Australia Reviews

Are you dreaming of some lovely powder white sand beaches? Have you ever wondered how nice it is to carry a koala? Can’t think of any but to come close enough to know you are near the Great Barrier Reef? If you have these thoughts in mind, then it is time for you to learn how to migrate to Australia.

Most people think that just like any migration process, going to Australia can be a daunting task. They are right, but it does not necessarily mean that the process is just the same. At some point, some people may say that it is hard to pass through the immigration. Yes, it is, but it is not impossible to get through it and live in Australia.

The question is how?

There are many things to consider before even thinking about the migration itself. It is important that you understand these things for you to be able to cope with the requirements of the country’s migration rules.

1. Point out the important things first

When migrating or planning to migrate to Australia, you need to point out the most important things first so you can set your priorities.

First, you need to understand that before you can migrate, you need to secure an Australian visa. If you are a citizen of New Zealand, you need not follow this process.

Next, you have to understand that not all applicants for migration can have the chance. Granting Australian visa will be subject for review and evaluation as deemed appropriate by the Australian Migration. It is also important to note that the rules change from time to time and may vary depending on the situation and as mandated by the court or federal standards.

You need to consider your qualifications as well for a specific class since Australian visas have various subclasses based on specific criteria and conditions. If ever you have applied in the wrong subclass or if you were not able to meet the requirements specified in a particular class, your application will be declined and your application fees will not be refunded.

Lastly, even if there is no discrimination in Australia as far as religion, race, and gender are concerned, you need to understand that the migration laws consider age, criminal background, visa history, and some medical factors. If you fall below par on these factors, then your application will most likely be declined.

2. Know the Aussie life

Don’t be tempted to live in Australia just because your friend says the place is great or because you want to simply live somewhere else other than your current residence now. To successfully live and enjoy the beautiful environment in Australia, it is important that you know how it is to live in such place.

Certain factors that need to be considered would be the climate, lifestyle, cost of living, language, and among others.

3. Job hunting

Of course, without the means to survive, migrating to Australia may not seem to be a good idea. Before finalizing your intentions and before shedding out some money for the application, it is important that you know you can make a living there to support your needs. Identify your expertise and search for possible jobs you may find in Australia. Learning your chances for your career is more important than the actual migration itself. So, before you pack your things and get ready to go, research on this matter first.

There are a hundred factors to consider before you decide on migrating to Australia. These are just a few of them. But keeping this information handy will definitely help you ease out through the process.

A discussion paper on how to further improve standards in the migration advice sector was released today by the Assistant Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, the Hon Teresa Gambaro MP.

‘Migration agents are now used by over 70 per cent of applicants in some visa classes,’ Ms Gambaro said.

‘The migration advice profession has the potential for further growth and I am committed to seeing the performance and reputation of migration agents improve along with their expanding client base.’

Ms Gambaro released the wide ranging discussion paper for public comment. Issues examined include:

* the continuing adequacy of the regulatory framework for the profession, including whether the profession is ready for a move to self-regulation and dual regulation of lawyer agents

* complaints handling procedures and the effectiveness of the Migration Agents’ Registration Authority

* how, in certain circumstances, priority processing might work for visa applications lodged through migration agents

* the adequacy of the Migration Agents’ Code of Conduct.

‘Migration advice has matured significantly in recent times from a profession that was largely unregulated in Australia before the early 1990s,’ Ms Gambaro said.

‘The Government believes that consumers have a right to expect that they will be provided with advice from migration agents which is accurate, timely, and lawful, and which demonstrates high standards of professional conduct.’

Submissions to the review should be made by October 26, 2007. Copies of the paper are available electronically.

Wednesday, September 12 2007

See: www.immi.gov.au

The Australian Government provides assistance to asylum seekers or people who apply to the government of a country for recognition as a refugee. These are people who, according the 1951 United Nations Convention and 1967 Protocol:

Australia provides assistance for some asylum seekers during the period in which their application for protection are processed. These assistance includes financial assistance for basic living essentials, assistance in preparing their protection application, access to work rights, and access to Medicare.

How do I apply for a Protection Visa?
If you wish to seek asylum in Australia, you have to submit several forms that will determine whether your application will be granted with a Permanent Protection Visa (PPV) or just a Temporary Protection Visa (TPV).
The initial form that must be passed is the Application for a Protection (Class XA) visa which can be obtained through any department or if you are currently in immigration detention, through any departmental office. The assessment for protection visas has been designed to avoid any need for an applicant to make use of migration experts. However, if you wish to be advised on the matter, you have to be sure that the professionals whom you are dealing with are registered in the Migration Agents Registration Authority.
One such migration expert is National Visas (www.nationalvisas.com.au) who have keen agents waiting to help and assist people who are in dire need to get their visas, may that be for protection, for tourists and whatnots.

Assessment of the Visa
The visa application will be assessed by departmental case managers trained in the law, policy and procedures concerning the Refugees Convention and Protection visas. The case manager assesses the applicant’s claims to Australia’s protection against the Refugees Convention definition of a refugee, Australia’s domestic laws, and all information about the conditions in the asylum seeker’s country of citizenship or usual residence. Applicants are expected to put their claims in writing. An interview is not essential, but a case manager may ask an applicant to attend an interview if further information is required.
Applicants who are refused a Protection visa will receive a written decision setting out the reasons for that decision. Applicants may, within 28 days of notification of the decision, apply to the appropriate tribunal for a full merits review of their case.

If the Refugee Review Tribunal affirms a decision to refuse a Protection visa, the Minister has a personal non-compellable power to substitute a more favourable decision (example: grant a visa) if the Minister considers that it is in the public interest to do so.

This enables the Minister to grant a visa to a person who has been found not to be owed Australia’s protection obligations but where other compelling circumstances exists.

In application for a Protection visa, we must always remember that decisions are made on the individual circumstances of each applicant’s claims. There is no blanket approval or refusal of applications based on broad assumptions, for example about the safety of particular countries.