Minister Bowen has announced on 13 Nov 2012, talks with several governments to establish Work and Holiday visa arrangements, namely: the Czech Republic; Hungary; Israel; Latvia; Poland; and the Slovak Republic.
No agreements are expected soon, but once established, nationals of each of the above countries between 18 and 30 years of age will be able to work and travel in Australia for up to 12 months, and reciprocal arrangements will allow Australian travellers similar access.
Currently, reciprocal Work and Holiday visa arrangements have been reached with Argentina; Bangladesh; Chile; Indonesia; Malaysia; Papua New Guinea; Thailand; Turkey; and the United States.
Onshore partner visa waiting period is now getting longer
The onshore partner visa program is experiencing strong demand, and as a result, the current average processing time for subclass 820 applications (spouse or partner visa) is around 13 months from lodgement. This is an average processing time and the actual processing time for each application may vary significantly.
To ensure that applications are processed as quickly as possible the Department of Immigration and Citizenship request that applications are only lodged when they are complete, including health and character checks.
Generally, applications are considered in date order but some applications will take longer to finalise than others. Applications which will be prioritised include those which have been remitted following successful review or Ministerial Intervention, and applications which have special circumstances of a compelling and compassionate nature.
Applications which may be decided more quickly include those involving family violence, and those which are "assessment ready" at lodgement.
Following a successful campaign to encourage "assessment ready" cases, the Department now have a considerable number on hand and can no longer guarantee that all "assessment ready" applications will be processed more quickly.
To ensure that applications are processed as quickly as possible the Department of Immigration and Citizenship request that applications are only lodged when they are complete, including health and character checks.
Generally, applications are considered in date order but some applications will take longer to finalise than others. Applications which will be prioritised include those which have been remitted following successful review or Ministerial Intervention, and applications which have special circumstances of a compelling and compassionate nature.
Applications which may be decided more quickly include those involving family violence, and those which are "assessment ready" at lodgement.
Following a successful campaign to encourage "assessment ready" cases, the Department now have a considerable number on hand and can no longer guarantee that all "assessment ready" applications will be processed more quickly.
visa condition
As Australian government is moving toward a label-free visa system. It is important for Australian visa holders to understand their visa conditions. Particularly 8503 condition, no further stay.
Many people come to Australia on Tourist Visa and have this 8503 condition attach to it. It means you cannot renew your visa onshore (inside the Australia). Another word, you cannot extend your stay. If you need to apply for another visa, you need to travel out of the country and apply from outside (offshore).
Many people came here on Tourist Visa, meet their partner and want to extend their stay here. Sadly, that cannot be done if the visa have 8503 condition. Therefore, it is important if you check and understand your visa condition. So that you can get your expectation right.
Many people come to Australia on Tourist Visa and have this 8503 condition attach to it. It means you cannot renew your visa onshore (inside the Australia). Another word, you cannot extend your stay. If you need to apply for another visa, you need to travel out of the country and apply from outside (offshore).
Many people came here on Tourist Visa, meet their partner and want to extend their stay here. Sadly, that cannot be done if the visa have 8503 condition. Therefore, it is important if you check and understand your visa condition. So that you can get your expectation right.
Changes around SkillSelect
Apart from EOI that I wrote a while ago. There are some other changes around SkillSelect that people might want to take note of that, particularly in GSM (General Skilled Migrant) area.
- in order for you to submit your EOI, you must have done your English test and have done your skill assessment.
- the new passing point is now 60, instead of 65
- your IELTS is now valid for 3 years, instead of 2 years
- the new age limit is now 50, instead of 45
As you can see here, changes sometime can be quite good as well.
I am sure, there will be lots of paperwork to get done, before you actually lodge your EOI. But this is for the good cause and make the whole workflow smoother.
I personally love this changes.... :)
- in order for you to submit your EOI, you must have done your English test and have done your skill assessment.
- the new passing point is now 60, instead of 65
- your IELTS is now valid for 3 years, instead of 2 years
- the new age limit is now 50, instead of 45
As you can see here, changes sometime can be quite good as well.
I am sure, there will be lots of paperwork to get done, before you actually lodge your EOI. But this is for the good cause and make the whole workflow smoother.
I personally love this changes.... :)
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