Victoria State Skilled Occupation Lists Update

The Victorian State Government has made the following announcement:

Updates to Victoria’s State Nomination Occupation List and State Nomination Occupation List for Graduates were published on 10 September 2013.

These lists detail the occupations and eligibility criteria for state nomination of skilled migrants. They are updated twice a year and reflect the dynamic labour market in Victoria and the current occupations in demand. Changes include: (more…)

The National Arboretum played host to Canberra’s newest Australian citizens

From DIAC Newsroom:

17 September 2013

The National Arboretum played host to Canberra’s newest Australian citizens today, with more than 100 people from 37 countries joining the Australian family as part of Australia Citizenship Day celebrations.

The Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Quentin Bryce AC CVO, presided over the ceremony, with the new citizens pledging their commitment to the responsibilities and privileges of living in the country. (more…)

Punjabi makes history in elections held Down Under

Tarsem Singh Deogan, Hindustan Times  Ludhiana, September 08, 2013

First Published: 21:05 IST(8/9/2013) | Last Updated: 16:40 IST(9/9/2013)

After making it to British and Canadian parliaments, Punjabis have now made their presence felt in the Australian elections. Jagjit Singh ‘Jag’ Chugha (39), who migrated from Moga in 1976, has become the first Punjabi to contest as well as win the federal elections Down Under.

The Liberal Party candidate won the Scullin seat (Victoria), considered a Labour Party stronghold. The Liberals are set to form the new government.  (more…)

Poorly prepared applications face quick refusal

We’ve received feedback through our colleagues in the industry that poorly prepared applications may be refused without any request for further information. Several clients who lodged poorly prepared application themselves received a refusal with the following reasons:

An acknowledgement of Partner Visa Application letter was provided to you. This letter states that:

“Please be aware that the department may make a decision on your application without requesting additional information so please ensure you have provided us with all necessary information. (more…)

More Irish coming to Australia than ever before, according to Immigration figures

As Ireland’s economy struggles to recover from the global financial crisis, more Irish than ever before are coming to Australia.

According to figures from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, 40,000 Irish people made Australia their home in 2011 and 2012 with 5,000 people settling here permanently.

Irish heritage minister Jimmy Deenihan says Australia’s visa system makes it a popular target for young Irish professionals looking to establish their careers.

“There’s a very friendly visa system that encourages young Irish qualified people and also skilled people to come to Australia,” he said. (more…)

Warning: Mistakes in DIAC’s Visa Pricing Table

There appear to several mistakes in the Visa Pricing Table on DIAC’s website. For example, for Subclass 143 (Contributory Parent) the base visa application charge and second VAC have not been updated. There may be other errors.

Source: Migration Institute of Australia

Irish exposed if Australian boom starts to shudder

Blue-collar Irish workers may be earning up to €100,000 a year – but are Australia’s fortunes beginning to falter, wonders Eoin Hahessy

Australia is what Ireland once was. A nation obsessed with property. Newspapers bulge with glossy property sections; television is littered with DIY and home improvement shows. (more…)

Indian doctor previously convicted of assault taken into custody by Immigration Department

Suhail Durani
Posted Mon 9 Sep 2013, 1:06pm AEST
Suhail Durani was released from Casuarina prison in February.
Lloyd Jones: AAP

By Graeme Powell

Updated Mon 9 Sep 2013, 2:02pm AEST

An Indian-born doctor, fighting to remain in Australia after being convicted of sexually assaulting one of his patients, has been taken into custody by the Immigration Department in Perth.

Suhail Durani, 36, had his permanent residency revoked four months ago after serving 18 months in jail. (more…)

Important clarification of SkillSelect invitation point scores

The MIA has raised Members’ concerns about points discrepancies between the SkillSelect invitation score and the point test assessed score upon application by a client.  Following the MIA’s representations, the Department, after extensive consultation with its policy area, has issued its official position:

A criterion for the grant of a Subclass 189 visa, a Subclass 190 visa and the First Provisional Visa stream for a Skilled – Regional Sponsored (Provisional) (Class SP) visa (“a SkillSelect visa”) is that the applicant’s score, when assessed in relation to the visa under Subdivision B of Division 3 of Part 2 of the Act [the points test assessed score], is not less than the score stated in the invitation to apply for the visa [the invitation score].  (more…)