Em Tanag, RMA Aus and Immigration Adviser NZ | Passport and visa service

Em Tanag, RMA Aus and Immigration Adviser NZ

Phone: +61 3 8547 9586

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25.01.2022 This family violence case is one of those ones I handled early on in my career as an immigration adviser. Seeing how they get back on their feet and rise up after such an ordeal makes me proud of my job no matter how stressful it is. Knowing I made a difference in someone's life makes it all worthwhile Please read and listen to SBS Filipino's 'Breaking Our Silence' series

24.01.2022 TOEFL - Paper based test - removed for Student visas TOEFL-PBT (paper based test) was removed as an accepted English language for Subclass 500 (Student) visa applications due to the test's inability to measure the English language speaking skills of an applicant. NOTE: the OET minimum test score has also been amended in this Instrument from 'pass mark' to a score of at least B for each test component of the OET.... Transitional arrangements TOEFL-PBT results will be accepted for Subclass 500 applicants who: completed the test before 14 October 2017, and achieved the score specified in IMMI 16/019, in either the, 2 years immediately before the date of lodging the Subclass 500 visa, if evidence of the test is provided at time of application, or 2 years immediately before the visa decision is made, if evidence of the test is not provided at the time of application. OR completed the test on or after 14 October 2017, but before commencement of the new Instrument IMMI 18/015 and achieved the score specified in IMMI 16/019, either 2 years immediately before the date of lodging the Subclass 500 visa, if evidence of the test is provided at time of application, or 2 years immediately before the visa decision is made, if evidence of the test is not provided at the time of application, and if requested by the Minister, gives additional evidence of the applicant's English language proficiency as specified in the Minister's request.

24.01.2022 Caseload Report from the Administrative Appeals Tribunal

23.01.2022 Fact sheet for novel corona virus. Information for visa holders and applicants https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au//current-/novel-coronavirus

23.01.2022 The entry ban takes effect from 9pm AEDT Friday, 20 March 2020, with exemptions only for Australian citizens, permanent residents and their immediate family, including spouses, legal guardians and dependants. New Zealand citizens who live in Australia as Australian residents are also exempt, as are New Zealanders transiting to New Zealand. Exemptions for Pacific Islanders transiting to their home countries will continue to apply. Australian citizens and permanent residents and those exempt from our entry restrictions will continue to be subject to a strict 14 days self-isolation.

23.01.2022 Happy New Year everyone!

22.01.2022 Bupa Medical Visa Services, NOT TAKING NEW BOOKINGS In light of the current COVID-19 situation and to ensure we can meet Australian Government guidelines, BUPA Medical is currently not taking new bookings and are rescheduling some existing bookings. New bookings will become available in the coming days once existing bookings have been rescheduled. For customers with existing bookings, you will be notified shortly if your appointment needs to be rescheduled. No action is requi...red from you. Bupa will contact you as soon as possible to reschedule your appointment. If you received request for medical and cannot comply due to the current situation, don't panic. Just notify your case officer of the situation and ask for additional time to comply

22.01.2022 Planning to study in Australia to become a permanent resident later on? Listen to my SBS Filipino interview for some really useful and valuable tips to plan your pathway for PR. For the whole interview, click the link below. My interview starts at 18.42 for 2 January 2020 podcast... Please share to everyone who might be able to use these info

22.01.2022 Perth regional status reinstated Senator for Western Australia Mathias Cormann, in conjunction with WA Premier Mark McGowan and WA Minister for Education and Training Sue Ellery, have jointly announced that Perth's status as a regional city will be reinstated from 16 November 2019. This will allow international students to study in Perth and become eligible for an additional year on a Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa.... You can share this info to anyone who might need it

22.01.2022 New Occupations added in the Medium and Longterm Strategic Skills List for Independent Skilled Visa Arts Administrator or Manager Dancer or Choreographer... Music Director Artistic Director Tennis Coach Footballer Environmental Manager Musician (Instrumental) Statistician Economist Mining Engineer (excluding Petroleum Petroleum Engineer Engineering Professionals nec Chemist Food Technologist Environmental Consultant Environmental Research Scientist Environmental Scientists nec Geophysicist Hydrogeologist Life Scientist (General Biochemist Biotechnologist Botanist Marine Biologist Microbiologist Zoologist Life Scientists nec Conservator Metallurgist Meteorologist Natural and Physical Science Professionals nec University Lecturer Multimedia Specialist Software and Applications Programmers nec Horse Trainer https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2019L00278

22.01.2022 ANNOUNCEMENT! POINTS TEST FOR GENERAL SKILLED MIGRATION TO CHANGE FROM 16 NOV 2019 1) Ten (10) points for having a skilled spouse or de facto partner; 2) Fifteen (15) points for applicants nominated by a State or Territory government or sponsored by a family member residing in regional Australia;... 3) Ten (10) points for having certain Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) qualifications 4) Ten (10) points for applicants who do not have a spouse or de facto partner; and 5) Five (5) points for applicants with a spouse or de facto partner who has competent English. For more info, please contact Bridges Immigration at [email protected] to book for consultation

22.01.2022 ADDITIONAL 1 YEAR FOR TEMPORARY GRADUATE VISA (SUB CLASS 485) FOR REGIONAL GRADUATES International students who graduated at regional campus and had higher education or post graduate qualification will be getting an additional 12 month post-study work visa providing a total of three years for Temporary Graduate visa - regional which will commences on 2021. This visa requires the visa holder to maintain ongoing residence in regional area for first Temporary Graduate visa.

21.01.2022 IMMIGRATION UPDATES Occupation list changes effective 17 January 2018 The changes to the occupation lists have been announced. These changes will apply from today, 17 January 2018.... Occupations added to the STSOL ANZSCO Occupation Caveats 612112 Property manager Yes 272314 Psychotherapist Nil 612115 Real estate representative Yes Occupations moved from STSOL to MLTSSL ANZSCO Occupation Caveats 121316 Horse breeder Yes 224711 Management consultant Yes **No occupations moved from MLTSSL to STSOL Occupations removed from the lists ANZSCO Occupation 312112 Building associate 142114 Hair or beauty salon manager Occupations with caveat only changes ANZSCO Occupation Caveat change 141999 Accommodation and hospitality managers nec New caveat 221112 Management accountant New caveat 411611 Massage therapist Wording amendment 223112 Recruitment consultant Amended caveat 133611 Supply and distribution manager Amended caveat 221113 Taxation accountant Amended caveat

20.01.2022 ATTENTION EVERYONE, Bernadette De Jesus Romulo and her children needs your help. Please sign and share. We have all seen the power of combined support previously. I hope we can show our support to them as well. This is not my case but as a fellow Filipino, I reckon we should all unite and help each other https://bit.ly/2w0FMzA

20.01.2022 Protection Visa due to Covid-19? Think again. This is our joint statement with the Filipino-Australian migration lawyers and advisers. Using the COVID-19 pandemic as reason to apply for a protection visa may not be appropriate. Please read

19.01.2022 For those who decided to just go back in the Philippines. https://bit.ly/39SjqPd

19.01.2022 COVID-19 (Novel coronavirus) enquiry form Use this form to contact the Department in relation to enquiries relating to clients who have recently travelled to a country which is impacted by the Coronavirus travel restrictions introduced by Australia and are wanting to travel to Australia because they: are an immediate family member of Australian citizens and permanent residents including spouses, dependent children and legal guardians,... have a compelling or compassionate reason to travel to Australia urgently https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au//onl/covid19-enquiry-form

19.01.2022 I am, you are, WE ARE AUSTRALIAN It's so heart breaking to see our beautiful Australia burn. As migrants, yes we all came from different parts of the world but Australia gave us a fair go and changed not just our lives but also those of others who relied on us. Through the opportunities Australia gave us, we were able to help our family and friends from our own home country.... It's time to give back to our second home, Australia. Gawad Kalinga (GK) Australia in partnership with the Council of Australian-Filipino Organizations of VIC (CAFOVI) is launching an urgent appeal for DONATIONS for the Bushfire victims in Victoria. Cash donations made to GK Australia will be fully TAX DEDUCTIBLE as they have DGR status with the Australian Charities & Not-for-Profit Commission (ACNC). You may deposit the funds to NAB BSB# 083 004 Acct# 74 477 1799 Acct Name: Gawad Kalinga Australia. Use your Surname as reference. Donations can also be given C/O CAFOVI and deposited to CBA BSB # 063 253 Acct # 1099 9679 Acct Name: CAFOVI. Use your Surname as reference. Please note donations to CAFOVI are not tax deductable. Cash Donations will be used to buy Food and Basic necessities and we will distribute relief packs. For those wanting to make donations in kind: we would like to ask for the following only, as these are the items needed at the Evacuation Centres: Baby food, Pasta, Pasta Sauce, Cooking Oil, Long-life Milk, Ready to eat Meals, Tea, Coffee, Instant Noodles, Juices, Water Bottles, Breakfast Cereals, Biscuits, Canned Goods, toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, shampoo, toilet paper, Disposable Nappies and First Aid items.If you choose to donate in kind please PM me for delivery instructions. Cash donations are preferred so we can purchase the basic necessities. Drop off point in West: URBAN NATION DANCE STUDIO, 19/39 Eucumbene Drive RAVENHALL (near Caroline Spings) tomorrow, Sunday, Jan 5 only from 4:00pm to 6:00pm; Drop off point in the Southwest, 90 Barber Drive Hoppers Crossing starting tomorrow and every night till Sat, Jan 11 from 5pm till 9pm. Drop off points in the South East area starting tomorrow till Friday , Jan 11 from 5.00pm till 8.00pm only are: 34 View Road SPRINGVALE Contact: Jessa Amedo-Trang - Mobile 0401 219-979 27 Forton Crescent CRANBOURNE WEST Contact: Ailane - 0475 787 930 Please ring or message them before dropping off goods. Repacking schedule to be announced later. We also appeal for volunteers who would like to help in the logistics of packing relief packs and driving to East Gippsland to transport the relief packs and distribute them. Volunteers can PM @Marisa-Ric Vedar to have their names and contact details recorded. This is indeed a time of severe devastation. Let us set aside community politics and focus on how we can help. Australia was there to help us when we needed a change in our lives, now AUSTRALIA needs us. Let us all work together, pray together and help together.

18.01.2022 Announcement! VISA FEES TO INCREASE FROM 1 JULY 2019 Australian visa fees to increase starting 1 July 2019. The Government is increasing the base visa application charge (VAC) for all visa sub classes, with the exception of the Visitor (subclass 600) visa, by 5.4 per cent from 1 July 2019. ... There will be no increase to second instalment VACs. This measure is estimated to increase revenue by $275.0 million over the period from 2018-19 to 2021-22.

18.01.2022 Who can give immigration assistance in Australia? Only registered migration agents or an exempt person can legally give immigration assistance in Australia. Education Agents Education agents are not exempt and cannot provide immigration assistance in Australia unless they are also registered as a migration agent.... Penalties for giving immigration assistance if not registered It is an offence for a person to give immigration assistance in Australia unless that person is a registered migration agent (or an exempt person). This offence can attract a penalty of up to two years imprisonment. If the person received money or a reward for their services, the penalty can be up to 10 years imprisonment. Reporting unlawful immigration assistance Unregistered persons who give immigration assistance unlawfully in Australia should be reported to the Department of Home Affairs using the Border Watch Online Report on the Department’s website: www.homeaffairs.gov.au. The report should include the name of the person, their address (if known) and the reason why you suspect they are an unlawful provider of immigration assistance.

18.01.2022 HOW TO BOOK FOR ONE ON ONE CONSULTATION WITH ME We recently implemented an online booking system through our website. To book for appointment, please follow the link below. ... http://bridgesimmigration.com.au/?page_id=161

18.01.2022 ONLINE CITIZENSHIP CEREMONIES Hon Alan Tudge MP, currently acting Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs today announced that citizenship ceremonies will be done online The Government will hold online citizenship ceremonies via secure video link, to enable people to continue to become Australian citizens during the coronavirus crisis.... Current health advice around COVID-19 means it is not possible for traditional, in-person citizenship ceremonies to be held. The Department of Home Affairs has commenced trialling one-on-one ceremonies for those already approved for Australian citizenship. We will work with individuals with an urgent need, who cannot access the internet, to ensure their ceremony can occur safely in line with health advice. When fully implemented, it is expected this new capability will see up to 750 people per day having their citizenship conferred. The Australian Citizenship Act 2007 requires a person to make a pledge of commitment to Australia before a presiding officer. This is a legal requirement which has been in place for decades. Applications for Australian citizenship are still able to be accepted during this period, though citizenship interviews and testing have been put on hold. Additional resources will be deployed to conduct testing and interviews as soon as social distancing measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 ease. There are currently 85,000 people awaiting a ceremony. People who were scheduled to attend a Citizenship appointment or ceremony over the coming months will be contacted to make alternative arrangements.

16.01.2022 IMPORTANT UPDATE FOR SKILLED MIGRATION Pool and Pass Marks for General Skilled Migration Visas will be 65 points starting 1 Jul 2018. Transitional provisions ... For visa applications made on or after 1 July 2018 in response to an invitation given on or after 1 July 2018 the pool and pass mark will be 65. For visa applications made before, on or after 1 July 2018 in response to an invitation given prior to 1 July the pool and pass mark remains at 60.

16.01.2022 Partner Visa: New rules and how to avoid visa refusal By: Marimi Tanag (MARN Number 1386887 Australia) Website: www.bridgesimmigration.com.au Email: [email protected] Ph: 03 8547 9586

16.01.2022 VISA APPLICATION FEE TO INCREASE STARTING 1 JUL 2018. Visa Application Charges paid to the Department will increase by approximately 2.29% starting 1 July 2018 in accordance with the Consumer Price Index. Surcharges for payments using credit cards will also be increasing to 1.32% from 0.98%.

16.01.2022 MORE INFO SESSIONS TO WATCH OUT FOR! (It will be in Tagalog language. English version will be posted in my Youtube account which I will announce later) Tune in again on Sunday 18 Oct 2020 at 11am Melbourne time as we discuss some of the most common scenarios and problems temporary partner visa holders and applicants had to face in the event of death or breakdown of relationship with their sponsor. What will happen if your sponsor dies before you become a permanent resident?... The relationship between you and your sponsor broke down while you are on temporary partner visa or just applied for it, can you still get permanent residency? Can you change sponsor if things didn't work out between you and your ex partner/spouse? Next line up of topics will be (schedule to be announced): -Tips on how to get pathway for permanent residency from student visas - Understanding skilled migration and how you can migrate to Australia without a sponsor. -Transitioning to permanent employer sponsored visas for temporary working visa 457 and 482 holders. -Permanent visa options for Parents of Australian citizens and permanent residents -Pathways for permanent residency for dependent children of Australian citizens and permanent residents -How to prepare for your hearing at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal after visa refusal For those who wants to invite their family and friends to our group Pinoys In Australia Visa Forum, please give them the link rather than just the name because there are other groups out there who copied the name of our group (just a little variation but can be confusing) To book for consultation, please follow the link below. http://bridgesimmigration.com.au/?page_id=161 www.bridgesimmigration.com.au [email protected] Ph. 03 8547 9586

16.01.2022 Services Australia will need 5000 workers to help deliver new support measures for disadvantaged Australians during COVID-19. The extra workers will help deliver new government measures including a temporary corona virus supplement for welfare recipients who will lose their jobs over the coming months, as non-essential services shut down across the country in an attempt to stop the spread of the corona virus. https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/organisations//careers

15.01.2022 To everyone who watched my FB live video earlier, I hope you guys learned something from it. To suggest new topics for me to discuss, please write your suggestion in the comments section.

15.01.2022 DEPT OF HOME AFFAIRS CLOSURE OF FACE TO FACE SERVICES FROM LATE 2018. Starting late 2018, the Department will be closing all face to face services, unless the person has been invited to attend Departmental offices. From late-2018, Home Affairs’ offices will only provide services to people who have a letter from the Department inviting them to attend an appointment in-person. Visa or citizenship enquiries can be resolved more quickly online due to the new website. The vast ma...jority of visa applications will be lodged onlineor by post. If there’s a complex issue, or the Department needs to see someone for biometrics collection or citizenship tests for example a departmental officer will book them an appointment to either come into the office or discuss by telephone. Australian offices will continue to provide the following services: citizenship tests by appointment biometrics collection interviews for certain visa subclasses status resolution.

14.01.2022 (POSTING FOR A CLIENT) JOB VACANCY: Director of Nursing and Care Manager About the company:... This trusted and well-known Aged Care provider has multiple residential aged care homes situated throughout Australia with support from the National Head Office that focused on delivering high-quality support to all their staff in facilities. Salary for Care Manager 90-100K AU$ Salary for Director of Nursing 110-129K AU$ About the role: The DON will have the flexibility to work within various Managers, supporting operational and clinical matters within the residential home. You will report into the Regional Manager and will help grow the Management teams throughout the facility and maintain high standards to be the leading aged care provider in the region. Duties: Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the Aged Care sector, improve clinical indicators and business performance targets. Show an ability to operate independently and professionally with limited supervision. Understand the financial, quality, risk and compliance of how a residential home operates. Skills and experience: Tertiary qualifications in Health, Welfare, Nursing or Social Sciences Experience in Aged Care accreditation and the clinical standards, dementia and challenging behaviours Experience in working closely with multidisciplinary teams With current AHPRA Registration and work rights for Australia How to Apply: If you are passionate about Aged Care and would like to understand more about this position, please feel free to call Grenessil on 02 8320 3260 for a private and confidential discussion. For a full position description email your CV to [email protected] https://www.seek.com.au/job/39180376

13.01.2022 STUDENT VISA UPDATE Living cost increase The Department has released the January 2918 Student Visa Digest. The cost of annual living amounts will increase on 1 February 2018. Every application made where evidence of funds is required, should include updated cost of living amounts in the calculations of funds, from this date. The new annual living amounts are:... Student or guardian AUD $20,290 Partner or spouse: AUD $7,100 Child: AUD $3,040

13.01.2022 ATTENTION! IMPLEMENTATION OF NEW SPONSORSHIP RULES FOR PARTNER VISA WAS POSTPONED! After all the stress we had to go through to lodge all the partner visas before 17 April 2019, announcement was made just now that the implementation of the new sponsorship rules WILL BE POSTPONED. The required legislation and immigration's system is not yet ready so implementation will be delayed. ... I can finally watch Game of Thrones on Monday without all these stress

13.01.2022 Travel Bans The current travel bans for those arriving from Mainland China, Iran, South Korea and Italy remain in place. As of midnight tonight, 15 March 2020 all those arriving in Australia are required to self isolate for 14 days. Some states have already introduced heavy penalties for those who do not comply.... Cruise ships are now also banned from arriving at Australian ports for the next 30 days. Special arrangements are in place for airline and maritime crew staff where specific containment arrangements are in place. Australian citizens and permanent residents Australian citizens and permanent residents are not prevented from entering Australia at this stage. Those arriving in Australia will also be required to self isolate for 14 days. Immediate family - spouses, minor dependants or legal guardians only - holding permanent visas may travel to Australia, however will be required to follow self isolation guidelines. Partners and immediate families of Australian citizens and permanent residents holding temporary visas Partners and immediate families of Australian citizens and permanent residents - spouses, minor dependants or legal guardians only - holding temporary visas are being dealt with on a case by case basis by the Department. Before attempting to travel contact should be made with the relevant post using the Australian Immigration Enquiry Form provided on the Department's website. Visa holders onshore The Department has to announced that onshore visa holders wishing to extend their stay in Australia should apply for an 'appropriate' visa. In many cases this may be a visitor visa. No Further Stay waiver conditions 8503, 8534 and 8535 The Department has also announced that extra resources have been diverted to the No Further Stay waiver section to deal with the increased volume of requests for waivers to allow onshore visa holders to extend their stay. Applicants required to be onshore for lodgement of visa Applicants required to be onshore for the lodgement of visa will need to assess whether travel to Australia and 14 days self isolation onshore is viable to their specific situation. Those wishing to travel from countries where Australia already has travel bans in place, will be required to spend at least 14 days in a third country where travel bans to Australia are not in place before proceeding to Australia. -Information from the Migration Institute of Australia

13.01.2022 Do you know that it is illegal to give immigration assistance if you are not a registered migration agent or an exempt person. Immigration assistance 'Immigration assistance' is defined in section 276 of the Migration Act 1958 (the Act). Generally, immigration assistance is when a person uses knowledge of, or experience in, migration procedures (even without formal qualifications) to:... 1) help prepare a visa application 2) advise a visa applicant about their application 3) help prepare a document in connection with the sponsorship of a visa applicant, or advising the sponsor 4) prepare for proceedings, before a court or a merits review tribunal (such as the Administrative Appeals Tribunals), or represent someone at those proceedings, unless you are a lawyer 5) help, or help to prepare, a request to the Minister to exercise certain powers under the Act in relation to a visa applicant Penalties If a person who is not a registered migration agent gives immigration assistance unlawfully, they can be fined up to $6 600. If the person asks for or receives any fee for giving immigration assistance or making immigration representations, the maximum penalty is imprisonment for 10 years. If a person falsely represents that they are a registered migration agent, the maximum penalty is imprisonment for two years. https://bit.ly/1oKnSlF

12.01.2022 We will be launching our brand new site soon! http://bridgesimmigration.com.au/

12.01.2022 TIPS FOR YOUR VISA APPLICATION Is your visa application being processed by the Australian Embassy in Philippines? Chances are they will require you to provide personal documents like birth certificates, marriage certificates etc coming directly from the Philippine Statistics Office to be delivered to the Australian Embassy in Manila. Documents from Philippines are easily forged and a lot of applicants provide fake or fraudulent documents. To lessen the chances of providing fa...ke documents, the Department requires that the documents from PSA were directly delivered to the Embassy, no chance for the applicant or anybody else not authorised to tamper the papers. Please note that providing fake documents can cause visa refusal and you can be banned for 3 years (10 years for identity fraud). How to lodge an application for documents with the PSA (Philippine Statistics Office)? You can lodge your application with the PSA for relevant documents to support your visa application by using one of the following three methods: 1 ONLINE Please go to www.ecensus.com.ph; Click on Request for copies of Birth/Marriage/Death Certificate/CENOMAR (Singleness) Click on ‘I accept’ on the declaration that appears requesting you agree to terms/conditions of eCensus; Complete the form online for your documents; Ensure that your delivery address is the Australian Embassy as guided by the website; Ensure that you state the purpose for the documents as ‘Australian Visa’ Once completed, the PSA will courier your requested documents directly to the Visa Office of the Australian Embassy in Manila to be attached and considered with your visa application. 2 PHONE Call the PSA Helpline on: (02) 737 1111; Speak with the operator to order your documents; Ensure that you advise the operator that the purpose for the documents are for an Australian Visa; Ensure that you advise the operator that your visa application will be lodged/is under consideration by the Australian Embassy Manila Once completed, the PSA will courier your requested documents directly to the Visa Office of the Australian Embassy in Manila to be attached and considered with your visa application. 3 WEBCHAT Please go to www.birthcertificates.com.ph Click on Online webchat available Follow the prompts to choose the documents you are requesting; Ensure that you advise the operator that the purpose for your documents are for an Australian Visa Ensure that you advise the operator that your visa application will be lodged/is under consideration by the Australian Embassy Manila Once completed, the PSA will courier your requested documents directly to the Visa Office of the Australian Embassy in Manila to be attached and considered with your application.

11.01.2022 REFUNDS FOR VISITOR VISA HOLDERS AND PROSPECTIVE MARRIAGE VISA HOLDERS If you are a visitor visa holder and current overseas, you can be eligible for visa fee waiver when you apply for a new visitor visa if your current visitor visa expired or will expire between March 2020 and December 2021. Visa application charge refunds will also be available for Prospective Marriage visa holders who have been unable to enter Australia before their visa expired, due to COVID-19 related t...ravel restrictions. Website: www.bridgesimmigration.com.au Email: [email protected] Ph: 03 8547 9586 To book for consultation, please follow this link: http://bridgesimmigration.com.au/?page_id=161

11.01.2022 The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has issued advice recommending Australians abroad return home as soon as possible via commercial flights. All Australians are advised to reconsider your need for overseas travel at this time. Regardless of your destination, age or health, if your overseas travel is not essential, consider carefully whether now is the right time.... As more countries close their borders or introduce travel restrictions, overseas travel is becoming more complex and difficult. You may not be able to return to Australia when you had planned to. Consider whether you have access to health care and support systems if you get sick while overseas. If you decide to return to Australia, do so as soon as possible. Commercial options may become less available. https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/news-/coronavirus-covid-19

11.01.2022 ANNOUNCEMENT: BIG CHANGES FOR PARTNER VISAS ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT AND SPONSORSHIP PROVISIONS TO BE IMPLEMENTED (please note: this is not applicable to those who already lodged their application and just waiting for the results. IT WILL BE APPLIED TO FUTURE APPLICATIONS, NOT TO THOSE WHO ALREADY APPLIED) ENGLISH REQUIREMENT FOR PARTNER VISA AND SPONSORSHIP PROVISIONS TO BE IMPLEMENTED...Continue reading

11.01.2022 UPDATES AND OTHER CHANGES IN IMMIGRATION LAW STARTING 1 JUL 2018 Each year the Department closes its online service channels on 30th June to enable legislative changes and system updates. This year the Department will be closing these channels earlier than in previous years. To avoid disruption, we strongly encourage you to lodge all applications by the close of business Friday 29th June 2018. ...Continue reading

10.01.2022 How to request a waiver of "No further stay condition" A request for waiver can be made by completing Form 1447 'No Further Stay' waiver request or by request in writing. Attach:... a certified copy of the personal details page of your passport documentary evidence to support your claims for requesting waiver. This evidence can include medical reports. Documents not in English must have accompanying English translations. Translations must be National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters accredited Send the completed form and documentary evidence to: [email protected]. If you can't send the form and documents by email, post your form with all supporting documentation to: Department of Home Affairs Brisbane No Further Stay Waiver Request Processing Centre GPO Box 9984 Brisbane Qld 4001. A waiver is not automatic. It takes around 28 days to receive an outcome on a waiver request. If we ask you to provide more information, it could take longer.

10.01.2022 IS YOUR VISA EXPIRING THIS WEEKEND? Please note that the online lodgement system will have system maintenance this weekend. Planned System Maintenance... ImmiAccount will be unavailable on the following dates/times AEDT (GMT+11): * 9am until 9pm Saturday 13 January 2018 LEGENDCom will also be unavailable on the following dates/times AEDT (GMT+11): * 9am until 9pm Sunday 14 January 2018

09.01.2022 Permanent visa pathways in case of death or breakdown of relationship for temporary partner visa holders and applicants

09.01.2022 Parent visa lodgement - postal and courier addresses Addresses for Applications for Parent Visas) Instrument 2018, specifies the addresses for lodging parent visa applications. The specified postal address is:... Parent Visa Centre Locked Bag 7 NORTHBRIDGE WA 6865 AUSTRALIA The specified courier address is: Parent Visa Centre Wellington Central Ground Floor 836 Wellington Street WEST PERTH WA 6005 AUSTRALIA This Instrument commences on 6 January 2018.

08.01.2022 Australia closes borders to all non residents and non Australian citizens - Effective 9pm, Friday, 20th March 2020 https://www.sbs.com.au//australia-set-to-introduce-travel-

08.01.2022 Five year subclass 870 Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa to commence on 17 April 2019. On 1 March 2019, Minister Coleman announced that applications to sponsor a parent for a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa will be open from 17 April 2019. Once a sponsorship application has been approved, a sponsored parent will be able to apply for a Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa. Applications for the visa are intended to open from 1 July 2019... The visa provides parents with a new pathway to temporarily reunite with their children and grandchildren in Australia, while ensuring that taxpayers are not required to cover additional costs. The visa responds to community concerns about the limited number of Parent places in the migration program and associated lengthy waiting periods. To be eligible for the visa, a parent must be the biological, adoptive, or step-parent of the sponsor, who must be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. https://bit.ly/2EEfg0Z

08.01.2022 We'll be LIVE in 30 minutes. TOPIC: Student Visa Holders Pathway to Permanent Residency

07.01.2022 RE-POST: WHY ONSHORE PARTNER VISA IS THE BETTER OPTION I always recommend doing an onshore partner visa rather than fiance visa or offshore partner visa. These are the advantages of an onshore partner visa application, you can: 1) Stay in Australia during the whole duration while your partner visa is being processed.... 2) You will be able to get work rights as soon as your tourist visa expires allowing you to work while waiting for your new visa. 3) You will be eligible for medicare which can be of big help especially in case of pregnancy. 4) You have the right to file for merits review/ appeal in case your application is refused. 5) In case the relationship breaks down while your application is being processed, you will have the chance to fight for your ability to stay in Australia and there are more options available unlike with offshore application (when the sponsor withdraw the sponsorship). 6) If the sponsor dies, your application can still be approved as long as you can meet the criteria. The only set back with onshore application is that it generally takes longer to process (average is 10 to 18 months). Not much pressure to finalise it anyway because the applicant is already enjoying the privileges of someone with a partner visa while waiting for the results. With offshore partner visa application, non of these advantages are available. However, based on my experience, offshore application can be a lot quicker (average is 4 to 5 months). However, other cases can still take up to 12 months time processing.

07.01.2022 Change of passport details You need to advise the Department of any changes to your passport details before and after a visa was granted to you. Where a new passport has been issued or you hold an additional passport(s), you need to provide a copy of the bio-data page of this new or additional passport(s) with this form in order for the Department to confirm your identity.... Change of name in passport Where a new passport has been issued with a new name, you should provide certified copies of the Bio-data page of the previous passport, new passport and official evidence of name change (eg. change of name certificate, marriage certificate) with this form in order for the Department to confirm your identity. If you have an endorsement in your current passport with your new name as the principal name, you need to provide certified copies of relevant pages of the current passport and official evidence of name change with this form in order for the Department to confirm your identity. Your departmental records will be updated and new details linked to your record on the Department’s systems to facilitate your travel. You can return this completed form and attachments by email to [email protected]

06.01.2022 STUDENT VISA AND PATHWAY TO PERMANENT RESIDENCY Listen to my SBS Filipino interview as I explained why student visa is not the best pathway for permanent residency. In this interview, I also discussed the things a student should do to have pathway for permanent residency if in case they really have no other alternative.

06.01.2022 Changes in State Nomination Migration Program of WA's Graduate Stream Criteria The State Nomination Migration Program (SNMP) Graduate stream will soon be more accessible for international students who study in Western Australia. On 16 October 2019 Premier Mark McGowan announced that the Graduate Stream of the SNMP will be extended to include vocational education and training (VET) graduates who complete a qualification in Western Australia at Certificate III level or above, e...xcluding trade occupations (unless approved for delivery to international students). The first invitation round to include VET graduates will be issued in December 2019. Other changes to the SNMP Graduate stream are: Studied in Higher Education, VET and/or English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) will all count towards the requirement to study for two years in Western Australia. Work experience and job offer requirements will also be reduced. Graduates will need to either demonstrate six months of work experience or a six month employment contract, but not both. Currently, international students need to have 12 months of work experience plus a job offer for 12 months. A new Graduate Occupation List and updated eligibility criteria for the Graduate stream will be published on the Migration portal prior to the December invitation round.

06.01.2022 Are you enduring an abusive relationship because of your fear to be deported? Listen to a story most migrants on temporary (partner) visas can relate to and hopefully you can learn something out of it. I was also interviewed for this article and I hope it can encourage you. Just because you're not a permanent resident does not mean you don't have rights. Help is available if you seek for it.

05.01.2022 FINANCIAL CAPACITY REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENT VISA Applicants for student visas are required to provide evidence that they have the financial capability to support their studies. SCHOOL FEES: ... Around $15,000 TO $40,000. Tuition Fees for International Students ranges from $15,000 (Australian dollars) to $40,000 per year of study depending on the course and university. The average fee is over $30,000. LIVING COSTS: From 1 February 2018, the 12 month living cost is: Student/guardian AUD20,290 Partner/spouse AUD7,100 Child AUD3,040 Schooling costs of children Where school aged children are included in your student visa application, schooling costs of AUD8,000 per year for each child will need to be added to the amount of funds that is required. This amount is the minimum required for a visa application only and you are responsible for researching schooling costs, which may vary widely between states, territories and schools in Australia. Travel costs If applying outside Australia, include AUD2,000 If applying in Australia, include AUD1,000 HEALTH INSURANCE All student visa holders must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) which provides medical and hospital insurance in Australia. You must not arrive in Australia before your health insurance starts. Family members of students Family members of existing student visa holders will need to apply for a subclass 500 visa if they do not currently hold a student visa and wish to join you in Australia. Generally, the same level of evidentiary requirements of financial capacity applied to primary applicants (students) would apply to your family members, including subsequent dependants. In all circumstances, our officers have discretion to ask for further evidence of funds, if required.

05.01.2022 Updates Regarding Skill Select Starting 11 Aug 2018, SkillSelect invitation rounds for Skilled - Independent (subclass 189) and Skilled - Regional Provisional (subclass 489) will occur once each month, on the 11th day of each month. There is no change to the overall number of invitations provided each month. Please also note that that from 1 July 2018:... 1) the pass mark for skilled partner points will be 65 points 2) age must be under 45 3) invitations to apply for a visa pre-1 July 2018 with 60 points and/or claimed points for a skilled partner under 50 will be assessed against pre-1 July provision.

05.01.2022 JOB HIRING: METAL FABRICATOR Our client needs 4 metal fabricator for their factory located at Sunshine North in Victoria. The employer builds a range of rigid truck bodies such as Refrigerated Bodies, FRP bodies, Colorbond Bodies, Trays, Food Truck and Curtainsiders. ... They would like someone who can start asap. They are willing to provide visa sponsorship for qualified applicants. Please email your resume to us at [email protected]

05.01.2022 IMMI ACCOUNT CHANGES. The Department of Home Affairs will be performing scheduled maintenance to ImmiAccount on 2 March 2018, which will include changes to its functionality and the display of information. The attached document provides an overview of the upcoming changes. Please share this information with staff and colleagues within your organisation who access ImmiAccount. There will be a systems outage from 8pm Friday 2 March to 9am Saturday 3 March 2018 to deploy the cha...nges, during which time the following online services will be unavailable: ImmiAccount eLodgement (Online visa, citizenship, detention visit and APEC Business Travel Card applications) My Health Declarations (MHD) service eMedical Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) LEGENDcom Australian Trusted Trader. For more information about the new functionality, or if you need to report a technical issue in ImmiAccount, please contact the ImmiAccount team through the ImmiAccount Technical Support Form at https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au//immiaccount-technical-supp.

05.01.2022 Are you planning to apply for Australian Partner Visa or waiting for the results of your pending visa application? Learn tips on how to avoid refusal on your application by joining me in this online info session. You should not miss this out. Click like and follow my page to attend my online info session about Partner visa on Sunday 11 Oct 2020 at 11am Melbourne time. ... Please share to your family and friends

05.01.2022 Visa expiring soon and no other option? New Temporary Activity visa (subclass 408)- COVID19 pandemic Visa Stream announced A new stream under COVID-19 Pandemic was announced.... This visa will allow visa holders to: remain in Australia if you have no other visa options and are unable to depart Australia due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. remain in Australia to assist in critical sectors including healthcare, disability and aged care, childcare and agriculture during the COVID-19 pandemic. This visa is designed to allow holders of temporary visas who are engaged in or have the relevant skills to undertake critical work relating to supply of essential goods and services to meet the emergency situation caused by COVID-19. To book for consultation, please follow the link below. http://bridgesimmigration.com.au/?page_id=161 Please share this info

04.01.2022 HOW LONG DOES A PERSON HAS TO BE IN AUSTRALIA IN ORDER TO APPLY FOR AUSTRALIAN CITIZENSHIP? The normal residence requirement for an application for Australian Citizenship (by conferral) is 4 years of 'lawful residence'. The 4 years residence can include periods of lawful temporary residence as long as the person is a permanent resident for the last 12 months before the application.... For example, a person can be on a tourist visa for 1 year, then 2 years temporary working visa and 1 year as a permanent resident. A person is allowed to be absent from Australia for up to 12 months within the four year period although the maximum period away cannot exceed 3 months in the the 12 months immediately before the application for citizenship.

02.01.2022 For those who are on student visa or planning to apply for student visa with the intention of gaining permanent residency later on, watch this info session and know the pathways and how you should plan your course of action to obtain permanent residency. Please share to your family and friends because this will be a very informative session

01.01.2022 A complete list of people authorised to make certified copies List of people authorised to certify copies of original documents Under Section 39 of the Oaths and Affirmations Act 2018 (External link) (as of 1 March 2019) the list of persons who may certify copies of original documents includes:...Continue reading

01.01.2022 Planning to migrate to Australia as a Teacher? https://www.sbs.com.au//challenges-migrating-teacher-austr

01.01.2022 New border security screening coming for Australian permanent residents visiting New Zealand. From October people from 60 countries who currently do not need visitor visas including Australian permanent residents will have to apply for an electronic travel authority (ETA) and declare any criminal history before departure. Australian citizens travelling on Australian passports will still have to declare any criminal convictions on arrival cards, but they will not require a...n ETA. https://bit.ly/2JJn5qL