“There’s also been, we’ve heard today, a significant fall expected in net overseas migration, which is expected to fall by about a third this year, financial year, and by 85 per cent off its peak, or off it’s previous year, in the following year in ‘21, sorry 2021, sorry ‘21/’22.”

What is Net Overseas Migration – keep reading?

Source: https://www.pm.gov.au/media/press-conference-australian-parliament-house-act-1may20

Check this video for details

What is Net Overseas Migration (NOM)?

Net Overseas Migration is based on the actual historical data. What prospective migrants seem to be panicking about is Migration Intake, which is a planned limit of Permanent Residency visa grants for a financial year. There is no direct correlation between NOM and Migration Intake as far as I am aware.

NOM is calculated by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and is based on the actual data –  number of international people coming to Australia, staying over here and leaving Australia. It was 232100 between Oct 2018 and Sep 2019.

Migration Intake is a planned level for PR visa grants for a financial year. It is set on 160000 for FY1920

Let’s get into details.

NOM is ‘based on an international travelers’ duration of stay being in or out of Australia for 12 months or more over the 16 month period (12/16 month rule), and is the difference between:

• the number of incoming international travelers who stay in Australia for 12 months or more within 16 months, who are not currently counted within the population, and are then added to the population (NOM arrivals)
• the number of outgoing international travelers (Australian residents and long-term visitors to Australia) who leave Australia for 12 months or more within 16 months, who are currently counted within the population, and are then subtracted from the population (NOM departures)

NOM is the net gain or loss of population through immigration to Australia and emigration from Australia. Migration flows impact on issues such as Australia’s labor supply; national income; housing availability; cultural diversity; and social cohesion. Variations in the volume and characteristics of travelers to and from Australia impact on policy decisions and future planning at all levels of government.

Source: https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/research-and-statistics/statistics/visa-statistics/live/net-overseas-migration

Where to find information about NOM?

ABS website:

https://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/DetailsPage/3101.0Sep%202019?OpenDocument

Total NOM from Oct 2018 to Sep 2019 is 232100

Is NOM part of the permanent visa program?

Not directly.

The Migration program is designed to achieve a range of economic and social outcomes. The program is set annually, with the total places available capped at a ceiling of 160,000 for 2019-20.

Source: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/what-we-do/migration-program-planning-levels

Is NOM decline good for PR visa aspirants?

It may sound odd, but if you are already in Australia working towards your PR you might be actually in a better position – fewer people coming to Australia, less competition for skilled visas…

If you need to discuss your situation give us a call or book a consultation with our migration agent.

The post Expected 85% decline in Net Overseas Migration to Australia appeared first on Nowak Migration.

Christmas comes early to you if you are a backpacker or planning to go backpacking in Australia.

This is because the government of Prime Minister Scott Morrison is set to relax the requirements for working holiday visas for backpackers and the Seasonal Worker Program (SWP) for the citizens of the neighboring Pacific islands.

The decision comes on the heels of farmers clamoring for more workers to pick their fruits and crops.  Obviously, the urban industries are not the only ones reeling from the ill effects of the shortage of qualified workers.  The agriculture sector is as affected as well.

The said move will result in the lengthening of the stay of the holders of visa subclass 417 and subclass 462, and those who avail of the SWP.  And the adjustment in the period of stay is not something to sneeze at – it’s three times that of the current provision, that is, if you undertake extra work in the agriculture sector.

Farmers need workers, too

Yes, the different businesses and industries in urban Australia are not the only ones that are on the hunt for workers.  The agricultural sector is in short supply of able personnel, too.  And the need seems urgent: farmers have to fill job shortages soonest to avoid losses in their farms.

Again, the national priority is to get as many local laborers to get the job done, but it seems that it is not possible given the scale of the work as opposed to the qualified Australian workforce.  Hence, the attention of the government shifts outside of the country as what is happening in other sectors.

It goes without saying, providing longer duration of stay for the holders of working holiday visas is seen as the immediate answer to the pressing problem facing the farmers.

With the implementation of the new amendment, backpackers like you will no longer leave your job every six months.  On top of that, you can triple your length of stay here if you undertake agricultural work.  Furthermore, the age limit requirement for working holiday visas for certain countries will be raised to 35.

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As to the workers coming from the Pacific islands who are here on the strength of the SWP, they can stay three months longer.

Indeed, the problem of the farmers is a pressing concern not only of the agriculture sector but of the whole country as well given the fact that the plant and animal industries of Australia have grown almost twice in value over the last ten years or so. Thus, it needs to be taken seriously, and its problems resolved immediately.

The impact of backpackers on the economy

It is wise for the government to take seriously the contribution of the working holiday visa holders because there are close to half a million backpackers spending their time in the country every year.  With this figure, Prime Minister Morrison is looking at generating about one billion dollars in spending from them, which will help a great deal in propping up an already robust economy; this while providing support to the farmers.

The prime minister said that the backpackers will go back to their home countries without any money in their pockets; they spend their money here.  Hence, it’s all good for the whole economy.  Add to that the tax that the government imposes on their income while working here.

In the same vein, there are calls from some groups to scrap the 15% working holiday tax levied on the backpackers to entice more foreign nationals to come here to work, but the country’s leader is not keen on the idea.  According to him, when foreign holidaymakers come here to work, they should pay tax.  He added that we all pay tax when we work, hence there’s no reason working holiday visa holders are exempted from the rule.

Indeed, the recent announcement constitutes an attractive proposition for the Commonwealth Government and its farming sector.

This also comes on the heels of the call of some groups to come up with an agricultural visa to support their sector.  But the process towards achieving that objective is not an easy one. It will take time, effort, resources and tons of energy among the concerned individuals in the deliberation alone.

But the fruits, the crops, and the animals cannot wait for the agricultural visa before they are harvested.  Therefore, in the meantime, the government just has to make do with the adjustments in the existing visas where possible.

Again, the urgent need is to have good workers who can pick the fruits and the crops.

Amendments to Working Holiday visas

So, what are the changes to the working holiday visas as announced by Prime Minister Morrison?  Here they are:

• A second visa is dangled to the holders of visa subclass 462 if they do agriculture-related (plant and animal) work in priority areas.
• Extension of the stay of the holders of either subclass 417 or subclass 462 from six to 12 months if they work for the same agricultural employer.
• A third-year visa option for the holders of subclass 417 and subclass 462 who beginning July of next year (2019) can work six months of regional work on their second year.
• Expansion in the number of areas made available to subclass 462 visa holders by lifting the annual limit intended for some countries included in the subclass 462 program.

Amendments to the Seasonal Worker Program

As far as the Seasonal Worker Program is concerned, these are the following changes to its provisions:

• Lengthening of the work period to nine months for all workers. Currently, workers from some countries only get to work for six months.
• Extending the validity of Labor Market Testing (LMT) from three to six months before the recruitment of workers.
• Reducing the expenses of employers out of their own pocket

Secure your working holiday visa now through the help of Nowak Migration

We bet you’re now raring to come here to avail of the perks offered by no less than Prime Minister Morrison.

Truly, obtaining a visa subclass 417 or subclass 462 is tantamount to hitting two birds with one stone: While you enjoy your stay in one of the prime tourist destinations in the world, you also get the opportunity to earn.

Earning while vacationing – there’s nothing better than that.

So, what keeps you from getting your working holiday visa for Australia now?  Are you pressed for time?  Or you don’t have the patience to go through the nitty-gritty of the visa application process?  Or you’re not confident you’ll do it right?

If that’s the case, don’t hesitate to keep in touch with any of our staff or consultants at Nowak Migration.  We’re always willing and ready to answer your every query and give you expert advice on how to go about lodging a successful visa application.

All you have to do is give us a ring at (07) 3668 0658.  If not, send us an email at info@nowakmigration.com.au or drop us a message at any of our social media accounts.

You can be assured of our transparency and honesty in transacting business with you.  Our growing list of loyal clients can attest to that.

If you want to keep abreast of the developments on Australian migration as well as on the overall business situation of the country, please subscribe to our newsletter by filling out the form below.  Don’t worry about spam; we take extra care of your privacy as you do.

Finally, if you think this article can help someone you know, please share it with them through any or all of the social media sites that we are using.  We will certainly appreciate your effort.

The post Amendments to Working Holiday visas appeared first on Nowak Migration.

Let’s start this article by stating the obvious: It is an offense against Australian immigration and labor laws to employ, refer or contract an illegal foreign worker in the country.

In some cases, the offense is not just a simple civil case; it can sometimes be criminal in nature.  As such the consequences are scary.

We know, we know.  You don’t want to be branded as an employer of unlawful foreign workers.  For one, it will have an adverse impact on your business and on your dignity as a person.  Secondly, it does not come cheap: the penalty for you as a company can go as high as 200,000 plus AUD per illegal worker.

The sadder thing is, you may still be held liable for the act regardless of whether you know the workers have work rights or not.

The option of hiring non-citizens

Employing skilled foreign citizens can sometimes be the only left for you to resort to, especially at a time when the local labor market of Australia cannot cope with the demand for workers trained and experienced to take on the jobs in your company.

It would have been easier and more convenient to hire local workforce since the requirements are fewer and the process is less cumbersome than to source out talent from overseas.  But this is not possible in a country where economic growth outruns the speed in training its people.

While at that, we are not saying the Commonwealth Government is not doing its part to address the shortage of skilled workers.  On the contrary, it is taking the bull by its horns, so to speak. One measure it is undertaking is the massive training of its citizens geared towards equipping them to assume the roles in the different industries all over the country.  This is the main reason the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) is instituted.

The downside of it, though, is it may take some more time before they could reach the point where they don’t have to rely on foreign workers to make the many businesses running.

Hence, in the meantime, the status quo stays.

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The advantages of employing foreign skilled workers

 While the country is hard pressed to supply the businesses with qualified local workers, skilled foreign nationals are aching to come to Australia to work and make a new start with their family, parents, and relatives.

They are drawn towards the country because of the benefits, privileges, and amenities that majority of them could not find in their home countries.  While here, they cannot only work, they can also enjoy the countless tourist destinations hereabout; let their children study in world-class universities, and many other perks while being in Australia – all of these while earning much more than what they could possibly earn in their own countries.

And these workers are highly skilled in their line of work, bringing with them fresh ideas on how to do things – the exact qualifications Australia is looking for.

Sometimes, scouting for them may not even take you to the countries of their birth.  Many of them are already here.  Take for instance the international students.  Certain student visas have work rights, which make their holders a valuable source of the needed labor.

Too, foreign visitors on holiday visas have certain work rights.  In fact, they are encouraged by the Australian government to find short-term or casual work in certain industries while spending their time here.  Even the refugees holding either subclass 866 or all subclass 200s are allowed to live and work in the country as permanent residents

Visas that have work rights

There are many types of Australian visas.  So, it is but imperative for you to find out which ones provide work rights for their holders.  In so doing, you won’t get into the pitfall of employing unlawful workers.

So, what are the visas whose holders are allowed to work in the country?

• 457 visa or Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa

Visa 457, which is now replaced by Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, needs no further introduction.  It occupies the top level of the totem pole when it comes to Australian work visas being availed of by foreign workers.  A good number of skilled foreign nationals now enjoying their lives in the country are in a possession of this visa.  Many of them even acquire Australian citizenship in the process.

As if the benefits and privileges of 457 visa or TSS visa are not enough, the dependents of the main applicants are also afforded full work rights in Australia.  These are the spouses or partners of the nominated worker, their children, parents, and even some relatives.

• Student visas

As we have already mentioned earlier, student visas of international enrollees in different universities all over the country have work rights.  The number of hours may be limited while the semester is ongoing, but they can work full time during semester break.  For more information on the work rights of student visa holders, please click student visa working hours.

More on the international students, once they complete their studies in the country, they have the choice to apply for a temporary subclass 485 visa.  This visa has full work rights and may be valid for up to four years depending on the course that the students have completed.

• Holidaymaker visas (Working Holiday and Work and Holiday visas)

Most foreign guests who are here on holidays usually hit two birds with one stone.  While they are here to have a blast, they are also given the right to work full time on short contracts.

• Temporary partner visas

Another precious source of qualified workers for the different industries is the holders of temporary partner visas.  They are granted full work rights.

• Bridging visas

Temporary visa holders who are in a possession of various types of bridging visas constitute another group of non-citizens from whom the local businesses can tap for the needed talent.

The abovementioned types of visa are just some of the many visas that grant work rights to their holders.  There are still many.

The role of VEVO

We know already that this and that visa has work rights while others don’t have.  The question now is this: How can you ascertain if a particular foreign employee of yours has work rights at certain times in the duration of their contract with you?

At the start of their employment with you, you know that their visas have work rights.  The problem is this: You would not have any idea if the status of the visa of your employee has changed while they are working for you.

For example, a worker in possession of a temporary partner visa that has work rights may have separated with their partner, thereby losing their work rights in the process; or a student visa holder who is no longer enrolled in an eligible university; or a dependent of a TSS visa holder whose main applicant just lost their job, and so on and so forth.

Overstaying non-citizens are another risk factor in employing foreign workers.  Some may have served you for so long that you feel confident that you are employing legal workers without knowing that they are already staying in the country unlawfully.

Passports are not the reliable source of information about the visa of a non-citizen as they don’t have the details of the visa.

The best way to verify these pieces of information is to check them through the Visa Entitlement Verification Online or VEVO.  This is a free online service of the Department of Home Affairs which is available 24/7, seven days a week.

VEVO holds the details of one’s visa including the conditions, limitations and work rights.  If you wish to know more information about VEVO, please click visa details online check.

A problem about time and work requirement

 Who would wish to employ unlawful foreign workers?  Nobody does, it seems.

Neither are you, of course.

In fact, you are willing to check the VEVO from time to time just to make sure each and every non-citizen under your jurisdiction has work rights.  Unfortunately, though, given your workload and the time required in overseeing the operations of your business, you may not be able to do it.

Nowak Migration can verify the work rights of your workers

If you really don’t want to have a brush with the law, talk to us at Nowak Migration.  We can help you check the work rights of your foreign employees regularly.

Yes, we just don’t do Australian visas.  We extend various other services for your business.  Regular verification of the work rights of your foreign workers is one of them.  There are more.

Mention your business requirement to us and we will assist you with it.  We are able to undertake other non-immigration tasks for you because we are maintaining a first-rate network of professionals and experts from other fields.  That way, you don’t have to source out the services that you need yourselves.  The moment you keep in touch with us, you’ll find answers to your business-related concerns.

We work with talents from such diverse industries as real estate, business law, accounting and auditing, insurance, transportation, education, and others.

Should you decide to avail of our services, you will no longer worry about breaking some Australian laws as to your responsibilities as an employer of non-citizens.  You will have more time then to focus on the operations of your business and other concerns.  That would be a lot of work being unloaded from your shoulders.

With Nowak Migration, you and your company/organization remain protected from the possibility that you could break immigration and labor laws by keeping unlawful foreign workers.

So, remain protected and legal – avail of our services.

We urge you then to pick up your phone now and call us for booking or consultation.  Our contact information can be found anywhere on our website.  Just choose the most convenient means through which to communicate with us.

If you want to keep abreast of the developments on Australian migration as well as on the overall business situation of the country, please subscribe to our newsletter by filling out the form below.  Don’t worry about spam; we take extra care of your privacy as you do.

Finally, if you think this article can help someone you know, please share it with them through any or all of the social media sites that we are using.  We will certainly appreciate your effort.

The post How to verify work rights of foreign workers appeared first on Nowak Migration.

Australia has a unique way of dealing with foreign non-citizens who take on certain occupations in the country.

You yourself must have noted that most of the other countries require a work permit from foreign nationals before they can find employment in their areas of jurisdiction.  This is on top of the visa.  For them, visas and work permits are two different entities.  In fact, in most cases, a visa serves as a requirement for foreigners to obtain a work permit.

Not in Australia. Work permit is not being issued here per se by the government.  What it does is, it issues certain types of visas that have work rights.

That’s how straightforward the government is in treating this aspect of immigration and border protection.

If you are a jobseeking non-citizen here, you should rejoice.  You only need to get hold of certain visas that have work rights to be able to find employment here.  That’s quite a favor, don’t you think so?

Select from various visas with Australia work permit

And, as if that favor is not huge enough, the Commonwealth government also offers not just one, two or three subclasses of working visas for skilled workers and other professionals like you.  It dangles several types for you to choose from.

You can choose between a temporary and permanent work visa.  You can also opt to work in places with a small population if you want to stay away from the stress of city living.  Australia would gladly welcome you to these places.

Speaking of visas with work rights, one type that stands out from the rest is subclass 457.  This visa is the one responsible for bringing in foreign skilled workers for the industries and businesses that find a hard time finding talents from the local market.

This visa, however, will be superseded by Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa this coming March 2018.  But even if it will be sporting a new name soon, it will still remain as a favorite choice for international skilled workers hunting for jobs here.  So, you better keep yourself updated on the developments about this visa.  And there’s no better place for you to get fresh news about TSS visa and other immigration issues than on our website. Don’t forget to subscribe.  If you wish, you may also keep in touch with any of our personnel at Nowak Migration through phone or email.

As we have just have mentioned, there are people who shun urban living and prefer to stay and work in places that are close to nature and with fewer people.  City life proves stressful to them.

If you are that type of person, you are lucky: there’s a visa type that’s designed just for you.  This is called Regional Sponsor Migration Scheme (RSMS) visa or subclass 187.  With this visa, you will have a work permit in Australia to work in industries and businesses in states and territories that have low population.  We have a term for these localities — Regional Australia.  These are small cities or towns outside of the huge and developed metropolitan areas of Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, and Brisbane.

Not only skilled workers stand a chance to get hold of Australian visas with work rights.  Even international students are granted with student visas with provisions for work.  You may not believe it but it’s true.  Most English-speaking countries don’t have such kind of benefit for their foreign students.  But Australia goes to great lengths to accommodate student workers.  This is yet another unique offer from the generous Commonwealth government.

Remember – Australian tourist visa has a “no work” condition, which means you can’t work in Australia as a holder of a visitor visa.

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Successful visa application with Nowak Migration

Processing of visas (with work rights) constitutes one of the strong suits of our company. The list of applicants that we have helped obtain Australian working visas is growing by the day.

For instance, if you want employer-sponsored visas, we can assist you in getting the popular Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) or subclass 186 as well as the RSMS visa that we have discussed a bit earlier.  If you prefer the skilled visas, we can offer to help you apply for subclasses 189, 190 or 489.

These subclasses are just some of the many we help process for our clients.  Depending on your skills, qualifications, experiences, needs, and preferences, there is always a working visa for you.

You and your family deserve a better life here in Australia.  Stop toiling in a job that can only provide you with a hand to mouth existence.  Give yourself the income, the perks and the esteem that you deserve as a professional or as an able worker.

You must have known some countrymen of yours who are now happily enjoying their new lives and their high-paying jobs here, not to mention the reputable and high-standard schools their kids are enrolled in.

All you need to do now is to reach out to us, so we can discuss with you your personal situation.

You may ask: What can Nowak Migration do for you?

Our answer to your question is this: We will be with you from step number one of the process up until you obtain your dream visa. Step one for us means the evaluation of your situation whether or not you have a chance for success.  And if you have, we will help you prepare for the next steps.  But if you don’t, we will tell you upfront not to waste your time, money and effort for a hopeless proposition.  We don’t give you false hopes just so you can avail of our services.  We are not that kind of a company.  Rather, we aim for a win-win outcome between you and us.

So, what are you waiting for?  Do not dilly-dally on your decision.  The beginning of the year proves to be the best time to come to the country because businesses, states and territories are in such hurry to fill in their organizations with qualified and experienced people like you.

Book us now for consultation.

The post Australia work permit ? appeared first on Nowak Migration.

8 useful tips from industry insider for successful Australian visa applications

More and more people from all over the world are queuing up to apply for Australian visas, more noticeably at this time of the year when people from the north scamper for a place to stay in the tropics to avoid the brutal cold of the freezing winter. We are not talking of hundreds of applicants here but hundreds of thousands.

And if you are entertaining the possibility of traveling to the country one of these days, include yourself in the ever-growing census.

Many are lucky enough to apply and secure Australian visas of their choice, but a good number also suffer the misfortune of being refused.  No, we are not talking about dubious and fraudulent applications; we are talking about simple mistakes and misunderstandings that could have been avoided given sufficient advice and assistance.

Compounding the problem is the fact that the Department of Home Affairs, the government agency tasked with the screening of visa applications, is no longer as considerate as before, especially after the 9/11 aftermath.  And the reasons are obvious: The government sees to it that what happened to the United States does not happen here.  In fact, many industry insiders say they could no longer interact with the personnel of the department the way they could do pre-9/11 era.

Indeed, times are a-changing, so goes a popular song.  What was applicable before no longer holds true today.

Against this backdrop, it is more important and urgent that you know the tips to make your application for an Australian visa successful.  Needless to say, getting your application turned down by the department is costly.  Yes, the potential amount that’s certain to go down the drain is nothing to sneeze at.  Add to that the time and effort that you put in at gathering the required documents, organizing such documents, talking to various resource persons who might be of help to you, submission of the application, responding to queries from DIBP, etc.

Complying with the required documents is just a small fraction of the process.  You need the help of someone or some organization that knows the process – what the DIBP wants and how the system operates.

We know, we know: You don’t want the mistakes of other applicants to befall you.  And who would?  It is for this reason that we are writing this article.  The pointers that will follow come straight from the horse’s mouth, so you better sit up and take notice.

Give due credence to evidence

Nowhere is the significance of proof or evidence more prominent and critical than when you apply for Australian visa.  And nowhere is it more strongly required than in the application of an Australian visa.  Like we mentioned earlier, after the occurrence of 9/11, the DIBP became more stringent in the issuance of visas.

And if you are looking at securing a family, business or work visa, be prepared for a more rigorous procedure at substantiating those evidence.  Visa types of such nature require solid proofs.

It goes without saying that your relationships with your dependents or maybe with your sponsor need to be established, your qualifications, as well as your employment records, require validation and your assets need to be demonstrated that they are truly yours.  In fact, everything you declare needs to be supported by evidence.

Not only that – your own word holds less water than the information provided by other sources, especially third-party ones.  It’s like saying some sources of proofs are more dependable and honored than others.

A few classic examples of these are your bank records, income tax returns and pay slips from your company if you are working.  And if you applied for a skilled visa and have yet to receive the required certification, you ought to provide proof that you have applied for it such as the receipts and dates of application.

Between a government-issued document and a privately issued, the former carries more significance than the latter, for obvious reasons.

If you are aiming for a business visa, you need to prove that you are wealthy.  Being wealthy here means that your money should be under your name and not in some trust.  This is where some applicants run into trouble sometimes, especially if they are maintaining complex trust setups and complicated company arrangements.  This is really worth paying attention to.

As regards partner visa, the DIBP demands proof of lasting and genuine relationship, for reasons you and us very well know.  Joint bank accounts can help establish this relationship as well as detailed and accurate accounts from friends, family, and relatives.

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In this age of social media, your posts on Facebook, Instagram, and other sites may likewise serve as an avenue to demonstrate the genuineness of your relationship with your partner.  Some industry experts go as far as recommending that you update your social media accounts often: load them with messages, photos, videos and what have you.  By so doing, you are sending a strong signal to the DIBP officer reviewing your application that you are serious about the relationship and that you care about the visa you’re applying for.

Check the consistency of your public records and social media posts

Not only do you need to load your social media accounts with updated posts, you need to see to it also that your entries in your accounts correspond with the information you have in other sources such as your records from your schools, the companies you worked for or the organizations you used to be affiliated with.  Even the information you provided in your previous visa applications is matched against other available information about you.  Please note that your case officer will go to great lengths to check on them.

Issues that usually crop in this regard involve religious beliefs, gender orientation, race, cultural background and other similar concerns.  In an attempt of the applicants not to be bashed or trolled on the web, they would hide their true identity.  For instance, they would claim to be Christians when, in reality, they are Muslims.  Instead of admitting they are gay, they would say they are straight men or women.  This may not necessarily result in the outright refusal of your application, but this can create unnecessary complications in the process, which sometimes cost you pointless expenses, most especially in legal fees.

Nail that detail

Paying attention to details may sound simplistic to you, but this is still worth mentioning here.  In fact, this constitutes one of the main reasons your visa applications either get delayed or turned down altogether.  Mistakes on dates, inconsistency on the information you provide versus those coming from other sources (as we have just mentioned a while ago), inaccuracies on your data, not following instructions, not abiding by the process, etc. all contribute to adverse outcomes.

Apart from that, Australia offers many subclasses of visa, some types are quite close to the others in terms of categorization.  Not only that — each visa type has specific rules and conditions under it.  In short, you need to make sure that you choose the right visa.  For instance, if your intention in coming here is to stay permanently, you cannot use a tourist visa.  Obviously, the last thing you need to do is to breach the conditions of your visa.  That would have dire consequences on your stay here as well as the status of your other visa applications in Australia in the future.

Indeed, if you are not careful in choosing which type of visa fits your intentions, qualifications and supporting documents, it spells trouble.  Chances are that your visa may be canceled or that you may be barred from entering the country.  Hence, we cannot emphasize better the importance of having a nose for detail.

It’s not only you who can be guilty of such infraction, so is your nominating employer or sponsor.

Honesty is the best policy

This may be cliché but nothing beats honesty especially when it comes to the application of a visa.  The advice of most – if not all — industry experts is: Be honest.  Period.  Even if some facts about your life involve criminal convictions before, you need to disclose them.

The consequences of those found to be lying can be disastrous.  Sometimes, it can mean an imposition of a ban for you from future visa applications depending on the severity of your case.

Again, in this age of rapid technological and computer advancement, it’s not wise to hide unpleasant information or personal events and incidents about yourself even if such things had occurred several years ago.  The officers at the department of immigration have a way of finding them out.  We need not tell you that you are up against the Australian government.  And who said the Australian government is an idiot?

Therefore, you cannot take chances nor take things for granted.  Remember: providing spurious documents is a sure way to earn a quick, well-deserved refusal.

Accuracy is another important policy

Another everyday rule that’s often overlooked and infringed on is accuracy.  This is related to the earlier tips on paying attention to details and on being consistent with your public records and social media entries.  But this is worth mentioning here because of the frequency that it is being disregarded.

How many applications have hit a snag because of minor and innocent mistakes?  We lose count.  It’s a shame because these could have been avoided if the applicant is careful and vigilant.  As some industry insiders love to say, you can’t just settle for 99% accuracy.  You need to make it 100%.  Yes, check each and every detail of the application. And this is a non-negotiable imperative.

So vital is the need for correctness that some immigration agencies require their clients to hand over their smartphones and personal computers to them so that their staff can assure that no inaccuracies can get through the documents they would submit to the department.

Be neat and orderly

When it comes to submission of documents, especially if there’s a ton of them, neatness and orderliness come second to none.  There’s nothing worse than submitting sets of documents in all sorts of arrangements and classifications.  Put yourself in the shoes of the department assessor who will review your application and see how you’d feel.

If there are documents that need to be arranged chronologically or certain elements in them need highlighting, or entries that require translation or digital files on your email and social media posts that need downloading or printing, by all means, do them.  Not only will your life become easier, it makes the life of your case officer easier, too.  On top of that, it helps you with record keeping and locating documents, especially in cases where you are required to resubmit certain documents.

Best of all, it helps your application move faster and easier.

One more important thing: Keep a record of the documents you submit.  This can help in monitoring all your submissions as well as in resolving disputes should they arise.

Follow schedules, deadlines, and instructions

You cannot just submit your requirements at any time you want.  Owing to the volume of work that the DIBP is processing every single day, the department can be unbending on their rules and timetable.

One classic example that comes to mind is the requirement on passing an English test.  The result of this test needs to be submitted in the first part of the application.  If you do it otherwise, you may find yourself in a tight fix.  Even if you hurdle the English test with excellent scores, your application can still be turned down for not following instructions on the order of submission.

You may not believe it but missing a deadline even by just a day can also ruin an entire application.

Hire the services of a migration agency

Do you find the task of obtaining a visa daunting?  We bet that you do.  It really is daunting!  It exacts from you much of your time, effort and resources.

Fortunately, there’s a way for you to free yourself from all of these hassles: Find a dependable migration agency and hire their services.

Migration agents provide you with expert advice as to which visa to apply for based on your needs and qualifications, assist you in the preparation of the required documents and evidence, help you in lodging your application and make the needed follow-ups at the department.  They know the ins and outs at the DIBP, so their help is quite valuable.

No less than the Department of Immigration and Border Protection acknowledges the important role of migration agents in making the whole process faster, easier and smoother.

But beware: Not all migration agencies are created equal.  First off, there are registered agents as there are unregistered ones.  The latter have been known to defraud clients like you.

Needless to say, choose the one that’s registered.  The DIBP maintains a list of registered migration agents on their site.  Hence, you can always check if an agent is officially registered online, and, should you decide to avail of their services, ask for their registration number.

DIBP requires registered migration agents to abide by a code of conduct as well as perform with competence and professionalism.

Speaking of a registered and highly regarded veteran migration agency in Australia, Nowak Migration ranks high on the list of migration agencies here.  Our company can very well provide you with whatever assistance that you may need.  In fact, we can take care of everything that you need if you don’t have time to lift a finger on your application.

If, for instance, you intend to undertake business in the country, here are some of the services that we can offer you:

• We can do research on a location of your choice for potential business and investment ventures.
• We will assist you from the submission of your expression of interest (EOI) to following up the concerned department at DIBP until the release of the invitation for visa lodgement.
• We will coordinate with the state or territory government of your choice so that you will get the coveted nomination from them.
• We liaise with migration and business lawyers if you need legal help.
• For your bookkeeping and accounting requirements, we closely work with topnotch accountants and experienced business brokers.

If you have needs that are not mentioned here, please let us know and we will provide them to you.  You’re right: If you choose Nowak Migration, there’s nothing more you could ask for.  Our company is a veritable one-stop shop for everything involving Australian visa and migration.

So what are you waiting for?  Call us now at (07) 3668 0658.  If not, send us a message through email or via our Facebook page.

You can either hire us now or book us for consultations.

Before we forget, please share with us your opinion on our topic in the comments box below.

The post Apply for Australian visa appeared first on Nowak Migration.

Did you get your Working Holiday visa and are you all excited to start working in Australia? Let’s make it really easy for you to get everything ready to get going. Just follow the steps below:

1. Apply for your Tax File Number (TFN)
2. Get an Australian bank account
3. Get an Australian mobile phone number
4. Join a Job Agency
5. Take a Training Course if needed (RSA, RCG, White Card)

Job Hunting Tips

• Dress appropriately and be professional. For hospitality work, for example, black shoes and trousers and a white shirt are usually expected.
• Have your resume (C.V.) ready in English (no more than 1-2 pages) and make sure that your contact details as phone number and e-mail address are provided. Have a digital copy ready in your mailbox / on a USB stick, so that you can e-mail it to an employer if they ask about it.
• Make sure your phone is always charged and switched on, so you don’t miss any calls.
• Be honest and reliable. Let employers know how long you are available and give notice when you plan to leave.
• Get references if you can. Having a good reference is very important in Australia.
• Check everywhere for employment opportunities:  on hostel notice boards, in local newspapers, on gumtree.com.au or on the website of recruitment agencies.
• Make sure you have proof of all your qualifications, especially if you are looking for a skilled job such as nursing or teaching. For some jobs, you might need to get extra health/character checks (for example if you’re working with children).
• Keep in mind that there is much competition, so be creative in selling yourself and don’t give up easily after a rejection. Keep trying!

Keep in mind you can’t work more than 6 months for one employer on a W&H visa, although there are some exceptions.

Apply for your Tax File Number (TFN)

If you are planning to work in Australia, then you will need a Tax File Number (TFN). This is legally required for employers to pay tax on your behalf.

The easiest and quickest way to apply for a TFN is online at the Australian Taxation Office.  Important: Make sure you apply on the Australian Government website*. You shouldn’t pay for your application. There are many TFN application websites on the internet that will charge you money! You should get your TFN straight away.

Get an Australian bank account

If you’re coming to Australia on a Working Holiday Visa, you may want to open a bank account – particularly if you intend to work, so you can be paid. Most employers won’t pay you into an overseas bank account. The main banks in Australia are Westpac, ANZ, NAB, Commonwealth, and St.George. If you are in Australia for one year then it will help if you open an account within 6 weeks of arriving. Some of the banks will let you open an account even before you’ll come to Australia.

Get an Australian mobile phone number

If you’re traveling in Australia, you probably would like to have an Australian mobile phone number. Not only to call your new friends made in Australia, or your family at home but also to hear from potential employers about job offers as soon as possible. When you’ve brought a sim lock free phone from home, it’s very easy to get started. Simply buy a sim card, top it up with a prepaid cap register your name and you’re connected!

Join a Job Agency

One of the easiest ways to get work in Sydney is to join job agencies. We recommend you to take some time to send all your details, including your availability and C.V. to as many agencies as you can, therefore maximising your chances of finding the perfect job.

Most common jobs taken by work and holiday makers are:

• Admin / Office / Secretarial / Clerical Work / IT
• Charity / Fundraising / Volunteering
• Childcare / Teaching
• Construction / Labour
• Hospitality / Tourism
• Nanny / Au Pair
• Nursing / Health Care
• Telecommunication / Promotion / Sales

Take a Training Course

If you are seeking work in hospitality or construction (both industries always have plenty of available positions), you need to complete a government-approved training course.

Hospitality

If you are looking for work in the Hospitality industry – in particular, bar work, or working in licensed restaurants – you will require a qualification called “Responsible Service of Alcohol” (RSA). This is a compulsory course for the service of alcohol in bars and restaurants. After completing the course, you can start working immediately.

The “Responsible Conduct of Gambling” (RCG) is required for staff working in establishments where there are gaming machine activities. Many pubs and clubs in Australia have gaming machines, so it is extremely beneficial to have this qualification when applying for jobs.

Construction

Working on a building site requires a general occupational health and safety certificate.  This is sometimes referred to as a “White Card“.  This is required for contractors, laborers, tradespeople, plumbers, electricians, carpenters, supervisors, project managers, etc.

Follow us on facebook if you like it here, so you’ll be first to know about updates on this page.

Health Insurance

Medical treatment can be very expensive in Australia, so it is strongly advised to have both a travel and a private health insurance to cover yourself if anything happens.

As a tourist, you are not covered by Australia’s national health scheme, unless there is an agreement between Australia and your country.

The Australian Government has signed Reciprocal Health Care Agreements (RHCA) with the governments of Belgium, Finland, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Slovenia, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

This means that travelers from these countries are entitled to (limited) subsidized health services for immediately ‘medically necessary’ treatment while visiting Australia, covered by Medicare Australia.

It is recommended that you take out health insurance for yourself (and your family) for the duration of your stay in Australia. You can organize your health insurance through a health insurance provider or travel agent in your home country or locally in Australia.

Farm Work

Are you looking to work in a regional area of Australia because you want your second-year working holiday visa, or just love to have the experience? Have a look at what types of farm work is available to you. 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. The season differs in each region, so you could work yourself around the country to work with the products you love, at your own pace. Have a look at Australia’s harvest map to find more information about harvest labor in specific states. Get your FREE copy of the National Harvest Guide today and find all the information you need about farm work and harvesting opportunities. Updated monthly, you can download the Harvest Guide for free in PDF format.

Wwoofing

Volunteering in Australia is a great way of getting involved with a local community. The WWOOF Australia organization was founded in 1971 in the UK and stands for Willing Workers on Organic Farms (or World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms). They link volunteers with organic farmers and help share more sustainable ways of living.

On the farms, you can work in exchange for accommodation, meals, and knowledge about organic lifestyles. Travel to and from projects are usually provided.

The work on these farms usually comes down to about half a day (4-6 hours) to get a full day’s board and can be anything (depending on where you go) from planting trees, feeding animals, organizing an arts festival, farming/gardening work to research, environmental work or rescuing turtles. Usually, hours are flexible so you have free days, but you must negotiate this with your host.

You should have a level of physical fitness, maturity, and independence to participate in the program.

There is a small fee from the WWOOF organization to help maintain and develop the WWOOF network. As a WWOOF member, you will receive a book with contact details for over 2400 hosts throughout Australia. Around 240 of these are Certified Organic and approximately 1900 are traditional farms using organic practices.

You can choose a host that most interest you and make direct contact to arrange a stay and become a part of their family. Please remember that you will be staying in their house: the host address is not a hostel.

Contact the host between 5-9pm, not later. Most hosts will not answer bulk e-mails or text messages. E-mails telling the hosts about your interests and skills, as well as why you would like to WWOOF on their property, are more successful.

The hosts will want to check your WWOOF Membership book against your passport or other photo ID when you arrive. If you do not have a membership book, a host can arrange for you to join WWOOF and have your book sent to their address.

Kep in mind voluntary jobs will not be accepted by the department of immigration for the 2nd year working holiday visa.

Tax Returns & Claims

After you have finished working in Australia and at the end of each financial year (after June 30th every year) you really should claim your TAX BACK – the money is yours after all and you worked hard for it! Ask your employer for a payment summary, showing your total income and the amount of tax withheld. It doesn’t matter if you are in Australia or if you have gone home – you can still claim.

You can also access your retirement savings or pension (superannuation) when you depart from Australia. For more information about this, please visit the website of the Australian Taxation Office.

If you like it here in Australia, your W&H visa is about to expire and you want to extend your stay – we’re here to help. Give us a call or contact us

Feel free to ask a question or leave a comment below.

The post Tips and advice for working holiday makers in Australia appeared first on Nowak Migration.

Business entities and other organizations in the country that are employing workers from overseas always grapple with this question: Is my business at risk when employees change visas?

And if you happen to be an owner or a manager of such a company or organization, this question always pops up in your mind, at least should – if in doubt it is always the best idea to talk to a professional – a migration agent who can check the work entitlements of your prospective employee and explain you all the conditions of his or her visa. Give us a call if you need any advice.

But before we go any further as to the ramifications of an employee changing visas while still working for you, let’s discuss first checking of visa details using VEVO.

The problem, though, is it’s easier said than done: the act of checking the details of each and every visa of the people under your care and the visas of your applicants proves to be a laborious process, what with the number of visas you had to look into.  Add to that the fact that there are many types of visas issued by the Australian government.  On top of that, each type of visa contains various conditions and limitations.

Imagine yourself running a business and attending to the visa concerns of your overseas hires.  It’s arduous, to say the least.

 VEVO makes your life easier

But with VEVO, you can now kiss goodbye to that one pain in your neck.  But, before anything else, what is VEVO?

VEVO stands for Visa Entitlement Verification Online.  As the name connotes, it is an online facility of the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) used in checking the current visa details of your workers and job-seeking visa holders.

You don’t need to register to the app or program to be able to use it.  All you need are the details of the passport or ImmiCard and one of the reference numbers that the DIBP gives you.   The reference number can be any of these:

• Transaction Reference Number (TRN)
• visa grant number
• visa evidence number
• password

How does VEVO work?

Having the details of the passport or ImmiCard of your worker or an applicant, together with the reference number, you can now open the VEVO service by accessing VEVO for Visa Holders.

Please don’t forget to check the box reserved for your agreement to VEVO’s terms and conditions and then click the Submit button.

After that, choose the reference number type you prefer to use.  You can use the pull-down menu for this purpose and click the field that contains your choice.

The next thing you need to do is to enter the date of birth, passport or ImmiCard number and the country that issued the passport.  If you are using the ImmiCard, you have to choose Australia.  There’s another pull-down menu for this purpose that you can use.

What can you search at VEVO?

If you access VEVO, you can find the following information related to your visa or the visas of your employees:

• Category selected
• Visa description (temporary, permanent)
• Passport/immicard number
• Visa class subclass
• Visa holder type – primary or secondary applicant
• Visa grant date
• Visa expiry date
• Current Location either inside or outside of Australia
• Visa status
• Entries allowed
• Initial stay date
• Must not arrive after
• Enter before date
• Purpose of stay
• All conditions applicable to your visa in plain English

Please take note, however, that VEVO only provides details for current visas. It cannot provide data on previous visas.  Moreover, you can only use the service if the information on the visa you’re checking is available electronically in the systems.  Otherwise, your effort becomes futile.

In fact, there are foreign nationals, especially the permanent residents that migrated to the country before the 1990s and have not gone out since, who may not have record in the department’s systems.

How VEVO looks like

The entries on page one of VEVO appears similar among all types of visas.  We are referring to the searchable information listed above such as visa class or subclass, visa description, visa grant date, etc.

The major differences come on page two and the succeeding pages if any.  Page two onwards contains the conditions attached to a particular type of visa – for instance, the activities that the visa holder can and cannot do while staying here, their work rights, the time limitations, and so on.

Let’s take, for example, working holiday visa (417).  We know that this visa is a short-term, temporary visa with time limits.  In particular, it is valid for 12 months.

On the second page of VEVO for working holiday visa, these details will appear:

• Condition number 8547 — In the case of 417, the holder must not be employed by one employer by more than 6 months without prior written permission from the Secretary.
• Condition number 8546 – the holder must not engage in any studies or training for more than 4 months.

Another example that we can cite here for the purpose of demonstrating the usefulness of the online facility is the student visa.  Again, the first page of VEVO looks the same as that of the working holiday visa.  But the similarity ends there: the student visa has 2^nd and 3^rd pages containing visa limitations.  And, more often than not, the limitations revolve around employment.  The most prominent condition here says: The student must not engage in employment when studies have not commenced yet.

You can also find here an explanation about the fortnight, namely that it consists of 14 days starting on a Monday.

Yet another type of visa that we can use as an example in our discussion is another kind of student visa, but this time the holder is a secondary applicant.  In this case the name of the primary or main visa holder should appear in the VEVO.

Common Issues on Visa Conditions and Visa Change

It’s worth discussing Partner Visa in this article because of that type (of partner visa) that gives provisional condition to the holder to stay in Australia.  And the operating word here is PROVISIONAL.

This type of partner visa is issued for the purpose of meeting eligibility requirement.  The permanent type of partner visa may be granted two years after the temporary one has been issued to make sure the relationship between the visa holder and the sponsor or main applicant is genuine.

One entry on the visa that you have to watch out for is whether the visa holder is the primary or secondary applicant.  A secondary visa holder who’s working for you may pose some issues later especially when the primary or main visa holder decides to break up with the dependent visa holder such as a spouse or partner.

Generally, the main visa holder would report to the department the breakdown in relationship and the department would cancel the visa of the dependent.  In most cases, you wouldn’t have any idea about this occurrence.

Bridging visa may also pose some issues among your visa-holding population.  This visa is issued when a substantive visa expires and the application for another substantive visa has not been granted yet.

Let’s always keep in mind that bridging visas are not always automatic when it comes to transferring the work rights of the holder from the expired substantive visa to the bridging visas, hence it is always wise to check the status of the bridging visa online.

There’s also the concern about where to work in Australia.  Certain visas allow holders to work only in regional Australia like RSMS visa subclass 187.  It goes without saying holders of subclass 187 cannot take on occupations in areas not included in the regional postcodes.

Another factor worth looking into concerns the computation of the six-month limitation on working holiday visa.

In all of these situations, it is highly suggested that you check the details of the visas your employees are holding so as to avoid complications with the department.

In our experience, most employers, like you, understand the need to check visa details but find no time to monitor them once employment starts.

We cannot highlight enough the extreme importance of the process of checking the status of the employees’ visa.  The good news is, you now have VEVO at your disposal.

Price of non-compliance

Migration Act deems it a criminal offense on your part to willingly and recklessly allow an illegal non-citizen to work and continue to work in your organization or company in breach condition.

Who are considered illegal non-citizens?  They are:

1. Non-citizens who do not have a visa
2. Non-citizens who have a visa but are working in breach of the conditions of the visa they’re holding. An example of this is a visit visa holder who has no work right but is still allowed to work.

If the department finds you guilty of non-compliance with Migration Act, the consequences vary from relatively minor punishments like enforcement of infringement notices or civil penalties with financial implications to major outcomes such as criminal prosecution.

How to manage compliance issues

One basic recommendation that we can put forward is for you to maintain an updated database of your visa holding workforce.  This does not only contain the visa descriptions or expiry dates of the visas but should include vital information such as their work rights, visa conditions, etc.

You may also require your employees to inform a particular person in the organization concerning changes to visa status.  In relation to this, you may get permission from them to check the status of their visas regularly.  Furthermore, we recommend that you do it not less than every three months.

For those individuals who are on bridging visa and those who have informed you that their visas are still pending, you may monitor them every 28 days.

Many questions still beg to be answered as regards checking visa status on VEVO and the possible risks on your business or organization of employees changing from one type of visa to the other.  We know so much is at stake here if you miss addressing some vital issues in the process.

For this reason, we invite you to get in touch with us at Nowak Migration.  This way, we can have more time to discuss your concerns.

If you find this article helpful and informative, please share it with your friends and family.  We will certainly appreciate it.

The post Australian visa details check for employers appeared first on Nowak Migration.

Thanks to the recent changes implemented by the Australian government through its immigration arm — the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) — anyone in possession of Working Holiday or Work and Holiday visa can now enjoy this new privilege.

The general rule, however, remains the same, referring to the current extension requirements and the six-month limitation on working with the same employer.  This means, for instance, that if you are working in a hotel and want to extend your contract for more than six months, you need to obtain special permission from the DIBP, which has the power to give it to you or deny it.  But if your case falls under the new changes, you need not go through the hassle of asking for such a permission.

Location Plays a Key Role

The question is, how can you avail of such benefit?  The answer is LOCATION.  Yes, location does not only play a vital role in real estate, retail business, and other related industries.  It also wields a huge influence in allowing you to maximize your opportunity to work in the country.

To better understand this particular visa regulation amendment, let’s refer the matter to the proper authority, which happens to be no less than the Australian government itself.  DIBP has this to say, “You do not need to seek permission to work with the same employer for up to 12 months, in circumstances where the work is undertaken in different locations and work in any one location does not exceed six months.”

So there it is — it’s as clear as day, don’t you think so?

To drive home its point, DIBP gives the circumstances below as examples.  It says, “You can work with one employer for up to 12 months in the following situations:

• hotels, resorts or restaurants within the same chain, provided they are in different premises
• independently owned franchises, in different workplaces
• State and Territory schools and healthcare facilities, provided these facilities are at different addresses
• separate branches or facilities (for example abattoirs or farms) of the same organization or business owner.”

All Types of Work Count

While at it, please take into account all types of work you have done during the first six months, be they full-time, part-time, casual, shift, and voluntary work, because they all add up to your six months.  Also, in cases where you are required by your employer to undergo work-related training, it likewise forms part of the time limitation.  Under the system, training is considered work.

The key point is this: Regardless of the number of hours of work you intend to commit to your new extended contract, make sure that you serve elsewhere (in another branch, for example) if you want to work for the same employer beyond the initial six months.

Affected Visa Types

The recent amendment applies to Work and Holiday Visa (subclass 462) and Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417), which share one and the same goal: to allow young people to work and visit Australia.  They have some differences, though.  For instance, they are available to nationals of different countries and require different levels of education and language, among others.

In closing, it may be worth noting that the newly introduced change applies only to those who are thinking of working for the same employer on their current visa.  In a situation where you apply for a second working holiday visa and manage to get it for a further six months, then you can return to the same employer just like when you obtained your first visa. There’s no need to invoke the rule on location. Also, the six-month limitation resets the moment you obtain the 2^nd visa.

While we very well know that you find it easy to understand the new change to the visa system, especially as regards work and holiday, we are also certain that you have some questions lingering on your mind right now – questions that, of course, need answers.

In that case, we invite you to keep in touch with us at Nowak Migration. Don’t bother yourselves with finding answers to your questions or finding solutions to your problem.  Allow us to that for you.

Give us a call or contact us now.

The post Is it possible to work more than six months for one employer on working holiday visa? appeared first on Nowak Migration.