Australian Immigration Associates in Eltham, Victoria, Australia | Immigration lawyer

Australian Immigration Associates

Locality: Eltham, Victoria, Australia

Phone: +61 3 9431 2929

Address: Suite 1A, 978 Main Road 3095 Eltham, VIC, Australia

Website: http://www.australianimmigrationassociates.com.au

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25.01.2022 Western Australia On a Nominated Regional visa (subclass 489), you are required to live and work in a regional or low population growth metropolitan area. You cannot live or work in the capital city of Perth.... In Western Australia there are nine areas which are considered to be regional: Gascoyne Goldfields-Esperance Kimberley Pilbara Mid West South West Great Southern Peel Wheatbelt Below are the postcodes for areas which are considered regional in Western Australia. Western Australia except Perth and surrounding areas 6041 to 6044 6083 to 6084 6121 to 6126 6200 to 6799

24.01.2022 Independent review of the 457 programme On 18 March 2015, the Government responded to the recommendations of the panel, and a copy of the recommendations and information on the Government response is available at http://www.immi.gov.au//reviews-a/government-response.aspx. The majority of the reforms to the 457 programme will be progressed before the end of the 2015-16 programme year.

23.01.2022 Changes to the Member of the Family Unit (MOFU) definition for Subclass 457 visa applications. The two key differences from current arrangements are: only partners and children can meet the definition (other relatives are no longer permitted);... children are limited to individuals aged: under 18; or between 18 and 23 only if they are dependent (an upper age limit has been added); or 23 or older only if they are physically or mentally incapacitated for work These new arrangements will impact all applications lodged on or after 19 November 2016 (applications lodged prior to this date must still be assessed against the existing requirements).

21.01.2022 How can I extend my stay? If you want to stay in Australia longer than your original visa lets you, you will need to apply for a further visa of the same kind or another visa. How much longer you can stay in Australia will depend on the visa that you have, or the visa that you apply for.... If you have a No further stay condition on your visa, you cannot apply for a new visa while you are in Australia. You must leave Australia no later than the date on which your visa ends, except in extremely limited circumstances. To find out more please contact Australian Immigration Associates.

21.01.2022 Most migrants are very satisfied with their lives in Australia... http://www.abc.net.au//new-zealanders-report-highe/7778520

20.01.2022 New English requirements for Subclass 457 visas http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/F2015L00563

18.01.2022 Check out the new Skilled Occupation List (SOL) and Consolidated Sponsored Occupation List (CSOL) for 2016-17 that commences on 1 July 2016. https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2016L00800/Html/Text

18.01.2022 Migration (IMMI 17/035: Specification of Income Threshold and Exemptions for Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa (New Zealand Stream)) Instrument 2017 The Legislative Instrument - F2017L00723 - IMMI 17/035 - Specification of Income Threshold and Exemptions for Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa (New Zealand Stream) Instrument 2017 was issued on 21 June and will be in effect from 1 July 2017. This Instrument specifies for Schedule 2, for 189.233(1)(a) the following mi...nimum income threshold: Completed income year Minimum amount of income 2011-2012 $49,330 2012-2013 $51,400 2013-2014 $53,900 2014-2015 $53,900 2015-2016 $53,900 2016-2017 $53,900 In addition to this, the Instrument also specifies for 189.233 (1)(b) of Schedule 2, the class of exempt applicants and evidence in relation to that class. The Primary NZ applicants must: 1. hold a Subclass 444 (Special Category) Visa; and 2. were unable to meet the income requirement for any period during 5 years immediately before making an application due to reasons outlined in the instrument; and/or 3. if the applicant returned to New Zealand; and/or 4. immediately prior to the period of parental or carers leave, had an annual income that was no less than the applicable minimum amount specified; and/or 5. have resumed, or are expected to resume within a reasonable period. See more

17.01.2022 Melbourne named worlds most liveable city, for fifth year running Read more: http://www.theage.com.au//melbourne-named-worlds-most-live Follow us: @theage on Twitter | theageAustralia on Facebook

17.01.2022 Hungry diners exploit Melbourne food chain Melbourne restaurant chain Lentil as Anything is feeling underwhelmed after losing $4000 in one evening it has been reported. According to The Age the not for profit organisation completely funded by customer donations, operates four vegetarian restaurants in Melbourne and another in Sydney.... There have been incidents when a lack of donations has meant the restaurant chain has been working at a loss, but figures reported from the Abbotsford branch after a busy day suggest a loss of $4000. Lentil as Anything provides a healthy and enjoyable dining experience for everyone. There is no set price and customers donate whatever they wish into the collection boxes. Signs at each of the restaurants suggest a donation of $12 will cover the cost of a meal and assist with overheads. People who cannot afford to contribute are encouraged to volunteer in the restaurant or contribute another time. Founder of the chain Shanaka Fernando said that the community had been very generous and supportive in keeping the restaurants up and running since the first one opened in 2000. It is difficult to ignore the fact that some customers treat the restaurant as a place to go and eat for free. After a music festival the Abbotsford restaurant collected $3995 form 1457 people, many returning from the event. Staff have since posted We are not a spot to get a free feed after so long hours partying on the dance floor. Overall we are strong and sustainable, Fernando said. Every now and then we get hit by something like this and we just need to remind people that if they think their actions are not impacting on us, then think again. There are no plans to remove the pay as you feel model. Fernando said We are trying to put the onus on people to show that people are intelligent and people have got integrity.

16.01.2022 Reforms to Australias permanent employer sponsored skilled migration program Changes from March 2018 From March 2018, for ENS and RSMS:... - For the ENS and RSMS visa: The MLTSSL will now apply, with additional occupations available to support regional employers for the RSMS. - Minimum market salary rate: Employers must pay the Australian market salary rate and meet the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold. 1 - Residency: The permanent residence eligibility period will be extended from two to three years. - Work experience: At least three years relevant work experience. - Age: All applicants must be under the maximum age requirement of 45 at the time of application. - Training requirement: a strengthened training requirement for employers to contribute towards training Australian workers.

16.01.2022 Reforms to Australias permanent employer sponsored skilled migration program From 1 July 2017, for permanent employer sponsored skilled visa programs: - Occupations lists: The STSOL will be further reviewed based on advice from the Department of Employment. The MLTSSL will be revised based on outcomes from the Department of Education and Trainings 2017-18 SOL review.... - English language requirements: A requirement of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) (or equivalent test) score of 6 in each component. - Age: A maximum age requirement of 45 at the time of application will apply to Direct Entry stream applicants. A maximum age requirement of 50 at the time of application will continue to apply to Temporary Residence Transition stream applicants.

16.01.2022 Reforms to Australias temporary employer sponsored skilled migration programabolition and replacement of the 457 visa Changes from March 2018 From March 2018, the 457 visa will be abolished and replaced with the TSS visa. The TSS visa will be comprised of a Short-Term stream of up to two years, and a Medium-Term stream of up to four years.... The Short-Term stream is designed for Australian businesses to fill skill gaps with foreign workers on a temporary basis, where a suitably skilled Australian worker cannot be sourced. The Medium-Term stream will allow employers to source foreign workers to address shortages in a narrower range of high skill and critical need occupations, where a suitably skilled Australian worker cannot be sourced. The Short-Term stream will include the following criteria: - Renewal: Capacity for visa renewal onshore once only. - Occupations: o For non-regional Australia, the STSOL will apply. o For regional Australia, the STSOL will apply, with additional occupations available to support regional employers. - English language requirements: A requirement of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) (or equivalent test) score of 5, with a minimum of 4.5 in each test component. - Genuine entry: A genuine temporary entrant requirement. The Medium-Term stream will include the following criteria: - Renewal: Capacity for visa renewal onshore and a permanent residence pathway after three years. - Occupation lists: o For non-regional Australia - the MLTSSL will apply. o For regional Australia - the MLTSSL will apply, with additional occupations available to support regional employers. - English language requirements: a requirement of a minimum of IELTS 5 (or equivalent test) in each test component. Eligibility criteria for both streams will include: - Work experience: at least two years relevant work experience. - Labour market testing (LMT): LMT will be mandatory, unless an international obligation applies. - Minimum market salary rate: Employers must pay the Australian market salary rate and meet the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold requirements.1 - Character: Mandatory penal clearance certificates to be provided. - Workforce: A non-discriminatory workforce test to ensure employers are not actively discriminating against Australian workers. - Training requirement: a strengthened training requirement for employers to contribute towards training Australian workers.

15.01.2022 How will my visa be checked at the airport without a visa label? When you check-in to fly to Australia, airline staff will electronically confirm that you have a valid visa to travel to Australia before you board the plane. This happens even if you have a visa label in your passport. Airlines that fly to Australia must provide details of all passengers to Australias immigration and customs authorities ahead of their arrival in Australia, using the Advanced Passenger Processi...ng (APP) system. APP enables airlines to confirm with Australian authorities that a passenger or crew member has the authority for travel to Australia. These checks are undertaken prior to boarding and typically only take seconds to complete.

13.01.2022 Accounting Skills Assessment Update Changes to Migration Assessments - Effective 1st July, 2015 Changes to the assessment criteria will be implemented with effect from Wednesday, 1 July 2015. The total number of core knowledge areas will be consolidated the current 12 down to 9 core areas.... Candidates must meet at least seven (7) core knowledge areas, with the exception of External Auditors and Taxation Accountants, who must meet at least eight (8) respectively. https://www.publicaccountants.org.au/news_alert

13.01.2022 Immigration Department looks to cut hundreds of public service jobs http://www.abc.net.au//immigration-department-look/7750360

13.01.2022 Do Australian organisations need to see a visa label? No. Australian visas can be verified electronically by third parties in a number of different ways (depending on their needs). Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) is the primary online option for the majority of third parties.... With your permission, your visa status and entitlements can be checked online by organisations such as: employers labour hire companies road and traffic authorities education institutions banks and other organisations.

12.01.2022 Changes to the 457 visa programme These changes action the recommendations in the 457 Integrity Review. The Department of Immigration:... has expanded the list of English language providers, to include test of English as a Foreign Language internet based test (TOEFL IBT), Pearson Test of English (PTE); and Cambridge English Advanced (CAE) test (conducted on or after 1 January 2015); will accept an overall test score with minimum scores of each test component (reading, writing, speaking and listening); and will grant an exemption when an applicant can provide evidence of five cumulative years of study in English at the secondary or tertiary level, rather than proof of five years consecutive secondary or tertiary study in English. has extended the term of standard business sponsorship to 5 years commencing from the date of approval. has extended the sponsorship period for start-up businesses from twelve (12) months to eighteen (18) months. has reduced the market salary exemption threshold from $250,000 to $180,000, this is now in line with the marginal tax rate. has extended the notifiable period for sponsors from 10 working days to 28 calendar days.

12.01.2022 Changes to minimum English language test scores for subclasses 476 and 485 From 18 April 2015, minimum English language test scores for the Skilled Recognised Graduate (subclass 476) and Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visas will change. If you lodge an application for either of these visas on or after 18 April, you must provide evidence of having achieved one of the following in a test taken in the three years immediately prior to lodging your visa application:... an overall score of at least 6, with nothing below 5 in each of the four test components (speaking, reading, listening and writing) in an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test a score of at least B in each of the four test components (speaking, reading, listening and writing) of an Occupational English Test (OET) a total score of at least 64, with nothing below 4 for listening, 4 for reading, 14 for writing and 14 for speaking, in a Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based test (TOEFL iBT) an overall score of at least 50 with nothing below 36 in each of the four test components (listening, reading, writing and speaking) in a Pearson Test of English Academic an overall score of at least 169 with nothing below 154 in each of the four test components (listening, reading, writing and speaking) in a Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) test taken on or after 1 January 2015. This change means the competent English requirement no longer applies to subclasses 476 and 485. Only minimum English test scores will change. Applicants will still meet the English requirement if they hold a valid passport issued by the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada, New Zealand or the Republic of Ireland.

10.01.2022 WHV - 6076 & 6011 postcodes added to regional locations Legislative Instrument - IMMI 16/087 - F2016L01441 - Migration Regulations 1994 - Working Holiday Visa - Definitions of Specified Work and Regional Australia ... This Instrument revokes the previous Instrument IMMI 16/041 and specifies the locations and work activities that satisfy the eligibility requirements for the grant of a second Working Holiday Subclass 417 visa. Two postcodes have been added to the locations: 6076 and 6111 in Perth Hills, Western Australia. Note that since 5 May 2016, Norfolk Island has also been included as a regional location for this purpose. The specified activities remain unchanged: plant and animal cultivation fishing and pearling tree farming and felling mining construction This Instrument commences on 16 September 2016.

09.01.2022 Finally some good news for Kiwis living and working in Australia. The Australian government has announced a new pathway for Kiwis wanting to obtain permanent residence commencing on 1 July 2017, check the link to the Immigration website for more details: http://www.border.gov.au/Visas//an-additional-pathway.aspx We will provide further details as they are announced.

08.01.2022 39 Illegal workers nabbed at Barooga Thursday, 12 February 2015 Immigration compliance officers yesterday located nearly 40 illegal workers on the NSW-Victorian border, prompting warnings to employers to check their employees are working legally.... Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash, said the workers, all from Malaysia and Indonesia, were located in a pre-dawn operation at a number of properties and sites around the farming community of Barooga, north-west of Albury-Wodonga. "This group, which comprised 28 men and 11 women, had arrived in Australia on student or visitor visas which had since expired or been cancelled," Minister Cash said. "I commend the professional action of the Departments combined compliance teams from ACT, NSW, Victoria and South Australia, with support from NSW Police, in capturing this very large group of illegal workers. "This government will not only act to remove illegal workers from Australia, but will also actively pursue any farm owner or labour hire company found to be involved in this sort of unlawful activity. "Yesterdays operation provides further evidence that the Coalition Governments increased focus on compliance is producing excellent results." Some of the detained illegal workers will be transferred to Adelaide Immigration Transit Accommodation while the remainder will be taken to Melbourne Immigration Transit Accommodation and Maribyrnong Immigration Detention Centre pending their removal from Australia at the earliest opportunity. The Barooga compliance activity follows similar compliance operations conducted in the farm community around Euston in south-western NSW late last year in which 40 illegal farm workers were detained.

08.01.2022 Melbourne is the worlds most liveable city http://www.economist.com//graphicdet/2015/08/daily-chart-5

08.01.2022 Reforms to Australias permanent employer sponsored skilled migration program Changes by December 2017 Before 31 December 2017, for permanent employer sponsored skilled visa programs:... - The Department of Immigration and Border Protection (the Department) will commence the collection of Tax File Numbers for these visa holders, and data will be matched with the Australian Tax Offices records to ensure that visa holders are not paid less than their nominated salary. - The Department will commence the publication of details relating to sponsors sanctioned for failing to meet their obligations under the Migration Regulation 1994 and related legislation.

05.01.2022 Reforms to Australias permanent employer sponsored skilled migration program Changes from April 2017 From 19 April 2017, for new applicants for permanent employer sponsored skilled visa programs:... - Occupation lists: The Consolidated Sponsored Occupation List (CSOL) will be significantly condensed, with 216 occupations removed, and access to 24 occupations restricted to regional Australia (e.g. occupations relating to farming and agriculture). The CSOL currently underpins the Direct Entry stream of the ENS visa. - The CSOL will also be renamed the new Short-Term Skilled Occupations List (STSOL) and will be updated every six months based on advice from the Department of Employment. - The other occupations list used for skilled migration, the Skilled Occupations List (SOL) will be renamed the new Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). This list will contain occupations that have been assessed as being of high value to the Australian economy and aligning to the Governments longer term training and workforce strategies.

05.01.2022 Assistant Minister - Ministerial Advisory Council on Skilled Migration renewed Tuesday, 02 June 2015 A nine-member panel comprising both new and returning members has been appointed as the next Ministerial Advisory Council on Skilled Migration (MACSM).... Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash said the Council will advise the Government on visa and policy settings to optimise the contribution of skilled migration to Australias productivity and economy. These nine members all bring with them a wealth of experience and represent industry, unions and state and territory governments. All appointments will initially be for 12 months, Minister Cash said. I can confirm Mr Innes Willox, the Chief Executive of the Australian Industry Group, will Chair the MACSM and Ms Gerardine Kearney, the President of the Australian Council of Trade Unions has also been reappointed. I am confident the new panel will benefit from the experience of Mr Willox and Ms Kearney as former panel members. Following reviews of the subclass 457 and Significant Investor Visa programmes, the revised Terms of Reference for the council are now far more substantive, informed and comprehensive. The new Council will better meet industries and Australias needs in the skilled migration space, as the Government has taken into consideration visa reviews and recommendations to guide us in putting together a panel, Minister Cash said. One of the first tasks of the panel will be to review the composition of the Consolidated Sponsored Occupations List, with a view to increasing the productivity contribution of sponsored migration. The first meeting of MACSM will be held in Sydney on 19 June 2015. Other MACSM members of the Council are: Mr John Azarias, Senior Partner from Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu; Ms Su McCluskey, Chief Executive Officer at Regional Australia Institute; Mr Steve Knott, Chief Executive of Australian Mines and Metals Association; Mr Brett Moller, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland; Ms Carol Giuseppi, Acting Chief Executive Officer at Tourism Accommodation Australia; and Ms Sylvia Burbery, General Manager of Mars Petcare Australia/New Zealand.

05.01.2022 Migrant Intake into Australia Inquiry report This report was sent to Government on 13 April 2016 and publicly released on 12 September 2016.... This report presents an assessment of the benefits and costs of temporary and permanent immigration, with regard to the budgets and balance sheets of Australian governments, and the income, wealth and living standards of Australian citizens.

04.01.2022 Working in Australia - six months with one employer If you hold a Working Holiday (subclass 417) or Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa, the main purpose of your visit must be for an extended holiday. You can do any kind of work over the course of your 12 month stay in Australia; however, the conditions of your visa limit you to a maximum period of six months work with any one employer, unless youve been given permission by the Department of Immigration and Border Protectio...n to work longer. However, you do not need to seek permission to work with the same employer for up to 12 months, in circumstances where the work is undertaken in different locations and work in any one location does not exceed six months. For example, you can work with one employer for up to 12 months in the following situations: hotels, resorts or restaurants within the same chain, provided they are in different premises independently owned franchises, in different workplaces State and Territory schools and health care facilities, provided these facilities are at different addresses separate branches or facilities (for example abattoirs or farms) of the same organisation or business owner.

04.01.2022 On 18 April 2017, the Hon Malcolm Turnbull MP, Prime Minister of Australia and the Hon Peter Dutton MP, Minister for Immigration and Border Protection jointly announced that the Temporary Work (Skilled) visa (subclass 457 visa) will be abolished and replaced with the completely new Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa which will support businesses in addressing genuine skill shortages. Further information on these reforms is available at Abolition and replacement of the 457 vi...sa Government reforms to employer sponsored skilled migration visas. The Temporary Work (Skilled) visa (subclass 457) allows skilled workers to come to Australia and work for an approved business for up to: four years after it is granted if your occupation is listed on the Medium and Long term Strategic Skilled List (MLTSSL) two years after it is granted if your occupation is not listed on the MLTSSL. You must be sponsored by an approved business. A business can sponsor someone for this visa if they cannot find an Australian citizen or permanent resident to do the skilled work. You can be in or outside Australia when you lodge your application. http://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Work/457-abolition-replacement

04.01.2022 WA Skilled Occupations List down from 178 to 18 Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan announced that the West Australian Skilled Migration Occupations List (WASMOL) used for state nomination has been slashed. The new list contains 18 occupations which the Premier said reflects the fields where there is a genuine need to attract overseas workers.... Applicants are required to provide evidence of a minimum one year full-time employment contract for all occupations on the WASMOL. The 18 occupations in the new WASMOL are: Sonographer Orthoptist Audiologist General Practitioner Gastroenterologist Rheumatologist Psychiatrist Neurosurgeon Otorhinolaryngologist Vascular Surgeon Obstetrician and Gynaecologist Radiation Oncologist Midwife Registered Nurse (Child and Family Health) Registered Nurse (Community Health) Registered Nurse (Critical Care and Emergency) Registered Nurse (Mental Health) Registered Nurse (Perioperative)

02.01.2022 Subclass 457 visa and condition 8107 From 19 November 2016, the period that a primary subclass 457 visa holder can remain in Australia after their employment ceases will be reduced from 90 days to 60 days. This change would apply to subclass... 457 visas granted on, or after, 19 November 2016. See more

01.01.2022 http://www.liveinvictoria.vic.gov.au//visa-nomination-occu

01.01.2022 The new simplified student visa framework (SSVF) From 1 July 2016 the SSVF will come into effect. Key changes under the SSVF are:... international students will apply for a single Student visa (subclass 500), regardless of their chosen course of study student guardians will apply for the new Student Guardian (subclass 590) visa