June 2, 2023

The VETASSESS skills assessment is a necessary step for skilled visas and employer sponsored visas.  Applying for the VETASSESS skills assessment can be overwhelming. It is important to gather all the required documents and evidence in advance. We have compiled a list of seven common mistakes to help you to improve your application.

Failure to include relevant qualification documents

Specific regions like China, Europe, the Philippines, and Lebanon may have additional requirements for qualification documents. Familiarize yourself with the specific document requirements based on your country of origin.

Submitting an incomplete application

We often face that applicants are missing employment records or proof of qualifications. Ensure you provide evidence of all the employment periods along with your formal academic qualifications that relate to your occupation, not just the most recent ones.

Assuming occupation assessment is solely based on job titles

Different countries may have different job duties and responsibilities within the same occupation. Ensure you understand the requirements of your occupation in Australia. The Australian requirements for your occupation are listed in the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO). Read the ANZSCO definition and tasks to grasp the significance and skill levels needed. And you figure it out, apply for the VETASSESS skills assessment.

Insufficient employment duration

In order to receive a positive skills assessment from VETASSES, it is necessary to have at least one year of full-time employment within the last five years from the date of application lodgement. Please ensure that you meet the assessment requirements.

Lodging a Priority VETASSESS skills assessment incorrectly

To improve readability for SEO purposes, you can revise the provided text as follows:

“If you are considering submitting a Priority Processing application for a second time, please be aware that Priority Processing is only available to returning applicants who:

  1. has not received a negative outcome previously.
  2.  intends to renew an application that has previously received positive assessments for both employment and qualifications.
  3. is seeking reassessment for a new occupation.

Not providing the applicant’s contact details

When an agent or attorney files the application, the applicant’s contact information must be included (phone number and email).  This prevents delays in the assessment process should assessors  require direct communication with an applicant.

Failing to supply original language and English translation documents

Documents in language other than English must be accompanied by copies of the originals and an English translation.  In additiondocuments in the original language without translation will not be accepted.

Begin your VETASSESS skills assessment journey with our expert guidance

Navigate the process of obtaining the VETASSESS skills assessment effortlessly, as our dedicated team simplifies the complexities, ensuring a smooth and straightforward experience for you.

Don’t let the complexities of the VETASSESS skills assessment hold you back from pursuing your dreams in Australia. Choose Sydney Visa as your trusted partner, and together, we’ll navigate the path to success!

Contact us today and unlock your potential with Sydney Visa, where expertise meets exceptional service. Your VETASSESS skills assessment success story starts here!

May 31, 2023

What is NAATI exam?

What is NAATI exam and why is it so important?  National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI),  a renowned institution in Australia that evaluates and accredits the language proficiency of translators and interpreters. It plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality and standards of language services in various professional domains.

For individuals seeking a skilled visa in Australia, achieving a high score on the NAATI exam can significantly boost their chances of success. The Australian government awards valuable points for language proficiency through the Skilled Migration Points Test, and a strong performance on the NAATI exam can earn you up to 5 points towards this test.

What benefits it brings

Why are these points important? The Skilled Migration Points Test is a key criterion in the assessment of skilled visa applications. It considers various factors such as age, English language proficiency, work experience, and educational qualifications. By earning additional points through the NAATI exam, you enhance your overall point score and increase your chances of obtaining a skilled visa.

Passing the NAATI exam not only enhances your prospects for migration but also opens doors to employment opportunities in Australia. Many employers value NAATI accreditation as it signifies a high level of language proficiency and competence in translation and interpretation. This recognition can make you a desirable candidate in industries that require language services, such as government agencies, international organizations, and language service providers.

How to prepare

Preparing for the NAATI exam requires dedication and proper guidance. Language schools and institutions offer specialized NAATI preparation courses designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and strategies necessary to excel in the exam. These courses cover various aspects, including translation techniques, interpretation skills, cultural awareness, and ethics.

Investing in your language abilities through NAATI accreditation is an investment in your future. It not only enhances your employability but also broadens your career prospects. By gaining recognition for your language skills, you position yourself as a competent professional in a globalized world.

Moreover, NAATI accreditation demonstrates your commitment to professional development and continuous improvement. It signifies your dedication to upholding industry standards and ethical practices in the field of translation and interpretation. These qualities are highly valued by employers and clients alike.

If you aspire to move Australia and want to boost your chances of obtaining a skilled visa, take the NAATI exam. Prepare diligently, enroll in NAATI preparation courses, and showcase your language proficiency to earn valuable points. This will help you to unlock new career opportunities in the diverse and vibrant Australian market.

Let NAATI accreditation be the key to your skilled visa and a bright future in Australia!

May 30, 2023

When coming to Australia to study, it is better to know about all the conditions of living in the country as a student. The following is a list of less evident requirements:

Study load: As an international student, you must maintain a full-time study load, which is usually defined as a minimum of 12 credit points per semester.

Attendance: You must attend all scheduled classes and maintain satisfactory course progress.

Change of course or institution: If you want to change your course or institution, in some cases you must first obtain an approval from the Department of Home Affairs.

Work restrictions: As a student visa holder, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight (i.e. two-week period) during the academic year, and full-time during scheduled course breaks. The Australian Government has announced that student visa holders already working in the aged care sector on 9 May 2023 can continue to work unrestricted hours in the aged care sector until 31 December 2023.​

Health insurance: You must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay in Australia.

Notification of address: You must notify your education provider of your address in Australia within seven days of arriving in the country.

Visa expiry date: You must ensure that your visa remains valid at all times. If your visa is due to expire, you must apply for a new student visa or a temporary graduate visa or leave Australia before your current visa expires.

It’s important to comply with these conditions to avoid any negative consequences, such as visa cancellation or refusal of future visa applications. If you have any doubts or questions about the Student Visa, contact us, we will be pleased to help you.

To figure out the conditions and eligibility criteria for student visas, please complete our questionnaire.

May 29, 2023

Latest Migration News May 2023

The federal budget was recently released, and it included some important changes to immigration policy.

Firstly, let’s discuss Migration Planning Levels for the financial year 2023-2024 which starts on 01 July 2023.

The 2023-24 migration planning level will be 190,000 places.

The 2023-24 Migration Program has been designed to address persistent and emerging skills shortages and support the transition to a net-zero emissions economy by attracting specialist skillsets that are difficult to find or develop in Australia. The Program has the following composition:

  • Skill stream gets 137,100 places – this stream is designed to improve the productive capacity of the economy and fill skill shortages in the labour market, including those in regional Australia.
  • Family stream gets 52,500 places – this stream is predominantly made up of Partner visas, enabling Australians to reunite with family members from overseas and provide them with pathways to citizenship.
  • Special Eligibility stream has 400 places this financial year – this stream covers visas for those in special circumstances, including permanent residents returning to Australia after a period overseas.

Migration Planning Levels in numbers 2023-2024

 

Visa StreamVisa Category2022-23 Planning levels2023-24 Planning levels
Skill
Employer Sponsored35,00036,825
Skilled Independent32,10030,375
Regional34,00032,300
State/Territory Nominated31,00030,400
Business Innovation & Investment5,0001,900
Global Talent (Independent)5,0005,000
Distinguished Talent300300
Skill Total142,400137,100
FamilyPartner40,50040,500
Parent8,5008,500
Child3,0003,000
Other Family500500
Family Total52,50052,500
Special Eligibility 100400
Total Migration Program 195,000190,000

Another change we would like to tell you about is the increase in Visa Application Charges

The Government will increase Visa Application Charges (VACs) from 1 July 2023.

The Budget Papers indicate that Visa Application Charges will rise by between 6% and 40%, with the increases distributed across the following visa subclasses:

Visa ClassesPercentage increase
Visitor, working holiday, work and holiday, training, temporary activity and temporary work (short stay specialist) visas15%
Business innovation and investment visas40%
Other visas6%

It means that if you are planning to lodge your visa application soon, better be quick and finalize it until 01 July 2023.

To justify these increases, additional funds are required to speed up visa processing times.

Finally, an improved delivery model for the Adult Migrant English Program will be implemented within the existing funding. Changes will provide improved English language, employment, and settlement outcomes for migrants by providing flexible tuition options, introducing a national curriculum, supporting professional development for teachers, and enhancing client support and performance management.

Another important change is that the Government will increase the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold from the current rate of $53,900 to $70,000 from 1 July 2023. It will affect 482, 494 and 186 visa applicants. This means that people who earn more than $70,000 will be eligible for these types of visas.

The budget also made some changes to temporary visas.

Temporary Graduate visa holders with select degrees will be eligible for an extra 2 years of post-study work rights to improve the pipeline of skilled labour in key sectors from 1 July 2023.

The working hour cap for international student visa holders will be reinstated from 1 July 2023, following its removal during the COVID-19 pandemic. It will be increased by 8 hours from pre-pandemic levels to 48 hours per fortnight.

International students working in the aged care sector will be exempt from the capped fortnightly work hour limit until 31 December 2023. This is important because the aged care sector is facing a shortage of workers.