These Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) are designed for clients who have already lodged an application for General Skilled Migration (GSM). These FAQs should be read with the information about the priority processing arrangements.

Please note: These FAQs will continue to be updated in response to common questions received from clients about the changes.

The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, set new priority processing arrangements for certain skilled migration visas on 14 July 2010. These priority processing arrangements apply to all applications already lodged with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, as well as all future applications.

QI What is priority processing?

Priority processing refers to the order in which the department considers skilled migration applications. Section 51 of the Migration Act 1958 gives the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship powers to consider and finalise visa applications in an order of priority that the Minister considers appropriate. Departmental officers must follow this ministerial direction, which applies to both new applications and those applications awaiting a decision.

Q2 What are the changes to the skilled migration visa processing priorities?

The Minister has set new priority processing arrangements which apply to the following visas:

• Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS)
• Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS)
• Certain General Skilled Migration (GSM) visas.

Under the arrangements, processing priorities (with the highest priority listed first) are:

1. Applications from people who are employer sponsored under the ENS and the RSMS.
2. Applications from people who are nominated by a state or territory government agency with a nominated occupation that is specified on that state or territory’s state migration plan.
3. Applications from people who have nominated an occupation on the new Skilled Occupation List (SOL) – Schedule 3 in effect from 1 July 2010.
4. All other applications are to be processed in the order in which they are received.

Q3 Which GSM visas are affected by priority processing?

The following GSM visas are affected by priority processing:

• Skilled — Independent subclass 175
• Skilled — Independent subclass 176
• Skilled — Regional Sponsored subclass 475
• Skilled — Regional Sponsored subclass 487
• Skilled — Independent Regional subclass 495
• Skilled — Designated Area-sponsored (Provisional) subclass 496
• Graduate — Skilled subclass 497
• Skilled — Onshore Independent New Zealand Citizen subclass 861
• Skilled — Onshore Australian-sponsored New Zealand Citizen subclass 862
• Skilled — Onshore Designated Area-sponsored New Zealand Citizen subclass 863
• Skilled — Independent Overseas Student subclass 880
• Skilled — Australian-sponsored subclass 881
• Skilled — Designated Area-sponsored Overseas Student subclass 882
• Skilled — Independent subclass 885
• Skilled — Sponsored subclass 886.

Q4 Which GSM visa subclasses are exempt from priority processing?

The following visa subclasses are exempt from priority processing:

• Skilled — Recognised Graduate subclass 476
• Skilled — Graduate subclass 485
• Skilled — Designated Area — Sponsored (Residence) subclass 883
• Skilled — Regional subclass 887.

Applications for these visa subclasses will be processed in the order in which they are received by the department.

Q5 What applications are not affected by the Direction or priority processing?

The following applications are not affected:

• Applications that have been remitted by the Migration Review Tribunal for reconsideration.
• Applications where it is readily apparent that the criteria for grant of the visa would not be satisfied.
• Applications by visa applicants claiming to be a member of the family unit of a person who holds a visa granted on the basis of satisfying the primary criteria in Schedule 2 to the Regulations and who did not make a combined application with that person.
• Visa applications for a Skilled – Regional Sponsored Subclass 487 visa where the applicant holds a Skilled – Independent Regional (Provisional) Subclass 495 visa, Skilled – Designated Area-sponsored
• (Provisional) Subclass 496 visa, Skilled – Regional Sponsored Subclass 487 visa or Skilled – Regional
• Sponsored Subclass 475 visa at the time they apply.

Q6 The new direction refers to Schedule 3 of the Skilled Occupation list (SOL) what do these schedules refer to?

The Skilled Occupation List (SOL) is a list of occupations that are accepted for general skilled migration. Applicants must have a nominated occupation which is on the SOL that applies to them at the time they apply. The recent changes to skilled migration have included generous transitional arrangements for some people. These arrangements require that the previous version of the SOL be kept available for those people so they can access their transitional arrangements. The changes also included a change in the way occupations are classified, from ASCO to ANZSCO. This change required that the previous version of the SOL be provided in both the ASCO and ANZSCO coding.

The different SOLs are distinguished by different schedules, as follows:

• the SOL in existence prior to 1 July 2010 in ASCO code (schedule 1) — applies only to GSM applicants who lodged their application prior to 1 July 2010.

• the SOL in existence prior to 1 July 2010 in ANZSCO code (schedule 2) — applies to GSM applicants who are eligible for transitional arrangements and who lodge their application before 1 January 2013.

• the current SOL (schedule 3) in effect from 1 July 2010 — applies to all new GSM applications, including applicants eligible for transitional arrangements if they prefer to use it.

• the State and Territory SOL (schedule 4 ) — applies only to GSM applicants nominated by a State or Territory government under a State Migration Plan.

More information about change to the SOL are available from the departmental website. See: www.immi.gov.au/skilled/sol/

Information about the transitional arrangements is available from the departmental website. See: http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/pdf/faq-sol.pdf

Information about the department’s introduction of ANZSCO, which replaces ASCO in relation to skilled occupations, is available from the departmental website. See: www.immi.gov.au/employers/anzsco/

Q7 What is a State Migration Plan?

State Migration plans are developed by state or territory governments and include occupations that are in demand in an individual state or territory. Each state migration plan is approved by the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship. State migration plans are currently being developed and are expected to come into effect during the second half of 2010. A notice will be put on the department’s website when plans come into effect.

Q8 Why have the processing priorities changed?

The priority processing arrangements take account of the changes to the SOL that came into effect on 1 July 2010, as well as the revocation of the Migration Occupations in Demand List (MODL) and the Critical Skills List (CSL). These changes to priority processing simplify previous arrangements. Many applicants will find that they are in a higher priority group. Some will have to wait longer for their visas to be processed.

Q9 When did the changes to priority processing come into effect?

The changes took effect from 14 July 2010 and apply to applications lodged with the department on or after this date. The changes also apply to applications lodged before 14 July 2010 that have not been finalised.

Q10 Is there any difference in the processing priorities that apply to onshore and offshore visa subclasses?

No, the processing priorities apply to both onshore and offshore applications. Processing times, however may vary for onshore and offshore applications

Q11 What will happen to applications in the final stages of processing where the department has requested applicants to provide health and character clearances?

The new arrangements apply to all visa applications, including those in the final stages of processing. Applications in lower priority groups cannot be processed further until those in higher priority groups are finalised in accordance with the priority processing direction.

Q12 Can I request that my application be given higher priority outside of the Minister’s Direction?

No, please do not contact the department to request your application be exempt from the priority processing direction. Case officers must adhere to the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship’s priority processing direction.

Q13 My nominated occupation is Accountant but I was not eligible for the CSL. What level of priority processing will I receive?

The occupation of Accountant is included on Schedule 3 of the current Skilled Occupation List (SOL) and therefore your application will be in priority group 3, except those already included in priority groups 1 or 2.

Q14 My application is in priority category 4. When can I expect to have my application finalised?

Applicants with nominated occupations in priority group 4 will have a long wait for visa processing. The department’s Client Service Charter will be updated shortly with information about current estimated processing times. See: Visas for Migrating to Australia as a Skilled Person (http://www.immi.gov.au/about/charters/clientservices-charter/visas/8.0.htm)

Q15 I have been nominated by a state or territory government but my occupation is not listed on a State Migration Plan. What level of priority processing will my application receive?

If your nominated occupation is not on your state or territory’s State Migration Plan, your application will be processed on the basis of your nominated occupation. Applicants who have nominated an occupation that is included in Schedule 3 of the current SOL are in priority processing group 3. An applicant with a nominated occupation that is included only in Schedule 1 or Schedule 2 of the current SOL is in priority processing group 4.

Q16 If my nominated occupation is not in Schedule 3 of the SOL in effect at 1 July 2010 what level of priority processing will I receive?

Applicants with a nominated occupation that is included only in Schedule 1 or Schedule 2 of the current SOL are in priority processing group 4, unless they have applied for ENS or RSMS or have a state or territory nomination in an occupation on a state migration plan.

Q17 I applied for GSM. If my nominated occupation is not in Schedule 3 of the SOL in effect at 1 July 2010 can my application receive higher priority processing?

Yes if you are nominated by a state or territory government under a state migration plan. Applicants who lodged before 1 July 2010 that have been nominated by a state or territory government agency in an occupation that is subsequently specified in their nominating state or territory’s state migration plan will receive processing under priority group 2.

Q18 What are my options if my application is in priority group 4 and I have applied for an onshore GSM visa?

The options available are:

• continue to live and work in Australia (if your visa permits) while you await a decision on your visa application
• assess your eligibility for an employer sponsored visa or a nomination by a state or territory government under a state migration plan agreed to by the minister
• apply for another substantive visa
• withdraw your application and depart Australia.

Please note: Some of these options would require the lodgement of a new application and the payment of a new Visa Application Charge (VAC). If you choose to withdraw your application you will not be entitled to a refund of your VAC.

For applications lodged after 1 July 2010, a new application may be required if you have obtained a state or territory nomination after lodgement. Please contact the skilled processing centre. See: http://www.immi.gov.au/contacts/australia/processing-centres/adelaide-skilled.htm

You may also seek an employer sponsorship under the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) or the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS).

More information about ENS and RSMS is available from the departmental website. See: www.immi.gov.au/skilled/skilled-workers/visa-permanent.htm

More information about estimated processing times are available from the departmental website. See: http://www.immi.gov.au/about/charters/client-services-charter/visas/8.0.htm

Q19 What are my options if my application is in priority group 4 and I applied for an offshore GSM visa?

The options available are:

• continue to await a decision on your visa application
• assess your eligibility for an employer sponsored visa, or nomination by a state or territory government under a state migration plan agreed to by the minister
• withdraw your application.

Please note: Some of these options would require the lodgement of a new application and the payment of a new VAC. If you choose to withdraw your application you will not be entitled to a refund of your VAC.

For applications lodged after 1 July 2010, a new application may be required if you have obtained a state or territory nomination after lodgement. Please contact the skilled processing centre. See: http://www.immi.gov.au/contacts/australia/processing-centres/adelaide-skilled.htm

More information about estimated processing times is available from the departmental website. See: http://www.immi.gov.au/about/charters/client-services-charter/visas/8.0.htm

Q20 I am currently in Australia but my visa will expire before my application for an offshore GSM visa is finalised can I remain in Australia while my visa is processed?

Applicants for an offshore GSM visa are not eligible for an associated bridging visa to remain in Australia while their GSM application is being processed. You must apply for another visa to remain in Australia lawfully; otherwise you will need to depart Australia.

Q21 I am an onshore GSM applicant on a Bridging C visa which does not allow me to work. What can I do?

It is possible to be granted a Bridging C visa that will allow you to work. Please complete a Form 1005 Application for a bridging visa and submit this and supporting documentation evidencing financial hardship to the skilled processing centre processing your visa application.

Examples of the types of supporting documents required include a statement outlining income against outgoing expenses. Other examples may include living expenses such as accommodation costs and other bills.

Q22 I want to travel overseas but my onshore visa application has not been finalised. What should I do?

If you were granted a Bridging A visa when you applied for your GSM visa you may be able to lodge an application for a Bridging B visa to allow you to travel and return to Australia (within a specified period). A Bridging B visa is generally not issued for longer than three months.

You must apply for a Bridging B visa at one of the department’s state or territory offices, not the skilled processing centre which is processing your GSM application. See: http://www.immi.gov.au/contacts/australia/

If you travel on a Bridging B visa, you do not need to contact the department on your return to Australia to apply for another bridging visa unless you have further need to travel outside Australia.

Note: If you travel out of Australia on another type of visa, your bridging visa will cease and you will need to apply for another bridging visa if you return to Australia.

Q23 I have a provisional or temporary GSM visa and my spouse/child now want to join me will they be able to do so?

Yes, applications for subsequent entrants for provisional GSM visas are exempt from priority processing arrangements.

These arrangements apply to the following GSM visas:

• Skilled — Regional Sponsored subclass 475
• Skilled — Recognised Graduate subclass 476
• Skilled — Graduate subclass 485
• Skilled — Regional Sponsored subclass 487
• Skilled — Independent Regional subclass 495
• Skilled — Designated Area-sponsored subclass 496.

Q24 Am I entitled to compensation if my visa application is taking longer to process than expected due to the new priority processing direction?

Compensation is not available for delays in processing.

Q25 Why do the rules keep changing?

The skilled migration program is designed to be responsive to the current economic climate and the needs of the Australian economy. The new priority processing arrangements complement other recent changes to skilled migration to ensure that the economy gets the skills it needs in a timely manner. Priority processing arrangements are always subject to further change in response to the economic climate and the demand for particular skills in the Australian economy.

Priority in the skilled migration program goes to those who can provide the skills Australia most needs, rather than those visa applicants who applied first. The Australian Government is aware that the priority processing arrangements impact on many applicants. These changes to priority processing simplify previous arrangements. Many applicants will find that they are in a higher priority group. Some will have to wait longer for their visas to be processed.

Q26 Isn’t priority processing retrospective legislation?

Priority processing is an administrative arrangement, and impacts on the order in which applications are considered. It is not retrospective legislation as it does not change the criteria for the grant of a GSM visa.

Useful documents

More information about the changes to the GSM program is available from the department’s website including the following information sheets.

See:

http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/pdf/new-list-of-occupations.pdf (101KB PDF file)

http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/pdf/faq-new-sol.pdf (87KB PDF file)

http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/pdf/options-not-eligible.pdf (71KB PDF file)

The Minister for Immigration has announced new processing priorities which apply from 14 July 2010 for General Skilled Migration and permanent employer sponsored visas.

These arrangements take account of the changes to the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) that came into effect on 1 July 2010, as well as the revocation of the Migration Occupation in Demand List (MODL) and the Critical Skills List (CSL).

Processing Priorities

There are 4 priority groups - from highest to lowest priority these are:

• Employer Sponsored: RSMS and ENS are the highest priority
• General Skilled applicants sponsored under a State Migration Plan
• General Skilled applicants with an occupation on the new SOL
• All other applicants

Processing Times

In addition, we also have indicative processing times:

ENS/RSMS:

• ETA countries (Low Risk): 5 months
• Non-ETA countries (High Risk): 7 months

State Migration Plan

• Onshore: 6 months
• Offshore: 12 months

New SOL:

Lodged prior to 1 July 2010:

• Onshore: to be processed prior to 1 July 2011
• Offshore: to be processed prior to 31 December 2011

Lodged after 1 July 2010:

• Onshore: 18 months
• Offshore: 18-24 months

Otherwise: to be processed after groups 1-3 are finalized

Exempt Visa Types

Not all skilled visas are subject to the new priorities. For instance, the following continue to be processed in the order received:

• Skilled Graduate Subclass 4 js" type="text/javascript"> 85 - 12 months
• Skilled Recognised Graduate Subclass 476 - 7 months
• Skilled Regional Subclass 887 - 5 months
• Cases which have been refused and appealed successfully to the MRT (Migration Review Tribunal)
• Subsequent entrants for Skilled Regional Sponsored and Skilled Graduate visas
• Applications which clearly do not meet essential criteria and which are for refusal

Summary of Previous Changes

• The Critical Skills List - introduced in January 2009 - has now been abolished and effectively replaced by a much shorter Skilled Occupations List which is now being used both to limit numbers of new applications and to prioritise applications already in the system.

• Note that no State Migration Plans have yet been finalised. We understand that a number of states have completed their plans and are awaiting signature from the Minister of Immigration. As the government is currently in caretaker mode, ahead of the Federal Election on August 21, these may be a few months off coming into effect.

• People who were sponsored by state or territory governments receive no priority due to this unless they are sponsored under a State Migration Plan. If the nominated occupation is not on the new SOL, the application would be at the lowest priority level - despite the fact that such applicants were previously at the highest priority level.

• The changes are still positive for accountants - previously a minimum score of 7 in the IELTS test was required for priority to be given. Now, any applicant with a skills assessment as an accountant will be at least in priority group 3.

• The indicative processing time for a Skilled Graduate subclass 485 visa is far longer than is reasonable. This type of visa is only valid for 18 months from the date of grant. On the positive side, the longer DIAC takes to process a 485 visa, the longer a student has to stay in Australia with full work rights.

• People in the lowest priority group have reason to be concerned because the Minister has introduced a visa capping bill which would give him the ability to cancel visa applications from people meeting certain criteria (eg occupation). Given the number of people waiting for decisions on skilled visas, the Minister would be highly likely to exercise this power if the Visa Capping Bill is passed through Parliament.

TAFE Türkiye ile SINAVSIZ ÜNİVERSİTE

On 8 February 2010, the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, announced the following changes to the General Skilled Migration program:

• the outcomes of a review of the Migration Occupations in Demand List (MODL)
• the replacement of the current Skilled Occupation List (SOL) in the second half of 2010
• offshore GSM visas made before 1 September 2007 would be capped and ceased
• priority processing arrangements
• skills assessment requirements for GSM applicants nominating a trade occupation.

Australian government will tighten the list of target occupations and focus instead on healthcare, engineering and mining. The changes aimed at making skilled migration to be more effective to Australia's needs.

The government will also abolish the current Migration on demand list (MODL) and publish a new Skill Occupation List (SOL).

The Immigration Minister, Chris Evans, said Australia needed a program that ''delivers the skills that are actually in demand in the economy, not just the skills that applicants present with''. ''If hospitals are crying out for and willing to sponsor nurses then of course they should have priority over the 12,000 unsponsored cooks who have applied and who, if all were granted visas, would flood the domestic market,'' Senator Evans said.

''In recent years, the skilled migration program has been skewed as the pool of applicants has become dominated by a handful of occupations.'' The current points system puts an overseas student with a short-term vocational qualification gained in Australia ahead of a Harvard-educated environmental scientist.

The bar was being raised for applicants without an Australian employer prepared to sponsor them. There were many occupations where the supply of qualified young Australians was adequate. But there were some jobs where there was a high demand for skills such as for hospital nurses, country doctors and resource sector employees.

Yesterday the Finance Minister, Lindsay Tanner, warned against a dramatic migration drop. The need for doctors, nurses, mining engineers, and IT specialists from overseas was ''crucial to our economy'', he told Channel Ten's Meet the Press.

More information is available on the department's website.

See:
Changes to the General Skilled Migration Program (362KB PDF file)
Outcomes of the Migration Occupation in Demand List Review – Frequently Asked Questions (373KB PDF file)
Onshore International Students (435KB PDF file)
Changes to Offshore General Skilled Migration Visa Applications Received Before 1 September 2007 (409KB PDF file)
Changes to the Current Skilled Occupation List (368KB PDF file)
Revoking the Critical Skills List (337KB PDF file)
Changes to Priority Processing Arrangements – Frequently Asked Questions (406KB PDF file)
General Skilled Migration (GSM) Points Test Review (377KB PDF file)
Changes to the Skills Assessment Requirements for GSM Applicants Nominating a Trade Occupation (417KB PDF file)

1 January 2010 legislative change – suitable skills assessment as a validity requirement for onshore GSM visas

Pre 1 January 2010, applicants applying for permanent migration based on one of the onshore General Skilled Migration (GSM) visa subclasses were required, at time of application, to provide evidence that they had applied for a skills assessment by the relevant assessing authority. At time of decision, a suitable skills assessment was required.

From 1 January 2010, applicants applying for one of the following onshore GSM visa subclasses will be required to have obtained a suitable skills assessment prior to applying for migration in order for the application to be valid and assessed by the department for a decision:

• Skilled - Independent (Migrant) Visa (Subclass 885)
• Skilled - Sponsored (Migrant) Visa (Subclass 886)
• Skilled - Regional Sponsored (Migrant) Visa (Subclass 487)

More information is available online. 
See: Skills Assessment Criterion as a Validity Requirement from 1 January 2010 for Onshore GSM Visas( 49KB PDF file)

AUSTRALIA faces a potential skills shortfall equivalent to 1.4 million workers by 2025 unless the workforce participation rate increases, according to new research that recommends raising the retirement age and boosting skilled migration.

The Workplace Futures report, to be presented to the Victoria Summit in Melbourne today, urges federal and state governments to lift barriers to older workers and disadvantaged groups participating in the workforce.

Despite predicting strong population growth based on the continuation of high birth and net migration rates, the paper warns the ageing population will mean a decline in workforce growth, exacerbating labour shortages to levels worse than between 2006 and 2008. The paper, prepared by the Victorian Employers Chamber of Commerce and Industry, says the shortfall in the state by 2025 could potentially be 440,000 workers, if retirement and migration rates remain at current levels. One of the authors, Darin Ritchie, said yesterday that if workforce trends did not change, the projected participation rate nationally in 2025 would drop from 65.2 per cent to 61.8 per cent. "To meet moderate levels of labour-demand growth, Australia's participation rate would need to be 68 per cent," he said. "This could potentially leave a shortfall of 1.4 million workers.

"To address this workforce deficit, Australia needs to raise the average retirement age, increase the workforce participation of disadvantaged groups, increase migration, or offset labour demand through productivity growth."

The forecasts are based on Australian Bureau of Statistics population growth projections of 1.6 per cent, jobs growth of 1.9 per cent, and an unemployment rate at 4.5 per cent. "The prominence of demographic change and skill shortages has recently been overtaken by the economic downturn of the last 12 months," the paper says. "With unemployment increasing over that period, it would be easy to assume we no longer have a labour or skills shortage problem. However, skills shortages still exist in many industries, and the reality of Australia's ageing workforce means we face a structural deficit of workers over the next 15 years."

Based on three months of interviews with representatives of government, business, education institutions and unions, the paper recommend policy changes, including the Victorian government raising or eliminating the workers compensation age limit.

Federal and state governments should work with universities to assess the potential for using overseas students to meet current and future skills and labour needs.

This could include increasing the ratio of postgraduate research in overseas student enrolments and improving job opportunities for graduate overseas students.

Wayne Kayler-Thomson, the chamber's chief executive, said encouraging older and disadvantaged workers by removing barriers to training would lift workforce participation rates.

Source: .The Australian November 17, 2009

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Australian Job Vacancies begin to recover

The Skilled Vacancy Index (SVI) (trend) increased by 1.9% in October 2009 to 40.2 (2007 = 100).

Vacancies rose for all three occupational groups: Professionals (up by 1.5%), Trades (up by 2.0%), and

Associate Professionals (up by 3.9%). In annual terms, the SVI is 44.0% lower than in October 2008.

The Internet Vacancy Index (IVI) (three month moving average) increased in September 2009 (up by

8.3%) to 77.3 (March 2006 = 100). In September 2009, around 206 400 new vacancies were lodged on

the four online recruitment sites (SEEK, MyCareer, CareerOne and Australian JobSearch) on which the

IVI is based. In annual terms, the IVI is 44.2% lower than in September 2008.

Vacancies increased for all of the eight occupational groups with the largest increases for Machinery

Operators and Drivers (up by 13.2%), Community and Personal Service Workers (up by 12.5%), and

Labourers (up by 11.9%).

Study Abroad  at  Australian High Schools

Experience a unique taste of Australia while you live and study with our local students.

Our Study Abroad program is designed for students who wish to experience a short-term study and homestay program in Australia. Choose to study for either 6 months or a year at a high school in Sydney or coastal areas of regional New South Wales.

Students can enter either Year 10 or Year 11 depending on their age.

Selecting a school

Choose to study at a participating high school in Sydney's Northern Beaches, Southern Beaches or in a coastal regional city of New South Wales.

Students can select the school that offers the range of academic subjects, sporting programs and extra-curricular facilities that suits their learning needs.

To find a school, click here.

Homestay

Packages include homestay accommodation with an Australian family so you can experience real Australian lifestyle and further improve your English competency.

Program dates

Fees - 2010

** Tuition fees cover the charges for tuition and administration  (includes text book hire and excursions up to the value of A$200).

Entry requirements

To be accepted into the Study Abroad program, students must meet the following minimum entry requirements based on country of origin.

Academic

Germany
Students must be currently studying at a Gymnasium. Admission for students from a Realschule or Hauptschule will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Students must have very good, good or satisfactory marks in all main academic subjects: English, Mathematics, Science, History and Geography. Students should be intending to return to school in Germany upon completion of the program.

Czech Republic / Denmark / France / Italy / Switzerland / Poland / Slovakia
Students must achieve a pass mark of 60% or above in all main academic subjects: English, Mathematics, Science, History and Geography.

Austria / Brazil / Mexico
Students must achieve an acceptable pass mark (6 - 10) in all main academic subjects: English, Maths, Science, History and Geography.

English language competency

Germany / Italy
Students must provide evidence that their level of English competency is sufficient to satisfactorily complete the course work in English in Australia. Students should provide a letter from their school (on letterhead) OR should provide a completed English Teacher's Recommendation Form:

> Germany (PDF 151kb)
> Italy (PDF 195kb)

France / Denmark / Switzerland / Austria
Students must provide a letter from their school (on letterhead) confirming their level of English competency is sufficient to satisfactorily complete the course work in English in Australia.

Brazil / Mexico
Students must submit a SLEP test with a scale score of 45 or above.

Czech Republic / Poland / Slovakia
Students must submit a minimum IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of 5.5 for entry into Year 11 or score of 5.0 for entry into Year 10, or can provide evidence of completion of an English language program with equivalent competencies.

IT and telecom skills are still in short supply across Asia, despite the economic crisis.
The gap is particularly sharp in Australia, where the Australian Computer Society (ACS) says skills gaps exist “across the board” and predicts 14,000 vacancies by 2010.

Believe it or not, there is a sector of financial services which is generating more job opportunities than before the financial crisis.

The life insurance industry has hit the hiring button as a recession-weary public seek to safeguard their wealth. Life insurance sales in Australia jumped nearly 6% in Q4 2008, according to preliminary figures from research house Plan for Life. And leading insurer ING reports a 25% rise in its sales for Q1 2009, compared to Q1 last year. “The trend increase in life insurance sales reflects the increasing concern Australians have with the current economic environment and their need to protect existing wealth,” says Gerard Kerr, head of products, marketing and reinsurance for ING Australia’s life risk division.  And with more policies being sold, more jobs are being created.  “There’s been a 100% increase in available roles compared to this time last year.

This uptake really began in Q4 of 2008 and it’s been mainly growth hires,” says Sarah Wapling, a practice leader at Link Recruitment. And it seems that vacancies are rising across the various types of organisations which sell life policies - from specialist insurance firms and retail banks (CBA’s CommInsure subsidiary has the largest market share), to super funds and boutique financial planning firms. These institutions are hiring for a wide range of roles, including front-line salespeople, underwriters and business development mangers, says Wapling.Back-office jobs, especially those with specialist accounting skills, are also in demand, according to Brad Shotland, associate director, financial services at Michael Page. But accountants in banks be warned, you need an insurance background to land a job in this sector.

 “Employers are generally looking for accountants who’ve already worked in insurance, but they will consider taking people from the Big Four accounting firms who have audited insurance companies,” says Shotland. Insurance experience is becoming more important for financial planners too. Wapling explains: “In the past, most financial planners saw life insurance only as an ‘add-on’ to more important products like superannuation and investments.

Changes to the Skilled Migration Program for 2009 and establishing ‘Critical Skills List’(CSL)

The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, has announced a number of measures that will ensure the 2008-09 Skilled Migration Program is better targeted and more responsive to the changing needs of the economy.

The key change is Australian Government established a new Critical Skills List (CSL). The CSL will only apply to people who are seeking to migrate under the skilled migration program who are not sponsored by an employer or nominated by a state or territory government.

The following outlines key information about the CSL:

<!---   - The list was developed in consultation with State and Territory governments and the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR). It is focused on building trades, information technology professionals, engineers and medical professionals

<!---   - the CSL is a smaller list of occupations developed in consultation with state and territory governments

<!--   - applications from people nominating the occupation of Accountant will receive processing priority only if they have completed the skilled migration internship program – accounting (SMIPA); and/or they have demonstrated that they have proficient English language skills under the International English Language Testing System (IELTS 7) in the past two (2) years

<!--   - under these arrangements, graduating overseas students who meet the requirements for either a temporary or permanent skilled migration visa will still be able to apply while onshore

<!--   - this list will be subject to ongoing review in consultation with state and territory governments, industry and unions to ensure that it remains responsive to skill demands.

The main aim is to meet critical skill shortages in State/Territory jurisdictions. This change will provide State and Territory governments greater scope to meet critical skill shortages in their jurisdiction.

Under current arrangements, State and Territory governments can sponsor a restricted range of occupations, in areas where they consider a skills shortage exists in their jurisdiction:

<!--   - jurisdictions have been provided with an expanded baseline list of occupations which will be reviewed regularly

<!--   - in addition, State and Territory governments have been offered a quota of 500 places in 2008-09 to sponsor skilled migrants in occupations beyond their existing lists of eligible occupations.

<!--   - In addition, recent graduate overseas students who meet temporary or permanent skilled migration requirements still also can apply while onshore

<!--   - The new list below will be subject to labour needs review with occupations added/removed

Migration occupation shortages in the critical skills list nominated by a suitably qualified applicant from January 01, 2009 are:

<!--   Aircraft Maintenance Engineer - Avionics

<!--   Aircraft Maintenance Engineer - Mechanical

<!--   Anaesthetist

<!--   Bricklayer

<!--   Cabinetmaker

<!--   Carpenter

<!--Carpenter and Joiner (various)

<!--Dentist

<!--Electrician (general)

<!--Electrician (special class)

<!--Electronic Equipment Trades

<!--Emergency Medicine Specialist

<!--Engineer - Chemical

<!--Engineer - Civil

<!--Engineer - Electrical

<!--Engineer - Electronics

<!--Engineer - Mechanical

<!--Engineer - Mining

<!--Engineer - Production or Plant Engineer

<!--Fibrous Plasterer

<!--Gasfitter

<!--General Medical Practitioner

<!--Medical Diagnostic Radiographer

<!--Metal Fabricator, Boilermaker

<!--Metal Fitter

<!--Metal Machinist

<!--Obstetrician & Gynaecologist

<!--Occupational Therapist

<!--Pharmacist (Hospital)

<!--Pharmacist (Retail)

<!--Physiotherapist

<!--Plumber (general)

<!--Podiatrist

<!--Psychiatrist

<!--Quantity Surveyor

<!--Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Mechanic

<!--Registered Mental Health Nurse

<!--Registered Midwife

<!--Registered Nurse

<!--Secondary School Teacher

<!--Solid Plasterer

<!--Specialist Medical Practitioners NEC

<!--Specialist Physician

<!--Surgeon

<!--Surveyor

<!--Toolmaker

<!--Urban & Regional Planner

<!--Wall and Floor Tiler

<!--Welder

<!--Motor Mechanic

<!--Speech Pathologist

<!--Sonographer

<!--Ophthalmologist

<!--Paediatrician

<!--Pathologist

<!--Radiologist

<!--Accountant - where an applicant has achieved a score of at least IELTS 7 in each of the four competencies, and or has completed The Professional Year

<!--Computing Professionals - where an applicant’s specialisation is listed on the Migration on Demand List

If you need which courses provide qualification for these occupations or if you would like to apply for Australian visa contact to us.

IEA-A International Education Agency-AUSTRALIA

185 Elizabeth Street   |   Level 3 No:310   |   Sydney NSW 2000 Australia

T: +61 2 9266 0238   |   F: +61 2 9261 1560  | sydney@inteducation.com  

www.mystudyinaustralia.com  

Australia ranked number one spot in prosperity index

Australia has topped the rankings in a prosperity index of more than 100 countries, with its quality of life and economic strength pushing it into number one spot.

The Legatum Institute's Prosperity Index of 104 nations measures the material health of a country, including wealth, quality of life and life satisfaction.

Australia has topped the 2008 index, ahead of Austria and Finland in that order.

Report claim that "(Australia) has reinvented itself as a wealthy, service-oriented economy with good scores on liveability indicators, including health, charitable giving and effective governance," Legatum said."Strong norms or civic participation, robust health, and plenty of leisure time contribute to the high liveability ranking." While Asian powerhouses Singapore, Taiwan and Hong Kong scored well economically, their livability dragged down their performance.

According to Vice president of the institute, Dr William Inboden, said Australia had the fundamentals right."True prosperity consists of more than money - it also includes happiness, health and liberty," he said.

"The Prosperity Index shows that in addition to economic success, a society's prosperity is based on strong families and communities, political and religious liberty, education and opportunity, and a healthy environment.

"The Australian government earns high scores on corruption control and overall effectiveness, supporting the country's quality of life in many areas."Strong civic participation by Australian citizens furthermore contributes to the high levels of life satisfaction.

"Bottom of the list was Yemen, with Zambia and Zimbabwe not faring much better.The financial crisis-racked United States was rated equal fourth, alongside Germany and Singapore.

Findings

The key drivers of differences between countries in levels of material wealth vary according to their level of development. For poorer countries (those with average incomes of less than US $10,000 per capita), where increasing material wealth is a particular priority, the most important components of economic competitiveness are:

·         Government Effectiveness

·         Levels of Education

·         Growth in Invested Capital

·         Low Costs of Starting a Business

·         Commercialisation of Innovation

·         Low Dependence on Foreign Aid

·         Low Dependence on Commodity Exports

·         Economic Openness

For richer countries (those with incomes greater than US $20,000 per capita) that wish to experience continued economic growth the most important components of competitiveness are:

·         Invested Capital

·         Education

·         Entrepreneurship

·         Commercialisation of Innovation

The drivers of differences between countries in their levels of life satisfaction also vary according to their level of development. In richer countries, where moving beyond material wealth to broader wellbeing is an important goal, the most important components of comparative liveability are:

·         Continued High Levels of Income

·         Good Health

·         Political Rights and Civil Liberties

·         Freedom of Choice

·         Charitable Giving

·         Family Life

·         Equality of Opportunity

·         Pleasant Natural Environment

·         Community Life

·         Religious Freedom

Many poor countries have surprisingly high levels of wellbeing, because traditional social strengths can compensate, at least somewhat, for low average standards of living. In poor countries, the most important components of comparative liveability are:

·         Family Life

·         A Warm Climate

·         Religious Faith

The 2008 Prosperity Index finds that both individuals and governments have a role to play in promoting national prosperity. Governments alone cannot create nor mandate prosperity, but they can foster an environment that encourages prosperity through wise policies.

 It is individuals, however, who must choose to take ownership of their lives and enhance their individual prosperity. A website dedicated to measuring personal prosperity, the Personal Prosperiscope, has been created at www.myprosperity.com.

Rankings

1.  Australia 2.  Austria 2.  Finland 4.  Germany 4.  Singapore 4.  United States 7.  Switzerland 8.  Hong Kong 9.  Denmark 9.  New Zealand 11.  Netherlands 12.  Sweden 13.  Japan 14.  Norway 14.  France 14.  Belgium 14.  Canada 14.  United Kingdom 19.  Israel 20.  Ireland

The 2008 Prosperity Index includes both factors driven by individual choice, such as volunteering and charitable giving, factors driven by the choices of policymakers, such as economic openness and good governance, and factors influenced by both, such as health.

Australia has traditionally been the home of inventors and scientists right from its early settlement. As a far colony, this was partly out of necessity because in our early days, Australians were a long way from the rest of the world and they had to rely on what could be produced locally. However, it is also true that Australian education system, and especially Australian universities, is responsible for developing a culture of innovation and discovery.

Australian culture of innovation aims to:

•             make the best use of national and international information networks,

•             encourage creativity in all forms of research,

•             promote collaboration between university researchers and industry,

•             disseminate the outcomes of research to the wider community.

Australian scientists and researchers have been responsible for many advances in business and industry, and have made significant contributions in medical science. Their investigations over the years have had a profound impact on the lives of ordinary people around the world.

Australian population is only 20 million but Australians have already won many prestigious international awards including eight Nobel Prizes which are:

•             2005 – Medicine

•             1996 – Medicine

•             1975 – Chemistry

•             1973 – Literature

•             1963 – Medicine

•             1960 – Medicine

•             1945 – Medicine

•             1915 – Physics

Australians are acknowledged as being dynamic and innovative. Australia has been a pioneer in solar energy research and Australian scientists are investigating other potential energy sources.

Australian advances in technology include the development of an internationally accepted aircraft landing system, the black box flight recorder, bionic ear implants, a heart pacemaker, the vaccine for cancer of the cervix, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) for sleep apnea treatment  and computer hardware and software.

Australia is also at the forefront of producing new technologies such as wave-piercing ocean catamarans, solar-powered cars and the revolutionary orbital engine.

Innovations in science and technology are strong drivers of economic growth. Australia is both

well-positioned and well-resourced to make a difference in the global innovation race.

Some other significant Australian inventions in recent years include:

•             Penicillin - (Howard Walter Florey).

•             Ultrasound scanners – (Sonography)

•             Radio telescopes.

•             Photovoltaic cells (Solar cells).

•             The Boomerang.

•             The Xerox photocopying process.

•             The Electric Drill.

•             Postage stamps.

•             Regular “around the world” airline services.

•             The inflatable aircraft escape slide.

•             The automatic letter-sorting machine.

•             The two stroke lawn mower.

•             The rotary hoist washing line.

•             Lithium as a treatment for manic depression.

•             Latex gloves.

•             Flexible wine casks – (Box wine).

International Education Agency-AUSTRALIA

www.mystudyinaustralia.com    

www.avustralyadaegitim.com

www.inteducation.com

Taking a Year Off after High School Graduation in Australia

Are you ready to take a break from learning while sitting indoors in rectangular classrooms for High School years? Are you wondering how you're going to stay motivated for another four years of academics? Do you ever wish you could learn by doing, or by being in a very different culture or country? If your answer is yes to any of these questions, you may want to take a "gap year" between high school and University.

You take a gap year to get out of that stale classroom, explore your interests in a way that you want to, experience a different culture, learn by doing something real, let your well fill back up, and learn by giving to others. During a gap year, you get to determine where you go and what you do – and in the process you get a break from jumping through academic hoops.

Australian Universities and High Schools are looking more and more favorably on gap years, understanding that people who take time to explore their interests before college become better motivated and more effective students. It doesn't make sense to make start your first year of university or college if you don't have a clear reason for being there. And unfortunately, for many students their freshman year becomes a year off as they major in partying and procrastination.

The end of high school marks three major transitions: high school to college, family to independence, and adolescence into adulthood. A year between high school and college can be one of the freest times in a person's life to explore the world while contemplating these three big life transitions, before college obligations and responsibilities begin to weigh on you.

So how do you put together a gap year? The great thing about a gap year is that it can take any form that you like. It's your life, after all, and a gap year is a great time to remember that while coming out of the trance induced by sitting in school for many years.

Here are important elements to consider making part of your gap year:

• Internship work – social service, environmental work, construction and agricultural work, teaching, work with animals, political activism, apprenticeships with artists and artisans, film internships, archaeology, and much more. Contact us for Australian Internship Programmes.
• Courses - language study, arts courses, photography, group travel, etc. Contact us for Australian Language Study Programmes.

• Paid Internship work to help finance your year. Contact us for Australian Paid Internship  Study Programmes.
• And some of your time for unstructured travel and exploration
  

As you are planning, consider these important questions:

• Do I want to travel with a group or alone? Group travel is more expensive, but it's a great way to start a year because it gives you the safety net of a group, adult leaders and formal orientation. Definitely plan some alone time into your year – you will learn a lot about yourself.

• Do I want to the freedom to take initiative and find my own way, or do I need a firm outer structure?
• How much money do I need to pay for this year? A gap year is a great way for your parents to take a financial breather since gap years generally cost significantly less than college.

If you don't feel up to setting things up on your own, there are consultants that you can pay a fee to help you plan and set up all the logistics of a full and well-structured year. And now there are even college programs that incorporate all of the best elements of a gap year with college credit so that you can keep making progress toward your degree.

Remember that life isn't a race. Those who take a gap year universally report that they have learned much more than they did in a year of school. Rest assured that your college of choice will still be there for you when you are done. A gap year is a great way to get a life before getting the rest of your education.

to apply

or to contact us

IEA-A Sydney

International Education Agency-AUSTRALIA

185 Elizabeth Street   |   Level 3 No:310   |   Sydney NSW 2000 Australia

T: +61 2 9266 0238   |   F: +61 2 9261 1560  | sydney@inteducation.com  

  www.inteducation.com   |  www.mystudyinaustralia.com |  www.avustralyadaegitim.com

Demand for places in the Bachelor of Nursing (course code 4642) at the Parramatta campus has been very strong and all places for Parramatta have now been filled for 2009.

Places are still available at Campbelltown and Hawkesbury and we strongly encourage students to consider these campuses and act now to secure a place in one of Australia’s premier Nursing programs.

Here are some great things about studying at the Campbelltown campus!

• students will belong to UWS’s leading medical and health science precinct
  

• students will benefit from UWS’s first-class nursing education facilities which include state-of-the-art teaching centres that include advance mannequin simulators to reflect real-life patient scenarios.
  

• the campus is also home to the new $52 million state-of-the-art School of Medicine teaching and research facility.

• students will be learning at one of Australia’s important educations sites for scientific and agricultural leaders of the future
  

• it is home to multi-million dollar research facilities and with no more than 2, 300 students studying at the campus, students will benefit from close personal contact with academics and great access to support services. 
  

• the campus is part of the Hawkesbury river valley region which is surrounded by world heritage listed National Parks and based at the bottom of the world famous tourist destination - the Blue Mountains. 
  

Places are also filling up fast for the Bachelor of Nursing (Graduate Entry) (course code 4643) program at the Hawkesbury campus and we anticipate that the UWS School of Nursing quota will be met well in advance of the January 2009 intake.   To avoid disappointment students should secure their place now by accepting their offer and paying the required commencement fees.    

IEA-A welcomes acceptances on conditional offers to assist your student to secure their place for the programs above.

to apply

or to contact us

IEA-A Sydney

International Education Agency-AUSTRALIA

185 Elizabeth Street   |   Level 3 No:310   |   Sydney NSW 2000 Australia

T: +61 2 9266 0238   |   F: +61 2 9261 1560  | sydney@inteducation.com  

  www.inteducation.com   |  www.mystudyinaustralia.com |  www.avustralyadaegitim.com