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The unique history of Australia has led to it having one of the most culturally diverse populations in the world today. Almost 25 percent of the residents of this country were born in another country with numerous others being descendants of refugees or immigrants. Also, add in the almost 2.5 million indigenous people, whose ancestry on this continent dates back 40,000 years, and you have the basis for the multicultural mix that is unique to this country. With immigration continuing in this country, the diversity will only increase and not decrease in the years to come.

Prior to 1788, Australia was inhabited by only people indigenous to the continent and the surrounding islands, namely the Torres Strait Islanders and Aborigines. Since these people were divided up in different “nations or clans,” there were differences between their languages, beliefs and overall cultures.

In 1788, the first British fleet arrived at Botany Bay and set up a penal colony in New South Wales with 736 convicts from England. The convicts were not under lock and key, but had a rough life living in their new environment in Australia and under the threat of punishment, such as 100 lashes, if they did not obey the rules. England ceased sending convicts to New South Wales in 1823. After this, convicts became cheap labour for those who chose to be settlers in this country.

By the late 1850s, Australia had six different colonies, namely New South Wales, Western Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, South Australia and the Northern Territory, and Queensland. These colonies were the early beginnings of this culturally diverse Australia that we know it to be at present.

Today, the population of Australia is around 24 million residents. About 400 different languages are spoken by the residents collectively and this includes those of the indigenous population. Australians claim a total of over 270 ancestries collectively. The four top countries of origin for current immigrants are India, the United Kingdom, New Zealand and China.

Thanks to Australia’s diversity, people of various cultures live in peace with the freedom to practice their religion of choice and other beliefs of their countries of origins within the realm of the country’s laws. Anyone moving to this country should have a working understanding of the English language in addition to their native one to function daily and find employment.

For further details on Australia’s cultural diversity and immigration to this country, contact James Tan Immigration Lawyer. We are experts in assisting potential immigrants to navigate through the procedures to immigrate to Australia successfully over the last 21 years.

Australian immigration procedures are in place to help regulate permanent migration to the country in an equitable and fair manner. Australia limits visas to approximately 190,000 each year. A high percentage of these are for skilled workers, professionals and business migrants, but the rest are set aside for humanitarian and family applicants. Skilled applicants fall into two categories, namely independent and state sponsored. These applicants will need to select an occupation from the country’s Skilled Occupation List or SOL. All those who apply will need to pass the country’s points’ system test as part of their application process.

Overview of the Points System

The goal of the points system is to assist the authorities with the selection of the skilled immigrants in order to choose the ones who will be of a benefit to Australia’s economy and skills shortage. The test that is part of this system creates an objective and transparent selection process by awarding points for attributes and skills that are needed within the country. There are various sub-classes in the visas that the points system has established to ensure that all the applicants have a fair chance to qualify for a visa as long as they can prove their skills and attributes. The pass mark under the points system is currently 60 points. Potential applicants are required to first lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) and then wait for a Letter of Invitation to be issued before their visa applications can be lodged.

How the Points System Works

The pass mark at present is 60 points for the skilled independent, and state sponsored visas. Points are awarded for the following attributes:

• Age
• Level of English proficiency
• Employment history and experience
• Educational qualifications, including those that are obtained in Australia
• Community language skills
• The skills qualifications of a partner
• Nomination by the territory or state government or sponsorship by a valid family member on certain types of visas

Along with reaching the ‘pass mark’ for the visas and selecting a skilled occupation from the SOL, applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements to earn a visa such as being under fifty-years old, certain character and health requirements and at least, a competent use of the English language. The applicant’s family members also need to meet certain criteria for secondary applicants.

For further facts about why the points system is important in the Australian immigration procedures or assistance with your visa pursuit, contact James Tan Immigration Lawyer . We will inform you of your eligibility, and guide and assist you through the entire process. Our firm even follows up on your application to keep you informed of its progress.

Recently a client came to my office to engage my professional services to act for him in a review application to the Migration & Refugee Division (MRD) of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT). His wife’s partner visa application had just been refused by the Department of Immigration & Border Protection. Whilst receiving his instructions it dawned upon me that this client had come to see me for initial advice about his wife’s partner visa application about one and a half years ago. At that time after I had advised him and also quoted him my professional fee he left my office and I had not heard from him since until recently.

During his recent consultation at my office he informed me that his partner is from a high risk country in Africa and he himself first arrived in Australia as a refugee from that same country. Apart from his young wife he also wanted to include three of her younger siblings as secondary applicants. He informed me that those three siblings were his wife’s dependent siblings as her parents had died in a car accident some years ago.

During his recent visit to my office I asked him why he did not return to my office to engage my professional services to act for his wife in her partner visa application. He replied that when he “shopped around” with another couple of other migration agents one of them quoted him a fee that was very much cheaper than the professional fee I had quoted him when he came to consult me one and a half years ago. In fact that migration agent quoted him a fee of only $3,000 to act for not only his wife but also all the three secondary applicants that were her siblings. Bearing in mind that the application includes three younger siblings whom the young primary applicant claimed were her dependents would be a difficult application to get past the Department of Immigration. As it turned out the application was refused on grounds that the Case Officer did not believe her parents were dead, nor the three siblings were members of her family unit nor were they her dependents. Now that the visa application is refused the sponsor husband is prepared to engage my professional services to act for him in his review application. Obviously my professional fee to act for him at the MRD would be much more than the initial professional fee I had quoted him to act for his wife in her partner visa application.

The moral of the story therefore is “you pay peanuts you get monkeys” to act for you in whatever visa application you intend to apply for particular partner visa applications. Otherwise you will only be “pennywise but pound foolish.” Whenever you have a visa application to apply for and you are looking for a competent and proven migration agent to act for you do not look for the cheapest quote to handle your application. The cheapest is not always the best and most competent! Otherwise you will end up with a refused application and then you will be up for more unnecessary expense.

For all your visa applications particularly as in the above case where it is a partner visa application you are invited to contact James Tan Immigration Lawyer. James has 21 years of professional experience in acting for hundreds of previous clients successfully in their visa applications. James has an inflexible and firm work ethic that after interviewing a prospective client he will only agree to take on the case if he is more than reasonably convinced that he will deliver a positive result to the client. Therefore if you do have an application, particularly and difficult one please do not hesitate to contact James Tan Immigration Lawyer.

If you are considering immigrating to Australia, you may already understand how confusing a task it can be to decide on the appropriate visa to enter the country legally. In fact, you are probably in search of current information about the visa process and even professional assistance to help you navigate through all the paperwork and details. Luckily, you need seek no further than James Tan Immigration
Lawyer
to receive all the necessary facts and guidance for the application process for your visa. We are experts in our field and offer a wide range of services to ensure that the Department of Immigration & Border Protection (DIBP) will approve your application in a timely manner when you meet all the necessary criteria for the visa you have applied for.

Our Website Provides Immigration Information

Refer to our website to learn immediate information about the visa application requirements and application process. You may discover most of the answers to your questions without further delay. Between our site information and additional facts with our detailed blog entries, we offer a plethora of pertinent information about who is and isn’t eligible to apply for a particular visa, the application process and more.

We Will Discuss Your Situation with You Upon Request

Upon request, we will discuss your situation with you. On our site, there is an online Assessment Form that you can submit to us about your background and other details for us to review in confidence for the low cost of AUD $150.00. If you decide to employ our services, this cost is credited to your account as part of the fee we charge you to assist and act for you with a visa application.

James Tan Immigration Lawyer Provides a Wide Variety of Professional Services

Our office offers a wide assortment of professional services, such as assessment of your options for immigration, assistance with the paperwork to obtain immigration status and the necessary visa, verifying all your documentation and all other related tasks for obtaining a visa. We even follow up on your specific case with the Department of Immigration and Border Protection. On top of all of our other services, we also represent our clients with their citizenship applications and their review applications at the Administrative Appeals Tribunals (AAT).

Turn to James Tan Immigration Lawyer with confidence, as we will make every effort to ensure that your immigration process proceeds as expeditiously, smoothly and stress-free as possible for you. In addition, you will discover that all of our fees are very competitive. We guarantee honest and truthful information on all phases of your application process from commencement to completion.

Australia is a country that offers excellent job or study opportunities, a unique way of life, cultural diversity and other benefits. If you are considering to come to study or immigrate to this country, you must ensure that you avoid any unlawful activity but rather conform with the terms and conditions of your visa status when you arrive here. If you fail to do so, it can negatively affect your ability to study or the type of job you will be able to work at, where you can live and lead to deportation from Australia.

1. Visas Are Necessary to Enter Australia

In this country, you need a student visa to attend our schools or universities. If you come to this country illegally or your student visa runs out, you can lose out on your education and suffer other consequences. Nowadays visa labels are no longer issued and pasted onto your passport and therefore if you are holding a student or work visa it is vitally important that you diarise the expiry date of your student or work visa somewhere to remind you to renew your work or student visa or leave Australia on time before the expiry date. Failure to do so may lead to a 3 year ban from entering Australia from the date of your last departure from Australia.

2. The Australian Companies or Employers Will Not Hire You

If you do not hold a proper work visa, most Australian companies or employers will not hire or offer you employment. If you are lucky enough to gain employment it is likely your employer is an unscrupulous one and will offer you very low wages and pay you in cash and your will have no work security at all. You also run the risk of having your work place be raided by Department of Immigration and Border Protection officers that could result in you being deported eventually.

3. You May Find It Difficult to Live a Fulfilling Life

When you constantly fear the possibility of being discovered as an unlawful resident connected with your presence in this country, you will have difficulty living a fulfilling life. In these circumstances you will constantly be trying to dodge the authorities continually and move around as much as possible. That is no way to be living in Australia. Discovery and arrest will lead to your detention in one of Australia’s numerous draconian detention centres and eventual deportation.

4. The Government Might Detain or Even Deport You

The Australian government has the right to detain you when it discovers there is a problem with your visa that you fail to resolve in the correct manner. You will be given a chance to apply for a visa when your circumstances are suitable. If you cannot resolve the issue, the government can deport you back to the country from when you came.

5. Australia May Prohibit Your Return When You Are Deported

In severe cases, the Australian government will prohibit your reentry into this country when it has previously deported you. You may miss the chance to ever take advantage of this country’s benefits and opportunities again when this occurs to you. For example the Australian Government has made the announcement that any person that enters Australia illegally be sea will never be issued with a visa to enter Australia for life.

To prevent any of the above unpleasant situations affecting your immigration status in Australia, consult with James Tan Immigration Lawyer. We can assist you will all categories of the visas that Australia offers to ensure that you understand the regulations for the visa you wish to apply for to increase your chances of acceptance for entry to Australia. Our experts stay with you through the entire visa process from start to finish in case the government requires additional information until your visa application is approved.

When thinking about immigrating to Australia, there are numerous details to consider, including which state or territory you should set up residence in within Australia. Each state has different employment opportunities, entertainment offerings and property values along with unique characteristics. Below, you will discover tips in selecting the right state or territory to immigrate to in Australia.

Learn the Various States and Territories of Australia

Within the vast size of this country, it is easy to understand why there are so many states and territories to consider living in when you plan to immigrate to Australia. Each capital city of each state or territory has its own unique characteristics and attractions. We provide you a list of them below:

• Queensland with Brisbane as its capital city
• Western Australia with Perth as its capital city
• Northern Territory with Darwin as its capital city
• South Australia with Adelaide as its capital city
• Tasmania with Hobart as its capital city
• Victoria with Melbourne as its capital city
• New South Wales with Sydney as its capital city

The Type of Employment That You Require

Be certain that the area of Australia you wish to settle in has employment opportunities in your specific field. While bustling cities such as Sydney or Melbourne has plenty of job opportunities, the Darwin in the Northern Territory may not have as many openings for immigrants depending upon your specific needs. That is not to say that you should not consider settling in Darwin if you love a tropical climate environment and the outdoors style of living.

Consider the Quality of Education

Think about the quality of education that you require, especially if you are going to university or are raising a family. Compare the types of schools and statistics of each state or territory to discover the one that is best for you. The status of these areas may also change from time to time.

Think About Entertainment Venues and Other Artistic or Outdoor Activities Offerings

If you are a water-sports enthusiast, you may prefer around the coastal areas of Melbourne in Victoria, Perth in Western Australia and Sydney in New South Wales. Brisbane in Queensland is alive with artistic and cultural events, live sporting events and festivals of various kinds. Other areas, such as the Grampians National Park in Victoria, Lake Eyre National Park in South Australia and Mt. Field National Park in Tasmania offer ideal camping locations. Of course, the above activities are just examples of what Australia has to provide you in the way of entertainment and outdoor activities.

Property Values May Play a Role in Your Decision as to Where You Choose to Live in Australia

A wide assortment of properties are for sale or rent depending upon the state or territory that you select to set up residency. With sufficient research, you will discover the property that is at a price range that suits your specific budget.

To learn additional tips in selecting which Australian state or territory is ideal for you to immigrate to in order to live a pleasurable life in this country, contact James Tan Immigration Lawyer. We will guide you to meet your specific needs and help you apply for your visa in a timely, helpful and effective manner.

There is no doubt Australia still maintains the number one position as one of the most favoured country for immigrants from all over the world. The question remains……“Why are people choosing to immigrate to Australia? Is it our climate? Our lifestyle? The wide and open spaces? Our multicultural society?

Why was Melbourne recently voted the world’s most livable city for a sixth consecutive year, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU)? The reasons are many and some of them are listed below: –

Job Opportunities and Benefits in Australia

When in search of a better life, many potential immigrants choose to immigrate to Australia for a number of different reasons. One reason is that the economy is still growing in this country, unlike certain other countries around the world. As a result, job opportunities exist for those who have the right qualifications and skills. While this fact is an enormous plus for certain immigrants, the various ethnic backgrounds of people who live in harmony together in Australia draws others. Still others move to Australia to enjoy the various outdoor activities that Australia has to offer throughout the year. Australia is so huge that one can be skiing in the Australian Alps and in a couple of hour’s later swim in one of our beautiful beaches in Queensland.

Australia’s Economy Is Growing

Research shows that Australia’s economy is above average and about 72 percent of our residents aged 15 to 64 are gainfully employed. Since Australia belongs to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development or OECD, Australia is able to compare its statistics in this area to that of other member countries. The result is that Australia is ahead of the average of 66 percent employment rate for this same age range in the other countries that belong to within the OECD.

A Culturally Diverse Country

Australia is a culturally diverse country with a wide assortment of ethnic backgrounds. In fact, one out of every four residents in Australia come from another country to make their home here and about one in two residents in Australia is likely to have at least one parent born in another country. Therefore you will never feel out of place as an immigrant in Australia. It will benefit you, though, to be able to speak English fluently. If not when you arrive here, then shortly afterwards. Therefore non-English speaking immigrants are actively encouraged by the Government to learn at least to be able to speak English.

Low Air Pollution

Australia has a low level of air pollution. According to the OECD the average pollution rate among its member countries is 20.1 micrograms of tiny air pollutant particles or PM10 for each cubic metre of air. In comparison, our country is 13.1 micrograms of PM10 for each cubic metre of air, which signifies that the air in Australia purer and healthier to breathe.

Outdoor Activities Are Plentiful in Australia

For the outdoor enthusiasts, Australia offers a wide variety of activities, such as:-

• Camping
• Exploring the vast outback
• Beaches for sunbathing and water activities, such as swimming, scuba diving, snorkelling and surfing
• Skydiving
• National parks
• White water rafting
• The Victorian Alps for skiing
• Hiking

A Great Sense of Community

The last but certainly not least benefit that we share with you for immigrating to Australia is the sense of community that the citizens of Australia have for each other. Australians care for each other. We follow our age old saying… “We look after our mates.”

For information about how to immigrate to Australia, contact James Tan Immigration Lawyer We will explain to you what it takes to for you to qualify for immigration to Australia and help you through the application process. OUR MISSION IS TO ASSIST ALL OUR CLIENTS TO IMMIGRATE TO AUSTRALIA IN A TIMELY, HELPFUL AND EFFECTIVE MANNER.

Why are People Being Encouraged to Immigrate in Australia?

One of the leading reasons for boosting immigration is survival, especially after a war. For example, during World War II there was a threat of Japanese invasion. After Pearl Harbor, it seemed to Australians that they would be Japan’s next port of call. At the time, Australian Prime Minister John Curtin understood that Australia did not have the military strength or manpower to effectively defend Australia against Japan. Curtin looked to the United States of America for protection and manpower.

After the war, Australia’s economy was in poor shape. And because the country’s population was already strained from enlistment and casualties of the war, it was time to populate or perish. By 1944, members of the Australian government established a plan that was intended to support and populate Australia. In fact, Arthur Caldwell (Head of the Department of Information) devised policies for increasing the population of Australia. The first policy supported natural growth. It was believed that by encouraging stability and peace, birth rates would increase. However, the increase in population was not dramatic enough. It was then that the solution to the issue was apparent – an immediate boost in population was needed.

Western Europeans

After World War II, there were millions of people displaced who had lost their homes and all their belongings. This was when a large number of refugees left Europe and immigrated to other countries such as Canada, New Zealand and Australia. By 1944, the Australian government negotiated with Britain for help in establishing an immigration plan. There was also the White Australia policy that supported the relocation of Europeans over non-Europeans. In truth, the Australian government favored north-western Europeans over the Eastern Europeans for immigration to Australia during that period.

First Post War Immigrants

People who immigrated to Australia where on an assisted program or they were unassisted. The program was administered by the Australian and British governments. It was in September 1947 that the first migrants arrived from Poland and Britain. Most were selected because of their industry and trade skills. Other selections included children and Polish ex-servicemen. In 1948 and 1952 there were many displaced people that immigrated to Australia. The mainstream of those migrants were from Germany, Yugoslavia, Italy and the Netherlands.

Displaced Persons

Displaced persons from Europe arrived in 1948 and 1952. The majority of immigrants had come from Italy, Germany, the Netherlands and the former Yugoslavia. At the time, Caldwell oversaw the immigration process. Caldwell organized financial arrangements such as food and transportation for the travelers. As well, a welcome committee greeted the immigrants with a reception, numerous accommodations and future employment. The accommodations included workers’ hostels, holding centres and transit camps.

Today’s Immigrants

Today, immigrants are greeted and accommodated just as highly as in 1948 and 1952. In addition, the economy is thriving and there is a high demand for skilled workers. As well, the country is renowned for having one of the world’s best immigration systems and for serving Australia’s needs. Aside from Australia’s thriving economy, there are other benefits to living in Australia:-

• English speaking.
• Good free healthcare.
• A land rich in resources.
• A warmer climate than in Europe.

Currently Australia operates a totally nondiscriminatory system of immigration that has resulted in both China and India providing the most immigrants to Australia from Asia in recent years. Of course the United Kingdom also provides the most immigrants to Australia from Europe. If you are contemplating immigrating to Australia it is recommended that you seek the professional services of James Tan Immigration Lawyer to assist you in your dream to immigrate to Australia.

Whilst Australia has a non-discriminatory, and equitable immigration policy for skilled immigrants that does not discriminate regardless of the national or racial origin, sexual preference or religion of the applicant, these immigrants still need to meet certain immigration criteria before the Australian Department of Immigration & Border Protection will grant them either a temporary or permanent visa. This policy is necessary to ensure that the people who immigrate to Australia will be able to contribute to the economic advancement of Australia.

Basic Qualifications for Australia’s Immigration Program

Australia wants to attract immigrants who already have work, education or business skills that will help to advance the economic growth of the country. Applicants should have the following attributes to be eligible to apply to immigrate to Australia:

• Between the ages of 18 to 50 years of age.
• Must have a reasonable proficiency in the English Language and be able to score at least 6.0 points in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or any other recognized acceptable English Language test.
• Must have recognized overseas or Australian work experience in their nominated occupation.
• Recognized academic or trade qualifications that are published in the Department of Immigration’s Skills Occupations List (SOL) or the Consolidated Skilled Occupations List (CSOL).

Information about the General Skilled Immigration Program

While immigrants can fall into the general skills, business skills, employer sponsored, family reunion, or refugee and humanitarian immigration programs, for the purpose of this information, we will discuss only the General Skilled Migration Program or GSM Program. This program is for the purpose of attracting preferably young applicants who have a full understanding of the English language and are highly skilled in occupations that are in the SOL or CSOL. You can learn more about this list by clicking for the SOL or the CSOL

To qualify for the GSM Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Skills must be suitable for the occupations in the SOL or the CSOL.
• Applicants must be between 18 to 50 years old at the time of application.
• They need to pass an English language test with a score of no less than 6.0 points for each of the four bands of the IELTS ‘General Training’ exam or the equivalent scores of another approved English test like the Occupational English Test (OET), the Pearson’s Test, etc.
• If applying for a Australian State nominated visa then an application for the relevant state nomination must first be applied for and approved.
• They need to lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) with Skill Select at the Department of Immigration to receive their invitation for a visa application. Once they receive the invitation from Skill Select, they have 60 days from the date of the invitation to lodge their visa application.

To obtain additional information about the immigration criteria in Australia for skilled migrants, contact James Tan Immigration Lawyer. We are experts at helping skilled migrants and other categories of applicants to immigrate to Australia from all parts of the world. Our staff members will help you navigate all the paperwork, testing and filing procedures that are necessary to receive a temporary or permanent visa.