AIEC

Visas, Migration and Employment


Migration Introduction:


From Holmesglen TAFE: Australian government announced changes to the General Skills Migration program which have an impact on international students. In brief, these changes are:

 

 

1. The Migration Occupations in Demand List (MODL) has been revoked.

2. A new Skilled Occupation List (SOL) is to be implemented in mid 2010. However, this list will not be available until April 2010.

3. Students applying for permanent residency will be required to have an occupation on the SOL. Hence a lot will depend on what occupations are on this list.

4. There is a clear emphasis in the new regulations separating study from migration.

5. Greater emphasis and preference will be given to students with employer or state government sponsorships. Students will be encouraged and may apply for a visa to work in Australia on graduation and look towards gaining employer sponsorship and work experience.

6. Student visa holders with a trade/technical qualification will need to have an IELTS level of 6.0. With these changes the government is aiming to diversify international student enrolments away from high volume courses such as cookery, hairdressing and automotive. They want students doing courses at more advanced levels (diploma, degree) in occupational areas that are in demand in the Australian economy (health, engineering, etc.)


The government has said that it wants to continue the skilled migration program and to continue to accept international students for permanent residency.


 

From 1 January 2010 applicants who studied in Australia a bachelor degree and who are applying for skills assessment by VETASSESS must demonstrate that they worked in their occupation for one year in a full time position AFTER graduation of the course, before they are able to apply for their permanent residence (PR) visa. After graduation students will have to apply for a visa subclass 485 (Skilled graduate temporary visa) which entitle up to 18 months of full time work. On this visa students must complete at least 12 months of full time work in their occupation. The new program is called “Job Ready Program” and this allows participants more time to gain valuable experience in an Australian workplace. Once this is achieved, students are able to apply for their PR.

Backpackers flock to the fields as GFC makes hospitality work scarce in the cities.  The global financial crisis is forcing backpackers to look for harvest work due to a shortage of hospitality and bar jobs in cities, according to National Harvest Labour Information Service (NHLIS) manager Robert Cameron.  

Prospective Trades Skills Students in Oz - Be Wary This is a discussion on Prospective Trades Skills Students in Oz - Be Wary within the Migration Issues forums, part of the Lounge Room category; Hi All I think that anybody who is contemplating going to Australia to study for a trades skill should tread carefully....

 

Recent News in General Skilled Migration Changes to VETASSESS assessment requirements for General Occupations from 1 January 2010 – 29 October 2009.  VETASSESS have announced changes to the assessment requirements for General Occupations. These changes will apply from 1 January 2010. More information is available on the VETASSESS website

Professionals and other Skilled Migrants.  Frequently Asked Questions - Review of the Migration Occupations in Demand List (MODL).

Vacancies and high demand internship fields: We currently face great demand for interns in the fields of: Human Resources (especially in Hotels/Resorts), Marketing, and IT (especially web design, graphic design), and Paid Hospitality Internships see Internships down page

 

DIAC News - New priority processing directions for certain skilled migration visas – 23 September 2009. The Minister has set a new priority processing direction which comes into effect on 23 September 2009 and applies to certain skilled migration visas. 2009 - 2010 Updated Priority Processing.
 

DIAC Beginning a Life in Australia booklet  

MARA Migration Agents Registration Authority for Australian Immigration Advice


Critical Skills List for Australian Skilled Migration processing include most trades, health, medical, engineering, accounting and computer professions.

 

AIEC cannot advise directly regarding migration but recommends DNA Migration a specialist emigration company based in the Australia and Europe, offering a top quality service in helping students, skilled workers, partners or spouses, business owners & investors and retirees wishing to migrate to Australia. 

Professionals and other Skilled Migrants. 

Frequently Asked Questions - Review of the Migration Occupations in Demand List (MODL)

 

 

Q1. What is happening to the Migration Occupations in Demand List (MODL)?

 

A review of the purpose of the MODL and its methodology has commenced and is expected to be completed in late 2009.  The review aims to make MODL a more strategic tool in identifying the medium to long-term skill needs that complement Australia’s skill supply through the domestic tertiary education sector.

 

Q2. Why is the MODL being reviewed?

 

The review of the MODL is aimed at developing a better link between skilled migrant employment outcomes, the national training agenda and the work of Skills Australia, to ensure that skilled migration is aimed at responding to future skill needs which cannot be addressed through domestic training and skills development.

 

Q3. When will the new MODL be implemented?

 

The arrangements for the transition to the new MODL will be determined once the outcomes of the review are finalised. The Critical Skills List will remain in place while the review is in progress and then be phased out following the implementation of any recommendations flowing from the review.

 

Q4. What will happen to priority processing of CSL applications?

 

Occupations which are listed on the CSL receive priority processing, which assists the targeting of the migration program. These arrangements will continue until the review is finalised. Once the review is finalised, arrangements for phasing out the CSL will be announced.

 

What AIEC can do according to the Migration Act 1958 and DIAC advice 2008:

Lodging (posting or delivering) a visa application and fee with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship on behalf of an applicant;
 
Doing clerical work to prepare (or help prepare) a visa application at the request of an applicant or registered migration agent; this could include writing or typing an application form, indicating where names, addresses and other information must be put on a form or collating and copying documents relevant to an application;
 
Providing translation or interpretation services to help prepare a visa application or other document;
 
Providing generic advice to a person that he or she must apply for a visa;
 
Passing on to a person information produced by a third party, without providing substantial comment or explanation, e.g. information publicly available from the department;
 
Being nominated by a visa applicant as the ‘authorised recipient‘ for communication; and this essentially means receiving correspondence on behalf of a visa applicant and may lead to translating or passing on the correspondence without providing substantial comment on, or a detailed explanation of, the substance of the correspondence;
 
Making an immigration representation, without receiving a fee or reward.


 

Migration Links:

 

Latest Changes on Skilled Migration and Frequently Asked Questions

Student Migration Options

Regional Migration & Study

MODL - Migration Occupation in Demand List

SOL - Skilled Occupation List with migration points for each skill area

Points Test for Skilled Migration 

Skills Assessment:

Information about Trades Recognition in Australia

Skills Matching Database

Visas:

AIEC can officially submit Tourist eVisas or ETAs online for CEE citizens

Student Visa

Student Visa Extension 

Skilled Graduate Visa

Employer Sponsored Temporary

Employment:


Job Search Advice & Information


In Australia when looking for work there are many potential actions you can do to improve your chances of finding work.  As of July 2009 we would suggest that there are opportunities for part time student work in areas of hospitality i.e. cafes, food and bars, plus aged care.


1.        Gain experience from your home country, even if unpaid via volunteer work or internships.  If planning to study in Australia, hospitality work is plentiful but useful to get experience and references from home, especially table waiting, coffee making, using cash register etc.  NB: In Australia there are generally no social pretensions about your occupation status, and people do not talk about their work and or position socially.

2.        References should include contact details, position description and focus upon soft or work skills.

3.       No matter what position your are working in focus upon your soft or work skills that are transferrable everywhere. Examples are communication, time management, report writing, keeping notes, research, presentations, project management/planning, problem solving, team work, stress management, negotiations and meetings.  These skills are essential to perform in any position.

4.        Only about 25% of vacancies are advertised.  Emailing a CV is not enough, you need to telephone relevant businesses direct asking for HR Manager (if large company) to whom you can send CV. Reply should be positive, if so, tell them you will drop off in person, and when is a good time.

NB: Dropping CV off in person face to face will dramatically increase your chances of being offered an interview or position.

5.        If offered an interview try to research before and predict types of questions they may ask.  Further, you can also speak to contact person or specific work area to learn more, plus you can find expected salary range online.

6.        In interview you must show personality and interest, while presenting well.  Do not focus on salary or even ask till later, but try to speak round technical skills and soft skills experience, relevant to the position, as in 3 above.

7.        If you wish to work in a preferred occupational area but have no experience it is worthwhile investing in an unpaid professional or other internship, which our partners in Australia can organise.


Useful Job Search & Employment Related Links:

 

     RSA Responsible Service of Alcohol & Hospitality Compliance Training

Aged Carer - Profile of Occupation, Skills and Demand 

Skills Info Australia Quick Links 

Finding work in Australia, tax file number, where to find work and more from The Word Australia.
How to apply for an Australian Tax File Number 

 

 

Finding harvest or fruit picking jobs in Australia from grape harvesting in Berri, to mango picking in Darwin, each year thousands of people find work helping to bring in the fruit and vegetable harvests

Fruit picking and other work from MADEC based in Mildura website you can access a wealth of information on MADEC programs and services, including our full and comprehensive course guide, recruitment information for both employers and job seekers, the latest information on the seasonal work throughout Australia, community initiatives and regular news stories.

Jobaroo - Jobs Australia – Job opportunities in Australia for Professionals and Backpackers returning or immigrating 

Centrelink Australia information on the social security payments and services which Centrelink delivers to the Australian public 

CareerOne search for a job, get career advice, register to have an email for relevant new job 

SEEK is Australia s number one job search site. Thousands of jobs, millions of opportunities. Find work or recruit the ideal candidate   

Now Hiring offers an employment solution to Australian Job Seekers, Freelancers, Employers and Recruiters  

MyCareer search or browse jobs by location, sector, or salary. Includes an email job alert and career resources 

Australian Government run job database and outlook. Find jobs, post your resume, receive daily job match e-mails. Free recruitment services for employers and agencies  

My Future information about career planning and education, and training options for Australian jobs  

Shafston Student Employment Service Australia's leading private education college with two campuses based in the heart of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia  

Hays A directory of jobs covering all areas of employment; accountancy, secretarial, I.T., construction, call centre and executive positions 

Willing Workers on Organic Farms WWOOF Travel round Australia working on organic  farms in exchange for food and accommodation. Over 1600 hosts to choose from, a great variety of properties and people, practising biodynamics, organics and  permaculture. Make lasting friendships and learn all about organics at the same  time!  

Harvest Trail Fruit Picking Work in regional Australia for Working Holiday Visa Travellers and International Students on vacation From grape harvesting in Berri, to mango picking in Darwin, each year thousands of people find work helping to bring in the fruit and vegetable harvests.  Harvest Trail links job seekers with harvest jobs Australia wide. It offers a great way for people to travel around Australia at their own pace while working and earning money.  
 

Internships:

Latest News Australian Opportunities:

Vacancies and high demand internship fields: We currently face great demand for interns in the fields of: Human Resources (especially in Hotels/Resorts), Marketing, and IT (especially web design, graphic design).

 

Paid Hospitality Internships: It is great if the candidates for this paid program have already completed 2 years of their Hospitality degree as well as have 6 months experience in Hospitality as our 4-5 star properties require candidates to have a basic knowledge of the Hotel operations. If in addition candidates have a good level of English (equivalent to a IELTS score of 6.0) then we can certainly look into arranging a paid Hospitality internship for them.

AIEC can assist with placing you in "unpaid professional" or "Paid Hospitality" internships, plus English/study & Work, English & Demi Pair (AuPair), Voluntary Work and Farm Work in Australia. An internship can give students or recent graduates invaluable experience needed to compete in their local and the international employment markets, plus pathways to residency.

AIEC has several partners including:

 

Globalplacement.com was founded in 2003 as an online mediation agency for international internships, graduation assignments and traineeships. The Dutch success formula of Stageplaza.nl (Dutch market leader in online mediation for students) founded Globalplacement.com

Willing Workers on Organic Farms WWOOF Travel round Australia working on organic farms in exchange for food and accommodation. Over 1600 hosts to choose from, a great variety of properties and people, practising biodynamics, organics and permaculture. Make lasting friendships and learn all about organics at the same time!

The AIEC Internship Program offers candidates in almost all fields an opportunity to gain professional experience in their area. The positions are non-paid training positions and they are available in all major cities of Australia. The Internship Program will give candidates entry to Australia's leading organisations.  Australian Internships ensures that candidates receive training compatible with their educational history.

 

Internship lengths vary depending on the candidate. The minimum length is 6 weeks and maximum length is 6 months.

Cost:

 

  • AUD500 application fee (non refundable)
  • Professional Internship, 6-26 weeks, AUD1100-2150
  • Paid Hospitality Internship 26-52 weeks, AUD2800-3600

 

Required Application Documents:

  

  • Completed Application Form
  • Details of completed or current studies listed in a current resume – colour photo must be inserted in resume and submitted electronically (Templates are available)
  • Statement of results from your University (Academic records)
  • Statement indicating that the internship is a course requirement or that it is endorsed and supported by the University or employer (Only required for candidates doing their internship for accreditation)
  • Statement of Internship Objectives and how the internship relates to current studies or occupation (Templates are available from AIEC)
  • Evidence of financial support or training wage. 
  • Evidence of current Medical, Accident, Travel and Personal Liability Insurance (Available for purchase through AIEC.)
  • Evidence of AU$500 application fee is required to confirm and activate the processing of an application.

 

 Eligibility:

  

  • In order to be eligible for the Professional Internship Program candidates must meet the following requirements:
  • Be between the age of 18 – 30
  • Selected internship field must be directly related to the candidates educational background
  • Be currently enrolled in a tertiary course, or
  • Be a recent graduate within 12 months of course completion
  • Prove a genuine interest in the internship program.

 

Please contact AIEC for internship information and advice, with CV via email, as conditions change regularly and international opportunities are available. AIEC can also assist students to study in programs where internships, sometimes paid, are both an integral and compulsory part of their studies.

Internship lengths vary depending on the candidate. The minimum length is 6 weeks and maximum length is 6 months.

 

Candidates can choose from any of the following fields or specify and we will match their request with a suitable organization:

 

 

Accounting

Aged Care and Child Care

Agriculture

Arts

Banking and Finance

Education

Engineering

Environmental Science

Forestry

Government

Graphic Design*

Health

Hospitality and Tourism

Human Resources

Information Technology

Law and Politics*

Linguistics

Media and Journalism*

Marine Science

Photography*

Political Science

Retail

Sales and Marketing

Sociology

Sport

Telecommunications

Trade

Travel

Wholesale

… plus many more

 

 

*Certain fields may require extra lead time and/or additional requirements such as portfolios.

 

 

 

Migration Forums & Resources:

Poms in Oz
British Expats  
Immigration Australia NZ
BritsAbroad Forums
Australia Forum Living & Travel Information with Free Classifieds.
Expat Forum for Expats Living in Australia.
Just Landed Expats Forum Australia, Turkey, central Europe & International.