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The Australian Government offers scholarships valued at $15,000 to encourage students to study in regional areas

As one of the most preferred study destinations, Australia enjoys a good reputation for its education system. In addition, there are a lot of reasons why you should study in Australia apart from its excellent education: breathtaking landscapes, a pleasant work-life balance, friendly multi-cultural societies, and the list goes on and on……

You may say, that sounds great but the total budget to study in Australia is too high! If you do have such concerns then you should definitely know more about Destination Australia Program. The Australian Government has announced the establishment of the Destination Australia scholarship program to attract and support more students, including domestic and international students, to study in regional areas. Over 1000 scholarships of $15,000 will be offered per year to support the study and living expenses at a regional campus of an eligible tertiary education (Education.gov.au, 2020).

What is the definition of regional for this program?

For the purposes of the Destination Australia Program, a regional location is classified as any area outside of Major Cities of Australia (Internationaleducation.gov.au, 2020) such as Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane, in line with the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ Australian Statistical Geography Standard Remoteness Structure (Internationaleducation.gov.au, 2020).

Who are the tertiary education providers?

The Hon Dan Tehan MP, Minister for Education, has announced the successful Australian tertiary education providers for the 2020 round of the Destination Australia Program (Education.gov.au, 2020). Students can choose from a wide range of Education programs from a Certificate IV to a PhD (Internationaleducation.gov.au, 2020).

35 tertiary education providers across 84 locations have been successfully selected in the 2020 round of the Destination Australia Program (Internationaleducation.gov.au, 2020). Education providers in Queensland State including The University of Queensland, TAFE Queensland, James Cook University and so on. If you want to know more about the eligible service providers for this program, please don’t hesitate to contact E-Help’s professionals now.

More bonus?

The establishment of this new program delivers on the Government’s commitment to regional Australia development. Currently, there are more incentives for applicants who want to study and live in this beautiful country. Graduates who study in regional areas are eligible to apply for a Temporary Graduate visa – Subclass 485 for up to four years.

For further information, please contact us. Our professional consultants will provide you with the best-tailored option to study, live and settle in Australia.

Reference:

[1] Education.gov.au. (2020). Destination Australia | Department of Education. [online] Available at: https://www.education.gov.au/destination-australia.

[2] Education.gov.au. (2020). Destination Australia scholarship program | Department of Education. [online] Available at: https://www.education.gov.au/news/destination-australia-scholarship-program.

[3] Internationaleducation.gov.au. (2020). Scholarships. [online] Available at: https://internationaleducation.gov.au/Scholarships/Pages/Scholarships-landing.aspx.

The Latest Proposed Changes To The Skilled Migration Occupation Lists

Do you know the latest proposed changes to the skilled migration occupation lists?

These occupations might be removed by March 2020

Recently, the Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business (formerly the Department of Jobs and Small Business) has reviewed the skilled migration occupation lists. Let’s take a closer look at the Traffic Light Bulletin together!

E-Help Consultancy and Migration Services, the most trusted Educational Visa consultant in Brisbane.

Red Light Occupation

11 occupations in the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) are proposed to be removed, including some of the popular occupations such as Vehicle Trimmer, Hairdresser, Massage Therapist, Community Worker.

Green Light Occupation

4 occupations might be added to the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), including Corporate Treasurer, Aged or Disabled Carer, Nursing Support Worker and Personal Care Assistant.

Yellow Light Occupation

These occupations are proposed to move between lists.
7 Occupations are proposed to move from the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) to STSOL, including Automotive Electrician, Motorcycle Mechanic, Locksmith, Painting Trades Worker and so on.

Meanwhile, some professions are suggested to relocate to the MLTSSL. Such as: Sales and Marketing Manager, ICT Project Manager (includes Blockchain Planner/ Manager), Information and Organisation Professionals nec (includes Data Scientist), Insurance Loss Adjuster and so on.

Geologist has been suggested to move to The Regional Occupation List (ROL).

Increased Salary Caveat

These occupations are recommended for a higher salary caveat. Apart from these occupations below, some occupations listed above including Sales and Marketing Manager, ICT Project Manager (includes Blockchain Planner/ Manager), Information and Organisation Professionals nec (includes Data Scientist) also require salary caveats.

These above are proposed changes to skilled migration occupation lists. Currently, this proposal is seeking public submissions. The final result will be released in March 2020. Do you have any comments or suggestions? Do you have any doubts or concerns regarding these proposed changes? Please don’t hesitate to ring us or book an appointment on our website!

Moving to Australia? Here Are Few Things to Keep in Mind

Whether it is for work, marriage, study or any other purpose that you are moving to Australia, there are a few things you need to know. Be prepared. Always. Good things first: Australian cities are consistently ranked under the top 30 for best quality of life.

Australia is expensive. Apart from the flight and visa expense, living there is equally costly. From renting a home to car, the expensive can go pretty high unless and until you live far away from the city area (rural places I would say).
Australia is very huge. It is a very big place. Massive. It measures more than three million square miles. Think before you plan on taking a road trip!
Weather and sun. Australian weather is varying across the country. The climate is usually tropical at Brisbane while at Melbourne you can experience four seasons a day. Additionally, during summers it gets really hot. (expect 40 degrees) The ozone layer above Australia is very thin. Hence, it is recommended to apply sunscreen, wear hats and full sleeved clothes. (probably a shirt)
Bushfires are very common. Around 50,000 fires every year. High temperatures, strong winds, and Australia’s naturally dry vegetation acts as fuel for the fire. A lightning storm is all that it takes to destroy vast parts of rural Australia. Make sure you regularly clear fallen leaves and branches or natural debris around your house.
Smoking duty is exorbitantly high. Rather highest in the world. Smokers pay US$ 0.7 of tax per cigarette in Australia. Furthermore, every September until 2020, the tax rate is predicted to increase by 12.5%. A pack of cigarette costs around US$ 20 if you are living in Sydney or Melbourne.
Healthcare is free. Go Medicare. Provided you are a permanent Australian resident. The residents pay for it via taxes which is 2% of their incomes but this is a lot cheaper than private healthcare. The ambulance rides are not free so its best to get ambulance insurance or take a bus if the situation permits.
Keep left. In Australia, you will find that people not only drive on the left but even walk on the left side. Walking on the right side is not a crime but its unusual. You don’t want to look like an idiot. Do you?
Iconic Kangaroos. Not really. Kangaroos seem to cause havoc in Australia. (population size: almost 50 million) Not only it is disturbing the ecosystem, but they regularly cause crashes on roads. They are also the most featured item on the restaurant menu.

And that’s a wrap! Keep this few handy tips in mind and Australia will turn out to be the best place on the planet. Exotic location, lots of beer, and a nurturing lifestyle.

Types of Partner And Spouse Visa in Australia

As far as partner and spouse visa are concerned, there are three types of visa namely: Partner visa (subclass 309 and 100), Partner Visa (subclass 820 and 801) and Prospective Marriage Visa (subclass 300).

Partner Visa (subclass 309 and 100)

This Visa type allows the partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia. To be eligible for this Visa you must be in a genuine relationship with your spouse or de facto partner who is an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.

For this visa, you must apply for a temporary and permanent visa together. The applicant has to pay for both visas combined at the time of applying.

Partner (Provisional) Visa: Subclass 309

This is a temporary visa which lets the applicant live in Australia until a permanent visa is granted or the application is withdrawn. The applicant must be from outside of Australia in order to apply. It might take 13-18 months for the visa to process.

Partner (Migrant) Visa: Subclass 100

This is a permanent visa and the applicant must hold a temporary partner visa (subclass 309) in order to get this visa. It takes around 19 to 39 months of visa processing time.

Partner Visa (820 and 801)

The Australian partner Visa allows the spouse or the partner of an Australian citizen, or an Australian permanent resident or an eligible New Zealand citizen to reside in Australia. The individual applying for this Visa must be the spouse or de facto partner (minimum period of 12 months) of an Australian citizen, or an Australian permanent resident or an eligible New Zealand citizen.

One must apply and pay for the temporary and permanent partner visas together.

Partner Visa (Temporary): Subclass 820

This is a temporary visa which ultimately leads to a permanent visa. The applicant must be in Australia to apply. The stay is temporary while your permanent Partner visa application is being processed or withdrawn. The processing time for this visa type is around 21 to 25 months.

Partner Visa (Permanent): Subclass 801

This is a permanent visa and you must hold a temporary Partner visa (subclass 820). It takes around 20 to 26 months for the visa to process.

Prospective Marriage Visa (subclass 300)

This visa allows an applicant to come to Australia to marry their prospective spouse and then apply for a Partner visa. It lets the applicant stay in Australia for 9 months from the date of grant of the visa. Additionally, it allows one to work and study (at their own expense) in Australia. The applicant must be 18 years or older, be sponsored, and must intend to marry their prospective spouse before the visa expires. It takes around 14 to 18 months of visa processing time.

A Complete Guide About Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)

Also known as TSS Visa, it allows employers to bring in skilled workers from foreign countries when they are unable to find a suitable Australian resident.

A complete guide about temporary skill shortage visa (subclass 482)

The temporary skill shortage visa holder can work under an approved sponsor on either of the four schemes listed below:

SHORT-TERM STREAM:

With this, you can work for up to 4 years for your sponsor. You can also study, travel to and from Australia as many times you wish while your visa is valid. It might take 38-74 days for the Visa to process.

Eligibility:

Work experience in relevant occupation for at least 2 years.
If required for your occupation, get relevant skills assessment.
One must work for their sponsor unless occupation is exempt.
Know enough English.

Stay:

Can stay for up to 2 years or 4 years if ITO applies.

Cost:

Starting from AUD 1,175.

MEDIUM TERM STREAM:

With this type, you can work, live and study for up to 4 years and can travel to and from Australia as many times you want. It takes 34-63 days for the visa process.

Eligibility:

Work experience of 2 years in relevant field.
Sponsored to work in an occupation that is listed under eligible medium and long-term skilled occupations.

Stay:

Up to 4 years.

Cost:

Starting from AUD 2455.

LABOR AGREEMENT STREAM:

Once again with this, you can work for up to 4 years for your sponsor. You can also study, travel to and from Australia as many times you desire while your visa is still valid. The processing time under this scheme is 28 to 41 days.

Eligibility:

Must have relevant skill assessment depending upon occupation.
Must work for your sponsor.
know enough English.

Stay:

Depending upon the terms the labor agreement, one can stay up to a maximum of 4 years.

Cost:

Starting from AUD 2455.

SUBSEQUENT ENTRANT:

With this type, you can work, live and study for up to 4 years and can travel to and from Australia as many times you want. There is no processing time available for this visa type.

Eligibility:

For this one, you must be a partner or dependent of a subclass 482 or 457 visa holder.

Stay:

You can stay until your visa doesn’t expire.

Cost:

Starting from AUD 1175.

For more detailed information visit Immigration and Citizenship, Department of Home Affairs, Australian Government website.

Things to Know Before Applying Australia Partner Visa

Before we begin, the first question is what exactly is the Australian partner Visa?

Things to know before applying Australia partner visa

The Australian partner Visa allows the spouse or the partner of an Australian citizen, or an Australian permanent resident or an eligible New Zealand citizen to reside in Australia.

Initially, you are granted a temporary Partner visa (subclass 820). This stay might last from 15 to 24 months but for those of you who have been in a long-term relationship might not have to stay on subclass 820 at all, you can be granted permanent visa (subclass 801) immediately after granting the temporary subclass 820 visa.

Who is eligible for Australian partner Visa?

The individual applying for this Visa must be the spouse or de facto partner (minimum period of 12 months) of an:

Australian Citizen
Australian permanent resident
Eligible New Zealand citizen (someone who holds Australian permanent residence visa or is defined as a protected SCV holder under the Social Security Act 1991)

One can be in a relationship with same or different sex. The applicant’s marriage must be valid under the Australian law (18 years is the valid age for marriage). Parental consent is must if one’s age is 16 or 17 years. Additionally, one might still be eligible for the visa after breaking up or if one’s sponsor dies while one has already applied for the Visa and it is under consideration.

With this Visa you can:

Stay in Australia until you are granted Permanent Partner Visa or until your application is withdrawn.
Work in Australia.
You can study in Australia, but you will not receive any government support.
One can travel to and from Australia as many times as they wish.
Can attend free English language classes (up to 510 hours) provided by the Adult Migrant English Program.
One can also enroll in Australia’s public health care scheme, Medicare.

Can you include dependent children?

Yes, you can include dependent children at the time of submitting your application or even after submitting your application but make sure it is before you have a decision on a temporary visa.

Cost:

Starts from AUD 7160.

Documents required:

Identity documents. (Birth certificate, passport, national ID card, proof of change of name, if applicable)
If you are married, then a valid marriage certificate.
If you are a de facto partner, provide proof for the same. (mutual commitment, not family related, etc)
How you and your partner manage finances and take care of domestic matters.
Evidence that others know about your relationship. (Joint invites, common friends, etc)
Proof showing how well are you and your partner are committed to a long-term relationship.

That’s it on Australia partner Visa!