snapper123

Does it have something to do with this? Increase in Australian Visa Cancellations for Character Reasons such as Criminal Convictions Posted by Chris Johnston on Tuesday, 03 March 2015 in News A total of 203 visas have been cancelled by the Minister of Immigration, Peter Dutton in the past 3 months. Previously there were only a total of 372 cancellations over the period between July 2011 and July 2014¹ - a 3-year period! With an amendment to the Migration Act in December 2014, the Minister now has the power to cancel visas of people who were: Involved in a serious crime – drug trafficking, sexual assaults, motorcycle gangs, etc.Convicted and imprisoned for 12 months or moreIn Australia on a visa and being convicted of a sexual offence against a child The power to cancel visas allows the Minister to remove non-citizens who are in Australia and pose a threat to the Australian community. Recent visa cancellations were issued to overseas criminal offenders, biker gang members and associates, drug-related offenders and sex offenders. The Minister has mentioned that "If people have committed crimes against our country then their visas will be cancelled" and that “they should be removed from our shores as quickly as possible" in a statement to ABC News¹. Why has there been an increase in visa cancellations? The increase in visa cancellation numbers is a government response to national security concerns especially in the areas of organised crime and counter-terrorism. The government aims to target “organisations and individuals blatantly spreading discord and division” and “include stronger prohibitions on vilifying, intimidating or inciting hatred”². The change in the name of the Department is also an indication of policy change. The name has changed from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) previously to the current Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP). From 1 July 2015, DIBP and the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service will merge to form the Australian Border Force, signifying a stronger and tougher approach towards border protection³. Comments by Chris Johnston – Principal Lawyer and Registered Migration Agent at Work Visa Lawyers Character issues can be identified by DIBP in the following situations: When you apply for a visa (including renewal of your Resident Return Visa – RRV)When you arrive at an Australian port of entry and complete a declaration cardWhen you apply for citizenshipWhen you sponsor somebody for a visa (partner, family member)If DIBP contacts you directly about your situationIf your legal matter goes to court and DIBP takes note of your caseIf DIBP cross checks with local police and overseas law enforcement agencies databases and identifies visa holders with criminal offences Even though recent cancellations are focused on organised crime, sex crimes and terrorism, it is possible that any person with criminal convictions outside of these offences can have their Australian visas revoked. With recent security concerns heightening the level of border protection, expect more cancellations to happen. It is a good idea for all visa holders and applicants to stay out of trouble with the law in order to preserve your life and residence in Australia. Source: 1. Hundreds of convicted criminals have visas revoked under Migration Act amendment http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-02-24/convicted-criminals-have-visas-cancelled/6254120 2. Prime Minister Tony Abbott outlines moves to revoke foreign fighters' citizenship, crack down on 'hate preachers' http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-02-23/abbott-announces-anti-terror-measures/6217608 3. Department of Immigration and Border Protection http://www.immi.gov.au/News/Pages/new-australian-border-force.aspx 4. Minister for Immigration Media Releases http://www.minister.immi.gov.au/peterdutton/2015/Pages/Two-criminals-removed-from-Queensland.aspx http://www.minister.immi.gov.au/peterdutton/2015/Pages/irish-criminal-removed-from-australia.aspx http://www.minister.immi.gov.au/peterdutton/2015/Pages/crackdown-foreign-criminals-bikies.aspx This information is accurate on the 3 March 2015 Have You Been Asked to Respond to “Character” Concerns by DIBP? Do You Need Help in Relation to Your Current Australian Visa, Applying for an Australian Visa or Citizenship? At Work Visa Lawyers we are experienced in assisting applicants with visa applications for Skilled Migration including Independent and State Sponsored visas, state sponsorship applications, Family Migration visas as well as employer-sponsored visas. We also assist applicants who have health or character concerns in a visa or citizenship application. If you require further information regarding your Australia visa options you can contact us through: (08) 7225 5091 or +61 8 7225 5091 or info@workvisalawyers.com.au Tagged:Australian Visa Breaking News Character RequirementsVisa Cancellation

Perfect I should fit right in

In Ireland before it went belly up around 2007 I think GDP was around 24% as you stated its now 129%

No problem got heaps of the stuff but I will warn you bit rough on the nasal passage

yes of course and with your windfall you could apply for a business visa:biggrin:

Are ok for so more that likely just gone over their budget ?

Wish they could me a definitive answer I would have a punt on the share market (LOADS A MONEY ) just looking for general opinions cheers

Yes I have a major issue with them.My children's grandparent sent dollars in the post for my daughter's birthday but as usual the mail was opened and the money gone than likely in the bookies or pub .Now I did tell them not to send money in the post for obvious reasons but they took the gamble and lost .We know it happened in Aus because after the money had been taken it was kindly placed in Australian mail wrapping sign of the times I guess.

We are moving to Aus but are concerned about rising prices food housing etc we lived in Ireland when it collapsed.Would hate to move to Aus and go through it all again . There is also currently a recruitment freeze on government jobs in WA is this normal ?.I find it hard to comprehend how prices and wages can just keep on rising. Will this have an effect on the mining industry exporting Etc

It seems to depends on how far in advance you book and at what time of year I found if you book early Malaysia are cheapest. I have travelled with both airlines . I vote Etihad thought had a bit more room in seats and a fairly new plane in our case the flight was direct so big help Etihad 24hrs vs 36 but that was via Ireland both were great service enjoy

Sorry to here your not happy and I have not read all the posts so please forgive me if someone has already commented .Regarding southern Ireland I lived there for ten years as a brit and encountered a bit of hostility.Things are changing very quickly but there is still a lot of people there who will be suspicious of you and others who would be outright rude .In general I found people there are great but just be prepared for remarks about your nationality mainly banter .I had a good 10 years there but the weather does wear you dowwwn hope you find happiness and as they say in Ireland GOOD LUCK

Thanks again for making things clear

Thanks Adam you have answered my question (an agent does the majority of the paper work.)Why did someone not say this at the start of the thread I thought it was a simple question with an easy answer cheers

Thanks Vicky It has been made clear to me that you could receive a professional service I also appreciate the fact that some people require help with there applications. I Just wanted to know what an agent would or could have done regarding my application do they (fill the forms in, send it off ,double check it etc. Guess I just did not understand what work was physically carried out for the £2600 Charged by one agent or 4000euro I was quoted

The assumption I made was my ability to complete the application on my own I am not bragging or proud but surprised at how easy it was for me.As In general have difficulty in this area I am not judging people for using an agent some people have said an agent has helped them and they were happy to pay around £2600 for various reasons . From the replies I have received. Maybe other people in similar situations as me are also capable of achieving this without being scared or having to pay huge sums of money for a professional service but as others have suggested use this site for help. :wink: (and if in doubt seek professional advice )

I would just like to say a big thank you to all those who left positive replies and support cheers

Thank you for answering a simple question I thought we did need an agent that is why we got the quote in the first place if I could have afforded that sort of money I would have paid ? so after the process I just wondered what the 4k was for

As I stated before I am not judging anyone and I understand people need to use a migration agents who are vital in certain cases or visa types or maybe for people who do not have much time to go through it all my original question was about my case This is my last post as the question is being taken out of context I thought it would be a simple answer

I am not judging anyone for using a migration agent it is there choice I just asked a simple question regarding our application the reason I asked is 4k seemed like a massive quote to me so I wondered how it was earned that's all .I did not intend to offended anyone

Hopefully with an answer to my question. I would just like an answer to my I feel very valid question of which you have refused to answer.So proceed to accuse me of being a troll ?

Sorry I do not understand What unknown unknowns and reducing what risk this sounds like scare tactics

To be honest I never used or had to use the forum regarding the application as it was simple .I am glad they put your mind at rest for 2.5k but what else was done for the money how was it earned ? I found the immigration website helpful when I needed questions answered and the forms are self explanatory

Thanks and it was easy we got it last week my question was (WHAT WOULD A MIGRATION AGENT HAVE DONE IN OUR CASE I am still confused as at school I was in remedial classes and if I can do ?

I did not say 17000 was to much you came to you own conclusion regarding the amount . I also have peace of mind no worries what so ever regarding the applicationOf course people get refused with and without a migration agent .My question is (WHAT WOULD A MIGRATION AGENT HAVE DONE IN OUR CASE FOR 4000 EURO) I just don't understand what they could do as we have to fill the forms in etc any way

OK I don't understand why do some of these companies charge so much. We were quoted 4000 euro for help with our partner visa application now I am a bit thick left school no GCSE and always required help is class etc. I did not have that sort of money spare so went it alone .It is only a case of form filling and attaining certain documents and pop in the post and pay if you mess up a bit and the and miss something your CO will let you know and you can then get what you need and send it in .I also Know people who ended up paying 17000 euro :eek:to an agent ? I can understand that in some cases an agent might be required in extreme medical or extreme criminal applications for example. But my question is what would we have got for 4K ?