New Life Down Under

http://www.immi.gov.au/about/charters/client-services-charter/visas/8.0.htm if you read here you will see SMP apps are processed quicker. I ahve just had an 886 granted from a high risk area in 5 weeks so that was well below the 24 months wait that I had advised my client!! However, if you havent received your state nomination from the WA Skilled Business Centre your time may be running out to get lodged before 1st July, these guys will now be inundated with applications in the last flurry of getting visas granted prior to the deadline. In which case you may be better to lodge independantly as oppossed to missing the boat so to speak! Best bet to have a visa in the system lodged lawfully than try and get granted quicker and miss out completely having to submit an EOI???? As I keep saying to people on this web site, do not delay and front load everything with your application if possible.

The WA Perth Regional Certifying Body has just advised that with the impending changes to the above mentioned visa categories on 1st July, they will "process applications for as long as possible up to 1st June" In other words get your Certifications in asap! Do not leave it too late. South Australia state that they may not be able to process applications received after 17th April, other States have differnet cut off dates aswell..................

Just wanted to remind everyone that legislation is changing on 1st July 2012 with regards to GSM and Employer Sponsored visa categories! If you are eligible now, get those applications in asap, do not wait as you may find you are not eligible in July. Alternatively you may have a very long wait with the EOI system. I have just had an 886 approved from a high risk category in 5 weeks and 1 day, where the suggested processing time is 24months and I have noticed that some subscribers are getting their visas 175/176 etc thorugh in a couple of months where the suggested processing time is 12 months. http://www.immi.gov.au/about/charters/client-services-charter/visas/8.0.htm Dont delay, get those visas lodged quickly, as I think there will be a flurry of last minute applications being lodged the last week in June!!!

This article is quite interesting as I personally know some fantastic plasterers and electicians who are certianly not flooded with work! If you want to be FIFO there is a lot of work and the $$ are big, but in Perth I think the trades have certainly quietened down in the last year. In response to the remark about making it difficult, you must remember that the standards of trades vary form country to country and the immigration policy is there to prevent fraudulent applications from all over the World. By having skills assessments DIAC can ascertain whether the applicant is genuinely qualified to do the occupation they claim! This is turn will protect the consumer from getting a rogue tradesman! The reason this country is great is because we have a tight control on immigration. I certainly would not want an unlicenced electrician, plumber, doctor, dentist, radiologist ect workign on me or my house!!!!

Hey Annie To answer your question, NO you are not too old!!! After wathing the film about the marigold Hotel last night I now belive no-one is too old for anything! But seriously,legislation is changing for RSMS on 1st July 2012 and they will be upping the age to under 50, so you are OK! However, you can apply now at 47 if you apply under "exceptional circumstances" - your agent should be able to help you with that. There will be a lot of changes to immigration legislation starting July 1st, so if you are eligible now, you may be best to apply!

Hi Ali and Pomsinperth people What still never ceases to shock me is the SHIP of DEATH leaving Freo every week, aka LIVE EXPORTS. Sorry if this is a bit gloomy on this site but I am disgusted that this Govt allows this awful practice to continue, it is cruel, barbaric and inhumane and should be stopped.... http://www.stopliveexports.org/ My family and I join the campaigns to ban his industry, I hope there are other people out there who will sign the petition..... On a more positive note, something that I loved was moving my 5 yeasr old who had just completed 1 years Reception at Primary School to come here to kindy! It was fun every day and the kids clearly learn in a totally different way, Also how many people reckon they havent seen a snake!! Mind you I do live near a tiger snake reserve!!!!

I think that the fact Perth has been made Regional may well have long term detrimental effects on the rest of the State, especially places like the dreaded Newman!!!! My Mandurah client was saying the other day that it hasnt helped them at all at recruiting and retaining staff as the majority of migrants want Perth as opposed to Regional, therefore making it harder to attract quality staff. Perhaps they should come up with an RSMS for real regional, stick there for 6 months and then get a gold medal as well as your PR visa!!!!

Hi Gill 4 am , that is the middle of the night!! Interestingly leading on from your Burmese gentleman, a colleague of mine recently encountered a Chinese chef working in Northbridge whose employer was prepared to sponsor him on a s/c457 if he paid him $40K!!! now that employer should be the one with a visa cancellation!!! Chefs are obviously undervalued here in Australia by very unscrupulous employers! Dont work too hard today! Regards Camilla

I agree, I think a lot of this is based on the impending EOI's? I think this will put off a lot of the brightest, already I have heard of people now thinking of emigrating to Canada as it is supposedly easier!!! I dont agree with the fact that the prospective migrant has to go through the heartache and expense of skills assessments just to be told they are put on a waiting list? Will they have to resit IELTS again at tie of application, or infact skills assessments as they are not valid indefinately! here in WA the mine sites are desperate for staff. We are also desperate in Perth for drviers as most of them have gone chasing the $$$ in FIFO. But there is not list for drivers and it is ANZSCO level 4 or 5 so we cant get them in on RSMS either! Whole thing is a bit crazy really. I have a friend who started at the mines 7 yeasr ago as a FIFO. He took the job for a year to sort himself out financially, he is still there, after all the more you earn the more you spend! It has actually not imprved his family life at all, infact nearly destroying it, basically wife got bored being on her own all the time and decided to find some other entertainment! Luckily they are sticking at it and working their way thorugh their many problems, but cant afford to leave the mines. He is earning over double what he would get in Perth, but as I say it has also cost him a lot! Camilla

Oh and BTW, when I need someone to go at DIAC hammer and tongs, I will be recruiting you Gill!!!

The "incorrect infor" I referred to was posted by Mike and Lins see copy paste below! Hi 857 is A PR visa yes, So once you have it why dont you leave the company and get another job? or travel and settle somewhere else in OZ where you are happy? I know its a crappy thing to do to your employer who sponsored you, But if it wasnt such a horrible workplace you would of stayed. I dont want the lay person to read this and think they can just walk out on an employer after they ahve been sponsored! I think Nicola could out herself in a precarious position, if after all the employer is sponsoring her onshore after she has already worked for them! I think S137Q might be questioned if indeed the applicant has worked for them prior to an RSMS being lodged for her to then say the employer is unreasonable, I think her integitry may be questioned!!! I have had a few people contact me recently who belive that once they are offered permanency they can walk away from their sponsoring employer!! I always point out reg 5.19 (4)(b)(i)which refers to the nomination! I like my clients to understand the commitment they should have! call me old fashioned, But I believe that these migrants should be honourable!! After all , Australia started out with a load of crims, we need to keep this place beautiful!!! Following on from your email, I must say it amazes me the number of people who move to backobourke without the vagest understanding of where and what they are letting themselves in for! Just driving through these places is often enough for me! However, yep could be a lot worst that being recruited for Esperance! My web page banner is actually a photo of Twilight Bay, I am a real fan. Driving along that beach with the roos in the background is amazing!! Another favourite place where I take the kids regularly is Denmark, there is an awesome beach at Mutton Bird Island! Talking about the LMT for RSMS! I am finding this whole thing absolutely mental!! I really think they should pass some sort of legislation where the RCB's are consistent aswell! I am currenrly in the process of an RSMS and I onky have a week to lodge due to expriy of current visa! I am having to go to the Peel Development Commission as the job is in Mandurah. Skilled Migration WA charge $200, Peel is free!!! The requirements from Peel are slighlty different from the office in Perth! It is crazy! Having said that, in my humble opinion, with the relaxed criteria just announced from Perth, I wonder whether the MInister may be in a position to cancel more visas in the forthcoming couple of years as the applciations may be scrutinised in the future?!!! Gill, I agree I wonder what the logic is about removing the LMT is? I believe that is only for the Skilled Migration WA office and not a general rule. The initial thought was that they were going to reduce the advertising period from 3 months to one or two weeks, but removing it completely could open up huge cans of worms! I think that DIAC were expecting a huge influx in RSMS apps this year in Perth and basically havent met the target amount due to the 3 month advertising criteria? Maybe this is an end of financial year decision to create a flurry of applications! Great for many prospective migrants however not sure personally that I think its such a good idea? I think you are right, maybe they dont want to slow down the intake of migrants in the forthcoming financial year with the introduction of EOI?? All in all I am a strong believer of genuine RSMS applications, after all migrants coming to a job/employer are in the best position to contribute to society and are more likely to settle here effectively. Cheers Camilla

Please be warned, the above advice is not correct. According to the Migration Regulations 1994, The conditions of the visa is that the applicant stays with the employer for 2 years. If not, the visa can be cancelled.... So if you leave you loose you visa, not a good idea!!! Subject to which grounds your visa is cancelled under, you may even end up never being granted a visa in the future. Please take advise from DIAC or a person qualified to give immigration assistance before considering parting company with a sponsor!!!

Hi GIll Nicola did contact me but as you are now aware she is already with another agent, so there is not much I can do! However, I have just advied her that the 3 month advertising criteria has now been changed and so she must chase up her agent and the Skilled Migration WA team! Cheers Camilla

Hello Nicola I have just added a thread about the recent changes for RSMS, I think this will help you!! Chase up your agent! The Skilled Migration Western Australia team are a bunch of great guys. They will prioritise your application for certification if your visa is due to expire and if your agent asks for their help. Dont wait till your visa has expired!!!

AGent Decision Ready apps are btween 4-6 weeks, otherwise I think they are saying 5 months, but pls check the DIAC site!

Just thought this might help a few people who are looking to come to PErth on an RSMS . There has been recent legislative changes effective immediately. The Regional Certifying Body for PErth Metropolitan now has NO Labour Market Testing required. Therefore the employer no longer needs to demonstarte proof that they have advertised the position for 3 months prior to recruiting! So for those of you with a sponsor get lodging those applications befoer the next changes come inot effct on 1st July 2012!!! Good luck and dont waste any time!!!

HI Corinne Is you agent registered with http://www.mara.gov.au ? I am interested to know this. Do not sack your agent though as your Service Agreement may not allow for you to have your money refunded? Chase them up and advise them that you are disappointed with the way they are acting for you, Good luck

Hello a 457 is a temporary visa and as such does not allow you to sponsor anybody, There are various pathways for parents of permanent residents, citizens and eligible New Zealanders. eg contributory parent which costs $40K plus assurance of support!

Have you received confirmation from the State Office with a reference number? If not I would advise that you contact them to see whether or not they have received it. The last one I submitted was processed in 3 days. Official processing times are substantially longer though, so you may have to wait but check they have received it.

I agree with this statement, it really does depend where you live! My kids were doing vacswim for 2 weeks at Cott Beach and all I saw were beautiful, vivacious youngsters enjoying the outdoor life. There was even a French TV crew there filming "typical Aussie kids" promoting WA for one of the big mining companies to the French, where better than Cottesloe Beach. What I do dislike about living here is the hoons on the road and the terrible driving on the freeway, no courtesy, no giving way and speeding up when you are indicating to pull over!!! Driving on the M25 used to be a lot more considerate, but the colour of the sky wasnt as nice to look at whilst caught in a traffic jam! WA has its faults, but so does everywhere!!

Hello, I would just like to clarify the confusion about the EOI. It is not based on a points system as you explained. Yes you will need the qualifying points to be able to send in an EOI. However, it does not matter if you score 65 or 75. You will not be selected to apply for a visa on getting higher points. You will be selected based on the demand for specific skills required, ie if there is a shortage of Airconditioning mechanics and a demand for them from employers you will get selected. This new system is purely economic so that the Australian Government can help to fill positions with overseas workers where there is a shortage of skills. It will prevent there being an influx in applicants all with the same skill. For example hairdresser has been removed from SOL 1 as about 8 years ago there was a huge influx of hairdressers. With the EOI DIAC will be able to control closer the skills that are selected. After all if there is no work here for a particular trade, there is no benefit to the migrant or the Australian Government in granting a visa. However, I reserve judgement on the success of the system until it is up and running! Despite the negative comments on this site about some migration agents, we can not all be tarred with the same feathers!! I must also point out that I often read information on here which has been given with the best interests, however is not legally correct. In Australia it is actually illegal to provide immigration assistance unless you are registered and there are some hefty penalties involved!! Visa application fees are not usually refundable, so an incorrect application can be very costly! The most important thing when selecting an agent is firstly to make sure you have a good rapport with them and trust them, if they are in Australia make sure they are registered (there are also some excellent MARA registered ones in the UK.) Recommendations from friends are also a good idea. I agree with all the comments about trying to submit before the end of June though to be safe with the present system. So start getting IELTS booked, skills assessed and trade qualifications asap.

Hi Mou This is a good question to raise on this forum! The answer to your question is no, however, you must take into account that a 457 is a temporary visa and effectively does not offer any route to permanency. SO my answer is no, as it is not actually linked to the changes happening 1st July. The benefit of the 457 visa, is it is usually granted pretty quickly and gets you to Australia! The negative is that many people secure a 457 and then decided they want to stay in Australia permanently and then can not do so as they may not meet the requirements for the permanent visas! With regards to nurses, AT THE MOMENT it is an occupation on the SOLs and ENSOL/457 lists but noone knows if and when that will ever change? Even with a sought after profession like nursing, I would still advise any client to lodge for a permanent visas asap if that is what they are looking for. Under the new EOI scheme occupations will be capped so who knows how many nurses will be granted visas? If you are in Australia on a 457 visa you can still apply for many other visas if you wish to. Having a recruitment background, I always advise my clients to lodge permanent applications if and where possible. Perhaps I see things differently from others, but I am aware how quickly migration legislation changes and all of a sudden doors close! I am also aware of the skills shortages in WA. I am currently trying to persuade a client of mine in the healthcare industry to take staff on from the UK under the RSMS visa as opposed to the 457 scheme. This way their employee is tied to them for 2 years, they are offered permanency from the outset and there is only one lot of fees involved! Everyone is a winner! Maybe I am shooting myself in the foot so to speak! I could get double fees by going 457 then GSM/RSMS/ENS!!! I think my way of thinking reflects that good people are hard to find, but many employers want to try before they buy and dont want to make a huge commitment! So Mou, if you havent been granted a 457 yet, you may want to ask your prospective employer about RSMS visas. Alternatively you can lodge a GSM application if you meet the criteria onshore before JUly 2012. I hope that helps! Regards Camilla

Hi Mike Thanks for sending me the info, I will look through it and get back to you Regards Camilla

I am sure that the majority of subscribers to this forum are aware of the changes that will be implemented by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship on 1st July 2012. However, I am regularly being asked about them, so I thought I would post a brief description of the changes announced. Anyone applying for the following categories of visa will be having to submit an Expression of Interest before they are able to lodge a valid visa application: Independant Skilled State or Territory Skilled Family SPonsored Business Skills. What this will effectively mean is the Government will be in a better position to control the skilled workers coming to Australia. There will be a ceiling on occupations and it will be driven by the demand of the employers. Once an EOI has been lodged for most visa categories the applicant can stay in the SkillSelect system for upto 2 years. You may never be invited to apply. If you are invited to apply you must submit your visa application within 60 days of invitation. The other thing to be mentioned is when submitting an EOI you must also have had your skills assessed and have a relevant IELTS resulteSo, please bear in mind that you may go through the preliminary process and never even get to apply for a visa. As an Australian Citizen I can see many advantages to this programme, however, as a Migration Agent, I can see that it is going to be very difficult and potentially disappointing for our clients. I think many agents will no longer deal with GSM visas and concentrate on Employer Sponsored applications! My advice to anyone looking to migrate on the above visa categories. APPLY ASAP, DONT DELAY, YOU MAY MISS OUT ALTOGETHER!!!!!! Bearing in mind that some skills assessments are taking over 6 weeks to process, places for IELTS are scarce (in Perth they get booked up very quickly, cant comment on UK!) These factors mean you do not have much time . We never know when the Minister for Immigration is going to change the skills on the SOL either!!! Good luck everyone, get submitting those skills assessments, sitting those IELTS and completing your applications !!!!!

Hello Picolo My advice would be save your money and get your visa granted. Unless you are an Engineer in gas and oil or a medical professional there seem to be very few people being granted a 457 from overseas. Employment agencies generally will not put candidates forward unless they are lawfully allowed to work. You are obviously trying very hard to secure employment, you may be lucky, but in my experience most employers do not want to hire blindfolded unless there is a serious shortage for very specific industries ie subsea engineers, geologists etc. Many employers also may not meet the criteria of becoming a 457 Sponsor and are also unaware of the legislation. Keep sending off the CV's but I would suggest that you are better saving your money as you may need to support yourself when you get here. As a couple of other posts have mentioned, getting a job is not always instant on arrival! Good luck with your TRA. By the way remember that GSM is changing on 1st July 2012 so I would advise all prospective visa applicants to get their application in asap. TIME IS RUNNING OUT on the current application process. I think it may be a lot tougher for many applicants and the waiting time after sending in an Expression of Interest may be very lengthy. And that is even before you are allowed to lodge an application. Make sure your skills assessments are very thorough to avoid any delays. Good luck