WHAT IS GLOBAL TALENT SCHEME?

Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, Alan Tudge, introduced Global Talent Scheme.

It is a new visa scheme to attract highly skilled global talent and deliver innovation to Australia, targeted mostly toward tech industry

It will commence in July 2018 on a trial basis of 12 months.

With the end of subclass 457 visa (that halved the number of visa grants from 130,000 to 70,000) and tech community’s concern is that Temporary Skilled Shortage TSS visa won’t cover the ever-widening gap of tech jobs that need to be fulfilled in Australia.

The so-called Global Talent Scheme is set to be the solution for what the tech industry doesn’t find in TSS visa.

WHAT IS GLOBAL TALENT SCHEME?

In the ministerial press release, this initiative was driven by the acknowledgment that the Government recognizes there is fierce competition globally for high-tech skills and talent, and that attracting these people helps to transfer skills to Australian workers and grow Australian-based businesses.

Or, as Minister Tudge said:

“This is part of the ongoing reforms to our skilled visa programs to ensure that Australians have priority for Australian jobs, but acknowledge that there are times when the skills are not available in the country.”

VISA STREAMS

Global Talent Scheme consists of two streams, namely the established business streams and the start-up streams.

As the name suggests, the established business stream is aimed at publicly listed companies or those with two consecutive annual turnovers north of $ 4 Million. The nominated position must also have minimum annual earnings of $180,000.

The start-up stream, meanwhile, is aimed at newly-established companies with STEM-related fields (science, technology, engineering, and math) background, including but not limited to agricultural tech, medical tech and so on and so forth.

The minimum annual earning of the nominated position can’t be less than the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold which currently stands at $53,900. This can include equity (which is a common offering in start-up payment package) but it has to incorporate cash components as well.

Both streams require the sponsoring businesses to conduct Labour Market Testing on available positions.

WHAT ARE THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS VISA SCHEME?

According to the Fact Sheet, successful applicants will have access to a 4-years stream (mid-term) TSS visa and certain age cap concession. But not just that! The pathway to permanent residency will also be available for them after 3 years. The latter, of course, is the most welcome features for Australian visa applicants.

WHO’S SUITABLE TO APPLY FOR GLOBAL TALENT SCHEME VISA?

Global Talent Scheme will be attractive both to individuals in, and businesses in need of, middle-to-high level (possibly C-level execs) position related to the tech industry.  It will also be relevant to people whose job titles didn’t exist 5-10 years ago.

As emphasized by the co-initiator, Minister for Jobs and Innovation Michaelia Cash, those individuals–skilled and experienced as they are–are likely to become job multipliers, who, by transferring their skills, knowledge, and expertise, will benefit Australians in the long run.

“We want to ensure that Australian businesses can access the best talent in the world because this will underpin business growth, skills transfer, and job creation.”

WHEN WILL IT START? WHAT’S THE TIMELINE?

This pilot visa scheme is projected to commence in July 2018. The trial will last for 12 months until June 2019. The Government will use the time remaining to refine its implementation. For example, the entity of “start-up authorities”–which can be anything from influential incubators/accelerators to the collective group of similar start-ups –whose endorsement is needed by companies nominating a position in the start-up stream, are yet to be decided. The Government will do it primarily by consulting with stakeholders and industry leaders.

HOW CAN I APPLY FOR GLOBAL TALENT SCHEME?

Employers who may qualify for the Global Talent Scheme should stay tuned for further details before and during the twelve-month pilot.

For advice and information on immigration to Australia in general, please email us at key2visas@gmail.com

The Solution To IELTS Fear

We are human beings and we feel relaxed and comfortable only with the familiar. What scares us is the shadow of the unknown but still, we should try to remain calm and composed so that the irrational fear vanishes in no time and the doorway to our success remain clear and intact.

The majority of people dislike tests and examinations because they could be anxious and uncomfortable. Students’ self-confidence could deteriorate due to the high stress and in most of the extreme cases, people simply fear and lose the ability to think clearly.

IELTS is also one of the English tests that could be a big problem for many people all around the globe. There are many parts of IELTS that can be intimidating unless you know how to handle them. The actual way out is to get acquainted with all the frightening facets of the IELTS exam. These fears and uncertainties will certainly cease to exist if you take the element of surprise out of IELTS.

Please note, the IELTS exam may not be the only option for you. You may qualify to sit a different English exam. Read more about English exam options. This article is useful in any case for all English exams.

Here are the 5 things people are afraid of the most about IELTS:

1. What if I miss the answers in the Listening module?
One could lose attention and concentration when it comes to listening. If you ask any IELTS candidate what they fear regarding Listening module, most of the reply will come this way: “I am afraid to miss answers. I am afraid that I won’t be able to follow the recording”.

Practice and more practice is only the key to the solution. Practicing boosts confidence and gradually you will learn how to recover or progress even if you’ve missed a couple of questions; how to move on and get all the rest done. The weaknesses within you are revealed through the practice, the most difficult task start turning easy for you, and you will start gaining more points. If you devote yourself more to that task, it will certainly spring out the best result. The dedication will help you improve the overall band score.

2. What if I don’t have enough time?

The most common fear in the Reading and Writing sections is to not finish on time. People are often seen complaining about the shortness of time-length. The best way to deal with this fear is to take control of the time and manage it carefully. The students are given several passages but they should balance the limitation of time and carry on with calm and relaxed mind and make sure one passage doesn’t eat up all the time.

“Divide and Conquer” is one of the best time management method or technique. Before you start working on each passage, divide the given period of time in the very beginning of the test. No matter what, you should stick to the self-made rule of time-division. Even if you have questions unanswered, move on to the next passage. Consider this a damage control system – it will make sure that even if some questions were missed, most of the questions will be answered.

3. What if I have nothing to write about?

Many students feel that they have nothing to say or they don’t even have the ounce of knowledge regarding the particular topic. Reading a lot of essays on different topics is one of the easiest ways to get over it. Try to absorb other people’s notions and ideas. The truth is that IELTS examiners don’t care about the source of the information; what really matters is the way or a manner in which an essay is written.

4. What if I say the wrong thing?

The fear of conveying the “inappropriate” ideas is always hovering all around one’s mind. The concept of right or wrong ideas is nothing more than a mere thinking emerging out of mind as a result of fear and suspicion. As long as the student is speaking on topic and expressing their thoughts in a logical way, no idea can harm their score.

5. What if I have nothing to say?

Since there is always a shortage of time, the Speaking module often makes people feel uncomfortable. A fear of interaction with the examiner is always present and there is little time to think and speak out. What if they ask me a question and my mind goes blank, nothing to say at all? To make this anxiety exit the mind, people need to build up confidence. Who says wonders won’t happen? Indeed it will if you practice speaking for a couple of weeks with a list of topics; after you’ve proven the ability to speak to yourself, it becomes much easier to make it evident to the examiner.

Some students get nervous about being recorded. Surprisingly the reason for this procedure is to evaluate the examiner, not the examinee. There are cases when students are not happy with their score and demand re-assessment, which can only be done if there is a recording of the exam.

Please note: Migration laws are complex and continuously changing. A migration assessment with a registered Australian Immigration Specialist is a very important and worthwhile part of the migration process as it will allow you to obtain precise information for your situation based on updated legislation. Contact us today....

Article contributed by Simone Braverman, IELTS-Blog.com

Source: examenglish

“…but my friend told me…”

It is very common for applicants to tell us about what their friends suggested or mentioned in relation to the visa application process. We hear all sorts of strange stories which don’t make any sense. It is very important to keep in mind that when it comes to immigration requirements and processes there are many factors to take into consideration to determine which visa is the best for you to apply for. If your friend obtained a visa by following a particular process, this does not mean that the same will apply to you! Do not rely on what friends say as they do not fully understand and are not aware of all the regulations which may apply to your situation. Every individual has different circumstances and migration regulations and policies also change regularly.

To avoid misinterpretations or inaccurate information being provided we recommend you arrange a consultation so that we can understand your situation in depth and provide you with the right information regarding visa options and requirements for your personal situation.

Australia has an excellent public health system

Australia has an excellent public health system, but not all visa holders are covered by Medicare. Some people are required to purchase private health insurance and maintain coverage during their time in Australia.

Once you become a permanent resident or Australian citizen you are entitled to free access. Until then, it’s a little more complicated.

Reciprocal Healthcare Agreements

Australia has reciprocal healthcare arrangements in place with some countries. This means that visitors or visa holders from these places may be able to access some publicly funded care whilst in Australia. Not all agreements were created equal though and entitlements vary between countries.

Australia currently has reciprocal agreements with the following countries:

Belgium
Finland
Italy
The Netherlands
The UK
The Republic of Ireland
Malta
Norway
Slovenia
Sweden
New Zealand

*Reciprocal agreements generally apply regardless of your visa type.

Visitors

Visitors from certain countries may be eligible to enroll in Medicare for up to 6 months from their arrival in Australia. As we mentioned above, not all reciprocal agreements are the same. For example, visitors from the Republic of Ireland cannot obtain a Medicare card; however, they can receive care at public hospitals if required.

You need to check exactly what the reciprocal agreement for your country covers. It’s recommended that visitors also purchase a standard travel insurance policy to cover them during their time in Australia.

PR Visa Applicants

As a PR visa applicant, you may also be able to obtain a Medicare card. Although some exclusions are in place, applicants who are entitled to work in Australia or have a parent, spouse or child who is Australian or from New Zealand, may also be able to apply.

Applying for Medicare

If you live in Australia and you have been granted PR, you can visit a Medicare centre and apply for a Medicare card. If you’re a visitor from selected countries with reciprocal agreements in place or you’re a PR applicant, you may also be able to apply.

If you provide Medicare with your bank details, any reimbursements will be paid directly into your account.

You will need to take the following

documents with you:– 

Current passport for each person who is applying
– Visa grant letter for each person
– Where an applicant does not have permission to work, they will need to provide     evidence that they are a spouse, parent or child of an Australian citizen or               permanent resident.

There is no friendship, no love, like that of the parent for the child.

If you are an Australian permanent resident you may be able to bring your parents to Australia under either a permanent residency (PR) visa or a longer temporary visa of up to two years. The government has also announced that it will introduce a new temporary visa that may allow a parent of a permanent resident to live in Australia for up to five years. 

As an alternative, your parent may also be eligible for an Australian visitor visa, however, this will only allow them to live in Australia for between three and 12 months.

Are my parents eligible for PR for Australia or for a longer temporary visa?

There are several visa options available to parents who have a child who is either an Australian citizen, an Australian permanent resident or an eligible New Zealand citizen. They may be eligible for an Australian permanent residency visa or a longer temporary visa if:

• They have a child who has already lived in Australia for at least 2 years
• Their child is over 18 years of age
• They meet health and character requirements. They may also be required to pass a medical examination.
• At least half of their children live permanently in Australia or your parents have more children living in Australia permanently than in any other country.

How long will the process take?

It is worth noting that the visas that offer permanent residency have a waiting period of up to 30 years, but this can be reduced to two years if your parent is willing to pay significantly more for their visa processing fee.

This is a potentially lengthy and complicated area of immigration law, and one that is still changing. Our advisers at Key2visas can help make the process of bringing your parents to Australia smoother.

Can I Buy Australian Property on a Visa?

Buying a house is a big commitment, and can be very confusing if you are on a visa. There are many restrictions that the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) has put in place to ensure purchases are completed correctly and in accordance with the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeover Act 1975. These can be hard to navigate and so it is crucial that you know what is required if you wish to purchase property.

Permanent Residents

Good news for you! As a person who holds an Australian permanent residency visa, FIRB restrictions are lifted for your potential purchases. This means that rules for Australian citizens apply to you and no approval from the FIRB is required. Happy house hunting!

Temporary Residents:

According to the FIRB, a temporary resident is someone who:

• holds a temporary visa that permits them to remain in Australia for a continuous period of more than 12 months (regardless of how long actually remains on the visa); or
• is residing in Australia, has submitted an application for a permanent visa and holds a bridging visa which permits them to stay in Australia until that application has been finalised.

If you hold this sort of visa then you can buy property in Australia, however, you have a lot less freedom in what you buy and how many properties you can acquire.  

The first thing you must do is gain approval from the FIRB to purchase property. This will incur a fee but if you fail to take this step you may be subject to criminal charges or significant penalties.

There are two types of residential properties which have different restrictions when you're purchasing as a temporary resident:

1. Established Dwellings

These are residencies that have are on the secondary market and have been previously occupied and constructed.

Temporary residents can purchase one established dwelling which is to act as their primary residence in Australia. This property cannot be used for investment purposes which means if you wish to sell and move, you must do so within 3 months.

Renting out: you cannot rent the property out under any circumstances. Unfortunately this means that you cannot purchase an established dwelling for investment purposes. 

2. New Dwellings:

These are homes built on residential land which:

• Is vacant, and bought for residential construction purposes;
• Has not been previously sold;
• Has not been previously occupied; 
• (If the dwelling is part of a larger development and sold by the developer) has not been previously lived in for more than 12 months;
• Is not a refurbished or renovated residence.

Good news! You can buy as many new dwellings as your heart desires as there are no other conditions or limitations on this type of residency. 

Renting out: new dwellings can be rented out to other people, making this sort of property more suitable for investment purposes. It's crucial, however, that you ensure that the property is purchased in line with FIRB's requirements, and that you havethe necessary FIRB approvals. 

Remember, it's always best to seek legal advice on purchasing any property in a foreign country so you can be sure you are following the correct procedures. If you want to buy property in Australia, and need assistance understanding the FIRB's complex legal requirements, speak to the friendly team at Key2visas.

Emigrating to Australia can be a complex and costly process. There’s so much riding on your application you want to make sure that you get it right.

Can I do the application myself?

You can select, prepare and submit your visa application yourself, however, it’s not a simple process. There are over 100 different subclasses of visas, which means it can be challenging to just understand which one is the right one for you.

Within each visa subclass, there is a range of requirements and documents that you will be required to include with your application. If you make a mistake or omit an important document it could slow down the approval of your visa or even result in it being rejected. This can make the process even more costly, that’s why it’s important to get the process done right the first time.

How can a Immigration experts help?

Immigration experts have professional qualifications and experience with selecting, preparing and submitting visa applications.

We provide you with immigration services and help you navigate the process in the most efficient way because they:

• We have the knowledge and experience in immigration law and procedure
• We act in a professional and timely manner 

While it may cost you more to use our professional services, but it will save you a lot of time and money in the long-run. It is best not to gamble on your future. 

Key2visas can help you by:

• Explaining your visa options
• Recommending the right visa for you
• Assisting you in your skills assessment process
• Preparing your visa application
• Lodging your application and all your documents
• Speaking to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship on your behalf to resolve any questions they may have.

If you would like assistance with migrating to Australia contact our friendly team for comprehensive and cost-effective advice.