AUSTRALIAN IMMIGRATION NEWS

JUNE 2008
Online Visa Applications for Bulgaria, Poland & Romania

The Department of Immigration & Citizenship of Australia (DIAC) announced a roll-out of improved electronic processing for Bulgarian, Polish and Romanian Citizens.

Monday, 30 June 2008READ MORE

Immigration to Australia Could Help Pacific Islanders Find Skills & Employment

Australian federal government is expected to sign off on a plan to create a new "guest worker" program to allow 5,000 Pacific Islanders to work in Australia for a year to build their skills & experience before returning home to help strengthen their country's skills & economy.

Monday, 23 June 2008READ MORE

Australia Invests $34 Million to Support Migrants Living in Australia

Laurie Ferguson, Secretary for Multicultural Affairs & Settlement announced that the Australian Government would spend $34 million next financial year on services to assist the integration of migrants and refugees.

Friday, 6 June 2008READ MORE

Australian Budget Plan Reveals 300,000 More Visas to Australia

The Labor party budget for 2008-09 includes an increase of almost 300,000 visas to Australia in a bid to address labour shortages in Australia.

Tuesday, 20 May 2008READ MORE

Faster processing speed for 457 Australian Work Visas for skilled migrants

Many skilled migrants wanting to work in Australia can now look forward to faster processing times for their 457 Australian Work Visas.

Tuesday, 6 May 2008READ MORE

Strong immigration program with integrity critical to Australia's future

Immigration makes Australia stronger, says the latest research by the Monash Institute for the Study of Global Movements.

Thursday, 1 May 2008READ MORE

Immigration Dept workshop for Australian Work Visas & Employment

A series of information sessions about Australian Work Visas and employment for overseas workers will be presented by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) on Monday, the 28th of April 2008 in Western Australia’s Kalgoorlie.

Tuesday, 22 April 2008READ MORE

Immigration change on Australian Student Visa

Australia’s Department of Immigration and Citizenship has introduced a change to permit all initial Student Visa holders to work once they’ve started a course of study.

Thursday, 17 April 2008READ MORE

Australian immigration will open door to world-class education for your kids

If you are a teacher or/and you’re considering immigration to Australia for your family, you could soon be faced with a government who is planning to give kids in Australia the best education in the world.

Thursday, 17 April 2008READ MORE

Australian Immigration: 40,000 skilled workers needed to ease shortage in construction sector

Immigration can be the answer to curbing Australian state, Victoria’s rise in housing prices because of labour shortages in commercial and residential projects.

Monday, 14 April 2008READ MORE

Australian Immigration urged to lift age restrictions on Working Holiday Visas

A request has been launched to Australian Immigration to remove the age restrictions currently set for Working Holiday Visas.

Friday, 11 April 2008READ MORE

World Youth Day pilgrims: lodge visa applications now, says Australian Immigration Minister

If you want to travel to Australia for the Catholic Church’s World Youth Day, you’d have to apply for your visa as soon as possible, Chris Evans, Australia’s Immigration Minister advises.

Wednesday, 9 April 2008READ MORE

Immigration to Australia quite the trend amongst Brits

Brits immigrating to Australia have increased double fold since ten years ago, says a new media report, making it the second most popular destination after Spain for UK immigrants.

Tuesday, 8 April 2008READ MORE

Australian immigration: Citizenship testing expanded in Northern Territory

Potential candidates for permanent immigration don’t have to travel as far anymore when they have to do a citizenship test for Australia.

Wednesday, 2 April 2008READ MORE

Multicultural Australian nation swells with immigration pride

Immigration is vital to Australia’s economy and now accounts for more than half the country’s population growth, said a recent report.

Tuesday, 1 April 2008READ MORE

Immigration needs to open doors to more than 96,000 farm workers in Australia

The National Farmers' Federation (NFF) is calling on the Rudd Government to ease immigration laws to allow Pacific islanders to come to Australia on a seasonal basis and pick fruit and vegetables.

Wednesday, 26 March 2008READ MORE

Skilled immigration could earn you an above average wage in Australia

A recent report by the Department of Immigration has revealed that overseas workers mainly in higher skilled areas are earning wages well above their Australian counterparts.

Tuesday, 25 March 2008READ MORE

Australian immigration: boost for 457 work visa, guest workers and refugees

In order to remedy its skills crisis, Australian Immigration is coming up with plans that will influence temporary overseas workers and refugees.

Thursday, 20 March 2008READ MORE

Australian immigration expo this weekend in the UK

Australian Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Evans is hoping that the two-day 2008 Australia Needs Skills expo this weekend will lure more skilled workers to Australia.

Friday, 14 March 2008READ MORE

Australian Immigration: New UK police clearance procedure

The Brisbane Character Assessment Unit of Australia's Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) has announced a new trial procedure for UK police checks.

Thursday, 13 March 2008READ MORE

Construction work visa changes on cards for Australian immigration

Construction workers wanting to live around the beach and wine regions could be in for a treat if Kevin Rudd follows through with immigration changes.

Tuesday, 11 March 2008READ MORE

Australian immigration could benefit your kids' health

If you have kids and are planning to immigrate to Australia, you will be glad to know that the Australian Government has just invested even more funds into promoting the health of children.

Friday, 7 March 2008READ MORE

Australian immigration to bring in 15,000 construction workers

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is looking into a solution to ease Australia's current housing shortage, which includes taking care of the country's other shortage: construction labour.

Tuesday, 4 March 2008READ MORE

The big 17 for immigration: Australia's most-wanted jobs

It's no secret that Australia's in high demand of skilled workers, and now, thanks to a list Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, has just released, the world now knows in exactly which sectors the country needs them.

Monday, 3 March 2008READ MORE

Immigration adds to 'brain gain

Thanks to immigration, Australia has found it a breeze to fill more than half (53.9%) of the country's full-time jobs created over the last 12 months.

Saturday, 1 March 2008READ MORE

Australian business investment a good bet for immigration

With the Australian dollar at a 24-year high, setting your investment sights on Australian businesses while considering immigration could be in your best interest.

Friday, 29 February 2008READ MORE

Australian immigration: Doctors urgently needed in Victoria

The Australian Medical Association (AMA) is calling for urgent action to increase the number of GPs in regional Victoria, setting its hopes on doctors considering immigration.

Thursday, 21 February 2008READ MORE

Australian immigration lifts restrictions on working holiday & skilled workers

A total of 6000 more Australian skilled visas have just been released by the Australian government, and are up for grabs before the end of June 2008 by overseas applicants keen on immigration.

Monday, 18 February 2008READ MORE

Immigration gives hope for Australia's economic future

Australia is in dire need of increased immigration, because when millions of baby boomers retire, many job vacancies will be created, according to a latest report.

Wednesday, 6 February 2008READ MORE

Immigration leads to record number of brand new Australian citizens

More than 14,000 new citizens can now finally call Australia home after immigration paved their way to a new life in the world's friendliest country.

Tuesday, 5 February 2008READ MORE

Cricketer Bradman stays put in Australian Immigration Citizenship Test Revamp

The Australian immigration citizenship test is in for a possible makeover, only six months after its introduction by the previous conservative Howard government on 1 October 2007.

Wednesday, 30 January 2008READ MORE

Immigration of medical professionals to fill 15,300 positions in Australia

The immigration of health professionals could be the answer to Australia's huge gap in the medical sector. Physiotherapists, social workers, radiologists and other health professionals are urgently needed to work in Australia.

Tuesday, 29 January 2008READ MORE

Immigration can save Canada from facing IT labour shortage in next 3-5 years

In the IT industry and considering immigration to Canada? Your timing couldn't be any better, as a report issued by a group of industry professionals estimates that over 90,000 jobs in the IT sector will become available before 2011.

Friday, 25 January 2008READ MORE

Australian immigration: Happy migrants express no regret

Afraid your immigration decision to Australia could be of ill judgement? Maybe you're in for a rather pleasant surprise.

Thursday, 24 January 2008READ MORE

Studying in Australia opens doorway to immigration

Students from all over the world are flocking to Australian schools and universities as part of a quest for adventure, international study opportunities and a means of immigration.

Wednesday, 23 January 2008READ MORE

Skilled immigration: lifeline for Australian engineering & science

If you're a scientist or engineer, your immigration decision could be the answer to Australia's energy, mining and pharmaceutical industries' pleads for more qualified professionals to migrate to Australia.

Thursday, 17 January 2008READ MORE

Cycling for green: Immigration to a cleaner, healthier Australia

Looking at the latest statistics on bicycle sales, it's not hard to see why immigration to Australia can be like a breath of fresh air for many – literally.

Monday, 14 January 2008READ MORE

Australian Trucking Industry Investigates Skills Shortage

The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Kevin Andrews has announced the launch of an industry working group to investigate and provide recommendations on the Australian trucking industry skills shortage.

Monday, 18 June 2007READ MORE

South Australia opens arms to Burmese refugees

The Assistant Minister for Immigration and Citizenship Teresa Gambaro has congratulated the Limestone Coast of South Australia for their commitment to refugee settlement.

Thursday, 14 June 2007READ MORE

Queensland welcomes over 500 new citizens

Brisbane has celebrated its annual 'Queensland Citizenship Day' by welcoming 561 new citizens.

Wednesday, 13 June 2007READ MORE

Australia commits $32 million to help new migrants

Australia has committed $32 million to services aimed at helping refugees and other new migrants to integrate into the mainstream community, an increase from last year's $31 million.

Wednesday, 13 June 2007READ MORE

Australian population tops 21 million mark

According to the preliminary results of the 2006 Census, Australia’s population increased by 1.4% during the 12 months up to December, 2006.

Thursday, 7 June 2007READ MORE

Queensland economy on the rise

Queensland is well on the road to economic success following a recent study by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

Tuesday, 5 June 2007READ MORE

Major reforms for Australia's GSM Programme

The Minister of Immigration and Citizenship, Kevin Andrews and the Minister of Education, Science and Training, Julie Bishop, have announced a number of dramatic changes to the current General Skilled Migration (GSM) programme.

Friday, 1 June 2007READ MORE

Australia welcomes record number of Chinese tourists

The Australian tourism market reached a high point last week by welcoming its 300,000th Chinese visitor under the Approved Destination Scheme.

Monday, 28 May 2007READ MORE

Fresh start for Zimbabwean Nurses

The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council (ANMC) have lifted a ban on recruiting Zimbabwean Nurses, providing a fresh start and significant career opportunities for many Zimbabwean nursing professionals in Australia.

Friday, 25 May 2007READ MORE

20 questions for ‘fairdinkum’ migrants

Potential Australian citizens will soon be quizzed in the form of a multiple choice citizenship test about Australia’s values, political affairs and sporting preferences. The test will consist of 20 questions drawn from a pool of 200.

Monday, 21 May 2007READ MORE

Solid employment for Australia's skilled migrants

Recently arrived skilled migrants are enjoying strong employment outcomes and job satisfaction, according to preliminary results of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship’s (DIAC) third longitudinal survey of immigrants.

Friday, 18 May 2007READ MORE

Western Australia seeks skilled meat workers

Kevin Andrews, Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, and Margaret Quirk, West Australian Minister for Small Business, have finalised a three-year labour agreement for the temporary entry of skilled meatworkers to Western Australia.

Thursday, 17 May 2007READ MORE

Increased intake for skilled workers

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) have released details of the 2007-08 Migration Programme intake with a planning level set at 152,800 places.

Friday, 11 May 2007READ MORE

Major Changes to Australian General Skilled Migration Programme

The Australian Government has hinted at introducing extensive changes to the current General Skilled Migration Programme.

Monday, 7 May 2007READ MORE

Tough new laws strengthen Skilled Temporary Visa

Changes to the controversial Skilled Temporary Visa (subclass 457) which will protect and strengthen the integrity of the 457 visa scheme, have been formally announced by the Australian Government.

Monday, 30 April 2007READ MORE

Australian Skilled Migrant programme under reform

Details of reforms to Australia's General Skilled Migration (GSM) programme have been announced by the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, the Hon Kevin Andrews MP and Minister for Education, Science and Training, the Hon Julie Bishop MP.

Tuesday, 17 April 2007READ MORE

Labor set to bin union input

The Australian Labour Party (ALP) plans to stop unions from making decisions on whether a business should be allowed to recruit temporary skilled migrants. The plan comes as a bid by the ALP to show that the party recognises the need for employer sponsored visas, despite continuous campaigns against their abuse.

Thursday, 29 March 2007READ MORE

Migrants and babies fuel population growth

The increasing number of newborn babies and migrants have driven Australia’s population growth to its highest level in five years, fuelling economic growth and generating expansion in Australia’s research-rich states.

Wednesday, 28 March 2007READ MORE

Australia celebrates national harmony

The Australian Government encouraged its citizens and residents to get together on 21 March 2007 and acknowledge the nation’s cultural diversity.

Thursday, 22 March 2007READ MORE

Employers call for action on skills crises

The Australian government is being urged to respond to employer groups calling for a serious increase to the size and scope of the 2007-8 migration program.

Thursday, 15 March 2007READ MORE

Australia looks to strengthen citizenship laws

New immigration legislation designed to strengthen Australian security was passed through the Senate on 25 February 2007.

Tuesday, 13 March 2007READ MORE

Warm welcome for over 600 new Australian citizens

More than 600 new Australian citizens from 50 difference countries were given a ‘home town welcome’ last night at a Citizenship Ceremony held in Brisbane.

Thursday, 8 March 2007READ MORE

Chile Open Door to Work and Holiday Agreement

Latin America has opened its door to Australian students and professionals to work and holiday in Chile. The renewed arrangement for the ‘Work and Holiday’ visa will allow up to 500 visas per year for both Australia and Chile.

Thursday, 22 February 2007READ MORE

Government backs Multicultural Affairs

According to a recent media release, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship Teresa Gambaro has reinforced the government’s commitment to a strong and cohesive Australia through effective integration.

Thursday, 22 February 2007READ MORE

Renewed agreement for German and Aussie travellers

Thousands of young Germans and Australians will have the opportunity to enjoy a working holiday in each other's countries following a renewed agreement in Berlin.

Tuesday, 20 February 2007READ MORE

Fast tracked 457 visas for honest employers

Changes to the controversial subclass 457 visa were unveiled this week by new Immigration Minister Kevin Andrews. The adjustments will introduce harsh penalties for those in breach of the sponsorship conditions and reward those who adhere to the rules.

Thursday, 8 February 2007READ MORE

Australia's unemployment rate hits 31 year low

Australia’s unemployment rate hit an unexpected dip in figures last month sparking discussions that a lack of suitable labors will eventually generate wage and price pressures.

Thursday, 8 February 2007READ MORE

DIMA to DIAC

Following the ceremony swearing in the new Minister and Parliamentary Secretary on Tuesday, 30th January, The Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs (DIMA) has officially changed its name to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC).

Wednesday, 31 January 2007READ MORE

Migrants boost Australian economy

The Australian Government's Migration Programme has released details of the highest skill stream intake on record. These figures are illustrated in DIAC’s annual publication “Population Flows: Immigration Aspects, 2007”, which details statistics for 2005-2006.

Tuesday, 30 January 2007READ MORE

Australian PM shows Vanstone the door

In a reshuffling of the Australian federal parliament, Australian PM John Howard has identified new immigration, environment and employment ministers ahead of federal elections later this year.

Monday, 29 January 2007READ MORE

Australian celebrates what's great

Australia Day, January 26, is the biggest day of celebration in Australia and is observed as a public holiday in all states and territories.

Monday, 29 January 2007READ MORE

Valid passport for Australia's Greek visitors

The Greek authorities have announced that as of January 1st 2007, Greek passports issued prior to January 1st 2006 will no longer be considered valid for travel.

Monday, 29 January 2007READ MORE

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