How to arrive and

Some notable recent visa news

At the moment, total immigration into Australia is at record levels, but still the economy is suffering from skills shortages in key areas.

March 2010 - At the beginning of 2010, in light of the global recession, the Australian immigration authorities gave notice of their intention to further reduce the number of occupations that appear on the “skills in shortage” list. They have also placed a greater emphasis on English-language ability. From 1^st July 2010 a reduced list of skills in demand came in to effect (see GSM visa below).
July 2010 - The previously used Critical Skills List (CSL) and Migration Occupation in Demand List (MODL) have both been scrapped/abolished.
July 2011 - The visa and points system was yet again overhauled. It now places greater emphasis on practical workplace experience and English language ability. The age limit is raised to 50.
A new modified SOL of 192 occupations that came in to effect for applications lodged after 1^st July 2011 can be found here: http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/pdf/solfact-sheet.pdf
July 2012 – SkillSelect is introduced whereby people lodge a preliminary application based on points earned for their skills, qualifications and experience and then wait to hear if they are selected to make a full application for a visa.
July 2013 - Biometric information (fingerprints, iris or voice records) is now being required for applicants from an enlarged number of (largely Third World) countries. It is expected that this list will grow. Countries currently included in this can be found at: https://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/biometrics/offshore/countries.htm
An useful source of pending visa changes and other visa news can be found at: http://www.migrationblog.immi.gov.au/

If you’re struggling to qualify for a visa
If you are intent on coming to Australia for only a short period of time (a year or two) then selecting the right visa isn't a life-or-death type decision. However, if you want to live in Australia indefinitely, then you need to spend some time on carefully planning your visa route.
Many people find securing a suitable long-term visa for Australia problematic. A route that works for those determined and resourceful enough to see it through is the following: come over on a student visa, then find yourself someone to sponsor you for a work permit when in Australia and, after the required time, then you can apply for permanent residence. Another route is that some student visas allow to you stay permanently after graduation from an accredited Australian educational institution. (Permanent residency and eventual citizenship are discussed below.)
Another route would be to contact recruitment agents and prospective employers (especially if you’re skilled in a niche trade) trying to get them, or someone they know, to sponsor you with a work permit in the hope that eventually one of these approaches pays off. This latter strategy requires a lot of effort, patience, persistence and determination. It is absolutely vital to have a well written CV in the Australian format and be able to interview well over the telephone and in person. In fact, these two skills are crucial to your success in the Australian labour market.
Even if you do not qualify for a visa today, this does not mean that you never will. You can take steps to position yourself to eventually qualify for a suitable visa, such as getting a degree.

Some truths and tips about the visa application process

1. 
   The visa process is not quick, cheap or easy – You might want to think of it as your toughest ever job application. At all times you’ll need to present your best case and, if interviewed in person by an immigration official, your best appearance too.
   

2. 
   You need to do your homework – You must become totally educated about the visa and its sub-classes that you are applying under. (More about this later in this chapter). Don’t stop your research at the visas involved. Use the other chapters in this guide and the Internet links used therein to find out about everything in detail that will be specific to you. Most people who fail in their emigration effort had great difficulty in adjusting to their new environment.
   

3. 
   DIY or pay - Decide whether you are willing and able to make use of an immigration advisor or will perform all the necessary paperwork yourself. Are you comfortable doing it all by yourself or would you rather play safe and hand over some money to make sure? Only you can decide this for yourself.
   

4. 
   Need an agent - If you do decide to make use of an advisor to assist with the paperwork, you would be well advised to only use a registered immigration agent. The Australian government oversees this industry via the Migration Agents Registration Authority (http://www.mara.gov.au) and via the website you can locate your nearest certified agent. All agents are expected to belong to the Migration Institute of Australia (MIA) and its website is: http://www.mia.org.au
   

5. 
   Keep an open mind – You are dealing with a culture and legal framework that is different to your own. Everything won’t always make sense to you, but it may once you’ve been in Australia after a few years. Never allow yourself to argue with any immigration official – it doesn’t help matters.
   

6. 
   Persistence and patience – There are many people in the immigration pipeline to Australia and you will be part of the queue. At times a sense of frustration is inevitable, especially after months of complete silence from ‘them’. If your papers are returned, do not take it as defeat. Find out why and reapply. Consider making the effort to get additional skills if required.
   

7. 
   Perfect forms only please – do not consider submitting partially-completed forms or taking any shortcuts with the paperwork. Rather err on the side of providing too much information. An application that is only 99% correct will be rejected 100% of the time. Once rejected or returned, you lose your place in the queue and your next submission joins the back of the queue.
   

8. 
   We speak English – it is in your interest to have a strong grasp of the English language. Adjusting to your new life will be quicker and easier if you do.
   

9. 
   Charges and fees change every year: http://www.immi.gov.au/Help/Pages/fees-charges/visa.aspx is where the latest fees for visas are to be found. The fees rarely decrease in price and can be quite substantial, usually several thousand Australian Dollars. Check back here regularly unless you want your application returned because of the incorrect funds being provided. Fees are non-refundable,so don't make mistakes with the paperwork!
   

10. 
    Medical Exams and Police Check – you must pass a medical exam and prove that you are of good character. You can read more about the medical exam here: http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/pdf/1071i.pdf and the police check (also known as the ‘character assessment or 'penal clearance’) at: http://www.immi.gov.au/Help/Pages/character-police/requirements.aspx These two issues can stop an application in its infancy.
    

11. 
    Keep yourself informed - Australia's immigration system is complex and subject to changes, often with no warning. Global and local events can lead to the government reviewing and adjusting Australia's temporary and permanent visa programmes so as to cater for immediate local needs. This can sometimes be to your detriment or benefit. Visas come and go. You might qualify for a visa today, but it might be gone in a year from now. If you're serious, then don't delay.
    

INSIDER INFO: Every year more than 1 million people apply to emigrate to Australia. Only +/- 100,000 are given approval to do so. Although there is a quota system in place, people refused entry had usually inadvertently wasted their own time and money. The number one cause of their failed application? They filled the forms in incorrectly or simply filled in the wrong forms.