR or 485 visa. The process for Australian visas is usually not straightforward and take a lot of careful planning, information gathering and consultations with visa experts. As a starting point, refer to Department of Home Affair’s website for further visa options. Once you have the basic information, it’s best to consult with reputed Registered Migration Agents (RMA) for a detailed consultation tailored to suit your residency goals. It’s important to note that you should only consult with a Migration Agent who is registered with OMARA (Office of the Migration Agents Regulation Authority). It is illegal to provide immigration assistance in Australia without registration and it leads to poor advice, loss of money and in worst cases, getting your visa application rejected or cancelled. Read here about why you should hire a Registered Migration Agent (RMA).
Interested to know more?
Click here to book a FREE 15-minute phone call with one of our friendly consultants. You may also fill out the Online Assessment Form for a free assessment to know your eligibility for a visa to Australia.
Disclaimer
The above article constitutes only generic information on migration issues, and does not constitute specific migration advice to any entity or individual.
30 Jan 2020

7 triggers for further investigation into your visa application

Categories Australia, GSM, Investigation, State Nomination, Visa

When you apply for a visa, you obviously want things to go smooth with minimum delays. You hope that your application isn’t picked for some random investigation or further scrutiny checks.

The department has ways to identify certain visa applications that trigger further investigations. What are those triggers? Let’s find out!

According to the Policy Advice Manual (PAM) used by the department, the following seven scenarios illustrate where further investigation of an applicant’s claims may be warranted. The scenarios below are examples only, and are not intended to limit the extent of investigation that should be undertaken if the delegate suspects that the visa applicant has given the department false or misleading information and/or a bogus document/s in relation to the application under consideration:

  • The applicant has previously withdrawn an application after being asked to provide comment on the suspected genuineness of a document given to the Department.
  • The applicant continues to request extensions of time in response to requests for further information by the Department without providing an acceptable reason.
  • The applicant has been assisted in their application by a person who is known to the Department as having previously been associated with known or suspected fraudulent activity.
  • The applicant has an immigration history that suggests they have provided false or misleading information and/or bogus documents in relation to previous visa applications.
  • Allegation/s have been received concerning the applicant’s identity or claims in relation to the criteria for a visa.
  • The applicant’s movements in and out of Australia while holding a temporary work visa suggest that further investigation is warranted regarding their genuine intention to undertake the employment relevant to their visa.
  • The applicant’s claims are inconsistent with claims made previously by themselves and/or their sponsor in relation to their immigration history.
 
A recent case (true story)

We came across a visa applicant, who applied for state nominated (subclass 190) after a successful nomination by Victoria. Apparently, he was assisted by a Registered Migration Agent on behalf of a very popular migration agency. Since the nominated occupation was an ICT occupation, Victoria required minimum 3 years of work experience. The applicant only had 2 years work experience related to the nominated occupation. According to the applicant, the agent assured applicant that the agent can get the nomination from Victoria granted as his agency had “special contacts” and had helped other clients previously. The applicant believed the Agent as he had also heard that many people had gotten their PRs through the agency.

What the applicant didn’t know was that the Agent had used a fake employment letter of a fake IT company in Australia to fill the gap, so that the 3 year work experience requirement can be met. Apparently, the state authority didn’t verify the work experience and the nomination was successful and an invitation to apply for the subclass 190 was received.  The applicant was obviously very happy and referred more friends to the agency.
The applicant applied for subclass 190 through the same agent and hoped for the visa to be granted sooner. The agent obviously didn’t provide the fake work experience information in the visa application to avoid any such verification.

Unbeknown to the applicant and the agent, the department had started collected information from state authorities. A request for further information was sent to the agent where the department specifically asked for supporting documents to prove the 12 months work experience from the IT company in Australia. The IT company does not exist and the applicant or the agent has no supporting documents.
The hopes and dreams of an applicant shattered! All because of wrong advice and unethical practice of an agent.

Now the applicant was looking at a possible refusal and decided to withdraw the PR visa application. The applicant planned to apply for a student visa to maintain further stay in Australia.

Important thing to remember, however, is that the department may have evidence that the employment given to state government was bogus. And if someone is withdrawing a PR visa application after further information is requested by the department, then this could trigger further investigations in future visa applications lodged by the visa applicant.

How to stay alert and avoid falling prey to such agents? Click here to read about tips to ensure that you have a good agent on your side!

 
Interested to know more?

Click here to book a FREE 15 minute phone call with one of our friendly consultants. You may also fill out the Online Assessment Form for a free assessment to know your eligibility for a visa to Australia.

Disclaimer

The above article constitutes only generic information on migration issues, and does not constitute specific migration advice to any entity or individual.

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