Visa Application Charge dues to increase this 1 July

As expected, this coming 1 July 2015 there will be about 2.3%-5% increase in most of the visa application fees. It is recommended that people lodge your application a few weeks before as there will some computer maintenance due to this fee changes.

Whatever you do, please plan a few weeks or months ahead as some document take time to gather and prepare.

Changes to the Temporary Skilled; Subclass 457

Government has made changes to the Temporary Skilled (Subclass 457) visas.  These changes action the recommendations in the 457 Integrity Review.  Assistant Minister Cash announced the Government Response to the 457 Integrity Review on 18 March 2015.

The Government:

·   has expanded the list of English language providers, to include test of English as a Foreign Language internet – based test (TOEFL IBT), Pearson Test of English (PTE); and Cambridge English Advanced (CAE) test (conducted on or after 1 January 2015);

·   will accept an overall test score with minimum scores of each test component (reading, writing, speaking and listening); and

·   will grant an exemption when an applicant can provide evidence of five cumulative years of study in English at the secondary or tertiary level, rather than proof of five years consecutive secondary or tertiary study in English.

·   has extended the term of standard business sponsorship to 5 years commencing from the date of approval.

·   has extended the sponsorship period for start-up businesses from twelve (12) months to eighteen (18) months.

·   has reduced the market salary exemption threshold from $250,000 to $180,000, this is now in line with the marginal tax rate.

·   has extended the notifiable period for sponsors from 10 working days to 28 calendar days.

Minimum English language test scores for subclass 476 & 485

Minimum English language test scores for the Skilled – Recognised Graduate (subclass 476) and Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visas have changed. 

From 18 April 2015, new applicants for these visas must provide evidence that they have achieved an overall score of International English Language Testing System (IELTS) 6, or the equivalent, and nothing below IELTS 5, or the equivalent, for each of the test components of speaking, reading, listening and writing, from one of the following tests:

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
• Occupational English Test (OET)
• Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based test (TOEFL iBT)
• Pearson test of English Academic  (PTE Academic)
• Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) test (must have been taken on or after 1 January 2015)

Prior to the changes which commenced on 18 April 2015, these applicants could not provide an overall test score and had to provide evidence that they had achieved a minimum test score of IELTS 6, or equivalent, in each of the test components. 

Skilled Migrant

Skill Migrant is one of the good way to migrate, live and work in Australia. If you can migrate here independently, that even better. You don't need anyone to sponsor you. You don't have to tie down with some employer. It gives you the liberty of look for job by yourself. For those high skilled professional, I am recommended this path. If you are highly skilled professional and confident that you can find a job quite easily, then you don't really need someone to sponsor you. You can migrate here with your own merit.

To migrate here, first you need to check if your occupation is in the SOL (Skilled Occupation List). To check, please click here to find out: http://t.co/xy50Z0OKJF

In order for you to migrate here independently under Skilled Migration program, you need to have 60 points on Australian migration point system. To find out how many points you have, please see the link: http://t.co/YLa3AQ1nwK

It is also important to get your skill assessment done. Please see the list of authority that come with SOL above.

Get your English language skill tested. Check http://ielts.org/ to see where are the test centre in particular countries.

If you can get organize with the procedures listed above, then you are on the right path.

Please feel free to contact us if more information is needed.

Information is correct as of 10 Jan 2015.