澳大利亚移民代理处Work Visa Lawyers 将拜访中国！

(English version below)

很荣幸地在此宣布我们在本月即将拜访中国数城市，提供澳大利亚移民的咨询服务。若您有关于澳大利亚移民的兴趣或疑问，别错过此会面的机会。您将与主顾问兼有注册移民中介克理斯·佐斯敦会面，得到详细的澳大利亚移民意见与资料。本公司文化联系人员进伟也将随访，提供翻译服务。

我们的地点列表如下：

２０１５年５月２４日至２６日　－　山东济南市

２０１５年５月２６日至２８日　－　山东青岛市

２０１５年５月２８日至３１日　－　广东广州市

私人专属会面

我们在以上城市即将进行个人的磋商。因时间限制，与克理斯的会面档期将会有限。若有兴趣，请立即联络我们，预约您的时间。

澳大利亚移民研讨会

我们将于５月２９日傍晚在广州市举办一项笼统的澳大利亚移民研讨会。因地点所限，请尽早登记您的参与。

马上联络我们吧！

专业人士的意见通常都要求一个费用。这次的会面与移民研讨会将会是免费，不需任何费用。立刻把握您的机会，得到专业、仔细的澳大利亚移民资料，得知您前往澳大利亚的选择吧！请联系：

微信：Sean_CW_Choong

电子邮件地址：This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

电话：+61 8 7225 5091

期待与您的会面！

关于我们

创立于2011 年，注册移民代理与主顾问克理斯·佐斯敦（移民中介注册号: 0640686）身怀越9年的澳洲移民工作经验。本公司所提供的服务包括：

• 商业技术移民
• 技术移民
• 雇主赞助移民
• 家庭团聚移民
• 移民审查法庭审理与司法审查
• 澳洲公民申请过程

专业的移民意见、细心的客户服务，让您安心与稳定地经历澳大利亚的签证申请过程。

若有任何询问，请联络本公司文化联系人员进伟（Sean）。进伟所流利的语言包括中文，广东话，马来文以及英语。

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Work Visa Lawyers is coming to China!

We are pleased to announce that Work Visa Lawyers will be meeting people who are interested to know more about migrating to Australia from China. This will provide the people of Jinan, Qingdao and Guangzhou the opportunity to meet with an experienced Registered Migration Agent from Australia to discover options to migrate to Australia. Meet with Principal Registered Migration Agent and Lawyer, Chris Johnston (MARN: 0640686) and Cultural Liaison, Sean Choong at the following dates and venues:

24 – 26 May 2015 – Jinan

26 – 28 May 2015 – Qingdao

28 – 31 May 2015 – Guangzhou

Personal Meetings

We will be conducting individual meetings at the cities listed above. Meetings are limited and strictly by appointment only. Chris will be explaining the Australia visa requirements, application process and fees.

Seminar in Guangzhou

We will be holding a seminar in Guangzhou in the evening of Friday, 29^th May 2015 to provide a general idea of the different pathways to migrate to Australia. Seats are limited so registration is essential!

Contact us NOW to reserve a meeting or attend our seminar – for FREE!

Clients are usually charged a fee when they seek Australia migration advice. Chris will be providing consultations at the meetings and seminar at NO COST to the attendees. Please contact us via email, WeChat ID or phone details below to reserve your exclusive consultation now!

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

WeChat ID: Sean_CW_Choong

Phone: +61 8 7225 5091

About Work Visa Lawyers and our Services

Established in 2011, Registered Migration Agent and Lawyer Chris Johnston (MARN: 0640686) has more than 9 years of Australia Migration work experience. The firm provides services including:

• Business Skills Migration
• General Skilled Migration
• Employer Sponsored Migration
• Family Migration
• MRT and Judicial Reviews
• Australian Citizenship Applications

Work Visa Lawyers is committed to provide excellent service to our clients, which include:

• Honest and accurate advice based on the current migration laws
• Maintaining the confidentiality of our client’s affairs
• Quality customer service

We minimise the time you have to spend on applications and risks of mistakes you may experience because of the lack of experience in Australia visa applications.

This is the news that many have been waiting for. The Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) has amended English requirements for the Subclass 457 (Temporary Work (Skilled)) visas. The change will affect all new applications lodged on or after 18 April 2015, and also existing applications in progress that have not been finalised. Here are the new scores requirement:

Additionally the exemption to the English requirement has now changed to requiring an applicant to have at least 5 years of cumulative full-time study in a secondary and/or higher education institution where the instruction was delivered in English. Previously the studies needed to be completed consecutively for 5 years.

Comments by Chris Johnston – Principal Lawyer and Registered Migration Agent at Work Visa Lawyers

Along with the changes announced for the 476 and 485 visas (read the news here), the 457 visa programme now has lower English requirements as well. There are no changes to the OET test scores requirement, and CAE exams need to be completed on or after 1 January 2015.

While this will allow more applicants to meet the 457 visa requirements, it is important to know that there are other criteria that need to be fulfilled prior to lodging an application, as well as important obligations to fulfil after a 457 visa is granted, for both the applicant and business sponsor. Failing to meet the criteria and obligations thereafter may cause invite monitoring and sanctions from the Department.

Source:

1. http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/F2015L00563

This information is accurate on the 21 April 2015

Do you need help with an Employer Sponsored work visa application?

At Work Visa Lawyers we are experienced in assisting applicants for the Employer Sponsored work visa applications, which include business sponsorship application, nomination and visa application. We are also experienced in general skilled migration visas, business skills visas and family visas.

If you require further information regarding your Australia visa options you can contact us through:

(08) 7225 5091 or +61 8 7225 5091

or   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) has announced lower English requirements for the Skilled – Recognised Graduate (subclass 476) and Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visas. Originally applicants needed to meet “competent English” requirements for the 476 and 485 visa applications. For new applications lodged on or after 18 April 2015, applicants will now need to show one of the following:

• an overall score of at least 6, with nothing below 5 in each of the four test components (speaking, reading, listening and writing) in an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test
• a score of at least 'B' in each of the four test components (speaking, reading, listening and writing) of an Occupational English Test (OET)
• a total score of at least 64, with nothing below 4 for listening, 4 for reading, 14 for writing and 14 for speaking, in a Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based test (TOEFL iBT)
• an overall score of at least 50 with nothing below 36 in each of the four test components (listening, reading, writing and speaking) in a Pearson Test of English Academic
• an overall score of at least 169 with nothing below 154 in each of the four test components (listening, reading, w​​​​riting and speaking) in a Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) test taken on or after 1 January 2015
• evidence of holding a valid passport issued by the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada, New Zealand or the Republic of Ireland.

Comments by Chris Johnston – Principal Lawyer and Registered Migration Agent at Work Visa Lawyers

In recent times the English requirement for visa applications has been increased after the findings of correlation between English ability and employment outcomes for new migrants. This new change is a win-win for international students and the government as students will get a try-out at working and living in Australia for a period of up to 18 months. After fulfilling criteria such as 12 months employment and better English test results, which indicates a compatibility between the graduate and Australia, the 476 or 485 visa holder can then apply for permanent visa options.

Source:

1. http://www.immi.gov.au/News/Pages/el-change.aspx

This information is accurate on the 20 April 2015

Do you need help with a Skilled Migration visa application?

At Work Visa Lawyers we are experienced in assisting applicants for the skilled migration visa applications, which include the 476 and 485 visas. We are also experienced in the employer sponsored work visas, business skills visas and family visas.

If you require further information regarding your Australia visa options you can contact us through:

(08) 7225 5091 or +61 8 7225 5091

or   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Immigration SA has announced the South Australian Supplementary Skilled List today which replaces the Graduate List. The Supplementary Skilled List contains 480 occupations, many of which that are not on the State Occupation List. The Supplementary Skilled List allows more occupations and different skilled workers to be sponsored by the South Australian state government. Applicants can access the Supplementary Skilled List if they:

• graduated from studies in a South Australian education institute with at least one academic year of study
• worked in a skilled occupation in South Australia for at least 12 months
• have a immediate family member (permanent resident or Australian citizen) who has resided in South Australia for 12 months or more

You must still meet the state nomination requirements for factors such as age, skills assessment, work experience, English and financial capacity. For further information please visit the Immigration SA website.

This information is accurate on the 13 April 2015

Source:

Immigration SA

http://www.migration.sa.gov.au/International-graduates/international-graduate-occupation-and-waiver-requirements

Do you need help with an Australian visa application?

At Work Visa Lawyers we are experienced in assisting applicants in various Australian visa applications including General Skilled, Employer Sponsored, Business Skills, Family, and Migration Review Tribunal applications. We also assist in state sponsorship applications for skilled and business visa applications.

If you require further information regarding your Australia visa options you can contact us through:

(08) 7225 5091 or +61 8 7225 5091

or   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) has announced that new Significant Visa (SIV) applications will be suspended from 24 April 2015 to 30 June 2015. The suspension of new applications is to facilitate changes to the complying investment framework.

What Does This Mean?

Current SIV applicants who have received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) and lodged their visa applications will not be affected by the suspension and any new rules introduced after or during the suspension. With changes upcoming it is best to lodge your SIV application as soon as possible if you have received an ITA.

While you can still submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the SIV uptill 23 April 2015, no further ITAs will be issued until after 1 July 2015.

More updates to follow...

This information is accurate on the 7 April 2015

Do you need help with an Australian visa application?

At Work Visa Lawyers we are experienced in assisting applicants in various Australian visa applications including General Skilled, Employer Sponsored, Business Skills, Family, and Migration Review Tribunal applications. Our vast experience allows us to understand that each business setup and investment portfolio is different and thus applicants can meet visa application requirements in different ways.

If you require further information regarding your Australia visa options you can contact us through:

(08) 7225 5091 or +61 8 7225 5091

or   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

ACT has announced that applications from overseas for the 190 state sponsorship will be closed on Friday, 3rd April 2015 at 5 p.m. AEST. Planning numbers for the 2014-2015 sponsorship programme has been met.

If you have a pending 190 state sponsorship application with the ACT that has not been lodged, you need to submit the application immediately. Drawing from experience with the NSW online application system, the ACT online application system may also be overloaded and users may experience problems submitting the application.

This only applies to overseas applicants. Onshore applications can still submit sponsorship applications to ACT as long as they meet the nomination requirements.

This information is accurate as on 2nd April 2015.

Source: http://www.canberrayourfuture.com.au/news/article/important-announcement/

Do you need help with an Australian visa application?

At Work Visa Lawyers we are experienced in assisting applicants in various Australian visa applications including General Skilled, Employered Sponsored, Business Skills, Family, and Migration Review Tribunal applications.

If you require further information regarding your Australia visa options you can contact us through:

(08) 7225 5091 or +61 8 7225 5091

or   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Applicants for the 190 and 489 visas may have received the following email notification from case officers in the past few days:

I am writing to you regarding your application for an Australian skilled visa (subclass 190).

The visa for which you have applied is part of the Skilled Nominated category. The Migration Programme determines the maximum number of visas that can be granted in each visa category. Applications for this visa are processed in line with Migration Programme planning levels. These planning levels have precedence over indicative client service standard timeframes.

The Migration Programme planning level for the Skilled Nominated category now has limited number of places left for the 2014-15 program year. This means processing times will be longer and that once the remaining places are used, the Department cannot grant further visas in this category during this programme year.

As planning levels affect all applications, including those in the final stages of processing, I cannot give you an indication as to the likely timeframe for finalisation of your application.

In the meantime, I encourage you to continue checking the department's website (www.immi.gov.au) for any updates regarding application processing or changes to the Skilled Migration Programme which may affect you.

I appreciate your patience in this matter.

What Does This Mean?

Once planning numbers are met for the programme year, visa applications of that particular category will be deferred until the next programme year. While this delays the migration plans for applicants, it is important to know that the visa applications in progress will still be considered for processing for the next programme year.

More updates to follow...

This information is accurate on the 22 March 2015

Do you need help with an Australian visa application?

At Work Visa Lawyers we are experienced in assisting applicants in various Australian visa applications including General Skilled, Employer Sponsored, Business Skills, Family, and Migration Review Tribunal applications.

If you require further information regarding your Australia visa options you can contact us through:

(08) 7225 5091 or +61 8 7225 5091

or   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) has released a response to the 457 Visa Programme integrity review report today. The majority of the changes announced are expected to be implemented over the next 6 months.

Here is a snapshot of the changes announced:

• English requirements for the 457 visa applicant will be changed to overall 5.0 for the IELTS exam, with no components scoring lesser than 4.5.
• Other English exams to be accepted for the visa application will be announced next month.
• Visa charges are being reviewed and are likely to change.
• Training Benchmarks will be replaced by annual training fund contributions to the Department of Industry (possible implementation in 2016)
• Severe penalties for Business Sponsors who receive payment from visa applicants/holders in return for sponsorship and nomination.
• Validity of Standard Business Sponsorships (SBS) to be lengthened from 3 to 5 years for existing businesses; from 12 to 18 months for new businesses.

More information will be available as the DIBP gets closer to implementing the planned changes.

Comments by Chris Johnston – Principal Lawyer and Registered Migration Agent at Work Visa Lawyers

The 457 visa programme has undergone many changes as the Department tries to strike a balance between helping Australian businesses meet short-term labour needs and protecting Australian workers and their jobs. It is important for both the Business Sponsor and Visa Applicant/Holder to take note of current developments to the 457 programme to ensure sponsorship and visa obligations are complied with to avoid violation and possible sanctions or penalties.

It is noted that the changes are being implemented in the near future and the date of effect for the changes will be crucial in relation to new sponsors, nominees (position) and visa applicants.

 UPDATE

There has been plenty of responses from various parties since the annoucement was made. Here are a few of them:

"Ensuring that visa holders and sponsors are meeting their obligations will boost business and community confidence in the 457 programme."- Kate Carnell, Head of Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, on the announced changes

"The labour market testing regime was always flawed and we urge the government to accept the review's recommendation that it be scrapped. The testing amounts to ineffective, time-consuming red tape. Using the scheme is costly for employers and the vast majority don't recruit 457 workers unless they absolutely have to."- Innes Willox, Head of Australian Industry Group, on the Government's decision to keep the labour market testing component

"The government's proposed changes to the 457 visa scheme will improve its operation and reduce business costs, but it has missed the opportunity to do away with redundant regulation."

"It is disappointing that on Repeal Day the government has declined to support the independent review's recommendation to abolish labour market testing. This is a classic case of a regulation that adds to business costs, without improving the integrity of the scheme."- Jennifer Westacott, Chief Executive of Business Council of Australia (BCA)

Scott Barklamb, Executive Director of policy and public affairs for Australian Mines and Metals Association (AMMA) says that foreign workers played a small, but critical, specialist role in the mining industry. He too was disappointed that labour market testing was not abolished.

National Farmers Federation (NFF) president Brett Finlay welcomed the changes and mentioned that while Australian workers were the backbone of the country's agricultural sector, some farm businesses in regional and remote areas struggled to find workers with relevant skills and relied on overseas workers to fill essential roles.

Part of the announcement also mentions the re-establishment of the Ministerial Advisory Council on Skilled Migration (MACSM), which will aid to provide labour market analysis and advice on the composition of the Consolidated Sponsored Occupation List (CSOL).

It appears that many stakeholders welcomed the changes but were concerned about the continuation of labour market testing and the proposed training fund that will replace current Training Benchmarks.

 Source:

1. http://www.immi.gov.au/pub-res/Pages/reviews-and-inquiries/government-response.aspx
2. http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2015/03/18/457-visa-changes-announced
3. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/immigration/liberals-tighten-checks-on-457-visas/story-fn9hm1gu-1227267088406
4. http://www.bca.com.au/newsroom/statement-on-the-governments-response-to-457-visa-review

This information is accurate on the 22 March 2015

Do you need help with a 457 business sponsorship or visa application?

At Work Visa Lawyers we are experienced in assisting businesses and individuals in the 457 visa application process. The process is complex with many stages of work involved and we aim to simplify the application process for you and make sure the various criteria for sponsorship and visa are met.

If you require further information regarding your Australia visa options you can contact us through:

(08) 7225 5091 or +61 8 7225 5091

or   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Visa applicants can make a request for ministerial intervention when you receive a decision from a review tribunal. A review tribunal refers to the Refugee Review Tribunal (RRT), the Migration Review Tribunal (MRT) or, in certain circumstances, the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT).

Visa applicants should not expect that the minister will intervene in your case and should not withdraw any judicial review application that is ongoing. The minister only intervenes in a small number of cases and will only intervene in cases of unique and exceptional circumstances. Visa applicants must check that they meet the unique or exceptional circumstances before they request for a ministerial intervention. Assuming that the applicant meets the requirements for consideration it is absolutely prudent that the written request be prepared as best as possible as the minister generally does not want to consider any further requests for intervention from an applicant whom he has declined once.

If your request for ministerial intervention is not successful you are expected to leave Australia as soon as possible. Therefore it is important that your request for ministerial intervention is prepared with a strong understanding of the factors of consideration by the minister.

A request for Ministerial Intervention does not lead to a Bridging visa, so you will have to apply separately for a Bridging visa. Once a request for Ministerial Intervention is lodged, you will need to apply for a bridging visa to ensure that you do not become an unlawful resident. If you need help with a bridging visa application, you can contact us.

Source:

Department of Immigration and Border Protection website

http://www.immi.gov.au/refugee/ministerial_intervention.htm

This information is accurate on the 13 March 2015. DIBP will change requirements in an ongoing manner and all current requirements must be established prior to lodging an application.

Do You Need Help?

At Work Visa Lawyers we are experienced in assisting applicants with visa decision reviews, appeals, ministerial intervention and judicial reviews with the courts. All applications are dealt with in a strict and urgent manner as reviews and appeals must be submitted within a limited time.

If you require further information regarding a review or your appeal options you can contact us through:

(08) 7225 5091 or +61 8 7225 5091

or   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

A total of 203 visas have been cancelled by the Minister of Immigration, Peter Dutton in the past 3 months. Previously there were only a total of 372 cancellations over the period between July 2011 and July 2014¹ - a 3-year period!

With an amendment to the Migration Act in December 2014, the Minister now has the power to cancel visas of people who were:

• Involved in a serious crime – drug trafficking, sexual assaults, motorcycle gangs, etc.
• Convicted and imprisoned for 12 months or more
• In Australia on a visa and being convicted of a sexual offence against a child

The power to cancel visas allows the Minister to remove non-citizens who are in Australia and pose a threat to the Australian community. Recent visa cancellations were issued to overseas criminal offenders, biker gang members and associates, drug-related offenders and sex offenders. The Minister has mentioned that "If people have committed crimes against our country then their visas will be cancelled" and that “they should be removed from our shores as quickly as possible" in a statement to ABC News¹.

Why has there been an increase in visa cancellations?

The increase in visa cancellation numbers is a government response to national security concerns especially in the areas of organised crime and counter-terrorism. The government aims to target “organisations and individuals blatantly spreading discord and division” and “include stronger prohibitions on vilifying, intimidating or inciting hatred”².

The change in the name of the Department is also an indication of policy change. The name has changed from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) previously to the current Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP). From 1 July 2015, DIBP and the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service will merge to form the Australian Border Force, signifying a stronger and tougher approach towards border protection³.

Comments by Chris Johnston – Principal Lawyer and Registered Migration Agent at Work Visa Lawyers

Character issues can be identified by DIBP in the following situations:

• When you apply for a visa (including renewal of your Resident Return Visa – RRV)
• When you arrive at an Australian port of entry and complete a declaration card
• When you apply for citizenship
• When you sponsor somebody for a visa (partner, family member)
• If DIBP contacts you directly about your situation
• If your legal matter goes to court and DIBP takes note of your case
• If DIBP cross checks with local police and overseas law enforcement agencies databases and identifies visa holders with criminal offences

Even though recent cancellations are focused on organised crime, sex crimes and terrorism, it is possible that any person with criminal convictions outside of these offences can have their Australian visas revoked.

With recent security concerns heightening the level of border protection, expect more cancellations to happen. It is a good idea for all visa holders and applicants to stay out of trouble with the law in order to preserve your life and residence in Australia.

Source:

1. Hundreds of convicted criminals have visas revoked under Migration Act amendment

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-02-24/convicted-criminals-have-visas-cancelled/6254120

2. Prime Minister Tony Abbott outlines moves to revoke foreign fighters' citizenship, crack down on 'hate preachers'

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-02-23/abbott-announces-anti-terror-measures/6217608

3. Department of Immigration and Border Protection

http://www.immi.gov.au/News/Pages/new-australian-border-force.aspx

4. Minister for Immigration Media Releases

http://www.minister.immi.gov.au/peterdutton/2015/Pages/Two-criminals-removed-from-Queensland.aspx

http://www.minister.immi.gov.au/peterdutton/2015/Pages/irish-criminal-removed-from-australia.aspx

http://www.minister.immi.gov.au/peterdutton/2015/Pages/crackdown-foreign-criminals-bikies.aspx

This information is accurate on the 3 March 2015

Have You Been Asked to Respond to “Character” Concerns by DIBP? Do You Need Help in Relation to Your Current Australian Visa, Applying for an Australian Visa or Citizenship?

At Work Visa Lawyers we are experienced in assisting applicants with visa applications for Skilled Migration including Independent and State Sponsored visas, state sponsorship applications, Family Migration visas as well as employer-sponsored visas. We also assist applicants who have health or character concerns in a visa or citizenship application.

If you require further information regarding your Australia visa options you can contact us through:

(08) 7225 5091 or +61 8 7225 5091

or   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.