TeeTMI

Thank you for letting us know.

Gill spent many many hours researching and assisting many migrants (including many years ago myself) in her detailed and often often sensitive/caring/blunt/humorous and where she disagreed argumentative and inquisitive way.

She stood up for migrants with health issues including submissions to the Australian parliament on the unfairness of the visa application process for people with disabilities

Gill also let us in on pieces of her life, her mother, calling out an electrician (or asking the odd electrician on here for advice), gas or IT repair guys when things went wrong.

A host of warm memories of her go through my memory. So long Gill.

The ImmiAccount has been having some problems with browser comparability re document uploads. (It seems to be a scripting error limiting the mime types accepted) Try using a different browser (or two). The help desk currently recommends Chrome or Internet Express 11, some others will work.

Hi Sydnewbee Welcome to the forum. There is the potential for a health waiver to be considered by the DIBP under certain circumstances when using the ENS transitional stream. The MOC estimated costing for someone living with HIV is generally considerable and I suggest you obtain advise from someone with experience with this condition and health waivers prior to hearing from your CO. This will enable you to know what circumstances would permit consideration of a health waiver, know what will be required and to prepare in advance of the CO contacting you. I'm assuming from your username you are in Sydney, if so you might contact http://halc.org.au/ for some initial advice.

A new initiative from SA state

Nomination pathway expanded for South Australia

Immigration South Australia introduced a new nomination pathway, chain migration*, which allows applicants with an immediate family member permanently residing in South Australia to apply for a state nominated visa.

Chain migration enables applicants to access occupations on the South Australian Graduate List and occupations listed as special conditions apply.

Requirements

To qualify for the chain migration pathway, applicants must:

• Have completed a Bachelor degree or higher

• Meet all DIBP criteria and Immigration South Australia criteria

• Have 60 points on the DIBP points test.

To qualify for the chain migration pathway, the family member in South Australia must:

• Be the applicant’s grandfather, grandmother, father, mother, brother or sister. Applicants can still apply if it’s a step or adoptive parent/sibling.

• Be an Australian Permanent Resident or an Australian Citizen

• Have resided in South Australia for the past twelve months.

For full details of the chain migration criteria, view the eligibility requirements section on our website.

*Quotas apply. Once reached, no further applications for chain migration will be accepted for the 2014/15 program year.

Update re SA State sponsorship

Migration updates 2014/15 program year

Immigration South Australia is using data from SkillSelect to identify eligible applicants and inviting them to apply for state nomination. Find out more about the application process here.

The number of available state nomination places (planning levels) are now calculated at the time of submission rather than time of decision, meaning your application will no longer be refused based on planning levels.

We've also made the application process easier for you by updating our online application system.

South Australian State Occupation List

The new occupation lists for the 2014/15 program year are available on our website. Below are some of the new occupations added to the State Occupation List:

• Advertising Manager

• Regional Education Manager

• Special needs teacher

• Art Administrator or Manager

• Nurse Practitioner

• Finance Broker

• Financial Investment Manager

IELTS requirements (for most occupations) have been reduced to six in each band score to align with DIBP requirements. All score requirements are published on the State Occupation List.

We're recognising applicants' commitment to South Australia

Applicants who have worked in South Australia for the last 12 months in a skilled occupation* have access to a more extensive occupation list. View point 5 and 6 in the eligibility requirements section.

International graduates of South Australia

We’ve reduced the skilled work experience requirement from 30 hours per week to 20 hours per week.

View point 5, 6 and 8 in the eligibility requirements section.

Skilled nominated migration

NSW Migration Strategy – supporting the NSW economy

NSW is pleased to announce that applications for the 2014/15 Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) program will soon reopen. Details on eligibility requirements and the application process will be published in mid-July 2014.

NSW will introduce a number of new initiatives in 2014/15 which are designed to align the NSW Skilled Nominated visa program with the skills requirements of the NSW economy. Key points about the program in 2014/15 are:

• Applications for 2014-15 will be lodged electronically through a new online system
  
• Applications will be open for four intakes per year with a maximum of 1000 applications per intake
  
• Application intakes will remain open for 4-6 weeks
  
• The NSW Skilled Occupation List will be expanded and will include all occupations on the 2013/14 NSW Skilled Occupation List as well as those occupations added to the SOL by AWPA in 2014.
  

NSW runs the Skilled Nominated program in order to attract highly skilled people in a range of occupations to contribute to NSW future skills needs. As the program is rolled out over 2014/15, NSW will closely monitor the program and will adjust eligibility criteria, including occupational eligibility, as required.

Proposed calendar for NSW Skilled Nominated Program - 2014/15

Occupation List updated Applications open Applications close (4-6 weeks after opening)

14 July 14 July 11 – 25 August

1 October 14 October 11 – 25 November

7 January 19 January 16 February – 2 March

1 April 14 April 12 – 26 May

NSW Trade & Investment estimates a 12 week processing timeframe.

Western Australia is currently evaluating a range of occupations on their sponsored occupations list and have currently marked these as unavailable until the review has been finalised.

121213 Fruit or nut grower

121216 Mixed crop farmer

121221 Vegetable grower

121321 Poultry farmer

133513 Production manager (mining)

231211 Master fisher

231212 Ship’s engineer

231213 Ship’s master

231214 Ship’s officer

232611 Urban and regional planner

233111 Chemical engineer

233211 Civil engineer

233212 Geotechnical engineer

233214 Structural engineer

233215 Transport engineer

233311 Electrical engineer

233512 Mechanical engineer

233513 Production or plant engineer

233611 Mining engineer (excluding petroleum)

233612 Petroleum engineer

233912 Agricultural engineer

234111 Agricultural consultant

234112 Agricultural scientist

234211 Chemist

234611 Medical laboratory scientist

251312 Occupational health and safety adviser

252312 Dentist

254211 Nurse educator

254311 Nurse manager

263111 Computer network and systems engineer

272311 Clinical psychologist

272399 Psychologists nec

272413 Translator

272511 Social worker

312211 Civil engineering draftsperson

312212 Civil engineering technician

312311 Electrical engineering draftsperson

312312 Electrical engineering technician

321111 Automotive electrician

321212 Diesel motor mechanic

322211 Sheetmetal trades worker

322312 Pressure welder

322313 Welder (first class)

323212 Fitter and turner

323213 Fitter-Welder

323214 Metal machinist (first class)

324111 Panelbeater

324311 Vehicle painter

342211 Electrical linesworker

351111 Baker

351112 Pastrycook

351211 Butcher or smallgoods maker

351311 Chef

361311 Veterinary nurse

451211 Driving Instructor

121318 Pig farmer

133511 Production manager (forestry)

135112 ICT project manager

135199 ICT managers nec

139911 Arts administrator or manager

149112 Fitness centre manager

149113 Sports centre manager

224212 Gallery or museum curator

224214 Records manager

233999 Engineering professionals nec

234212 Food technologist

234311 Conservation officer

234312 Environmental consultant

234314 Park ranger

272112 Drug and alcohol counsellor

272114 Rehabilitation counsellor

272613 Welfare worker

312114 Construction estimator

312511 Mechanical engineering draftsperson

323215 Textile, clothing and footwear mechanic

324211 Vehicle body builder

331212 Carpenter

332211 Painting trades worker

333211 Fibrous plasterer

333212 Solid plasterer

333411 Wall and floor tiler

334111 Plumber (general)

334114 Gasfitter

342313 Electronic equipment trades worker

342314 Electronic instrument trades worker (general)

342315 Electronic instrument trades worker (special class)

362211 Gardener (general)

394213 Wood machinist

399999 Technicians and trades workers nec

441211 Emergency service worker

If your permanent residence visa has already been granted it is not in your husbands power to make a decision to cancel it or not.

If you wish to check your visas status you might check VEVO.

If my wife pulls sponsorship I will have to leave my son behind and just as I thought life couldn't be better the world would decidedly suck! What are my options here has anyone else been caught in this situation?

 

Now I never married for a visa but now if things continue and I can't save this relationship I may be sticking this out just to get one. What should I do?

To echo the other migration agents who posted above, get advice in respect of your visa. From what you have said there are options towards obtaining PR if your relationship does in the end break down.

Hi there,

 

No, not cancelled as such - I never informed immigration - but the visa was never used to enter the country, and will not be in future. Should I just call immigration and have them cancel it?

 

Cheers

This visa does not operate in a similar manner to a partner visa.

Plus your ex's visa is not yours to cancel.

The SC 190 visa requires that you have the necessary skills and experience for the occupation you are nominating. To do prove this you must provide a positive skills assessment.

Different occupations have different requirements with regard to qualifications and the number of years experience in the occupation before a person is classified as 'skilled'.

The specified skills assessment authority is responsible for assessing whether the individual is considered skilled and has their own requirements. Within the Professional Occupations assessed by Vetassess the actual number of years experience required varies depending upon the occupation and qualifications but all require a minimum of at least 1 years relevant work experience.

To lodge a visa application, you need to pay the fees, there are no payment plans. I guess you could spread it out by using a credit card however.

Latest update re the previous delayed implementation.

From 19 April 2014, DIBP will apply a credit card surcharge to visa application transactions made using Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB and Diners credit cards. The following rates will apply:

Visa and Mastercard - 1.08%

American Express and JCB - 1.99%

Diners Club International - 2.91%

[TABLE]

[TR]

[TD]ANSZCO code[/TD]

[TD] Occupations[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD] 132111[/TD]

[TD] Corporate Services Manager[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD] 134211[/TD]

[TD] Medical Administrator[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD] 134299[/TD]

[TD] Health and Welfare Services Managers, nec[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD] 149212[/TD]

[TD] Customer Service Manager[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD] 149915[/TD]

[TD] Equipment Hire Manager[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD] 222311[/TD]

[TD] Financial Investment Adviser[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD] 223211[/TD]

[TD] ICT Trainer[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD] 224611[/TD]

[TD] Librarian[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD] 262111[/TD]

[TD] Database Administrator[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD] 271214[/TD]

[TD] Intellectual Property Lawyer[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD] 311215[/TD]

[TD] Pharmacy Technician[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD] 351411[/TD]

[TD] Cook [/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD] 361211[/TD]

[TD] Shearer[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD] 391111[/TD]

[TD] Hairdresser[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD] 399212[/TD]

[TD] Gas or Petroleum Operator[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD] 399918[/TD]

[TD] Fire Protection Equipment Technician[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD] 411311[/TD]

[TD] Diversional Therapist[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD] 451815[/TD]

[TD] First Aid Trainer[/TD]

[/TR]

[/TABLE]

Hi Guys

I hate popping into your thread with bad news but I just thought I would mention the visa application fees will be increasing 1st September by about 15% by the looks of things.

http://www.comlaw.go...ils/F2013L01534

Tee

Do you know the place in this year (July 13-14) was released or not yet?

 

I was told to further proceed my application in Jan. I am wonder we need to wait any vacancy until Jan 14.

The 2013/14 quota for Other Family visas has more than halved from 1285 places down to 595 places. This category includes both offshore and onshore applications for Carer, Remaining Relative, and Aged Dependent Relative visas. Within this category DIAC have stated that Carer visas will continue to be prioritised.

It is expected that there is likely to be a significant increase in processing times for all applications for these visas. DIAC advises that they cannot predict processing times but estimate a wait of approximately 16 years for a Remaining Relative or Aged Dependent Relative visa.

Tee

As a first step take a look at whether her occupation is on the SOL or CSOL, if so maybe check out whether she meets the points for either the 189 and 190 on here

http://www.immi.gov.au/skills/skillselect/

You'll be giving them names before you know it!

Good luck with it Sioban, I hope you can get there good on you for being prepared to give it a try

Tee

Good luck Sioban

I'm another of the gecko lovers and am really jealous, I miss not having them chattering around in the place where I currently live.

Brilliant entertainment value and if you have a few there can be a daily soap operas going on between them defending their territories.

Had a thought that you might try find a recording of a male territorial noise that might deter others - but no idea if it would work? You might end up attracting more.

I like the idea of training your kids to assist if the gecko's get too close.

Sorry I can't resist but suggest maybe try allowing the gecko's within a certain distance of you, for a certain time, before they need to be moved and try to work on the amount of wine, time and distance over time?

Just a thought - since it's already possible to get a one year tourist visa for £100 (or so I believe) does this new five year parents visa actually confer any benefits at all? Seems to me it just entitles you to have a series of one year visas????

You are quite correct for some people there may not be much benefit in obtaining the visa. However, for others e.g. parents from some countries have to provide a lot of information in their tourist visa applications, it could make things a lot easier for them not having to repeat the process each time. Although it will be interesting to see the wider policy, they may still find this harder to obtain for the full duration?

Hi Phoebe

That was what was on the DIAC web site. I have been trying to get onto the site which details the actual wording and policy relating to the legislation - but the site appears to be down with a network error.

Once I can get on I will take a look at the wording

Tee

A quick update on the earlier parent tourist visa announcement

The Longer tourist Visas for parents of Australians came into effect on the 24th November.

http://www.immi.gov.au/visitors/tourist/whats-new.htm

It comes under the Tourist Visa subclass 676

http://www.immi.gov.au/visitors/tourist/676/

Parents of Australian permanent residents or Australian citizens (must apply from outside Australia):

• Parents in the subclass 103 visa queue - up to 5 years validity, allowing stays of up to 12 months on each entry
  
• Not in Parent Visa queue - Tourist visa of up to 3 years validity, allowing stays of up to 12 months on each entry..
  

There are requirements including:

• health insurance to cover healthcare costs during the stay
  
• Parents granted Tourist visas are expected to maintain extended periods of absence between visits to Australia. They are not expected to stay in Australia for more than 12 months in any 18 month period.
  

Tee

[h=2][/h]

A link for the new Parent Tourist Visas (discussed above - not yet released - I understand it may be soon?)

http://www.immi.gov.au/visitors/tourist/whats-new.htm

Im assuming you wouldn't be able to work on this visa same as normal holiday visas?

 

Just on another note I wrote to my MP not like me but really annoyed about the fact if you emigrate to a foreign country your pension goes up with inflation. I eventually got a reply yesterday to say she has brought it to the attention of the MP for work and pensions and will get in touch when she has a reply. I'll keep you all posted when I hear but don't hold your breaths :swoon:

 

In the meantime Neuro Surgeon appointment for me Monday 9.15 and biopsy for hubby Monday 3.45

 

Phoebe

Good luck for your hubby's biopsy

The details for the visa are not out yet - but from what has been said it is going to be a tourist visa therefore I would expect holders would not be allowed to work (the actual conditions will be available when it is announced).

Also although it will be valid for 3-5 years with periods of stay up to 12 months at a time, it is also worth considering that this probably means you would be expected to leave for a reasonable period of time after a 12 month stay, to show you are a genuine tourist, rather than just pop over to NZ for a day or two?

It will be interesting to see the actual policy that goes with this visa as well as the regulations.

Hi Jane

This came out on the 4th Sept - I have not seen any further announcement yet

04 September 2012 Longer Tourist visas for parents of Australians - expected towards the end of 2012.

Towards the end of 2012, parents of Australian citizens and permanent residents will be able to apply for Tourist visas to visit Australia for longer. Under this arrangement recently announced by the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen MP, the department will consider granting on a case-by-case basis:

• Tourist visas of up to five years' validity which provide a stay of up to 12 months on each entry to those parents who are outside Australia and are in the Parent (subclass 103) visa queue
• Tourist visas of up to three years' validity with 12 months' stay on each entry will be considered for parents who are outside Australia and are not in the Parent visa queue.
  
  

We have proudly become Aussie Citizens this year in July and we are now looking at bringing over my parents - dad, aged 83 and mom, aged 79. I am the only child and flying back and forth to South Africa yearly is costly not to mention the worry of being so far away and them not having any support close to them. I have a very supportive and wonderful husband who has suggested we bring them over and convert our one double garage for them into a large bedroom/kitchenette with an en suite. They have never flown over to visit us as they are financially dependent on us - South African pensions are not enough for them to survive on. We would need to take care of them here financially - I believe the non Contributory parent visa (offshore) is the way to go. Does anyone know the costs involved with this? costs of medicals etc as well ? I would need to bare all these costs so really need to look to see if it is something we can take on and afford, especially having a son in high school and a part time job! :-) any advise would be really appreciated. Thanks ever so much all :-):smile:

Hi IslandDreams Congrats on the citizenship.

As mentioned by other posters the offshore non-contributory parent visa can take 15 years - but this is the cheaper option.

Given your parents are over 65 there is an onshore non-contributory aged-parent visa option - which several people have mentioned.

However, if your parents are on South African passports it is likely that they will be given a "no further stay" condition on their visa should they travel to Australia on holiday. If the no further stay condition is placed on their visas it would prevent them from being able to applying for this visa onshore unless the condition was removed.

The Charges are here http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/990i/parent.htm it does not make happy reading.

See also Westly's post on your other thread.

There is a new Parent Tourist Visa to be announced later this year - not what you are after but potentially of use to some.

"Expected towards the end of 2012 Parents of Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents will be eligible to apply for an extended Tourist visa of up to 5 years providing stays of up to 12 months for each visit."