The Queen's English!

Many visas will require applicants to have a certain level of English language ability.

The IELTS test examines an applicant’s ability to speak, listen, write and read in English.  Scores range from 1 (non-user) to 9 (expert user).  Skilled and employment visas require IELTS scores over 4.5; with a score of 8 attracting the most available points on the GSM Points System.

Some visas require a minimum score (eg. 5) in all 4 bands – while other visas require only an average score across bands.

Results Are Valid For Two Years

If you need to undertake an IELTS test, in most cases the results are valid for 2 years.  The same test result can be used for your visa, your skills assessment and registration requirements if applicable.

Obviously, the minimum IELTS score you need is the lowest one which will satisfy all requirements.  So – if for example your chosen visa requires an IELTS of 4.5; but to register as a professional you need a score of 6.0; then 6.0 is your aim. IELTS tests can be undertaken in many locations around the world.

Contact us for more information – we will be happy to help.

The recommendations of the Knight Review of the Student Visa Program continue to be rolled out.  Currently, students from different countries are subject to an Assessment Level, which is reflective of aggregate country risk.  The Knight Review made recommendation for changes to assessment levels of a range of countries.  During  the last week the Minister for Immigration, Chris Bowen, announced that assessment levels would be reduced for 29 countries, relaxing the visa requirements somewhat.  It’s a bonus for genuine students from those countries, and a boost for Australia’s education sector.

Did you know that, in Australia, the legislation that governs immigration is amended by the Australian Parliament around 50 times a year?   So – if you applied for a visa 6 months ago, it is likely that the law has changed since then.  A Registered Migration Agent is required to keep abreast of all legislative changes – in fact, professional development takes up a great deal of our time.  We do it so that we can give our clients the best possible chance of making a solid application for the most appropriate visa.  It’s a bit like tax…you can lodge your own tax return, but most people pay a tax professional so that they are sure of getting the best possible result.   Contact Emergico today to secure professional advice on you visa options.

Jackaroos at work - Not what you have to do, unless you want to!

Fancy a few months in the Australian Outback?

If you’re between 18 and 30, from certain countries, you may qualify for a one-year Working Holiday Visa.

This allows you to work your way around our great country, provided that work remains incidental to your holiday.  Our migration agent experts can help today.

And… the bonus is, for eligible Working Holiday Visas, participating in just 3 months of selected work in Regional Australia may qualify you to increase the length of your stay to 2 years!!

What a great opportunity to get away from those expensive cities and get back to nature!!

We have a client seeking a qualified and experienced Motor Mechanic to join a busy Brisbane workshop.  He is prepared to offer an employer nominated visa to a suitable overseas applicant.  Contact us today to express interest in this exciting opportunity!

Skills Assessment

As a migration agent I’m often advising clients that many visas require applicants to undertake a Skills Assessment.

Some employers will not consider a job applicant from overseas unless they already have a positive skills assessment. The Skills Asessment is undertaken by a relevant assessing authority, and is designed to ensure that your qualifications and experience match those that would be required for your chosen occupation in Australia.

A positive skills assessment is a pre-requisite for licensing and registration in regulated professions in Australia.  Emergico’s migration agent experts can help you to compile a submission for a Skills Assessment, and will liaise with the assessing authority on your behalf.  Let us help you take the stress out of this important part of the visa and employment process.

Celebrate Australia Day 2012

January 26 is Australia Day - the anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788.  It’s a national public holiday; and Citizenship ceremonies will be held in 125 different locations around the country.  As a migration agent team we love Australia Day!

Being Summer in Oz, it’s customary to have a Barbecue on Australia Day – and Lamb is the meat of choice!    There’s lots of concerts, festivals, outdoor activities and fireworks!

Whatever you choose, it’s a glorious day to celebrate the great nation we live in!

Skills in-demand in Australia

If you are considering applying for a Skilled Visa; there’s no time like the present!      DIAC is introducing a completely new way of managing General Skilled Migration from July 1, 2012.  The new process has been colloquially described as  “a hybrid of Facebook and RSVP”.  People wishing to move to Australia will submit an Expression of Interest to DIAC, including skills assessment and IELTS results where required (Stage 1).  DIAC will then “accept” the EOI.  During the course of the year, DIAC will ascertain which particular skills are in demand, and will invite nominated applicants to submit a visa application (Stage 2).

One of the benefits for DIAC is that they will be able to pick from the best Expressions of Interest, when seeking visa applications. Some people who express interest in stage 1, may not progress to visa application stage; and the Expression of Interest will lapse.

The current rules for Skilled Migration will remain in place for another five months.  So if you have been thinking about lodging a Skilled Visa application, call us as soon as possible, so we can advise you on your eligibility.  Sometimes it takes several months to process all pre-requisites to a skilled application – such as skills assessment – so there’s no time to waste!

52 languages!

Not a native English speaker?  No problem!  The Emergico website can now be translated into 52 languages at the push of a button!  See our side bar for details.  You can read our site in your preferred language, including the Contact form and Free Online Assessment.   Once you submit your information it will be analysed by us in English.  Why not give it a try?