FAQ - General Skilled Migration - OffshoreBefore going through this page, look at
ADVICE FOR APPLICANTS
Migrating to Australia - Skilled Migration
Q I would like to migrate to Australia as a skilled migrant. What do I have to do?A For migrating to Australia you have to complete the following steps in the sequence given below.
(a) Do an eligibility assessment for self to see if you are likely to meet the four basic eligibility
criteria.
(b) If you fulfil (a) then find out how many points you may score under the GSM points testing system
and, based on your points score, decide for which visa type you should apply, if eligible(see below).
(c) After you complete (a) and (b) you should sit the IELTS test to get the scores required for your
occupation (see Q & A below).
(d) After (c) you should apply for your skills assessment to the relevant assessing body
(see Q & A below)
(e) If you get a positive skills assessment then you can apply for the relevant visa, as you
decided in (b) above
(f) If your visa application is approved, then you can migrate to Australia.
Basic four eligibility criteria for Skilled Migration
Q What are the four basic eligibility criteria?A The four criteria are as follows;
First criterion = You have to be under 45 years of age
Second criterion = You must have Competent English ( 6 or more in each component in the IELTS)
Third Criterion = You have to nominate an occupation from the current Skilled Occupation List
(SOL) and get your skills assessed by the appropriate Skills assessing body
Fourth Criterion = You have to show 12 months work experience in a skilled occupation
(occupation in the SOL) during the past 24 months
Q Where can I get the current Skilled Occupation List (SOL)?A Download it from
http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/pdf/1121i.pdf Q What are the points required for different types of skilled migration visas?A You have to check how many points you score under the Points Test. Depending on the points you score, you will be eligible for the visa as follows:
120 Points = Skilled Independent (permanent) VISA (class VE subclass 175)
100 Points = Skilled Sponsored (permanent) VISA If your nominated occupation is in a state/territory's
sponsorship list for peermanent visa and you get a sponsorship from that state. You have to score 90 points on your own and
and you get a sponorship from a state/territory, then you will get 10 more points. (class VE and subclass 176)
100 Points = Skilled Sponsored (permanent) VISA. If you have a relative in Australia who is a
citizen or permanent resident in Australia and sponsors you. (class VE and subclass 176)
100 Points = Skilled Regional (provisional) VISA. You have to score 90 points on your own and
if your nominated occupation is in the Regional Sponsorship List and you get a sponorship from a state/terrritory ,
then you will get 10 addiotional points.(Class VB subclass 475)
100 Points = Skilled Regional (provisional) VISA. You have to have a relative in a Desingmated who is prepared to sponsor you and you have
to score 75 points on your own and will get 25 points for being sponsored.
For other visas consult the DIAC website or a registered migration agent
Questions related to meeting the first criterion for Skilled Migration - Age Q I meet the basic four criteria, but I will be 45 in three months time. What do I do?A You have to make sure that you lodge your visa application to reach DIAC before you turn 45. For your application to be valid for the Offshore Skilled (migrant) visa your application must contain your IELTS and Skills Assessment results.
Questions related to second criterion for Skilled Migration- English Q What are the different levels of English?
A See table below
English Level
|
Description
|
|
Proficient
|
In the IELTS test score 7 or more
in EACH of the four components
In the OET test score B or more
in EACH of the four components
|
|
Competent
Concessional Competent
|
If you do not meet the proficient level in English but score 6 or more in
EACH of the four components in the IELTS test
If you do not meet the Competent level in English but have an overall band score of 6.
|
|
Vocational
|
If you do not meet the competent level in English but score 5 or
more in EACH of the four components in the IELTS test
|
|
Functional
|
If you do not meet the vocational level in English but get an overall band
score of 4.5 or more |
Q Where can I sit the IELTS test?A For Bangladesh, either at the British Council or IDP Test Centre in your city or the nearest city where they have a test centre.
You will find the full list, for all countries, in the following website link
IELTS Test Centres Q Which IELTS test should I sit, general or academic? A Unless the assessing body where you will apply for skills assessment requires you to sit the academic test, you can sit for either the General or Academic IELTS test.
Q When I was applying for admission to an Australian university, I was asked to sit the Academic IELTS test. I scored 6 or more in each component. The assessing body, Engineers Australia, mentions on their website that they require a minimum of 6 in each of the four components in the general IELTS test. Do I have to site the ILETS general again? A: Those assessing bodies who require GENERAL will accept ACADEMIC. But those who require ACADEMIC will accept only ACADEMIC. In your case if the IIELTS is still valid (taken within the last 24 months), you will not have to sit another IILETS test. You may apply with that.
Q How long is the ILETS test result valid?A Two years.
Q I sat for an IELTS test more than two years ago. Can I submit that result?A NO. For migration purposes the ILETS result is valid for two years only. You MUST submit your IELTS results with your migration visa application. If you do not then your application will be rejected.
Q I got an overall band score of 6.5 but scored 5.5 in READING. Can I apply with that?A NOT if you are applying for any of the Skilled Permanent visas.. For these visa types, you will need to have Competent English whether you are a manager, professional or a tradesperson. That is you have to score 6 or more in each of the four components.
Q I am a school teacher. I have scored 6.5 in all four components in the general IELTS test. I meet the DIAC requirement for English. Can I apply?A Although you meet the DIAC's minimum score requirements for English, your Assessing Body, which is Teaching Australia, requires all school teachers to take the Academic IELTS test and score a minimum of 7 in each of the four components. In this case the assessing body's requirement overrides DIAC's requirement.
Q I took the TOEFL test. Will that be counted?A NO. For Australian migration applications TOEFL is not counted.
Q Is there any other English test one can take?A YES. Occupational English Test (OET). Their website address is
http://www.occupationalenglishtest.org Q Where can I sit the OET?A You have to write to OET in Australia. They will arrange for your exam in a place close to your place of residence.
Q My assessing body requires an IELTS results for my skills assessment. But they have given me a waiver because I have a Master’s degree. Do I still need to sit the IELTS test? A YES. DIAC will still require you to show that you meet the minimum English requirements for migration. You have to have competent level of English if you are a professional or a manager or tradesperson and applying for a permanent visa.
Q I have completed all my studies, at school and university, in English. Do I still need to sit the IELTS test?A YES. Anyone who is not a citizen of UK, Canada, NZ, USA and Ireland, has to sit the IELTS test or the OET test even if they have done all their studies in Australia or another English speaking country.
Q But my English is very good. Do I not get some extra credit for it?A YES. If you get more than 7 in each of the four components in the IELTS test (or B or better in each of the four components in the OET) , you will get 25 points in English instead of he usual 15 points under the Points Testing System.
Q I am married. Does my wife have to sit the IELTS test?A Yes, but she has to get an overall band score of 4.5. That is called functional English level. If she cannot attain that score then you will have to pay a second visa application charge (VAC2) of about A$3000 (see
form 990i for the current charge) before the grant of your visa.
Q In my first attempt I did not get the required scores in English. Can I sit the IELTS test again? Is there any restriction on the number of times I can sit the IELTS test? A Yes, you can sit the IELTS test again to improve your scores. There is no restriction on the number of times you sit the IELTS test. They want you to reach the desired level in English.
Q In my first sitting of the IELTS test I scored more than 6 in READING and SPEAKING only. In my second attempt I got more than 6 in SPEAKING, LISTENING AND WRITING but I scored 5.5 in READING. Will the results of my two tests taken into account? A No. You have to get the desired scores, in your case, 6 or more in each of the four components, in one sitting.
Questions related to meeting the third criterion for Skilled Migration- nominating an occupation assessment Q I do not see my job title in the Skilled Occupation List. Does it mean that I cannot apply?A You do not have to match your current job title or position. The job duties you perform should match the job duties of one of the occupations listed in the current Skilled Occuption List (SOL). Go through the Skilled Occupation list. Here you have to do some educated guess. Try to find one or more occupations in that list that you think may require similar job duties as you perfom in your job. Note down those occupations, the ASCO codes and the assessing body’s name. Think and consult others and select one that suits you best. You should try to select one that will give your more points for SKills.
Q I work in the Garments Industry in Dhaka. My job title is Executive Officer. I cannot find that occupation in the SOL. What can I do?A Go through all the occupations in the SOL very carefully. Try to find a few occupations, which you think may match what you do at work. Note down the occupations and their ASCO codes. Then consult the ASCO directory available on the Australian Bureau of Statistics website. Check job duties of the occupations, you selected. See which one(s) match(es) your own job duties. Select the one that matches your job duites best, as your nominated occupation.
Q If I nominate an occupation for my migration application and my application is successful, when I arrive in Australia, do I have to take a job only in that occupation?A NO. You are free to take up any job. There is no restriction.
Q How do I get my skills assessed and where do I apply?A Check the SOL. If you have selected your nominated occupation, then beside the occupation name you will find the name of the assessing body for that occupation. At the end of the SOL document you will find some details about skills assessment by that assessing body and the address of their website. You should visit their website and find out more information about skills assessment, application form, application fee and estimate of the time required for processing an application. For some popular occupations, we have provided the links to the websites of the assessing bodies at
Skills Assessment Bodies.
Q What documents do I have to submit with my skills assessment application? A Each assessing body has different requirements. You will have to visit the website of the relevant assessing body to find out what documents you have to submit for your skills assessment application.
Q Where can I find the website address of the assessing body to whom I will apply for my skills assessment?A You can get the website address of your assessing body either from the SOL document or by searching on the Internet. For some popular occupations, we have provided the links to the websites of the assessing bodies at
Skills Assessment Bodies.
Q I have a 2 year's B.Com pass degree and have 10 years work experience as an Accountant can I migrate to Australia?A. NO. If you studied in a section I or II university, normally you will need to show four years of university education as follows: (a) Four year Bachelor degree, or (b) 3 year Bachelor degree plus 1 year Master's degree or (c) 2 year Bachelor degree and 2 year Masters degree.
Q Where do I find out under which section my university falls?A You can find the information in the publication Bangladesh Country Education Profile (CEP). It is an online publication by the department called NOOSR under the Australian Ministry of Education. One has to subscribe to it for a year to have access to a single CEP, regional CEPs or the full set of CEPs.
Q I do not have access to the CEP Bangladesh. Can you list in this FAQ all the Bangladesh universities by section?A Unfortunately not, as CEP is a copyright publication. If you wish to know under which section your university falls, send us an email requesting for that information mentioning your university name.
Q If my university is neither in section I nor in section II in the Bangladesh CEP Bangladesh, can I apply to an assessing body for skills assessment?A If your university is neither in section I nor in section II, you should first apply to NOOSR for assessment of your qualification. Once you have received a positive assessment of your qualification from NOOSR, you may apply to your skills assessing body, including with your application, your letter from NOOSR that you received about recogising your qualification.
Q I have a 4 year BBA degree and and also a 2 year MBA degree and am currently working in a Bank. There is no occupation "Banker" in the Skilled Occupation List (SOL). Does it mean that I cannot apply for migration to Australia? A If your work is finance related you may apply by nominating one of the following four occupations: (a) Accountant - MODL, (b) External Auditor - MODL, (c) Corporate Treasurer and (d) Finance Manager
Q After I get my skills assessed and receive a positive skills assessment, how long is my skills assessment valid?A It varies from one occupation to another. For example, for any IT occupation, the skills assessment is valid for one year only. After one year you have to reapply for assessment. For engineers it is one year. But it can be renewed thereafter without a new application..
Q Can I apply for skills assessment before sitting the IELTS?A YES, if the assessing body of your nominated occupation does not require your IELTS results, you may apply for skills assessment before sitting the IELTS test. However, you should do this only if you are confident that you will get the required scores in English. Otherwise, it is advisable to first take the IELTS test. If the results are satisfactory then you should apply for skills assessment.
Q Can I lodge my visa application first and submit my IELTS and Skills assessment results later?A NO. All offshore applicants must submit their IELTS and Skills assessment results at the time of lodging their visa application.
Q I have a degree in Computer Science and Engineering and have been teaching at a university. Am I eligible for migration to Australia?A NO. Currently, teaching is not considered "work experience" for the purpose of a migration application.
Q I have 15 years of work experience in my nominated occupation, which is Electrical Engineering. Will I get any preference for my vast experience as an Electrical Engineer?A You will get 10 extra points for Specific Work Experience, for having 3 years work experience in the last 4 years in your nominated occupation. You will not get any extra credit for your work experience beyond 3 years.
Q My wife is working. Does she also have to get her skills assessed?A You may get your wife’s skills assessed only if you want to claim 5 points available for Spouse. If you already score 120 points or more without claiming the 5 points for spouse, you should not bother getting her skills assessed. You will save time and money.
Q Do I have to take help from a migration agent to apply for skill assessment?A NO. If you follow all the instructions in the assessing body's website on how to prepare your application, you can prepare your own application and submit it to them without going through a migration agent. You will save on migration agent's fees.
Questions related to criterion 4 for Skilled Migration- work experience Q I have just graduated from university and not yet started working. Can I apply for migration visa now?A No, not yet. You need to show that you have at least 12 months work experience in the last 24 months. At this moment you can start preparing by sitting the IELTS test and getting your skills assessed if the assessing body for your nominated occupation does not take your work experience into account for skills assessment. You can apply for your visa once you have 12 months work experience.
Q I am going to Australia as a student. When can I apply for migration or permanent residentship?A If you already have 12 months work experience in your nominated or closely related occupation, you can lodge your application for an off-shore Skilled migrant visa within 12 months of leaving your last job in Bangladesh (or overseas) as you will be still meeting the 12 months work experience in the last 24 months criterion then. If you are falling short of a few courses to be eligible for a particular occupation like Accountant and you have work experience in that occupation, it may be worth while completing those courses within the first two semesters (eight months) and then applying for skills assessment. Once you have got a positive skill assessment and if your IELTS is still valid then you may apply as an offshore applicant for a Skilled Independent Migration visa as long as you can show that you have 12 months work experience in the last 24 months.
Q: I have a total of 12 months work experience - 6 months as an Accountant, Then I got a good job offer as a sales and marketing person in a large multinational company. Do I meet the work experience criterion?A: NO. You will have to show that you have 12 months work experience in the last 24 months in a single occupation or a closely related occupation. The two occupations you have worked on are not related. Therefore you will have to wait and get 6 months more work experience as a sales and marketing consultant. Then you will meet the work experience criterion.
Questions related to Points testing system for Skilled Migration Q What is the GSM Points Testing System?A Currently, for GSM visas, points are allocated for 12 different factors. Applicants can claim points for some of these factors which apply to them.
Q How many points does one have to score for a permanent skilled migration visa?A Currently there are two Skilled Migrant visas. One is Skilled Independent (migrant) visa and the other is Skilled Sponsored (migrant) visa.
You need to score 120 points for the Skilled Independent (migrant) visa. For the Skilled Sponsored (migrant) visa you need to score 100 points.
Q What are the factors on which I can get points and how many points do I need to score?A The factors for which you get points in the Points Testing system are given in the following table:
|
Points,
if applicable
|
|
Factor
|
Max
|
Min
|
|
Skill
|
60
|
40
|
|
Age
|
30
|
15
|
|
English
|
25
|
15
|
|
Australian Qualification
|
25
|
5
|
|
Specific Work Experience
|
10
|
5
|
|
MODL
|
20
|
15
|
|
Australian work experience
|
5
|
|
|
Partner skills
|
5
|
|
|
Study in Regional Australia
|
5
|
|
|
Sponsorship
|
25
|
0
|
|
Nomination
|
10
|
|
|
Community Language
|
5
|
|
Q My wife works in the same bank where I work. We have calculated our points. She scores more points than me because of her age. What should we do?A If you think she meets all the other basic criteria including specific work experience, then in the visa application, your wife may be the Primary Applicant and you the secondary applicant. Once your application is approved, both of you will get the same visa, irrespective of who is the primary applicant.
Q Under the points testing system I score 140 points. Do I get preference over other applicants who get fewer points than me?A No. Anyone who scores the minimum points required for a visa, their application is placed in a queue on a first come first serve basis.
AGE - points Q How many points will I get for my age and how?A Points for age are allocated as follows:
|
Age
|
Points
|
|
< 30
|
30
|
|
30-34
|
25
|
|
35-39
|
20
|
|
40-44
|
15 |
Q: I have completed my 34th Birthday. I am now on my 35th year. In which group will I fall?A: Until one day before your 35th birthday, you will be in the age group 30 to 34. You will get 25 points for age.
ENGLISH - points Q How do I get the maximum points of 25 for English?A If your English is very good and you score 7 or more in each of the four components in the IELTS test in one sitting then you will get 25 points for English. Remember, if you get an overall band score of 7, you will not get 25 points. If you score less than 7 in any one component, you will not be able to claim 25 points. You will then get only 5 points.
Q I am an electrician. Do I need to score 6 in each of the four components to get 15 points for English?A Yes. According to annoouncment in May 2009 , tradespersons will also need to show having competent English by scoring 6 in each of the four components in the IELTS. If you are applying for a Regional Sponsored visa, which is a three year temporary visa, you may still apply if you have Concessional Competent English, which is an overall band score of 6.
Q I have a British passport. I understand that I do not need to sit the IELTS test. How many points will I get for English?A You will get 15 points for English. If you want 25 points for English then you will have to sit the IELTS test and score at least 7 in each of the four components.
SKILLS - points Q How many points do I get for Skills.A You should check the SOL. You may get 60, 50 or 40 points for Skills depending on your nominated occupation.
Specific Work Experience – points Q Do I get any points for long work experience?A YES. If you have nominated a 60-point occupation and if you have 3 years work experience in the last 4 years in your nominated or a closely related occupation, then you can claim 10 points for Specific Work Experience. If you have 3 years work experience during the last 4 years not in your nominated occupation but in any occupation which is in the SOL, then you will get 5 points for Specific Work Experience.
Q: I have 10 years work experience. Do I get any extra points for this vast amount of work experience? A: All they are looking for is three years
recent work experience, that is three years work experience in the last 4 years. You will not get any extra credit or points for work beyond three years. People with 3 years and 10 years will be treated equally for migration application purposes. On arrival in Australia you may try to sell your long work experience to a prospective employer.
Q Will I get any points for Specific Work Experience, if I nominate any 40 or 50 point occupation?A Yes, you will get 5 points if you have three years work experience in the last 4 years in your nominated or closely related occupation.
Q: I have four years of work experience in two different occupations - two years as a sales and marketing professional and two years work experience in a bank doing various financial analysis work. Can I claim points for Specific Work Expeiience?A: To get the 10 or 5 points for Specific Work Experience, you need 3 years work experience in the last 4 years in a single occupation. You cannot claim the Specific Work experience points for having 3 years work experience in multiple occupations. If you want to claim the Specific Experience points you will have to wait 12 months more and get the necessary work experience to have a total of 3 years work experience in your nominated or a closely related occupation. The main point is that work experience must be in a single occupation.
Questions related to MODL - points Q What is an MODL occupation?A MODL stands for Migration Occupation in Demand List. If you can nominate an occupation, which is on the MODL list, and you qualify for the MODL points, then you will get 15 extra points in the Points test. If you also have a job offer in an occupation which is in the MODL, you will get 20 extra points.
Q: Where can I get the current MODL list? A: You can get the current MODL list from ther following link
MODL List Q How do I qualify for the extra 15 or 20 MODL points.A To claim MODL points of 15, you must have 12 months work experience in the past 48 months in your nominated occupation or a closely related occupation. To claim 20 MODL points you will also have to show a job offer in Australia.
Q What exactly is a closely related occupation?A For example, if you are working as an Internal Auditor and you have a positive skills assessment as an Accountant, you can claim the MODL points as the occupation Internal Auditor is considered a closely related occupation to your nominated occupation Accountant.
According to Policy a ‘closely related’ occupation would usually be a job in the same industry and in which the occupant exercises substantially the same skills and requires the same level qualifications as would be required in their nominated occupation.
Q I have obtained a positive skill assessment as an Accountant. But I have not worked as an accountant or in a related occupation for the past few years. Can I claim the MODL points?A NO. You have to show that you worked as an accountant or in a closely related occupation for at least 12 months during the past 36 months to claim MODL points. You can nominate Accountant as your occupation in your visa application to claim 60 points for skills as long as you have 12 months work experience in any occupation listed in the SOL.
Q If my nominated occupation is in the MODL when I lodge my visa application but after that a new MODL comes into effect in which my nominated occupation is not there, will I still get MODL points?A YES. Your application will be assessed as per rules applicable at the time you lodged your application.
Q: Can I claim MODL points for 12 months work experience in more than one occupation? A: No. Like for meeting threshold work experience criterion and claiming points for Specific Work Experience, you will need 12 months work experience in a single occupation. The occupation must be in an MODL or a closely related occupation and must have been gained in the last 48 months.
Spouse – Points Q My spouse is working. Do I get any points for that?A If your spouse meets the four basic criteria, including English and skills assessment, then you can claim 5 points for spouse.
Q My spouse meets the four basic criteria and his/her total points are more than mine. How do I take advantage of that?A Whoever scores more points should apply as the Primary Applicant and the other person should apply as the Secondary Applicant. All members of a family will get the same visa based on the result of the Primary Applicant’s application.
Sponsored by a Relative in Australia – points Q I have a brother studying in Melbourne. Can he help me towards my migration?A Only citizens and permanent residents can help by sponsoring you.
Q I have an uncle who is a permanent resident. If he sponsors me will I get some extra points?A You will not get any extra points but if you get sponsored by an approved relative, you will need to score 100 points for a Skilled Sponsored (migrant) visa. The points required for a Skilled Independent (migrant) visa is 120 points. So you need 20 points less when you are sponsored by your relative.
Q Which approved relatives can sponsor me for the Skilled Sponsored (migrant) visa?A Father, Mother, Brother, Sister, Uncle (father or mother’s brother), Aunt (father or mother’s sister).
Q I have heard that there is another visa where eligible sponsor can be a cousin as well. Is that right?A Yes. It is for a three year temporary visa. For this visa beside the usual direct family members, first cousins and grand parents can also be sponsors.
Q Can any one living anywhere in Australia sponsor their cousins for this temporary visa?A No. Only people living in specific places, defined as designated area (or region), can sponsor their relatives for this visa.
Questions related to CSL (Cricital Skills List)
Q What is CSL?
A It is a new list introduced from 1st January 2009. It contains the
list of occupation, which happen to be, as the name suggests,
cirtically short in supply in Australia at the moment.
Q What happens if an occupation is in the Critical Skill List (CSL)?
A In an applicant's nominated occupation is in the CSL then the
application will be placed in a high processing priority queue (level 3)
Q Where can I find the current CSL?A The current list of occupations in the CSL can be found in the link
Critical Skills List Questions related to Application Priority Queues:
Q What are application processing priority queues?A Due to the large number of applications received, the backlog of unprocessed applications, demand by employers to process required applications to fill vacancies, from 1st January, DIAC has announced that applications for permenent visas will be placed in different queues and processed in that order as follows:
Level 1 : applicaitons that have been nominated by employers for ENS or RSMS
Level 2 : applications with state/territory sponsorship and nominated occupation in the CSL
Level 3 : application with family sponsorship and with nominatd occupation in the csl
Level 4: applications that have nominated occupations in the CSL but not with any sponsorship
Level 5: applications that have state/territory sponsorship bu occupation not in th CSL
Level 6: applications with nominated occupation in the MODL or those who are sponsored by relatives
Level 7: all other applications
Q How can I find out when my application may be assigned a case officer who will start processing my application?A By sending a blank email to
aspc.processing@immi.gov.au you will get a reply email which will have details of which applications (date of application lodgement) of what type of application are currently being processed.
Cost involved in applying for a skilled migration visa:
Q How much money do I have to spend to migrate to Australia?A See the table below for the main costs you will incur for making your application:
|
Item
|
Cost
|
|
IELTS
|
As applicable in your country. Will be
required for each adult applying.
|
|
PASA fee
|
It varies from A$350 to A$1000, depending on the
assessing body
|
|
Visa Application charge 1
|
Currently A$2525 . Will be valid till Jun30
2010
|
|
Visa Application charge 2
|
Currently A$3500. Valid till June 30 ,
2010. Applies to only adult secondary applicants who do not have
functional English
|
|
Medicals
|
As applicable in your country. Required
for each applicant.
|
|
Police Clearance Certificate
|
As applicable in your country. Required
for each adult applicant. Required for each country where applicant has
resided for 12 months or more during the last 10 years.
|
|
Agents Fee
|
Varies from agent to agent. You have to
ask the agent whose service you wish to use.
To get an idea of what agents charge check Migration Advice Professional Fees. . Not the dates during which these data were valid.
|
Q I am married and we have one child. Do I have to pay separate visa application charges for my wife and my child?A The first visa charge (VAC1), which you pay at the time of lodging your application, is for the entire family - you, your wife and children, if any. If your wife and any children over 18 who are applying as secondary applicants and do not have functional English, then you will have to pay the second visa application charge (VAC2) for each person who falls under this category. This will be payable just before visa grant.
Q If my visa application is not successful, will my application fee be refunded?A No. The fee is service fee for assessing your application. It is not refundable.
Q If I take the help of a migration agent for preparing and lodging my application and my application is unsuccessful, will the agent refund me the fee I have paid to him?A Some agents may have a NO WIN NO FEE policy. They will normally charge a higher (guarantee) fee than those agents giving no such guarantee. Others are not likely to refund your fees, which they charged for the time and service provided.
Q Do I have to use the services of a Migration Agent to help me and prepare my PASA and VISA application?A NO. You can prepare your own application and submit it on your own. You will then save the cost you would have paid as Agents FEES.
Q Which migration agent should I use? A You may use the services of a migration agent with whom you can communicate well and the type of services they offer match your requirements.
Q Do migration agents have special training?A Yes. A Migration agent, before registering for the first time, has to pass a Graduate Certificate in Migration Law from one of the universities which run that course. In subsequent years, for re-registration, they have to attend a certain minimum number of update courses covering changes in regulations.
Q Do all migration agents charge the same for assisting in preparing and lodging the migration application fee?A No. The fee will vary depending on many factors like type of service (higher for NO WIN NO FEE policy), country or region which requires travelling or costly office costs, experience, specialisation, marketing strategy etc. But all charges will have to be reasonable according to the regulatory authoirty OMARA. Check the range of fees charged by agents for different visas on the MARA website (http://www.the mara.com.au)
Q What are OZMA charges for assisting in preparing and lodging a Migration visa application.A The OZMA charge varies according to the
amount of work involved, which will depend on the nominated occupation visa type, skilled independent or sponsored, maritial status of the client, number of jobs the client has worked in during the last five years etc.,
See Consultation CostsQ Does one have to pay all fees upfront at the time of signing the contract to become a client?A No. The fees are payable in two instalements. The first instalment is payable at the time of signing the contract to become a client for a specified period of time (normally three months). The second instalment of OZMA fee is payable when the application and the associated documents are all ready for submission or at the expiry of the contract, whichever is earlier.
Q How do I know if a person who offers me migration assistance service, is registered? A By law, a registered migration agent has to display their 7-digit registration number in all their advertisements. This is called Migration Agent Registration Number or MARN, in short. .
Q How do I know if the number mentioned in an advertisement is genuine?A You can visit the
Migration Agents Registration Authority’s (MARA) website and check by surname or first name or registration number, whether a person’s registration is genuine and/or current or not.
Q Where can I get more information about General Skilled Migration (GSM)? A You can download the Booklet 6 from the Immigration Department's website www.immi.gov.au
Q I cannot find answers to my queries either in the FAQ you have provided or the Immigration Department's Booklet No. 6A If you have specific questions which are not covered in this FAQ or Booklet No. 6, then you may have to consult an Immigration Consultant. Be aware that you may be charged a fee for such consultation, if the consultation is by email, phone or face to face. So make that clear with the consultant concerned before you consult them.
Q What application forms and documents do I have to submit with my visa application?A You will get that information from the
Immigration department’s Booklet No. 6. Q If my migration application is successful, will I get a job in Australia quickly?A You will be in the same
Australian job market with other job seekers in Australia, which may
include people just out of an Australian educational institute and
other migrants like you. You will have to market yourself as a product
This page was last modified on Monday, November 23, 2009 09:35:34 AMt. You have to prove to a prospective employer that you are better fitted to one of their jobs for which you have applied than other applicants.
Q: Do I get a job after getting a migration visa?A: Finding
a job in Australia is your responsibility. You can either apply on
your own by writing to prospective employers or responding to their job
vacancy advertisements in the media or take the help of recruitment
consultants.
Q: While I am looking for a job do I get any social welfare benefits from the Australian government?
A
: No. New migrants are not entitled to unemployment benefits from the government for two years after arrival.
© Amin Rahman MARN 0322761
Managing Director, OZMA
615 Wellington Road
Wheelers Hill
Victoria 3150
Phone + 61 3 90171912 Mob: + 61 432 930 129
Email: ozmaint@gmail.com
Last updated 23/9/2009