AUSTRALIAN IMMIGRATION NEWS

According to Australia India Institute (AII) inaugural director Amitabh Mattoo, there has been an increase in the number if Indian student visa applications to Australia.

Thursday, 31 May 2012

The Australian Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, the Hon Chris Bowen MP on May 25, 2012 made an announcement on changes to the Business Skills visa program to lure more entrepreneurs with diverse business expertise to Australia.

Tuesday, 29 May 2012

Australia is welcoming successful foreign investors with a new fast-tracked visa program introduced by the Federal Government, according to a joint announcement made by the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen MP, and the Minister for Financial Services and Superannuation, Bill Shorten MP, on May 25, 2012.

Monday, 28 May 2012

Over 650 vacancies in the minerals and resources sector in Australia will be filled by skilled workers from the USA.

Friday, 18 May 2012

Australia has welcomed 4.5 million people as its citizens since the first Australian citizenship ceremony in 1949, the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen MP announced.

Thursday, 17 May 2012

Australian employers are looking abroad for talent in order to fill skill shortages, according to a recent research.

Thursday, 17 May 2012

The Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) has recently released a quarterly report on the Student Visa program, which show an increase in the number of overseas students coming to Australia from July 2011 to March 2012.

Wednesday, 9 May 2012

There will be an additional 5000 places for immigrants including workers to help fill skills shortages in parts of the Australian economy.

Wednesday, 9 May 2012

A new online video message in 14 languages assisting Australian visa overstayers to resolve their immigration status is now available.

Monday, 7 May 2012

Australia saw an increase of three percent in the number of young visitors travelling to Australia under working holiday visas in 2011, Destination New South Wales revealed at the Australian Youth Tourism Exchange at the Sunshine Coast.

Thursday, 3 May 2012

India has climbed to the top of the charts as the top exporter of skilled immigrants to Australia, surpassing China and the UK.

Thursday, 3 May 2012

Officers from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) will visit Darwin on May 8 to conduct information sessions focusing on upcoming significant reforms to the Australian skilled migration program.

Wednesday, 2 May 2012

International students of selected private and Technical and Further Education (TAFE) colleges will soon get Australian visas more easily thanks to recent immigration reforms.

Friday, 20 April 2012

The Australian Government has recently announced reforms to the permanent employer-sponsored visa program, which will come into effect from 1 July 2012.

Wednesday, 18 April 2012

The Australian Embassy in Riyadh held a get-together event on April 18 to welcome graduates studying in Australia and launched the association of Saudi graduates of Australian universities (SADAGA).

Wednesday, 18 April 2012

A new Australian Visa Application Centre (AVAC) is now opened for visa applicants in Vanuatu.

Tuesday, 17 April 2012

A KPMG submission to the Federal Government has identified a future labour shortage in the agricultural sector, naming two major South Australian farming regions, the Eyre Peninsula and the Mallee, as examples. This is due to an increasing trend of younger workers leaving to take jobs in the mining sector, and half of the nation's farmers preparing to retire in the next decade.

Monday, 16 April 2012

Arrangements that allow people from China and other nationals in the People's Republic of China to travel to Australia on a student visa without a visa label in their passport have been implemented from April 1, 2012, the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) recently announced.

Tuesday, 10 April 2012

Australia is hoping to attract more American workers to fill skill shortages in key sectors by taking measures to assist linking Australian employers with skilled workers in the U.S.

Thursday, 5 April 2012

Officers from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) will visit Naracoorte on April 12 and Penola on April 13.

Thursday, 5 April 2012

The Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) has recently announced proposed changes to the points based skilled migration visa program.

Friday, 30 March 2012

Deputy Premier and Minister for Trade and Investment Andrew Stoner welcomes "high value" immigrants from countries like the UK to New South Wales in a plan boosting the number of students, business and skilled migrants to the State.

Friday, 23 March 2012

Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) officers will be visiting Clare on Thursday, March 29, 2012.

Wednesday, 21 March 2012

Two changes to Australian Protection visa processing including considering complementary protection claims as part of the Protection Visa assessment process and a single statutory Protection Visa process for both boat and air arrivals will take effect from March 24, 2012, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) announced on March 19.

Wednesday, 21 March 2012

The Australia Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) announced on March 19 changes to the Australian student visa system including streamlined visa processing and other major measures which are proposed to commence on March 24 and 26, 2012.

Tuesday, 20 March 2012

According to new figures from Tourism Research Australia, tourists from Asia are big spenders in Australia, contributing approximately $10 billion to Australian tourism.

Tuesday, 13 March 2012

The Australian Tourist Export Council (ATEC) has recently delivered its paper to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship which urges the Australian federal government to make five major policy adjustments to an Australian visa category, claiming the changes could potentially increase Australia's GDP by at least $275 million in a decade.

Monday, 12 March 2012

Addressing excess 'red tape' the Australian government will simplify the permanent employer-sponsored visa program to assist skilled immigrants and their employers, declaired Federal Minister for Immigration and Citizenship Chris Bowen.

Friday, 9 March 2012

WA Tourism Minister Kim Hames is lobbying the Australian Federal government to loosen visa restrictions for working holiday makers as a way to fight the skills shortage in the hospitality and tourism sectors.

Thursday, 1 March 2012

Young Australians and Argentines now have the opportunity to enjoy an extended holiday in each other's countries through a work and holiday arrangement that comes into effect today.

Wednesday, 29 February 2012

According to a report released recently by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), migrants have boosted Australia's workforce skills, with two-thirds of all working age migrants possessing academic or trade qualifications in 2010–11.

Friday, 24 February 2012

A new integrated marketing campaign has been launched by Tourism Australia at the Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo (AIME) 2012 in Melbourne.

Friday, 24 February 2012

A new program focusing not only on aspects of technical training but also workplace culture, communication and job-finding skills will be provided to Australian immigrant engineers, by Navitas Workforce Solutions and Engineers Australia.

Thursday, 23 February 2012

Australia has once again seen an increase in student visa applications from India after a phase of decline.

Wednesday, 22 February 2012

Australia's Northern Territory is now allowed to welcome overseas workers after its government reached a migration agreement with Immigration Minister Chris Bowen and the Federal government, which is considered a positive step to help fill the Territory's skill shortage.

Tuesday, 21 February 2012

The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen MP, last week announced the Government would make the visa application process easier for students from 29 countries by reducing assessment levels across a range of student visa subclasses from 24 March.

Tuesday, 21 February 2012

Recent Australian immigration figures reveal that there was an increase in the number of Australian visa applicants entering Australia under the visa for short-term business trips.

Monday, 20 February 2012

According to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC), citizens from Brazil and Argentina can apply for online tourist visas to Australia starting from February 15, 2012.

Friday, 17 February 2012

According to a recent report released by the Australian Government's Working Holiday Maker Visa Program, the number of working holiday visas granted to Irish citizens rose by 33 percent in 2011.

Thursday, 16 February 2012

Universities Australia, the peak body representing the public interest of the country's universities, has recommended the sector accept a new streamlined process for Australian student visas.

Tuesday, 14 February 2012

The Vice President of the Australian Medical Association's branch in Victoria, Stephen Parnis, has called for health insurance to become a mandatory requirement for all Australian visa applicants.

Monday, 13 February 2012

Research initiated by the Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) has found that changes to the Working Holiday Visa (WHV) guidelines could boost annual GDP by up to AUD$700 million over 10 years and help fill the regional labour shortages.

Monday, 13 February 2012

Singapore-based budget airline Scoot has chosen The Gold Coast as its second international destination (after Sydney), according to its announcement on February 7, 2012.

Thursday, 9 February 2012

The Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) has recently recommended new immigration laws to protect migrant women fleeing family violence.

Thursday, 9 February 2012

The Migration Institute of Australia (MIA) has called for a future Humanitarian Program that is both "larger in size and broader in scope" in their submission to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) Information Paper Australia's Humanitarian Program: 2012-13 and Beyond.

Thursday, 9 February 2012

The Federal Government has launched a three-year trial of virtual English language tuition to help new Australian immigrants settle into regional communities.

Wednesday, 8 February 2012

Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) officers will be visiting Port Pirie, South Australia on February 23, 2012.

Tuesday, 7 February 2012

A new report reveals that international students graduating in Australia now get more chances to find work in their fields of study.

Tuesday, 7 February 2012

The Australian High Commission will open an Australian Visa Application Centre (AVAC) in Accra, Ghana on February 8, 2012.

Wednesday, 1 February 2012

The Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) has released a discussion paper which seek submissions on the issues raised in the Review of the Student Visa Assessment Level Framework Terms of Reference.

Wednesday, 1 February 2012

On Australia Day, 26 January 2012, around 13,700 people from 144 countries were welcomed as new Australian citizens, the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen MP announced.

Monday, 30 January 2012

People from Brazil and Argentina will be able to apply online for their Australian tourist visa from February 15, 2012.

Monday, 30 January 2012

Migration Expos will be held in the UK during February, providing detailed information about immigration and employment opportunities for Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

Thursday, 19 January 2012

There is an increase in the number of European migrants coming to Australia to escape the European debit crisis.

Wednesday, 18 January 2012

Foreign investors are now dominating the Australian rental residential property market, according to a recent report of property group CBRE, a commercial real estate services firm.

Wednesday, 4 January 2012

The Philippines may become a large source of nurses and skilled workers to fill the shortage of Australian workforce in the year 2012, according to the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA).

Wednesday, 4 January 2012

Migration Regulations 1994 ("the Regulations") have been amended to remove the discretionary "Assurance of Support" (AoS) requirements from certain Partner visas, the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship has recently announced.

Tuesday, 3 January 2012

The Western Australian (WA) government has called on the federal government to expand the regional skilled migration model that restricts applicants of certain Australian visas to live and work in regional parts of the state.

Tuesday, 31 May 2011

A series of new forums designed to promote and educate employers about skilled migration programs by the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) will be delivered in a visit of the department to across Western Australia (WA) next month.

Tuesday, 31 May 2011

A radical new model of Australian visa rule for skilled migrants has been announced by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, Minister Chris Bowen. Accordingly, independent skilled migrants will have to ask permission before lodging their application from July, 2012.

Thursday, 26 May 2011

The independent skilled migrant category is planned to increase by almost 30 percent by the federal government.

Thursday, 26 May 2011

The increase in demand for overseas trade workers to fill skills shortages in resources industry has resulted in the significant increase in the number of approved 457 visas in this year so far.

Wednesday, 25 May 2011

Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship has recently announced that international students wishing to study in Australia can now use their TOEFL® test scores as part of their visa application process.

Monday, 23 May 2011

The Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) will be increasing fees of a number of visa subclasses as part of the new federal budget.

Wednesday, 18 May 2011

In order to reduce human smuggling and illegal migration to Australia, a new agreement has been struck with Malaysia by Prime Minister Julia Gillard and the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) at Parliament House in Canberra.

Tuesday, 17 May 2011

With a new focus on regional Australian visas to fill skills shortages, the Australian Federal Budget yesterday released that almost 16,000 skilled migration places would be allocated as part of the Federal Budget.

Wednesday, 11 May 2011

The Australian government recently announced a series of immigration changes including a skilled migration program targeting regional Australia, a faster 457 visa process and an increase in the number of humanitarian visas in near future.

Wednesday, 11 May 2011

The Australia's economy, especially the booming natural resources sector is now facing a shortage in skilled labour market. A plan to train tens of thousands of Indian graduates is under consideration by officials in Australia and India to help Australia solve this problem.

Tuesday, 10 May 2011

The Australian government's treasury minister Wayne Swan has rejected calls for a large boost to permanent migration. But he flagged a likely spike in temporary skilled migration in the next four years as a result of measures in the budget making it easier for businesses to use foreign labour.

Tuesday, 10 May 2011

A significant drop in students from India and China has put many self-funded Australian universities and other higher education providers in deep financial crisis. Therefore, they are calling on the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) to ease visa restrictions for student arrivals from these countries.

Friday, 6 May 2011

Australian immigration minister Chris Bowen has clarified his plans to make it tougher for certain refugees to apply for visa to Australia.

Thursday, 5 May 2011

Government reviews of many visa classifications are believed to bring about benefit to Australian tourism. This move can keep Australia competitive in the tourism industry and create a better environment for international visitors to Australia.

Thursday, 28 April 2011

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) has decided that the Central Institute and Polytechnic West should assist immigrants in Western Australia by providing English language support to them.

Tuesday, 26 April 2011

Along with the Australian government's proposal to simplify visitor visas, a discussion paper for public comment on that matter has recently been released by the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen MP, and Minister Assisting on Deregulation, Senator Nick Sherry.

Thursday, 21 April 2011

In an effort to combat fraud immigration, Australian immigration department has introduced a tougher set of rules over the weekend.

Thursday, 14 April 2011

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) has announced on 2 April that the government will lower international student visa assessment levels for 38 countries across one or more subclasses.

Monday, 4 April 2011

A strategy that outlines an integrated and targeted approach to solve the future lack of skilled labour has recently been launched by the Western Australia.

Tuesday, 29 March 2011

The introduction of biometrics program with tighter, more technologically advanced immigration controls for visa applicants in new countries has been announced by Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship.

Tuesday, 29 March 2011

To assist Japanese residents affected by the recent earthquake and tsunami, Australian government has offered extensions of their Australian visas if required.

Monday, 21 March 2011

To highlight the 100th annual Women’s Day, Australia has celebrated women’s rights by promoting immigration policies that help protect women.

Tuesday, 15 March 2011

A recent announcement from the New South Wales Government shows that NSW State Migration Plan, which leads to many changes in occupations for skilled sponsored migrants, has been approved and implemented from 3 March 2011.

Friday, 11 March 2011

According to a spokesman from Australian immigration department, The Australian Government will travel to Western of this country to encourage businesses to use Australia working visa to fill skills shortages.

Tuesday, 8 March 2011

In order to attract skilled migrants to Canberra, a new campaign named "Live in Canberra" will be launched by The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Government between 9 February and 28 February 2011.

Friday, 11 February 2011

Due to the current political situation in Egypt, Australia will give option of staying for Egyptian nationals currently in Australia beyond their Australian visa expiry.

Tuesday, 8 February 2011

With reconstruction efforts to support Queensland after being devastated by flooding in December and January 2011, the Australian immigration Department will visit to cyclone-ravaged parts of Queensland.

Tuesday, 8 February 2011

In Settler Arrivals 2009-10 publication, a study by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship's (DIAC) has revealed the new figures of migrants settling in Australia during 2009/10.

Monday, 24 January 2011

Australia is trying hard to keep attracting foreign students because of increasing competition from other countries and the efforts of Asian nations to retain their students.

Monday, 24 January 2011

Talking to the media on last Friday, the Australian High Commissioner for India stated that the Australian government now wants to attract more Indian skilled workers.

Friday, 21 January 2011

According to a recent report in The Australian newspaper, the current backlog of Australian Visa applications has been widely criticized by businesses and migration employment advocates and they are calling on The Immigration Department to better allocate its resources.

Monday, 17 January 2011

A recent High Court ruling has encouraged thousands of asylum seekers who have had their Australian Visa applications rejected to appeal the decision. This has forced the Government of Australia to make changes to the appeal system.

Wednesday, 12 January 2011

The federal government of Australia and state government of South Australia have reached an agreement on immigration to meet South Australia needs for skilled migrants.

Monday, 10 January 2011

On December, 31st 2010, a work and holiday agreement between Australia and Bangladesh has been stared.

Thursday, 6 January 2011

Thanks to economic growth and a decrease in unemployment rate, Australian job vacancies are now increasing and immigrants from the UK are expected to have greater opportunities to work in Australia.

Thursday, 6 January 2011

More US citizens are moving to Australia for jobs as there is now an unemployment crisis in USA. About 7,000 US people, of whom 80 percent immigrate over the past five years, are working on Australian skilled work visas.

Thursday, 6 January 2011

A new report shows that 70 percent of international migrants to Queensland are from visa categories that have not been significantly affected by the latest changes.

Monday, 31 May 2010

The Government has announced that the Skilled Migration Program will focus more on critical skills in the coming year, but still expect to maintain the current immigration intake.

Thursday, 20 May 2010

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) has officially published the new Skilled Occupation List which will come into effect from 1 July 2010.

Monday, 17 May 2010

In a media release, the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans announced that people will not be able to lodge certain offshore general skilled migration applications (GSM) from 8 May 2010.

Monday, 10 May 2010

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) Australia have delayed the release of the new Skilled Occupation List (SOL), scheduled for release on 30, April 2010.

Monday, 3 May 2010

According to a release from the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Evans, a number of tough new measures to crack down on student immigration will ensure that only genuine students will be accepted to study in Australia.

Friday, 30 April 2010

The Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) have announced changes to the Business Skills Migration program. Applicants wishing to migrate under this program will need to meet increased visa thresholds from 19 April 2010.

Friday, 30 April 2010

Federal Resources Minister, Martin Ferguson says that Australia should expect large numbers of Immigrants settling into regional Australian towns and cities, as a result of the next mining boom.

Friday, 16 April 2010

According to Recruiters, the IT sector is sliding into a skills shortage that could be eased by making it easier to sponsor skilled temporary workers from overseas.

Tuesday, 13 April 2010

The Australian Government has announced new measures for developing the infrastructure and resources needed to accommodate Australia's immigration and growing population.

Tuesday, 13 April 2010

Australia's top universities have called for a new Australian visa to be established that would guarantee post-graduate students a 3 year temporary visa that could lead to permanent residency.

Monday, 5 April 2010

The Australian Capital Territory Government has updated their Skills in Demand List (SDL). This change will impact business analysts, advertising professionals, and some teachers wishing to immigrate to Australia under the state/territory sponsored program.

Tuesday, 30 March 2010

The Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) has announced that many Work Visa applicants who have nominated a trade occupation will be able to use an existing skills assessment to lodge a valid visa application.

Wednesday, 17 March 2010

The Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC), announced its support of a national campaign to educate employers in the horticulture industry about their obligations when employing overseas workers.

Tuesday, 16 March 2010

The final report of the Baird Review on legislation governing international education shows support for recent Government immigration policy changes.

Thursday, 11 March 2010

The minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans has released a public statement confirming the Governments position that the 457 Visa programme should only be used when employers are unable to find the skilled workers within Australia.

Friday, 5 March 2010

New Immigration figures show that almost 90 percent of 457 Subclass Temporary Overseas work visas granted in 2009-10 went to managers and highly skilled professional workers.

Tuesday, 23 February 2010

Iris Boatfield, 92, became an Australian Citizen in a private Citizenship ceremony with her family in Brisbane, Queensland.

Tuesday, 23 February 2010

The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship has released a discussion paper, seeking public comment on a review of the points test for Skilled Work Visa applicants.

Thursday, 18 February 2010

An online survey of over 1600 international students showed that Australia is still a preferred destination for studying despite recent immigration changes, crack-downs on educational institutes and incidents involving international students.

Monday, 15 February 2010

According to the Australian Government, Student Visa holders still have options to seek permanent residency to Australia under the latest changes to Australian Immigration policy.

Friday, 12 February 2010

The Australian Government has announced major changes to the Skilled Work Visa program which will favour those with business or Government sponsorship.

Tuesday, 9 February 2010

Australia welcomed 16,500 new Australians at Citizenship ceremonies around the country on January 25.

Wednesday, 27 January 2010

Former Manchester United player Paul Parker has been forced to leave Australia after he allegedly breached his Australian Travel Visa by working as a TV soccer analyst.

Thursday, 21 January 2010

Senator Chris Evans believes that changes to the temporary skilled migration scheme are successfully addressing some of Australia's skill shortages while protecting local jobs.

Tuesday, 19 January 2010

12 or more Irish nationals have been deported as a part of investigations into immigration fraud in Australia.

Monday, 18 January 2010

Compared to the same time last year, temporary skilled migration to Australia has decreased by almost 50 percent, after stricter workplace laws came into effect.

Tuesday, 12 January 2010

2009 marks the sixtieth anniversary of Australian Citizenship, which was introduced in 1949 following the Nationality and Citizenship Act 1948. Before this time most Australians were British subjects.

Friday, 29 May 2009

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) have reminded Australian employers to check that their staff have the right to work in Australia.

Friday, 29 May 2009

Records show that over the last ten years, the level of emigration from the UK to Australia has more than doubled. This trend has also been influenced heavily of recent times due to the uncertain economic situation in the UK.

Friday, 29 May 2009

Minister for Immigration and Citizenship Australia, Chris Evans, has announced that a number of occupations will be removed from the 457 Work Visa programme.

Friday, 22 May 2009

The Australian Government has announced as part of the 2009-10 Budget, that there will be fewer skilled migration visas available in the next financial year.

Thursday, 14 May 2009

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has released April figures that show a surprise reduction in the unemployment rate for the month of April 2009.

Wednesday, 13 May 2009

The New South Wales (NSW) state government has made a series of changes that affect skilled migrants wanting to live and work in NSW.

Friday, 24 April 2009

DIAC have announced that they will be raising the level of English for all subclass 457 trades and chef applicants, effective from today.

Wednesday, 22 April 2009

The Australian Immigration Department has announced a number of changes to the 457 Temporary Business Long Stay Visa, to ensure that prospective immigrants are suitably skilled, and are not being under-payed or discriminated against.

Friday, 3 April 2009

DIAC have removed a large number of trade skills such as carpenters, welders and plumbers, from the CSL (Critical Skills List) to reduce Australia's immigration intake.

Wednesday, 25 March 2009

The government has announced changes to the Immigration Act, in order to eliminate any discrimination against same-sex couples and their children.

Wednesday, 25 March 2009

The South Australian State Government has announced a number of changes to state immigration programs that will come into effect on March 31, 2009.

Friday, 20 March 2009

Recent figures show that Australia’s estimated resident population increased by 359,000 to 21,374,000 people the year ended 30 June 2008.

Wednesday, 18 March 2009

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) have announced a new reciprocal agreement between the Australian and Indonesian governments, which allows university educated Australian and Indonesian travellers aged between 18 and 30 years old to travel and work and holiday in each others’ countries.

Tuesday, 3 March 2009

DIACs 2007-2008 Annual Report shows the number of people entering Australia both permanently and temporarily continued to increase during the 2007-2008 period.

Wednesday, 18 February 2009

Recent findings from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) indicate that Australians are living longer. The percentage of the Australian population older than 65 years has increased to 13% in 2006, compares to just 4% back in 1901.

Thursday, 12 February 2009

January 26, 2009 marked the 60th year of Australia's Nationality and Citizenship Act which created the concept of "Australian Citizenship".

Thursday, 5 February 2009

Immigration Minister Chris Evans has announced that the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) will not reduce the number of skilled migrant visas for the 2009 programme.

Thursday, 29 January 2009

There have been a number of changes to the Victorian State Sponsorship list. The sponsorship lists are updated in order to reflect changes in the skill needs for Victorian employers whose positions they cannot fill locally.

Wednesday, 21 January 2009

Recent figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) indicate that a record number of the Irish population are emigrating Down Under. The report shows that emigration is at its highest in 20 years. 45,300 workers have left the country in the year to April 2008, and the majority of these have chosen Australia as their preferred location to settle down.

Wednesday, 14 January 2009

The Labor party budget for 2008-09 includes an increase of almost 300,000 visas to Australia in a bid to address labour shortages in Australia.

Tuesday, 20 May 2008

Many skilled migrants wanting to work in Australia can now look forward to faster processing times for their 457 Australian Work Visas.

Tuesday, 6 May 2008

Immigration makes Australia stronger, says the latest research by the Monash Institute for the Study of Global Movements.

Thursday, 1 May 2008

A series of information sessions about Australian Work Visas and employment for overseas workers will be presented by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) on Monday, the 28th of April 2008 in Western Australia’s Kalgoorlie.

Tuesday, 22 April 2008

Australia’s Department of Immigration and Citizenship has introduced a change to permit all initial Student Visa holders to work once they’ve started a course of study.

Thursday, 17 April 2008

If you are a teacher or/and you’re considering immigration to Australia for your family, you could soon be faced with a government who is planning to give kids in Australia the best education in the world.

Thursday, 17 April 2008

Immigration can be the answer to curbing Australian state, Victoria’s rise in housing prices because of labour shortages in commercial and residential projects.

Monday, 14 April 2008

A request has been launched to Australian Immigration to remove the age restrictions currently set for Working Holiday Visas.

Friday, 11 April 2008

If you want to travel to Australia for the Catholic Church’s World Youth Day, you’d have to apply for your visa as soon as possible, Chris Evans, Australia’s Immigration Minister advises.

Wednesday, 9 April 2008

Brits immigrating to Australia have increased double fold since ten years ago, says a new media report, making it the second most popular destination after Spain for UK immigrants.

Tuesday, 8 April 2008

Potential candidates for permanent immigration don’t have to travel as far anymore when they have to do a citizenship test for Australia.

Wednesday, 2 April 2008

Immigration is vital to Australia’s economy and now accounts for more than half the country’s population growth, said a recent report.

Tuesday, 1 April 2008

The National Farmers' Federation (NFF) is calling on the Rudd Government to ease immigration laws to allow Pacific islanders to come to Australia on a seasonal basis and pick fruit and vegetables.

Wednesday, 26 March 2008

A recent report by the Department of Immigration has revealed that overseas workers mainly in higher skilled areas are earning wages well above their Australian counterparts.

Tuesday, 25 March 2008

In order to remedy its skills crisis, Australian Immigration is coming up with plans that will influence temporary overseas workers and refugees.

Thursday, 20 March 2008

Australian Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Evans is hoping that the two-day 2008 Australia Needs Skills expo this weekend will lure more skilled workers to Australia.

Friday, 14 March 2008

The Brisbane Character Assessment Unit of Australia's Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) has announced a new trial procedure for UK police checks.

Thursday, 13 March 2008

Construction workers wanting to live around the beach and wine regions could be in for a treat if Kevin Rudd follows through with immigration changes.

Tuesday, 11 March 2008

If you have kids and are planning to immigrate to Australia, you will be glad to know that the Australian Government has just invested even more funds into promoting the health of children.

Friday, 7 March 2008

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is looking into a solution to ease Australia's current housing shortage, which includes taking care of the country's other shortage: construction labour.

Tuesday, 4 March 2008

It's no secret that Australia's in high demand of skilled workers, and now, thanks to a list Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, has just released, the world now knows in exactly which sectors the country needs them.

Monday, 3 March 2008

Thanks to immigration, Australia has found it a breeze to fill more than half (53.9%) of the country's full-time jobs created over the last 12 months.

Saturday, 1 March 2008

With the Australian dollar at a 24-year high, setting your investment sights on Australian businesses while considering immigration could be in your best interest.

Friday, 29 February 2008

The Australian Medical Association (AMA) is calling for urgent action to increase the number of GPs in regional Victoria, setting its hopes on doctors considering immigration.

Thursday, 21 February 2008

A total of 6000 more Australian skilled visas have just been released by the Australian government, and are up for grabs before the end of June 2008 by overseas applicants keen on immigration.

Monday, 18 February 2008

Australia is in dire need of increased immigration, because when millions of baby boomers retire, many job vacancies will be created, according to a latest report.

Wednesday, 6 February 2008

More than 14,000 new citizens can now finally call Australia home after immigration paved their way to a new life in the world's friendliest country.

Tuesday, 5 February 2008

The Australian immigration citizenship test is in for a possible makeover, only six months after its introduction by the previous conservative Howard government on 1 October 2007.

Wednesday, 30 January 2008

The immigration of health professionals could be the answer to Australia's huge gap in the medical sector. Physiotherapists, social workers, radiologists and other health professionals are urgently needed to work in Australia.

Tuesday, 29 January 2008

In the IT industry and considering immigration to Canada? Your timing couldn't be any better, as a report issued by a group of industry professionals estimates that over 90,000 jobs in the IT sector will become available before 2011.

Friday, 25 January 2008

In the IT industry and considering immigration to Canada? Your timing couldn't be any better, as a report issued by a group of industry professionals estimates that over 90,000 jobs in the IT sector will become available before 2011.

Friday, 25 January 2008

Afraid your immigration decision to Australia could be of ill judgement? Maybe you're in for a rather pleasant surprise.

Thursday, 24 January 2008

Students from all over the world are flocking to Australian schools and universities as part of a quest for adventure, international study opportunities and a means of immigration.

Wednesday, 23 January 2008

Students from all over the world are flocking to Australian schools and universities as part of a quest for adventure, international study opportunities and a means of immigration.

Wednesday, 23 January 2008

If you're a scientist or engineer, your immigration decision could be the answer to Australia's energy, mining and pharmaceutical industries' pleads for more qualified professionals to migrate to Australia.

Thursday, 17 January 2008

Looking at the latest statistics on bicycle sales, it's not hard to see why immigration to Australia can be like a breath of fresh air for many – literally.

Monday, 14 January 2008

The Australian tourism market reached a high point last week by welcoming its 300,000th Chinese visitor under the Approved Destination Scheme.

Monday, 28 May 2007

The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council (ANMC) have lifted a ban on recruiting Zimbabwean Nurses, providing a fresh start and significant career opportunities for many Zimbabwean nursing professionals in Australia.

Friday, 25 May 2007

Potential Australian citizens will soon be quizzed in the form of a multiple choice citizenship test about Australia’s values, political affairs and sporting preferences. The test will consist of 20 questions drawn from a pool of 200.

Monday, 21 May 2007

Recently arrived skilled migrants are enjoying strong employment outcomes and job satisfaction, according to preliminary results of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship’s (DIAC) third longitudinal survey of immigrants.

Friday, 18 May 2007

Kevin Andrews, Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, and Margaret Quirk, West Australian Minister for Small Business, have finalised a three-year labour agreement for the temporary entry of skilled meatworkers to Western Australia.

Thursday, 17 May 2007

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) have released details of the 2007-08 Migration Programme intake with a planning level set at 152,800 places.

Friday, 11 May 2007

The Australian Government has hinted at introducing extensive changes to the current General Skilled Migration Programme.

Monday, 7 May 2007

Changes to the controversial Skilled Temporary Visa (subclass 457) which will protect and strengthen the integrity of the 457 visa scheme, have been formally announced by the Australian Government.

Monday, 30 April 2007

Details of reforms to Australia's General Skilled Migration (GSM) programme have been announced by the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, the Hon Kevin Andrews MP and Minister for Education, Science and Training, the Hon Julie Bishop MP.

Tuesday, 17 April 2007

The Australian Labour Party (ALP) plans to stop unions from making decisions on whether a business should be allowed to recruit temporary skilled migrants. The plan comes as a bid by the ALP to show that the party recognises the need for employer sponsored visas, despite continuous campaigns against their abuse.

Thursday, 29 March 2007

The increasing number of newborn babies and migrants have driven Australia’s population growth to its highest level in five years, fuelling economic growth and generating expansion in Australia’s research-rich states.

Wednesday, 28 March 2007

The Australian Government encouraged its citizens and residents to get together on 21 March 2007 and acknowledge the nation’s cultural diversity.

Thursday, 22 March 2007

The Australian government is being urged to respond to employer groups calling for a serious increase to the size and scope of the 2007-8 migration program.

Thursday, 15 March 2007

New immigration legislation designed to strengthen Australian security was passed through the Senate on 25 February 2007.

Tuesday, 13 March 2007

We wish to advise our clients that our Australian office will be closed on 12th March, 2007 for Labour Day.

Friday, 9 March 2007

More than 600 new Australian citizens from 50 difference countries were given a ‘home town welcome’ last night at a Citizenship Ceremony held in Brisbane.

Thursday, 8 March 2007

Latin America has opened its door to Australian students and professionals to work and holiday in Chile. The renewed arrangement for the ‘Work and Holiday’ visa will allow up to 500 visas per year for both Australia and Chile.

Thursday, 22 February 2007

According to a recent media release, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship Teresa Gambaro has reinforced the government’s commitment to a strong and cohesive Australia through effective integration.

Thursday, 22 February 2007

Thousands of young Germans and Australians will have the opportunity to enjoy a working holiday in each other's countries following a renewed agreement in Berlin.

Tuesday, 20 February 2007

Changes to the controversial subclass 457 visa were unveiled this week by new Immigration Minister Kevin Andrews. The adjustments will introduce harsh penalties for those in breach of the sponsorship conditions and reward those who adhere to the rules.

Thursday, 8 February 2007

Australia’s unemployment rate hit an unexpected dip in figures last month sparking discussions that a lack of suitable labors will eventually generate wage and price pressures.

Thursday, 8 February 2007

Several DIMA forms have been updated with essential changes.

Friday, 2 February 2007

Following the ceremony swearing in the new Minister and Parliamentary Secretary on Tuesday, 30th January, The Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs (DIMA) has officially changed its name to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC).

Wednesday, 31 January 2007

The Australian Government's Migration Programme has released details of the highest skill stream intake on record. These figures are illustrated in DIAC’s annual publication “Population Flows: Immigration Aspects, 2007”, which details statistics for 2005-2006.

Tuesday, 30 January 2007

In a reshuffling of the Australian federal parliament, Australian PM John Howard has identified new immigration, environment and employment ministers ahead of federal elections later this year.

Monday, 29 January 2007

Australia Day, January 26, is the biggest day of celebration in Australia and is observed as a public holiday in all states and territories.

Monday, 29 January 2007

The Greek authorities have announced that as of January 1st 2007, Greek passports issued prior to January 1st 2006 will no longer be considered valid for travel.

Monday, 29 January 2007

In order to participate in the State/Territory Nominated Independent (STNI) program, applicants need to meet the basic visa criteria under the skilled category, meet the pool mark (of 110) and obtain nomination from a participating State/Territory Government.

Tuesday, 14 March 2006

In order to apply under the Investor Retirement Visa, the main applicant must be over 55 years of age, have no dependents (other than a spouse) and have sufficient assets to be self-supporting in Australia. In addition to satisfying these criteria, applicants are required to obtain sponsorship from a State or Territory government agency and a significant investment must be lodged with the sponsoring government treasury corporation.

Tuesday, 14 March 2006

On 16 February, the Commonwealth Treasurer announced changes to the taxation arrangements for temporary residents which will introduce a tax exemption on foreign source income.

Tuesday, 14 March 2006

The celebration of Australia Day on 26 January 2006 was of special significance to 14,000 people who became Australian citizens at ceremonies held around the country. According to government statistics, these 14,000 people came from more than 90 places of birth and joined more than 3.5 million people who have become citizens since Australian citizenship was introduced 55 years ago.

Tuesday, 14 March 2006

With effect from 15 December 2005, the Department of Immigration & Multicultural & Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA) has announced that the following Computer Professional Specialisations were added to the Migration Occupation in Demand List (MODL):

Wednesday, 18 January 2006

In order to attract skilled business migrants to New South Wales (NSW), the Government has announced that they intend to attract 350 sponsored applicants who will generate $89 million in investment, 1120 jobs and $560 million in exports.

Wednesday, 18 January 2006

The Australian Government has recently announced that Australia and Turkey have entered a reciprocal Work and Holiday Visa arrangement. This arrangement will enable university trained people from Australia and Turkey between 18 to 30 years of age to work and holiday in the other country for up to 12 months.

Wednesday, 18 January 2006

In early November 2005, current Working Holiday Visa makers who undertook at least 3 months harvest work, were able to apply for a further 12 month Working Holiday Visa.

Wednesday, 18 January 2006

Statistics released by the Immigration Minister on 31 December 2005 show that more than 123,000 people arrived and settled in Australia during 2004-2005, reflecting a 40% increase over the past 10 year period.

Wednesday, 18 January 2006

The Australian Skilled Migration program for 2005-2006 will increase by up to 20,000 additional places, in a further move to address the growing shortage of skilled workers in the Australian labour force. This substantial increase will take the total number of skilled visas available in 2005–2006 to a record high of 97,500.

Friday, 15 April 2005

The Australian Retirement Visa Subclass 410 category will cease to exist as of the 1st of July 2005. The Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (DIMA) has announced plans to introduce a new visa category. The precise details are yet to be released. There are also changes relevant to current holders of the Subclass 410 Retirement Visas.

Friday, 15 April 2005

As of November 2005 Working Holiday makers who do a minimum amount of seasonal harvest work in regional Australia will be allowed to apply for another Working Holiday Maker visa. This is a major change as at present, Working Holiday Makers can only get one such visa in a lifetime.

Friday, 15 April 2005

Important legislative changes relating to the sponsoring of overseas workers by Australian employers took effect on the 2nd of April 2005. These changes mean that Australian employers will now need to plan ahead when attempting to fill vacancies with overseas skilled staff. They also mean that applicants under this visa category need to fulfill new criteria.

Friday, 15 April 2005

The Australian Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (DIMA) has announced that the pass mark for the Australian Skilled Independent Overseas Student Visa (subclass 880) has changed. As of the 1st of April 2005 the pass mark for the Australian Skilled Independent Overseas Student Visa has been changed to 120 points.

Friday, 15 April 2005

Polish and Estonian nationals are now able to apply for the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) for the Australian Student Visa. This change recognises that students from these counties have a good track record of completing their studies and complying with their visa requirements. The eligibility criteria for applicants from these countries have also been made easier.

Thursday, 14 April 2005

The Australian Government has recently announced that applications for the Special Humanitarian Program Visa for relatives from Africa and the Middle East can now be lodged in Australia. This is a welcome change as it will make it easier for those wishing to bring relatives from the relevant counties to Australia to apply for this visa.

Thursday, 14 April 2005

According to a media release published by the Australian Goverment Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, Peter McGauran, on 7 February 2005, Australia is made up of people from more than 200 countries.

Wednesday, 9 February 2005

Electronic Health Assessments for Online Visa Applicants - issued 14 January 2005

On 14 January 2005, the Minister for Immigration & Multicultural & Indigenous Affairs - Amanda Vanstone - announced that a new electronic system has been developed to help in assessing the health status of online visa applicants to Australia.

Wednesday, 9 February 2005

Updated arrangements for fee payment for internet applications - issued 23 December 2004

Wednesday, 9 February 2005

Victorian Government has announced plans to encourage an increase in migration.

Friday, 30 April 2004

New Migration Statistics Released

Thursday, 29 April 2004

Changes to Points Test

Monday, 5 April 2004

New Skilled Visa to be introduced 1st July 2004

Wednesday, 24 March 2004

Australian Immigration announces changes to the Retirement Visa effective as from 1st January 2004.

Monday, 5 January 2004

migrationexpert.com has launched a new site specifically designed to assist with immigration applications for the United Kingdom.

Thursday, 29 May 2003