Friday 30 April 2010

Australia - still no new Skilled Occupations List

We still have no details of the new Skilled Occupation List for Australia. The government had stated that this was to be released by today 30 April but now a statement released today explains;

"The Government is considering the report from Skills Australia containing their Skilled Occupation List. An announcement and publication of the new Skilled Occupation List for Migration purposes will be made in May."

this is very disappointing and leaves a huge amount of uncertainty as to exactly what the new system will be for those applying after July 1st.

Wednesday 28 April 2010

Teaching Australia - new assessment body

Teaching Australia became the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) on 1 January 2010. This is the new skills assessment body for Teachers looking to move to Australia.

Read in detail at;

http://www.teaching-australia.com

Monday 26 April 2010

Teaching Australia

Whats in the Teaching Australia Ebook ?

see;

http://www.teaching-australia.com


Chapter1 - Overview of Teaching in Australia.

Chapter 2 - Registering As a Teacher.

Each state in Australia has its own requirements and procedures for teacher registration and certification. Learn what is necessary and obtain detailed information on documents, timeframes, application forms, etc. that will help you avoid costly errors that delay your registration

Chapter 3 - Employment as a Teacher.

There is a broad range of opportunities for teaching in Australia. Learn about teaching at primary and secondary levels, the difference between full-time posts, short term contracts and relief positions, and the benefits of public vs. private school positions, and get links to current vacancies so you’ll know who is currently recruiting...and where. Also included – a sample Australian style CV to help you apply for positions.

Chapter 4 - Salary Levels.

Many factors influence the pay scale of someone who is teaching in Australia. Learn how the level of teaching experience and the type of position can affect salary and what the different pay scales are in various states and territories, as well as where the best salaries are available and who pays a premium for working in different areas.

Chapter 5 - Australian Visas.

Australia issues a wide range of visas based on various criteria including age, occupation, qualifications, work experience, etc. Learn the difference between temporary and permanent visas and the process to apply. Regularly updated with immigration regulation changes.

Chapter 6 - Studying to Become a Teacher in Australia.

Teaching in Australia is a well-respected career. Learn about educational prerequisites and requirements and where to get training at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Chapter 7 - Relocation Advice.

Relocation can be difficult, even if you’re just moving down the street from one flat to another. When you’re moving to a new country, government regulations add a new level of stress. Learn about taxation, banking, the cost of living and other topics of concern to new immigrants and what you can do to take the worry out of your journey.

Chapter 8 - Australia Area Guide.

Australia is a wonderfully diverse country, offering something for everyone. Learn about Australia’s six states and two major mainland territories so you can pick the location that best suits you.

Questions and Answers.

A selection of some of the most common questions (with answers) regularly asked by teachers looking to move to Australia.

Case Study

Access information about a teacher from Ireland moving to Australia and watch a video on his story.

List of websites and other information sources.

A fully comprehensive list of all the relevant information sources to make your move a reality. Regularly updated and contains highly specific information.

Wednesday 21 April 2010

Volcanic Ash travel disruption for visa holders

The UK, US and Australian governments have issued statements concerning passengers who cannot travel due to their flights being delayed because of the ongoing volcanic ash problems.

People in this situation have been reassured that they will not automatically be branded as overstayers. The UK Border Agency has stated that if visa holders cannot travel;

"we appreciate that this is due to exceptional circumstances beyond your control".

For more information see

UK

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2010/april/07-expired-visas-ash

USA

www.uscis.gov


Australia


http://www.immi.gov.au/immigration/news/europe-flight-disruptions.htm

Monday 19 April 2010

Australian citizenship requirement - July changes

From 1st July 2010 the residence requirements for Australian citizenship are changing.

The new requirements are;

•You must have been living in Australia on a valid Australian visa for 4 years immediately before applying, including 1 year as a permanent resident, and

•You must not have been absent from Australia for more than 1 year during the 4 year period, including no more than 90 days in the year immediately before applying.


This changes the previous requirement of 2 years in the last 5 years as a permanent resident.

for more information see;

www.citizenship.gov.au

Friday 16 April 2010

Teaching Australia EBook

The Teaching Australia Ebook provides all the information you need to make the move to a new life in Australia.

www.teaching-australia.com

Thursday 15 April 2010

The Home Office “SUPER PREMIUM SERVICE”

Who said the Home Office was poor on customer service ?

Now they have launched a new “Super Premium Service” for UK based visa extensions. This is an excellent service that allows you to schedule Home Office case workers to visit you at home or work or any other location to review your application. They will also undertake any necessary fingerprinting / biometric checks on the day. Your dependents are also included in this service as well.

Best of all, you will receive a decision in 24 hours, rather than having to wait for months on end.

The price ? a cool £15,000 !

This is not a joke. Check it out at;

www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2010/april/01-super-premium

Monday 12 April 2010

change to UK spouse rules for serving members of the Armed Forces

The UK Border Agency have now changed the rules for spouse visas for those married to UK citizens serving as members of the Armed Forces.

In 2008, the government increased the minimum age for all spouse visa applicants from 18 to 21. This has now been lowered back down from 21 to 18 BUT ONLY FOR THOSE MARRIED TO SERVING MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES.

So if you are aged 19, say a Canadian citizen and are married to a private in the Armed Forces, then you are eligible to apply for a visa to settle in the UK.

But if you are aged 19, a Canadian citizen and married to someone who is not in the Armed Forces, then you cannot join them to live in the UK until you are 21 !

We think the government are just digging themselves into a deeper hole on this one.

The fairest thing to do would be to bring it back down to 18 for everyone, as a consistent and sensible age of majority.

Thursday 8 April 2010

Australia - practical assessments for trade occupations

Vetassess (the assessing authority for trade applicants migrating to Australia) have now changed the dates for the next round of UK practical assessments.

These assessments were originally booked for June 2010 but have now been moved to May 10th - 30th. This change is designed to allow applicants to complete their assessments, receive their results and apply for residency by June 30th.

This is because the points system for migration is changing on July 1st.

However, we think its still going to be a mad rush to get everything prepared and submitted in June so that it is received by immigration by June 30th. Fingers crossed

Wednesday 7 April 2010

new Tier 1 rules unveiled

Today the government have launched the new Tier 1 rules - i.e. the new points system.

The guidance notes reveal new criteria in assessment of applications and the documents required, such as;

The overseas salary multipliers have been amended.

New documents required for self-employed individuals.


For more information see;

www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk

Thursday 1 April 2010

Trades Recognition Australia - new rules

Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) have now implemented a change in their assessment rules.

TRA are the assessment body for nearly all trades workers looking to migrate to Australia.

Now the assessment rules have been changed to require all applicants to be able to show 12 months experience in their trade in the last 24 months before applying. This mirrors the same Department of Immigration requirement.

Of course, this recent 12 months is in addition to previous experience / training to become recognised in one's trade. It will be interesting to see what other rule changes are introduced by TRA and other assessment bodies, prior to the new points system in July.