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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Today, I will be talking about the general requirements for 189 visa, probably the most beneficial visa subclass with all the benefits of permanent residency without any limitations. I will try to cover main features, eligibility requirements, the process, occupations and points score applicable to this visa subclass. The Skilled Independent visa, also otherwise known as subclass 189 visa, is a permanent skilled visa that allows workers with skills to live and work permanently anywhere in Australia. It is based on points-test system and does not require any sponsorship by Australian state/territory governments or relatives in Australia. There are 2 streams available under this visa: Points tested strea New Zealand stream – for NZ citizens But, today, I will be discussing about the points-tested stream in more-depth, and will try to address issues that are most commonly asked by our clients and registered migration agents and lawyers in migration law. In brief, the key requirements are: Lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) and be invited to apply Your occupation must be on a Medium to Long Term Skills List (MLTSSL) Have positive skills assessment in your nominated occupation Meet the points test pass mark of 65 points or more Have competent English (i.e. IELTS score of 6 or PTE score of 50 in each of the four components of the test – Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening OR an equivalent score in any other official English tests such as Cambridge Advanced English, Occupational English Test and TOEFL) Meet health and character requirements Not have had a visa cancelled or a previous visa application refused since your last substantive visa you held, if you are in Australia So, once you meet the eligibility requirements, the process is that: Apply for your skills assessment Submit an Expression of Interest Wait for an invitation to apply for the visa Gather your documents Apply for the visa within 60 days of invitation The important thing is that: You must be able to meet the minimum points test mark of 65 at the time you are invited to apply for this visa. So, how are these points calculated? The main factors from where you can score most points up to maximum of 90 points, though difficult, – such as your age, work experience in the nominated occupation, English language skills and level of your qualification. However, it is important to be aware that obtaining a pass mark of ‘65’ does not guarantee an invitation to apply for a visa. When you submit your EOI, you will be ranked against other applicants and the invitation to apply for the visa is often granted to the highest ranked clients by points score in a particular invitation round, which generally happens every month. For each round, quota for invitations is pre-set by the Department. As per the latest invitation round as of 13 May 2019, those with a minimum point’s score of 80 were invited to apply for this visa. This is just an indicative score at the moment to help you prepare for this visa as this score may vary from round to round of invitations to apply. So realistically speaking, youwill require a score between 80 and 90 points to expect an invitation to apply. So, now the question is how you can possibly increase your score? Please also note that from16th November 2019, there will be changes to the points test system which will benefit both singles and those who have a skilled spouse, such as: more points for having a skilled spouse or de facto partner (an increase from current 5 to 10 points) More points for having certain STEM qualifications(i.e. 10 points). STEM means qualifications in the field of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. points for applicants who do not have a spouse or de facto partner (10 points); and Additionalpoints for applicants with a spouse or de facto partner who have competent English (5 points). Whilst Australian migration has become more challenging, complex and fast-changing, there are still viable pathways for many applicants. If you are determined to relocate to Australia to live permanently, then it’s important you seek professional and trusted advice. At Migration Centre of Australia, our staff are well-trained to handle highly complex matters in various visas including the189 visa. We have helped hundreds of clients and migration agents. Call our Sydney office at 02 4626 1002 for a quick professional advice or set up initial consultation personally with me. You can also write to us at Thank you.[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2cj-30EE0I”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

If you have decided to study in Australia, the intention may have been to live and work in Australia after you have completed your studies. Working in Australia after graduation is an opportunity to gain valuable work  experience. Thanks to subclass 485 visa that allows eligible students to live and work in Australia after their studies for up to 4 years. The Government is focusing on international students and providing more and more incentives to students, to study in Australia. In 2008, the Australian government introduced the Temporary Graduate 485 visa. The graduate visa was designed to allow international students who have graduated from universities and colleges to remain in Australia to work after their studies and may be to improve their English language skills further after graduating from an Australian institution. You may be eligible to apply for a temporary graduate visa within 6 months of completing your studies, allowing you to stay in Australia to live and work full time and that too without getting sponsored by an  Australian business or without meeting any point test or work experience requirements. To be eligible for the graduate visa: You must be under 50 years of age. Hold an eligible visa such as a Substantive visa or Bridging Visa A or B and held your student visa within 6 months period at the time of application for this visa. Have a recent qualification in a CRICOS-registered course that has been completed within 6 months prior to the date of visa application for this visa. The temporary graduate visa has two streams: Graduate work stream – This stream is for international students who have recently graduated with skills and qualifications that are relevant to specific occupations. Your nominated occupation must be in the Medium and Long Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) Post-Study work stream – This stream is for international students who have recently graduated with a bachelor degree or higher from an Australian institution. Therefore to apply for a Graduate work stream you need to have a qualification relevant to the occupation on the MLTSSL skilled occupation list. To apply for a post-study work stream you do not need to nominate an occupation and therefore, no skill assessment is required. You just need to complete a bachelor or higher level degree in Australia. Also, please note that the maximum duration for Graduate Work Stream is 18 months, whereas for Post-study stream it ranges from 2 to 4 years depending upon the level of qualification completed in Australia. I have briefly explained the 485 visa and there are several other requirements. I sincerely hope that this gives you an overview of the visa subclass After you have obtained your Graduate visa you can move to a permanent visa through appropriately planning. Some of the possible permanent residency pathway options could be 186 Direct Entry, 187, 189, 190, 489 or even through sub class 482 visa after meeting the requirement of 2 year post qualification full time work experience required for 482 visa, which can be gained while on 485 visa. Timing may be a crucial factor, so a proper planning is required from the beginning. We have helped several clients in achieving the outcome they wanted through strategic planning, If you are unsure, why not give us a call on 02 4626 1002 or book an obligation free appointment by writing to us at info@migrationcentreofaustralia.com.au

The Australian permanent migration program is highly regulated and currently capped at 160,000 places per annum for the next four years. Of these, about two-thirds are set aside for skilled migration, and the rest are left for family and humanitarian entrants. For the year 2018-19, 42,840 points-tested visas were issued. What is the points-tested visa? The points-tested visa is a permanent visa based on factors – such as age, English language, work experience and qualifications of tradespeople and skilled professionals (‘the applicants’). In order to qualify for this visa, the applicants are required to lodge an expression of interest (EOI) with SkillSelect, an online system that ranks applicants based on the above-mentioned factors, and accordingly invites highly-ranked applicants to apply for permanent points-tested visa. The applicants are also required to nominate an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List and be assessed by a relevant assessing authority as having the skills required for the occupation. What are the points-tested visas? There are three (3) main types of points-tested visas in the following: Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa Skilled Regional (subclass 489) visa – to be replaced by subclass 491 and 494 in November 2019. How does the points-test system work? Age Qualifications 18-24 years: 2525-32 years: 30 33-39 years: 25 40-44 years: 15 A Doctorate degree from an Australian educational institution or a Doctorate from another educational institution that is of a recognised standard: 20A Bachelor degree from an Australian educational institution or a Bachelor qualification, from another educational institution that is of a recognised standard: 15 A diploma or trade qualification completed in Australia: 10 An award or qualification recognised by the relevant assessing authority for your nominated skilled occupation: 10 English Competent English: 0 Proficient English: 10 Superior English: 20 Skilled employment in the last 10 years – outside Australia Less than 3 years: 0 3-4 years: 5 5-7 years: 10 8-10 years: 15 Australian Study Requirement At least one degree, diploma or trade qualification from an Australian educational institution that meets the Australian study requirement: 5 Skilled employment in the last 10 years – in Australia Specialist education qualification Less than 1 year: 01-2 years: 5 3-4 years: 10 5-7 years: 15 8-10 years: 20 A Masters degree by research or a Doctorate degree from an Australian educational institution that included at least two academic years in a relevant field: 5 Other Nomination Accredited in a community language: 5 Study in regional Australia or a low population growth metropolitan area that meets the Australian study requirement: 5 Partner skill qualifications: 5 Professional year in Australia: 5 Nomination by a state or territory government: 5 Minimum points to apply for the points-tested visa is currently 65. This is called the ‘pass mark’. Example: A person who is 26 years old, has “superior English”, and a Bachelor degree would be able to obtain 65 points on these factors alone. Points score is soaring It is important to be aware that obtaining a pass mark of ‘65’ does not guarantee an invitation to apply for a visa. The points for skilled visas remain inflated and many people are applying for state and territory sponsorship. Realistically, the applicant will require a minimum of 85-90 points (as at 10 June 2019). The highest minimum points score was 95 as at 10 June 2019, for the occupation of Accountants. Note: When applying for State Sponsorship under the 190 or 489 visa, it is important you are aware of your obligation to live and work for the first 2 years of the visa in the State that sponsors you. Upcoming changes to the points test In or around April 2019, the Department of Home Affairs released Migration Amendment (New Skilled Regional Visas) Regulations 2019 to ‘assist regional Australia’. “The amendments introduce a revised points system for the subclass 491 visa as well as existing General Skilled Migration visas. Points are awarded for attributes that are linked with the applicant’s ability to make the greatest economic contribution, as the key purpose of the skilled migration program is to maximise the economic benefits of migration to Australia.” The changes to the points test are to introduce: more points for having a skilled spouse or de facto partner (10 points); more points for applicants nominated by a State or Territory government or sponsored by a family member residing in regional Australia (15 points); more points for having certain STEM qualifications (10 points); points for applicants who do not have a spouse or de facto partner (10 points); and points for applicants with a spouse or de facto partner who has competent English (5 points). These new changes will benefit both singles and those who have a skilled spouse. The new system will commence on 16 November 2019. Getting Assistance Whilst Australian migration has become more challenging, there are still viable pathways for many applicants. If you are determined to relocate to Australia then it’s important you seek professional and trusted advice. The rules are constantly changing and it is not enough to rely on expat advice online. It is undeniable that migration to Australia requires both financial and emotional commitment. At Migration Centre of Australia, we are well-trained to handle highly complex matters. Book one of our agents for professional advice by calling 02 4626 1002 or email us to book in a time at info@migrationcentreofaustralia.com.au.

Lately, universities are being cracked down for allowing admission to international students with very limited English language skills. It comes to no surprise that the English standards are kept low by the universities to lure billions of dollars in revenue, but the real question is whether the students are being looked after in return. Increasing number of underperforming students It has been difficult for lecturers and teachers to pass increasing number of underperforming international students. If such pressure is kept up, the universities will face losing their status as a quality education provider on a global scale. Language Barriers Many international students struggle with the English language and consequently these language barriers have created both social and academic issues. Many students face social isolation and are unable to connect with other students due to language difficulties. Will offering bilingual classes help? Although many universities offer English language classes, they are mostly insufficient to prepare a student to improve their language skills that they can use in their day to day life. According to an opinion article by ABC News, “a reductive “learn the language” approach to international students is detrimental”. Offering plain English language classes are clearly not good enough and totally unhelpful considering international students pay hefty fees to study in Australia. Although one could argue that translation services are available to students to translate an academic material into their own language, however it doesn’t assist in producing assignments or keeping up in tutorial classes in English, and therefore easily disadvantaging international students due to the lack of language support. To make a straight point, students are not getting their money’s worth and this only means one thing: the Australian education system needs to change! Possible Solution: What about offering courses in high-demand languages? This idea is not so unrealistic considering we have an example to lead by: many universities in Europe offer courses in English as a method for attracting international students. So why can’t we offer the same to other nations? “If universities invest in improving infrastructure for students with limited English language comprehension everyone would benefit. Universities could overcome the problem of failing students because of their language comprehension; international students would feel supported and local students would continue to benefit from access to different cultures, ideas, and opportunities”. (Alexander Gudic-Hay, ABC News) Currently, there is a lack of meaningful access to services that properly engage and support international students. Australian universities are not providing the standard as one should expect if they are paying thousands of dollars every semester, and should be held accountable if they fail to provide these students with the means for them to succeed in their studies. It is time that we change the current Australian psyche and warm up to the notion that we should perhaps adapt to the world, rather than the world adapting to us. Getting Assistance At Migration Centre of Australia, we are partnered with hundreds of universities and colleges across Australia and ensure that students are properly looked after during and post-enrolment in their course of interest. Book one of our agents for professional advice by calling 02 4626 1002 or email us to book in a time at info@migrationcentreofaustralia.com.au. We also speak fluent Hindi, Nepalese, Punjabi, Turkish, Tamil, Portuguese and Marathi. If one of these isn’t your language, we can also help you arrange an interpreter.

The Department of Home Affairs (DoHA) assesses visa applicants’ English language proficiency for Student visas, skilled visas and some permanent visa applications. Exemptions The visa applicant are exempt from needing to prove English language proficiency if one of the following apply: If they hold passport from: Canada New Zealand the Republic of Ireland the United Kingdom the United States of America If they have completed at least 5 years of full-time study in at least a secondary level institution and where most classes were in English. The Department will require the following information: name and location of the institution/s level of qualification/s official transcript from the secondary and/or tertiary institution number of contact hours per week in English number of years of study If nominated occupation in Australia will be performed at: diplomatic or consular mission of another country an Office of the Authorities of Taiwan If nominated occupation requires the visa applicant: to hold a licence, registration or membership you were granted the licence, registration, or membership you had to prove that you had equal or higher English language proficiency than that listed in the table below to be granted the licence, registration or membership if applicant is: an employee of an overseas business the business or its associated entity has nominated you to work in Australia you will receive a guaranteed annual earnings of at least AUD 96,400 What are the approved English language tests for Australian visa? Unless the visa applicant falls within one of the above exemptions, they will require to prove their English language proficiency if they apply visa in the Short term stream or Medium term stream, and the visa applicant needs to: achieve the required test scores set out for the visa, in a single attempt at the test complete the test within 3 years before the date of submitting a valid visa application The following is a list of approved English language tests for Australian visa purposes: Occupational English Test (OET) – The four sub-tests that make up the OET are reported on a scale from 0 to 500 in ten-point increments (e.g. 350, 360, 370 etc). The numerical score will be mapped to a separate letter grade for each sub-test ranging from A (highest) to E (lowest). The applicant can see an overview of their latest test scores via an online profile on the OET website, approximately 16 business days after each test day. Official copies of Statements of Results can be downloaded from the website. The cost of the test is AUD $587.00 International English Language Testing System (IELTS) – IELTS assesses the visa applicant’s English proficiency on a scale from 1–9 in four skills: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. The visa applicant has a choice of two test versions – IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training – depending on the requirements for the visa.  The IELTS is computer delivered in Australia. The Test Report Form will be available 13 days after completion of the test. The results will also be available to view online for 28 days. The cost of the English test is AUD $340. Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-based Test (TOEFL iBT) – The TOEFL iBT® test is given in English and administered via the internet. There are 4 sections (reading, listening, speaking, and writing) which take a total of about 4 ½ hours to complete, including check-in. Scores will be posted online approximately 10 days after the test date. A PDF copy of the test taker score report is also available for download. The PDF will be available within 3 days of the date the scores are posted online. The cost for the test is US $300. Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) test (also known as Certificate in Advanced English) – The exam is made up of four papers developed to test the English language skills. The Speaking test is taken face to face, with two candidates and two examiners. The Statement of Results is released online, approximately four to six weeks after the exam for paper-based exams, and two to three weeks after the exam for computer-based exams.  The fees for the CAE exam is AUD $320. Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic – PTE Academic assesses listening, reading, speaking and writing all via computer in a single three hour test session. PTE Academic scores are accessed via an online account. An email notifying the scores are available will be sent in 5 working days. The cost for PTE test is AUD $340. The required marks to meet the English language requirements among these tests are not the same. The score requirements will be different depending on the test the visa applicant has undertaken. What are the English language proficiency levels? There are five different levels of English language proficiency as prescribed under the Migration legislation, the visa applicant requires to achieve for the visa: Functional; Vocational; Competent; Proficient; and Superior. The proficiency level required will be dependent on the visa subclass applied by the visa applicant. Migration Centre of Australia At Migration Centre of Australia, you can be assured that all of our team are qualified and experienced in their field and our agency is registered with MARA. We are well-trained to handle highly complex matters. Book one of our agents for professional advice by calling 02 4626 1002 or email us to book in a time at info@migrationcentreofaustralia.com.au. We also speak fluent Hindi, Nepalese, Punjabi, Turkish, Tamil, Portuguese and Marathi. If one of these isn’t your language, we can also help you arrange an interpreter.

Every year thousands of partner visas are lodged and granted in Australia. The partner visa allows the partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia. The process for applying for the partner visa is a complex process and requires substantial documents. The basic eligibility for a partner visa is – you must prove to the Department that you are in a genuine relationship with your sponsoring spouse or de facto partner. To cut significant waiting time it is advised that application should be lodged as ‘decision ready’ i.e. providing all documents at the time of application to the Department.  The current processing time for a partner visa is 15 – 20 months. The cost of the visa is AUD 7,160 for the main applicant and it covers the temporary and permanent Partner (Migrant) visa.  There is also a fee for each family member who applies for the visa unless they hold a Dependent child visa. To prove the genuineness of a relationship and to be granted the partner visa you require to provide evidence: a) Statement of relationship: Your statement needs to describe, how, when and where you met, how the relationship developed, joint activities, significant event, future plans. b) Financials: Mortgage, loan documents, bank accounts c) Responsibilities: Joint bills, living arrangements, correspondence addressed to both d) Community: Proof of joint travel, cultural or social activities, declaration of relationship to Government and family e) Long term relationship: Commitment to each other, correspondence between sponsor and applicant, personal documents, knowledge of each other in personal circumstances. You also need to provide health, character and Insurance documents for the visa application.  Applicants and sponsors must meet all visa conditions and obey Australian laws. Getting Assistanc If you intend to lodge a partner visa, it is worthwhile to seek immigration advice as a partner visa is a costly application and could lead to significant waiting periods for you and your partner or your application being refused. At Migration Centre of Australia, we have expert migration agents knowledgeable in Partner visa, and we also assist in writing statement letters for a Partner visa.  We are well-trained to handle highly complex matters. Book one of our agents for professional advice by calling 02 4626 1002 or email us to book in a time at info@migrationcentreofaustralia.com.au. We also speak fluent Hindi, Nepalese, Punjabi, Turkish, Tamil, Portuguese and Marathi. If one of these isn’t your language, we can also help you arrange an interpreter.

The much-awaited Sponsored Parent visa allows parents of Australians to reunite and spend a longer period of time of 5 years (up to a cumulative maximum of 10 years) with their children and grandchildren in Australia. Eligibility requirements – Who can be a sponsor? A sponsor must be the biological, adoptive, or step-child of the parent, and must also be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. Additionally, the sponsoring child must: be at least 18 years of age; have lived in Australia for at least 4 years; satisfy the character requirements; accept legal liability for any debt owing for care in the public health system that the parent may incur during their stay in Australia; and meet the minimum income threshold. Meeting the minimum income threshold The visa requires that the sponsor’s most recently completed taxable income year prior to the date of lodgement of an application for approval as a family sponsor to be of at least $83,454.80. Is there an option for a combined tax income? If a sponsor’s taxable income is combined with other taxable incomes such as the taxable income of the sponsor’s spouse or de facto partner; or another child of the parent, and that combined amount is at least equal to the amount specified as $83,454.80, the taxable income test is met. How did the Department come up with a figure of $83,454.80 ? This figure is based on the most recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ Average Weekly Earnings survey, where the amount is calculated from the Full-time Adult Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings for November 2019, which was $1,604.90. When can you start applying for this visa?   The visa application will open from 1 July 2019, however the applications for Sponsor has already been made available since 17 April 2019. Subclass 870: Application Process The new visa contains two stages: Sponsorship Application Visa Application Once a sponsorship application is successful, a sponsored parent will be able to apply for the 870 visa. Note: Visa applications must be lodged within six (6) months of sponsorship approval. How much does the visa cost? The sponsorship application fee is $420.00. The visa application charge is: $5,000 for a visa of up to three years’ duration; or $10,000 for a visa of up to five years’ duration. The visa application charge is payable in two instalments, with one payment at time of application and the remainder paid prior to visa grant. How long can parents stay? The 870 visa is a temporary visa which allows parents to live temporarily in Australia for either three (3) years or five (5) years without needing to depart in Australia. However, a parent will be able to stay in Australia for a total of 10 years be reapplying, reflecting that the visa is a temporary visa and does not lead to permanent residency. Parents who have held Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visas for the cumulative maximum 10 year period must either depart Australia or apply for another visa that will allow them to remain in Australia. They will not be eligible for grant of a further Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa. Is there a balance of family test? Unlike other parent visas, the 870 visa does not require the parent to meet the ‘Balance of Family’ rule. Will there be any conditions attached to the visa? The visa holders (parents) will generally be subject to a ‘no work’ condition. They must also show that they have sufficient funds to support themselves for the duration of the stay period. Is the 870 visa capped? Yes, the 870 visa is capped, so once a fixed number of 870 visas are granted, there will be no further 870 visas that will be granted until the following visa year (commencing in July). The cap is currently set at 15,000 Sponsored Parent visas each program year. What if you already have two sponsored parents? If this is the case, you will need to withdraw your sponsorship for one parent and that parent must either leave Australia or apply for and be granted a different visa before an application for sponsorship variation can be lodged. Sponsors who wish to sponsor two new parents must lodge a new sponsorship application. Can health be an issue? The parents will be required to satisfy the health criteria, for which they must not have a medical condition that is likely to threaten public health, result in significant healthcare and community service costs or limit the access of Australian citizens or permanent residents to healthcare services that are in short supply. Getting Assistance If you have any questions or would like us to assist you with the New Sponsored Parent Visa, contact us without delay. Parent visas can be quite complex, implications can arise especially if the parent has any significant health and medical issues. At Migration Centre of Australia, we are well-trained to handle highly complex matters. Book one of our agents for professional advice by calling 02 4626 1002 or email us to book in a time at info@migrationcentreofaustralia.com.au. We also speak fluent Hindi, Nepalese, Punjabi, Turkish, Tamil, Portuguese and Marathi. If one of these isn’t your language, we can also help you arrange an interpreter.