Free Immigration Skilled Visa 30Aug2K7 PDF

Free Immigration Booklet
Skilled Migration Program
1
National Visas
Phone: National 1300 732 963 International +61 (0) 3 8646 3148
Fax: +61 (0) 3 9815 1544
Email: info@nationalvisas.com.au Website: www.nationalvisas.com.au
3 - 118 Church Street, Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia 3122
National Visas Pty Ltd - ACN: 107 560 010
Introduction
Thank you for contacting National Visas. We are delighted that you are considering using our
services to help you submit a Visa Application to the Australian Department of Immigration and
Citizenship (DIAC).
This Free Immigration Booklet is a basic introductory document to help you understand the
Australian Immigration / Visa Application process.
The Free Immigration Booklet details the following:
Skilled Visa Overview - Steps involved in understanding the Visa Application

Process;
Visa Requirements;
Visa Costs;
Visa Processing times;
Visa Entitlements;
Australian Employment Information;
Australian Working Information;
Australian Lifestyle Information;
National Visas Services.
National Visas A World Leader
National Visas has developed into a world leader in online immigration services. National Visas
understands the confusion, frustration and time associated with the visa application process and
delivers a fast, friendly, expert immigration advice and assistance for people seeking a visa for
Australia.
Over the years, we have assisted many people with their immigration/visa applications. To read
more about our client experiences visit our Client Testimonials page.
The Importance of Expert Advice
National Visas Migration Agents are registered to provide Australian immigration advice, as
required by Australian law.
National Visas Registered Migration Agents adhere to the professional Code of Conduct
(Administered by MARA) along with undertaking continuous professional development (CPD)
training on a yearly basis.
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Skilled Visa Overview
The main point to understand with Skilled Visa Applications is that there are three main steps involved.
Step 1 Understanding the Basic Requirements / Points Test
Step 2 - Skills Assessment
Step 3 Skilled Visa Application
STEP 1 UNDERSTANDING THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS / POINTS TEST
Basic Requirements / Points Test
The Basic Requirements you must satisfy to be able to make a valid visa application are:
Age - Applicants must be at least 18 years old and younger than 45 at the time of application. Australia's
immigration policies favour younger applicants (under 45 years of age) who are likely to deliver more
economic benefits to Australia over time. Basically, the younger age category you belong to, the more points
you get.
English language - In most cases, applicants must have functional or "vocational" English. This means
that they must speak English well enough to communicate in a work environment in Australia. There are
some exceptions, such as the SkilledDesignated Area and the Skill Matching visa, which allow slightly
lower levels of English.
Nominated occupation -In order to apply for a skilled visa, applicants must nominate an occupation that
appears on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL). Those with professions that are not on the list are not eligible
to apply. Once applicants nominate an occupation, they must have their skills assessed by an Australian
Skills Assessing Authority in order to determine if their skills are appropriate for this visa type.
Qualifications -In order to qualify for most kinds of skilled visas, applicants must have either university or
trade qualifications. There are some exceptions in a small number of occupations, where substantial work
experience might suffice. The relevant Skills Assessment Authority will assess all certificates and work
experience skills.
Recent work experience - Applicants are required to have recent work experience in their nominated
occupation at the time of lodgement. However, this requirement is waived for students with Australian
qualifications (generally onshore applicants). Also, applicants for the Skill Matching or Skilled-Designated
Area Sponsored categories may be eligible with less work experience.
Recent work experience exemption - Applicants who have studied for at least two years in Australia may
have the work experience requirement waived if they lodge their skilled visa application within six months of
completing their studies.
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Health - Each person included in the Visa Application will be required to pass a strict medical examination
designed to protect Australia from significant health risks and costs. Health conditions that may affect the
success of your application are tuberculosis, HIV, Aids, Cancer, Type 1 Diabetes, Epilepsy, Heart Disease,
Arthritis or any other condition that requires ongoing treatment that is in short supply or represents a
significant cost to the Australian community.
Character In order to migrate to Australia, you and all family members over the age of 16 years included
in the application must be of good character. You must disclose details of any convictions, including spent
convictions as these are all counted under the character test. Generally, your application will not be rejected
on character ground unless you have a criminal record which carried a sentence of at least 12 months or a
combined sentence of 2 years.
How Extra Points can be Awarded
In addition for points for the basic requirements (detailed above) extra points can also be earned. Below is a
basic guide to how the extra points can be awarded:
Specific work experience - Additional points are awarded for previous work experience. Those who have
worked for three of the past four years in an occupation on the SOL will earn additional points.
Points for occupation in demand/job offer - Some applicants will have professions that are on the
Migration Occupations in Demand List (MODL). These are occupations where there is a shortage of workers
in Australia. If your nominated occupation is in demand you receive additional points.
Australian work experience - Additional points may be awarded for 12 months of recent work experience
in Australia (in an SOL occupation).
Points for partner skills - Points may be awarded if the applicant's partner satisfies the basic requirements
of age, English language ability, qualifications, nominated occupation (must be assessed) and recent work
experience.
Australian qualifications - Points are awarded for the applicant's most advanced completed Australian
qualification. In all cases, the applicant must have completed at least two years full time study in Australia
and in English.
Regional Australia/low population growth metropolitan areas - Applicants who can claim points for
Australian qualifications may also be eligible for additional points for having lived and studied for at least 2
years in regional Australia or low population growth metropolitan areas.
Designated Language - Additional points may be awarded for fluency in a foreign "designated language".
Points for Family / Sate Sponsorship - In sponsored categories only, points are awarded if an applicant or
their spouse has a relative who is an Australian citizen, a permanent resident or an eligible New Zealand
citizen, and who is willing to sponsor them. In most categories, relatives must be non-dependent children,
parents, siblings, nieces or nephews. Alternatively you can be sponsored by an Australian State / Territory
Government.
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National Visas
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Please refer to the following link for more information on the Basic Requirements / Points Test:
http://www.nationalvisas.com.au/skilled/skilledvisas.htm
STEP 2 SKILLS ASSESSMENT
Before you can have your Skills Assessed, one of the key qualifying factors for skilled migration is to identify
the type of work (or occupation) you usually perform.
The Australian government is particularly interested in those people overseas who possess the ability to
undertake jobs for which there is currently a skill shortage in Australia. Consequently a list has been
devised, known as the Skilled Occupations List (SOL), which contains specific jobs that are required in
Australia.
Please refer to the following link for more information on the Skilled Occupations List (SOL):
http://www.nationalvisas.com.au/skilled/eligibleskilledoccupations.htm
STEP 3 SKILLED VISA APPLICATION
The actual Visa Application requires the following:
Completion of Visa Application Forms;

Preparation of supporting documentation for the Visa Application.
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Skilled Visa Costs
The following fees are the standard Skilled Visa Application Fees set by Australian Government.
Please note that some of the fees may not apply to your situation.
Type of Cost Fee Notes

Visa Application AU$2,060 This fee includes the visa applicant and any other
Charge dependent members of the immediate family.
Payment must be made at the time of application and it is
non-refundable.
Visa Application AU$2,860 This fee is payable for each dependant included in your
Charge application who is over 18 and has poor English ability.
(2nd Installment)
Your Skills Variable This fee is payable directly to your Skills Assessment
Assessment fee Authority.
Your Spouses Skills Variable This fee is payable directly to your spouses Skills
Assessment fee Assessment Authority.
IELTS test Approx. This fee is payable directly to the IELTS testing centre.
AU$250
Medical Examination Approx. This fee is payable for each person included in your
AU$350 application and must be paid directly to the doctor
conducting your examination.
Character Clearance Variable This fee is payable to the police authorities in the countries
(police check) where you have lived for 12 months or more.
Certification / Variable This fee is payable to the person responsible for certifying
Translation of / translating your documents.
Documents
Skilled Visa Processing Times
Processing times will vary from country to country and according to your personal circumstances.
The processing time is generally 6 to 12 months for Skilled Visas.
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Skilled Visa Entitlements
Permanent Visa Entitlements
Permanent resident visa holders have the right to live and work in Australia. As a permanent resident visa
holder, you are entitled to receive public health care (Medicare). Generally as a newly arrived resident you
are required to wait for two-years (2 years) before you could receive any social security payments.
Temporary Visa Entitlements
As a temporary resident visa holder, you will generally not be entitled to receive public health care
(Medicare) or any other social security benefits.
The Australian labour market is very competitive and it is important to note that approval to migrate to
Australia does not guarantee employment, even if you are highly skilled.
Australian Employment Information
To find out more information about finding employment in Australia, please visit the following websites:
Australian Workplace (Government site)

www.workplace.gov.au
Seek Employment Agency

www.seek.com.au
My Career Employment Agency

www.mycareer.com.au
Australian Working Information
Wages and Working Conditions
In Australia, wages and working conditions are set out by law, the Workplace Relations Act 1996, which
allows for different ways to determine working conditions.
Many jobs are covered by a federal or state industrial award. An award is a legally binding document that
sets out the minimum entitlements of employment such as wages, allowances, overtime, hours of work, and
leave entitlements for recreation or illness.
Some workplaces are covered by certified agreements (CA) which are collective agreements made between
an employer and a group of employees or unions representing them. These agreements, which set out
working conditions including wages and entitlements, are used in place of an award.
Some workers are covered by an Australian Workplace Agreement (AWA) which is an individual agreement
between them and the employer. This agreement is negotiated between the worker and his or her employer
to set out wages and conditions of employment. This agreement is also used in place of an award.
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National Visas
Fax: +61 (0) 3 9815 1544
Some workers are not covered by an award or an agreement and have common law employment contracts.
Such contracts are common in professions such as: real estate agents, some areas of information
technology (IT), and those who do temporary work through agencies.
Leave Entitlements
Most workers are paid for public holidays, except for contract workers and casual employees who are only
paid for actual hours worked.
Other paid leave, for most workers (except contract workers and casual employees), should include annual
or recreation leave, sick leave and long service leave. Some workers may also have family or carer's leave
(to enable them to look after ill family members), or personal leave which combines sick, family and carer's
leave.
Superannuation
Superannuation is a specially designed long-term investment for your retirement. Superannuation is known
as 'retirement savings' or 'pension income' around the world. Investing in superannuation while you are
working is designed to help you build a nest-egg for your retirement. Nearly every employed person in
Australia is a member of a superannuation fund.
In most cases, your employer is required by law to pay an amount equivalent to nine percent (9%) of your
earnings into your superannuation fund. You can also contribute extra money if you wish.
Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare
Under the law, employers have a duty to protect the health and safety of employees in the workplace. When
you start a new job, you should be given suitable instructions, training and supervision on health and safety
matters. This is very important if you work with electrical or mechanical equipment, or chemicals.
Australian Lifestyle Information
BASIC FACTS ABOUT AUSTRALIA
Multicultural Country
The Indigenous Australian population was already linguistically and culturally diverse prior to European
settlement. Diversity will continue to be a feature of the Australian population with current and future
migration.
Migrants arriving with and after the First Fleet were mainly English convicts and free settlers but included
Italians, Greeks, Malays and people from other parts of Europe. From 1851 to 1880 the gold-rushes
attracted a large number of immigrants from Britain, Ireland, Germany and China. Afghan immigrants also
arrived at this time, bringing camels with them for inland exploration while early Japanese settlers started the
pearling industry in Australia.
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National Visas
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Large scale migration occurred after World War II including the resettlement of displaced persons and
refugees. Migrants arrived from Britain, many parts of Europe and the Middle East. Following the abolition of
the White Australia policy, migrants also came from many parts of Asia.
People from around 200 countries have migrated to Australia. Today, about 23% of our population was born
overseas and more than 200 languages are spoken here. The diverse composition of our population
contributes greatly to the dynamic, innovative and inclusive nature of Australian society.
Language
English is the national and official language of Australia. All Australians are encouraged to read and speak
English.
At least 17 per cent of Australians come from a non-English speaking background and speak another
language at home. In Australia, over 200 languages are spoken including 45 Indigenous languages.
The Environment
Australia is an island continent which covers an area of about 7.7 million square kilometres. In land area,
Australia is the sixth largest nation after Russia, Canada, China, the United States of America and Brazil.
Climatic zones range from tropical rainforests, deserts, and cool temperate forests to snow covered
mountains.
HEALTH
Medicare (public health insurance scheme)
The Australian Government provides help with medical expenses through a scheme called Medicare. The
services and programs include free public hospital care, help with the cost of seeing a family doctor (general
practitioner) and subsidised medicines.
To enrol in Medicare you should wait approximately seven (7) days after your arrival in Australia and then go
to a Medicare office with your passport or travel documents. If all enrolment requirements are met, you will
be advised of your Medicare card number and your card will be posted to you about three weeks later.
There is a Welcome Kit translated into several different languages explaining Medicare and other
government health services and the eligibility requirements for benefits and payments. You can ask for it
when you visit a Medicare office.
The Australian Government also provides help with the cost of purchasing prescription medicines through
the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
Private health Insurance
Many Australians belong to private health insurance funds. They cover you for treatment as a private patient
in private or public hospitals and can include some services that Medicare does not cover, such as dental
and optical services. The costs and types of cover vary widely so if you decide to get private health
insurance, it is important to check the details carefully before you take out the policy.
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Fax: +61 (0) 3 9815 1544
HOUSING
Many Australias live along the coast line in large cities or towns. In these larger cities there is a wide range
of housing available. House architecture is generally detached or semi-detached houses, with common
styles based on the English Cottage and Californian Bungalow. These days apartments/flats and town
houses/villa units (ground level brick dwellings built in clusters) are becoming more popular, especially in
inner suburbs.
Living in the suburbs can be quite comfortable - one can live less than an hour's travel from the city centre
and yet enjoy ready access to the countryside and national parks. The suburbs usually have a combination
of timber and brick homes, providing character and individuality. There are also playing fields, parks,
shopping centres and schools, providing a lifestyle envied by many people overseas.
Country towns and regional cities are smaller and more widely separated than in many other countries.
Living in country towns offers a more relaxed and less expensive way of life than the big cities, and many
areas offer migrants good work opportunities.
Private Rental
Homes for rent are advertised in the 'To Let' section of newspapers, especially on Wednesdays and
Saturdays. You should call the agent or owner to arrange to inspect the house or flat you are interested in.
Once you have made a decision, you will have to make a written application. You may also have to submit
two 'references' - letters from previous landlords. Once your application is approved, you will be required to
sign a 'lease' (a contract to rent), pay a security bond (refundable deposit) of typically one month's rent plus
several weeks' rent in advance.
Buying
Owning your own home is considered 'The Great Australian Dream'. But it will cost a substantial sum of
money - perhaps equivalent to 8 or 10 years salary, usually purchased with an initial deposit of 20% and a
bank loan for the balance to be paid back over 25 or 30 years.
Homes are sometimes sold directly by private owners, but more often they are sold by Real Estate agents
(Look under 'R' in the Yellow Pages). Homes are usually advertised in newspapers, especially on
Wednesdays and Saturdays, listed under 'Real Estate'. Most Real Estate agents offer a free catalogue
advertising homes for sale and many also place their advertisements on the internet.
EDUCATION
Responsibility for education is divided between State and Territory governments and the Australian
Government. State and Territory governments are responsible for school education, provide and manage
government schools, and support non-government schools.
The Australian education system is divided broadly into five areas:
Preschool
Primary school
Secondary/high school/secondary colleges
Career and vocational training
University or other tertiary institutions
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National Visas
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You may find the system of teaching and school discipline very different in Australia. Less importance is
placed on outward discipline and memorising than is done in many countries. Emphasis is put on self
discipline, on learning by finding out and by questioning, and encouraging a child's interest and enthusiasm
for learning.
Schools encourage parent involvement and wish to help newcomers. Most schools have parent and teacher
associations which play an active part in school life, raising funds for many school needs but also helping to
decide what is taught and done at the school. Parent skills are valued and your involvement is welcome.
Schooling is compulsory for students in most states and territories until the age of fifteen. Although students
are able to leave at that time, most students do not leave until they complete their Year 10 qualification, with
many students continuing on to complete their Year 12 studies.
Please refer to the following link for more information on Skilled Visas:
http://www.nationalvisas.com.au/skilled/skilledvisas.htm
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National Visas
Fax: +61 (0) 3 9815 1544
National Visas Services
Personalised Services
National Visas understands that people have different requirements to help them apply for a visa. To meet
these different requirements National Visa offers a range of affordable services.
FREE ONLINE ASSESSMENT

The FREE Australian Immigration Online Assessment is designed to instantly determine if you are eligible to
apply for immigration to Australia. The Online Assessment incorporates criteria set by the Australian
Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC).
VISA ADVANTAGE SERVICE

The service is only available to clients who have passed an Online Assessment. This service includes a
Personalised Visa Guide (prepared by a Registered Migration Agent), containing all you need to know in
order to self manage your own Australian Visa Application. The service also includes access to advice and
assistance from one of our Registered Migration Agents for a 180 day period.
PREMIER VISA SERVICE

This comprehensive service engages one of our Registered Migration Agents as your nominated
representative throughout the entire Australian Visa Application process, from start to finish. We will collect
your documentation, prepare and lodge your Visa Application and liaise with the Australian Department of
Immigration & Citizenship (DIAC) and other relevant authorities.
VISA REVIEW SERVICE

The service is designed to assist clients who have not passed an Online Assessment. This service is
equivalent to a thorough consultation with one of our Registered Migration Agents. This service includes a
review of your current profile in accordance with current Australian migration regulations by a Registered
Migration Agent. A Personalised Visa Guide is prepared that includes advice on how to improve your
chances of migrating to Australia and detailing other alternative visa strategies along with access to advice
and assistance from one of our Registered Migration Agents for a 180 day period.
ASK AN IMMIGRATION QUESTION (Online Immigration Centre)

This service is for clients that have completed an Online Assessment and wish to submit any immigration
related questions to one of our Registered Migration Agents. You can ask as many questions as you like for
by subscribing to the Online Immigration Centre for a time period of your choice. This service is included in
the Visa Review and Advantage Services.
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT - (Office Consultation)

If you would like make an appointment to see one of our Registered Migration Agents in person to discuss
subjects such as Australian immigration, visas, lifestyle, employment and general settlement hints & tips
relevant to your personal circumstances. Please call our Melbourne office to arrange a time.
Please refer to the following link for more information about National Visas full range of services:
http://www.nationalvisas.com.au/services/ourservices.htm
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Free Immigration Skilled Visa 30Aug2K7 PDF

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Copyright:

Available Formats

Free Immigration Booklet

Skilled Migration Program

The Free Immigration Booklet details the following:

Skilled Visa Overview - Steps involved in understanding the Visa Application

National Visas A World Leader

The Importance of Expert Advice

Step 1 Understanding the Basic Requirements / Points Test

Step 2 - Skills Assessment

Step 3 Skilled Visa Application

STEP 1 UNDERSTANDING THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS / POINTS TEST

Basic Requirements / Points Test

How Extra Points can be Awarded

STEP 2 SKILLS ASSESSMENT

STEP 3 SKILLED VISA APPLICATION

The actual Visa Application requires the following:

Completion of Visa Application Forms;

Type of Cost Fee Notes

Skilled Visa Processing Times

The processing time is generally 6 to 12 months for Skilled Visas.

Permanent Visa Entitlements

Temporary Visa Entitlements

Australian Employment Information

Australian Workplace (Government site)

Seek Employment Agency

My Career Employment Agency

Australian Working Information

Wages and Working Conditions

Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare

Australian Lifestyle Information

BASIC FACTS ABOUT AUSTRALIA

Medicare (public health insurance scheme)

Private health Insurance

The Australian education system is divided broadly into five areas:

FREE ONLINE ASSESSMENT

VISA ADVANTAGE SERVICE

PREMIER VISA SERVICE

VISA REVIEW SERVICE

ASK AN IMMIGRATION QUESTION (Online Immigration Centre)

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT - (Office Consultation)

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