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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!

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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!!!!

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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

Centrelink In Australia - An Overview For Immigrants

It is quite natural to be apprehensive regarding a new country - especially so if one is an immigrant. The world down under is no different from those above the equator and the special efforts made by the Australian Government are focused on providing a great start for a newcomer.

So what exactly is Centrelink?

Centrelink is the name of a Statutory Agency of Australian Government which has been created to assist the population to become self-sufficient and support others in need.

Centrelink can also be seen as a statutory agency which delivers a range of Commonwealth services to the Australian community.

Generally the worries start when one is not aware of the procedures and regulations. Further, without any proper guidance, one is lost in a quagmire of useless information which is neither beneficial nor simple to decipher. This is when Centrelink comes into picture as a single point help and guidance centre.

It is also seen by many of its satisfied proponents as a link between the Government and the people, aiming to enrich the way the Government deals with people. The agency has crafted out several benefit programs/ services which are offered on behalf of government policy departments and a various other agencies. The focus has been to create and sustain a system which helps every individual to kick start a venture which would pave way for a better lifestyle.

Customer Service Centers

Centrelink has fine tuned the support system and now boasts of simplified arrangements for customer service centers through an integrated network across the country.

Going a step further, the agency has also undertaken extensive research and conducted surveys to understand the complex customer satisfaction quotient. The dedicated approach by the agency has resulted in the formation of a streamlined and customer-focused organization.

Centrelink also offers various options and help modules for budding entrepreneurs to realize their dreams. The services include help through personal interviews, telephonic help, online internet services, as well as home visits.

Help for Families

Apart from assistance in business enhancement, Centrelink plays a major role in providing necessary help to individuals and families with advice and monetary assistance in cases of need. With a range of online services, families can easily access Update Family Income Estimate, Claim Child Care Benefit, as well as Pay Bills online after registering for online services.

Further, not limiting itself to mere help, Centrelink also offers information to parents and guardians regarding Child care, Accommodation and Renting and Payment choices for families.

Easy Access to Family Information?

The priority need is centralized information which is easily accessible to housewives and family members right at the home. Centrelink support parents and/or guardians through online services in order to obtain a range of payments related to:

• raising children
• having a baby
• child education
• child health, injury or disability, etc.

It also comes to aid with a varied range of services such as the Child Support Agency, Personal/Family Counseling, Special Disability Trusts and Family Assistance.

Brought to you by the Australian Immigration Experts at Synch1

Relocating To Australia Is Easy?

Relocating to Australia provides numerous job seekers with an opportunity to move to the land of Kangaroos.

• The world is shrinking at a rate never imagined before.
• Cultures are merging and people are interacting more actively than ever before.
• The advent of newer technologies and better lifestyles have seen populace shifts from well settled locations to hitherto unknown hinterlands in search of greener pastures.

Frankly it is quiet amusing, the way the human mind works. For a person who has been desperately searching for a satisfying remuneration suddenly starts scratching his head for a answer as to whether he should uproot himself/ herself and relocate to a place alien to him, or not.

Oh-so-warm Australians

The anxiety can be understood if one is required to relocate to an obscure country. However, the Oz is one place where everybody is welcomed with open arms and a mug of Australian beer. The apprehensions, if any, melt away the moment one touches Canberra or for that matter any of the metros. Happy go lucky people, beautiful atmosphere, amazing opportunities and a fun filled life welcomes you. The land of contrasts boasting of coral reefs, endless golden beaches, rich marine life, mountain ranges, tropical rainforests, and idyllic deserts beckons every visitor to its folds.

Australia is Cosmopolitan

Being the world’s smallest continent does not deter Australia from being the sixth-largest country. Major cities such as Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Queensland, Perth, Sydney, New South Wales etc attract scores of people from across the globe for a dreamy life. These metros not only breed a cross cultural society but also provide a fertile ground for those willing to learn and implement the Australian way of life. Being ruled by British has left an imprint on the country but that’s where the similarity ends (of course not to forget the left hand drive!). Australia has been a peace loving and fun filled country and it continues to be so, rubbing off the energy to any soul touching her.

Basics are taken care of!

Major concerns which plague a mover viz. schools for kid, proper housing facility, decent neighborhood and a stable job are generally taken care of within a short span of time. Thanks to the wonderful Australian Government welfare and guidance schemes, the visitors settle down much faster than the average settling down time. Knowledge of English language helps settling down faster and making friends who can be a catalyst to enhance the process. The language also helps in finding own way or while driving around the country. The Australian dollars and cents system is quite akin to the one known worldwide and is in fact, a step better with the advent of polymer (plastic) money which is not only clean and neat but also eco friendly.

Don’t worry - Be Happy!

Once the movement to Australia is decided, it is better to surrender oneself to the charms of the country rather worry about the future. The wonderful Australian lifestyle, fantastic climate and abundance of opportunities will bind you to this country. The recovery from jet lag would be quick and a combination of local friends would assist the transition phase glide smoothly.

Brought to you by the Australian Immigration Experts at Synch1

Australian Immigration: More Positives Than Negatives?

For people seeking a challenging and exciting career, Australia has been the dream country. Immigration to Australia is an ambition in Britain and hence the Australian Immigration Service has strict rules about the number of people that are allowed to enter Australia. Australia requires skilled workers and their work experience, qualification, and language ability are key factors in determining their migration. People enter Australia with an either an

• Investor visa
• Business Owner visa
• Business Talent visa or
• Senior Executive visa

The country’s economy is very strong and it encourages the immigration of skilled workers if they can contribute to the economy. But there are a wide range of views on the level of immigration which are more speculative in nature. CSIRO population study entitled “Future Dilemmas”, commissioned by DIM pointed out six very valid points with regard to immigration. They pointed out that the numbers of aged continued to rise but this is being debated that immigration actually can slow the ageing of Australia’s population.

CSIRO pointed out that Australia’s trade balance would worsen because of increase in imports and higher consumption of domestic products, increased gas emissions, overuse of agricultural soils, and decline in urban air quality and biodiversity. It claimed that Australia is over populated with reduced standard of living. Some claim that this rise in immigration level has led to shortage of housing and employers attempt to introduce foreign workers to avoid paying locals higher wages.

But Productivity Council has submitted a final research report that immigration cannot possibly be the only reason for all these degradations.

In contradiction to this, a study in science journal, Nature, claims that immigration does not result in global warming because although immigration increases population in one country, on a global level, immigration does not affect population.

It is being argued that:

• these immigrants to Australia actually reduce the ageing of population because they are young on average.
• Skilled workers actually add more to the economy.
• Immigration did not increase unemployment but actually it decreased unemployment because of more investments.

There is a strong emphasis in the immigration program to attract people who can contribute to the economy. The country continues to welcome migrants who are skilled and can help the well being of the country and its people.

The Productivity Commission does not accept “population pressures” as a major cause of strong increases in house prices, stating that “increased demand for better quality and better located dwellings, rather than for more dwellings, has been the primary driver”.

DIAC has found that Australia’s well-structured labor market along with the larger number of immigrants with higher education levels has tended to raise employment levels for Australians who are relatively unskilled.

“Gittens claims there is considerable opposition to immigration in Australia by “battlers” because of the belief that immigrants will steal jobs. Gittens claims though that “it’s true that immigrants add to the supply of labor. But it’s equally true that, by consuming and bringing families who consume, they also add to the demand for labor - usually by more.”

Brought to you by the Australian Immigration Experts at Synch1

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