So what are new changes?

The Two-year Study Rule

Under changes recently announced by the Department of Immigration, academic years are now defined as follows:

1 academic year               46 weeks
2 academic years             92 weeks
3 academic years           138 weeks

Migration and the 2009 Budget

• The Migration Program will total 168,700 places for 2009-10
• The Federal Government's 2009 Budget has made a further cut to the permanent skilled migration intake to 108,000 places for the 2009-10 program (a 20% reduction to the previous budget)
• The reduction will be achieved largely through cutbacks in the General Skilled Category
• A job-readiness test will be introduced for onshore skilled applicants
• The Government will be increasing the English language requirement for trades occupation to IELTS 6 from 1 July 2009 for offshore applicants and 1 January 2010 for onshore applicants
• There will be fewer visas granted to trade level occupations
• There will be an increase in family migration places to 60,300, including addition 2500 for partners, 1000 for contributory parents and 300 for child visas
• Increased humanitarian Program to 13,750 (7750 Special Humanitarian and 6000 refugee)

IELTS Tests

Absolutely essential for most forms of migration to Australia, it is amazing how many applicants do not prepare properly and so do not get the necessary result.
And in addition to that, it can take so long to get another test date!

It makes good sense to prepare for your test and sit for it many months before you need it, so the successful Report is ready to go with your application. Gone are the days when the Department of Immigration will give you a second chance.

And bear in mind that there may be a delay in getting your IELTS test report: Monash University has reported on its website that all results from the IELTS tests on 9 May and 16 May are being withheld until quality checks have been completed.

We have clients who have complained of similar delays from other test canters.

Names Can Be Important

Australia, like many other countries, keeps a Movement Alert List, to alert immigration officials to suspected war criminals, frauds and people smugglers, among other people of interest. But keeping the list up-to-date is very difficult, as a recent incident shows.

Remember Myra Hindley, the infamous so-called “Moors Murderer”? Despite her death in prison in 2002 being widely reported in Australia, her name and her aliases were still on the list until last year.

In 2008, an unfortunate woman had her entry to Australia delayed because she shared a name with the Moors Murderer (which of the three names was not revealed fortunately).

How can you start today?

Are you under the age of 3o with a Higher School Certificate or first degree from overseas?
Then talk to us. Coming to Australia on a Student Visa is a good way to start your journey to becoming an Aussie.

Are you under the age of 45 with professional or trade qualifications and more than three years work experience?
Then talk to us. You may meet the criteria for Skilled Migration.

Are you looking for a life partner from overseas, or maybe already found one?
Then talk to us. It is not as easy as it looks.

Are you on a Bridging Visa having applied for a Protection Visa?
Then talk to us. Most Protection Visa applications are a dead end, leaving applicants with no option but to leave Australia for good.

Are you wanting to sponsor your parents to come to Australia from overseas permanently?
Then talk to us. The sooner their application is in the queue, the sooner they will be with you permanently.