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André Burger & Associates |
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Immigration Services |
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News |
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Australian Office Move
Our Australian head office has changed address slightly. We are in the same convenient location but are now in suite number 1. The new office is down stairs from our old office.
South African Office
In order to better serve our South African clients and to address the increasing need for quality Australian Immigration Services, we have opened a full time office in South Africa. Our new office is conveniently located in Lakefield, Benoni. The staff is comprised of Registered Migration Agents from our Australia office as well as local support staff . Full details can be found here.
New Values Statement
From 15 October 2007 a new requirement has been introduced that applicants for permanent, and selected temporary visas must sign a statement that, among other things, they will respect Australian values and will comply with Australian law for the duration of their stay in Australia.
Work and Holiday agreement with USA
The work and holiday agreement between Australia and the USA came into effect on the 31st of October 2007. This will allow citizens of the USA to stay in Australia for up to 12 months.
Changes to 2 Year Study Rule
Student visa holders wishing to apply for the new subclass 885, 886 and 485 visas must meet the 2 year study rule. The criteria to meet this rule was changed in September 2007 and again amended in October 2007. This is an often misunderstood area as there are a number of criteria which must be met. Please contact our office for further details.
Changes to General Skilled Migration
On 1 September 2007 changes to the General Skilled Migration program (GSM) were introduced. These changes did not effect applications lodged on or before 31 August 2007.
Some of the changes included:
- increasing the English language requirement. The threshold level of English language proficiency was raised from vocational to competent. Trade occupations are only required to meet vocational English;
- Under the points test system, bonus points are given to applicants who achieve English language scores above the threshold level;
- additional points are be allocated for skilled work experience in Australia;
- Migration Occupation in Demand List (MODL) points are only awarded to applicants with at least 12 months experience in their nominated occupation or closely related occupation;
- The number of subclasses available under the General Skill Migration program has been reduced from 15 to 9.
Please contact our office to find out how these changes will effect you. |
