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Brought to you by the Australian Immigration Experts at Synch1

Australian Immigration - General Skills Migration Program

If you possess the work skills Australia requires to fill vacancies in their labor force then the GSM Program is for you.

If you wish to live, work and play in Australia but are not sponsored by an employer then GSM is the way to go. GSM stands for General Skilled Migration. It is an excellent program and a very successful one.

If your skills match those on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL) and you have a good command of English, then you have more chance of success.

Prerequisites for Australia’s GSM Program:

There are various prerequisites for applying the program. They are:

• Age: you must be over 18 years of age and below 45 years of age.
• Language: you must be able to speak English well. This is the main prerequisite for anyone applying for this program.
• Skill-set: you must possess skills in the areas of shortage with qualifications and recent experience in the field in which you are applying.

The qualifications and experience needed for an occupation can be cross checked in the Australia’s Skilled Occupation List - SOL for short.

Recent Changes

Significant changes were made to the GSM program in September 2007. These include:

• a greater proficiency in English will be required, with 25 points going to those who score well in the testing system
• a greater emphasis is now put on skills experience, with bonus points only being awarded if you have 12 months experience in your nominated occupation
• there will be a new temporary work visa for graduates to enable them to increase their work experience
• the GSM visa structure was simplified, instead of 15 subclasses there are now only 9: 5 for Onshore applications and 4 for Offshore applications. This should make it easier to identify which visa subclass will work best for you

GSM Categories:

There are two basic categories for those applying through the GSM program: Onshore for those already on Australian territory with current visas, and Offshore for those applying from abroad.

There are four sub-catgories in each: sponsored, independent, Regional sponsored (provisional) and graduate, with the Onshore having the additional category of a permanent Regional sponsored visa.

Applicants can be sponsored by an Australian relation or an Australian state or territory government. Independent applications are from those with the right skills and experience required. A graduate visa is for those from recognised foreign universities whose skills are required by Australia. In each case there are certain requirements that must be met and you should check each carefully.

The evaluation of applications for Australia’s General Skilled Migration Program is generally done using a points based system. To qualify, you must score the appropriate level of points set by the system. If you score a little less than required, your application may, in some cases, be placed in a reserve pool and may be considered at some future point.

Brought to you by the Australian Immigration Experts at Synch1

Prepare For Your Trip To Australia - Some Do’s And Don’ts

Traveling always requires plenty of planning, making lists, packing and repacking, before you feel you are ready to move. This is more so if you are relocating to another country - Australia - for further education. A new city or town does not bring up the same anxiety or apprehension as a shift to a completely new country. A shift to a new country can be as exciting as you want it to be. Here’s some travel tips to make it go smoother…

A new country means new people, new traditions, new ways of doing things, and new practically everything else. For some this newness is a challenge. To be able to blend in to the crowd without stepping on toes and being able to live comfortably is an achievement. You do your country’s values and principles proud by being able to adapt smoothly. One way of ensuring that you are prepared for most eventualities is to learn about the country in question and find out all there is to know about daily living.

Heading out to Australia… remember there are many things that are not permitted in the country. If you are carrying something that you feel may not be permitted then you must declare it at the customs. Ensure you are not carrying parcels packed by others as you cannot be sure of what is there in it. It may land you in trouble.

There are severe penalties for prohibited items. In Australia, prohibited items include:

• meat products
• packaged meals
• dairy products
• fresh fruits and vegetables

Surf the net and find out all you an about the climate of the place you are going to be residing in, for example if you are headed out to the Gold coast, Brisbane, Rockhampton or the Fiji campus then pack clothes for a tropical climate. Keep formal wear handy as there are sure to be dress-code official events. Winter wear is very essential if your destination is Melbourne or Sidney.

If you are a first time overseas traveler then here is a mini checklist to guide you through the packing process for things you are likely to need while traveling. You don’t want to carry extra things given the baggage constraints.

Start with your personal effects…

• prescribed medication
• your contact lenses or reading/ vision glasses if any
• a camera
• your laptop
• etc.

Next, check all your documents. These should include…

• your valid passport
• the required student visa
• your offer letter
• information pack
• money, travelers checks to cater to at least a weeks worth of expenses
• airline ticket and travel details
• an international-enabled mobile phone
• passport size photographs in case of any unforeseen requirement
• international drivers license if you intend driving in Australia.

These are just some of the things you would need. If possible check with the embassy for any details that you feel you should know.

Well informed is the key to any journey, so be fully prepared. Use the internet to get your entire information and you really can’t go wrong. All the best mate!

Brought to you by the Australian Immigration Experts at Synch1

Real Estate In Australia - 7 Essential Buying Tips

7 Things To Remember Before Making A Real Estate Purchase

Becoming the proud owner of a dream home can very well be a truly nerve-wracking experience. However, in order to make the process start in an easier fashion, you need to ask yourself certain questions before looking out for a property in Australia.

Please bear in mind that these are not the only factors to be considered before embarking upon your hunt for homes. But, paying a little attention to the following issues will certainly provide you the clarity of the entire situation and equip you with the requisite knowledge to proceed further towards your ultimate goal.

1. You need to be clear about your needs. Try to come to a clear decision about the size of the house and the facilities that may come with it. This will prevent future regrets about the space crunch, lack of amenities etc.
2. The next very important factor to be considered is the location. Choose the area that suits yours requirements and your financial limitations. Ensure that all pockets in this area are thoroughly searched before moving on to the next preferred location. By doing this, you avoid any confusions that may otherwise arise due to the location of your home and the distance you need to cover for outside facilities like school, office, hospital, shopping malls etc.
3. Find out about flexibility levels of the house owner. One easy way of doing this is to check out for how long the house has been empty. A relatively less duration is an indicator that the owner might not show great signs of flexibility.
4. I know that you will certainly visit the house to have a good look at it. Try to gauge the level of repairs to be done, the age of the building, the condition of the electrical and plumbing wires etc. This will give you added clarity as far as your budget is concerned.
5. Ask the owner to provide complete details of the final price quoted. This should include any associated charges that are being levied. You must also inquire about the tax on property to be paid to ensure that there have been no previous shortfalls in payment.
6. Having children in the family will definitely persuade you to prefer locations that are closer to educational institutions. In that case, try to assess the accessibility levels of your home from school and vice-versa. This is undoubtedly one compelling element of house-hunting in case of a family-man.
7. Go through the documents of the house with the able guidance of a professional. Try to find out if there are any other related issues like zoning or easement problems. These troubles may arise if your property is the midst of a vast residential neighborhood. Overlooking these factors might take you by surprise later on after possession of the property.
8. Be practical while weighing all options of buying the house. Transportation is an important factor to be considered prior to purchasing any property. Try to analyze the time taken for commutation between your prospective home and the most commonly driven places (school or office).

The above discussed issues are just the starting point in your journey towards your dream home. However, giving these factors a deep thought will certainly ease the initial confusions and illusions that are associated with house-hunting. Good Luck!!!!

Brought to you by the Australian Immigration Experts at Synch1

Minimum Salary Level - Increase for Australian Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) - 1 August 2008

The MIA has today been advised that the Minimum Salary Level (MSL) for occupations nominated through the Employer Nomination Scheme will be increased from 1 August 2008, in line with the MSL increase for the Subclass 457 visa.

The standard MSL will increase to $43,440, and the MSL for ICT professionals will increase to $59, 477.

PLEASE NOTE: these increases will only apply to positions that are nominated under the ENS from 1 August 2008. Existing ENS visa holders, as well as employer nominations for positions lodged before 1 August 2008, will not be affected by the MSL increase.

Brought to you by the Australian Immigration Experts at Synch1

All About First Home Owners Grant In Australia

What do the Australian First Home Owner’s Grant, and Police tracking down dangerous criminals, have in common? Both recognize how precious it is to have your own home…

It is a commonly known fact that the police team in search of criminals always keep a lookout near their home… Sooner or later the cozy comfort of a home and the love of it’s occupant is bound to drag the criminal back into home.

Such is the great attraction and affection a home generates that even the most stone hearted are compelled to return to it for a moment or two of solace. What better way to encourage responsible citizenship than to provide a safe harbour in which he moors his castle of fantasy?

Moreover, right since the beginning human society in general, and family groupings in particular have always felt the necessity of a shelter which could protect them from natural as well as man made storms.

Always striving to provide his family the much needed fortification the caveman zealously guarded the caves and even befriended the dog to perform the duties for him. Times have changed but the urge for shelter remains, and even today one of the major dreams of any human is to have a home of their own and settle down nicely and enjoy the vagaries of life.

It is not only the individual but also society which has understood and accepted the necessity of providing proper housing facilities to each of its members which would finally lead to a happy and content culture. Governments have taken this up on behalf of society and encourage individuals to construct and enjoy their own home.

The Australian Government too realized the need of a helping hand for its populace as far as home building was concerned and came up with unique promotional and incentive scheme which encourage the people to have a house of their own. The First Home Owner’s Grant scheme was thus created to encourage residence possession and also to create a conducive atmosphere for the industry infrastructure and thus the economy.

No Means-Testing

Coming into effect from July 2000, the First Home Owner’s Grant is an open-ended scheme which helps any first time home owner, irrespective of the price of the house being constructed. Thus one may construct a house worth $50,000 or $1,000,000 the amount of grant remains the same. The First Home Owner’s Grant is not means-tested and neither is it restricted by the cost of the proposed property.

How to Apply for a First Home Owner’s Grant?

The grant can be obtained through a number of lending institutions and banks that are a part of the approved agents list. Infact, the grant also provides the added incentive of an additional payment if certain criteria are met by both the spouses. This is also sometimes referred as the first home bonus. The best part of the scheme is that one is not required to apply separately for the bonus but is automatically entitles to it once the application for First Home Owner’s Grant is submitted.

Brought to you by the Australian Immigration Experts at Synch1

Australian Immigration - Government Backs The Rise

The economic boom in Australia has warranted the Government of Australia to call for skills from outside and has resulted in mass immigration. As high as an 8.8% increase has been reported in Australian permanent immigrants. Many people favor the Australian immigration policy and believe it is going in the correct direction to tackle the situation.

Because of the aging workforce in Australia, there is great demand for skilled workers from outside the country. Because of the very low unemployment rate, immigration has been as the main solution to solve the skill shortage.

“Australia immigration has become increasingly popular,” says Erin Ryan of www.globalvisas.com“, as foreigners are flocking to the shores down under. “Australia is reaping the benefits of these skilled immigrants.”

Who are the Immigrants? What Kind of Skills?

A report says that New South Wales is the most preferred destination for immigrants - the majority of whom are people from UK and Europe.

There is a great demand in Australia for pilots, doctors, nurses, and other skilled workers and to tackle this problem, the government has relaxed the immigration policy . Wherever there is shortage of skills, people who are skilled in those areas will be given preference.

The government is also pondering over the idea of being more lenient to professional workers as they can deploy these people to mange the present economic growth.

According to a recent OECD report, the Australian economy depends strongly on immigrants.

• about 25% of the workforces are foreign born
• unemployment rate for migrants in Australia is the lowest in the OECD
• education and employment are almost on par with the citizens of Australia

Temporary Business Visa

Apart from the Migration Program for permanent residents, the government also has a temporary business visa category and this is for people sponsored for skilled occupations by the Australian employers. Australia is going to need migrants, especially skilled migrants, for a long time to come. In Australia there is bipartisan political support for the Migration Program. Australia offers an outstanding quality of life as well as employment opportunities.

Liberal Immigration Minister Kevin Andrews talks in support of immigration:

“The level of net overseas migration is important as net inflows of migrants to Australia reduce the rate of population ageing because migrants are younger on average than the resident population. Just less than 70% of the migrant intake is in the 15 - 44 age cohort, compared to 43% of the Australian population as a whole. Just 10% of the migrant intake are 45 or over, compared with 38% of the Australian population.”

It is also argued that the emphasis on skilled migration means that the country gains a lot more benefit from the incomers. Now, many major works projects which had to be put on hold for want of skilled labor can get going again.

Major Australian Political Parties in Favor High Level of Immigration

According to a 2007 Liberal Party document titled Immigration - Its Role in Our Future, the Coalition’s immigration policy is

“free from discrimination based on race, religion, gender, nationality or country of origin.”

The Australian government is committed to lay more emphasis on skilled migration, at the same time maintaining commitment to family reunion migration.

Brought to you by the Australian Immigration Experts at Synch1

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