Open an Australian Bank Account before departure
5 June 2010National Australia Bank (NAB)
Whether you are moving to Australia to live, work, study or for a working holiday, we understand that you have lots of things to consider. That’s why we have kept the setting up of your banking in Australia, before you leave home, simple.
Opening a bank account before you leave home means that you can transfer your money to Australia, so that it’s all ready for you when you arrive. It also means you have a way to have your salary/wages paid in Australia!
Choose the NAB
Known locally as NAB, we are an international financial services organisation that provides a comprehensive and integrated range of financial products and services which we have been doing for over 150 years.
Making it Easy
Our team of migrant and expatriate banking experts can help you set-up your Australian bank account, transfer funds into your new account and help you with any banking questions you may have. They are there to help make your move as simple as possible.
Prior to arrival in Australia we will arrange an appointment for a face to face meeting with one of our specialised bankers, who are located in most major cities and understand the unique needs of a newly arrived migrant.
On arrival in Australia your dedicated banker will:
• identify you and activate your account so you can access your funds. This is simple, just ensure you meet with your banker within 6 weeks of arriving in Australia and have your passport with you.
• have your debit cards ready for you at the meeting.
• talk to about any additional banking needs you may have and take you through a comprehensive suite of NAB’s banking benefits and services and highlight how we might be able to assist you to make the right decisions for your current and future financial position.
A Full Service Account with No Monthly Fees
The standard account we offer for newly arriving migrants is our full service everyday banking account, NAB Classic Banking that provides:
• No monthly account servicing fee.
• No opening or minimum balance requirements.
• No overdrawn fees.
• ATM access in eight different languages.
• National branch network.
• Access to over 3,100 NAB ATMs and rediATMs Australia-wide without paying additional ATM fees.
• NAB Visa Debit card included at no extra cost, which means that you can access your own money online, over the phone and overseas wherever Visa is accepted.
• Unlimited access via NAB Branches EFTPOS and NAB Visa Debit as well as NAB telephone, internet, mobile/cell and SMS banking.
All of this means a great experience, less headaches and more money in your pocket.
Open an Account Now
It’s easy to apply online at www.nab.com.au/movingtoaustralia
It takes about 10 minutes,
And we’ll have your account opened with in 5 working days.
Australian Migration Amendment (Visa Capping) Bill 2010
27 May 2010The Migration Amendment (Visa Capping) Bill 2010 amends the Migration Act 1958 (the Act) to give the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship greater power to effectively manage the migration program.
The number of places in the skilled migration program available to applicants who are not sponsored by an employer continues to decline, as the government’s priority is to support demand driven—that is, employer sponsored—migration. At the same time, the number of pending applications continues to grow as the demand for general skilled migration visas exceeds the number of places available in the program.
The general skilled migration visa program has also become dominated by applicants nominating a limited number of occupations even though there are some 400 occupations that are acceptable for general skilled migration purposes. This has made it difficult for the program to deliver the broad range of skills needed in the Australian economy and the Australian labour market.
In the 2007-08 program year, of the 41,000 general skilled migration visas granted, more than 5,000 went to cooks and hairdressers. Further, there are currently 17,594 valid applications which have been made by people nominating their occupation as a cook or hairdresser which have not yet been finalised.
This matter is currently being addressed through priority processing arrangements. Under these arrangements, applicants that are sponsored by an employer, nominated by a state or territory government authority, or have an occupation which is in critical demand in Australia have their application processed before other applications.
However, these arrangements alone do not address the problem of large numbers of valid applications that continue to be made by applicants who are not sponsored and who are nominating occupations that are not in demand. Currently there are 147,000 primary and secondary applicants for general skilled migration visas waiting in the pipeline for a visa decision.
Amendment to ‘cap and terminate’ measures
To address these issues, the bill proposes to introduce a power by which the minister may cap visas and terminate visa applications on the basis of certain characteristics.
Currently, the Act gives the minister the power to make a legislative instrument in a certain class or subclass to cap visas and terminate applications for that class or subclass. The proposed amendments will enable the minister to cap visa grants and terminate visa applications based on the class or classes of applicant applying for the visa.
In particular, the proposed amendments will allow the minister to make a legislative instrument to determine the maximum number of visas of a specified class or classes that can be granted in a financial year to visa applicants with specified characteristics. Similar to the current power, the amendments will also allow the minister to treat outstanding applications for the capped visa as never having been made.
Characteristics that may be specified include the occupation nominated by the applicant, or the time at which the applicant made their application. The characteristics will be objective, and relate to information that is provided to the department when an application for a visa is made.
The characteristics that will be specified will depend on the purpose of the particular determination to cap and terminate visa applications and will be consistent with Australia’s international obligations. For example, if the determination is made for the purpose of limiting the number of applicants in the skilled migration program with the same nominated occupation, then a cap would be placed on applications which nominate that particular occupation.
To terminate a visa application is different to a decision to refuse a visa application. When an application is terminated it is taken not to have been made. Applicants who are affected by a cap will have their visa application charge refunded to them. Further, a visa application which has been terminated is not subject to merits review.
Application to the general skilled migration visa program
The amendments proposed in this bill not only provide a power to cap general skilled migration visas and terminate general skilled migration visa applications but are broad enough to allow other classes of visas to be capped. This provides the government with a tool for the targeted management of all aspects of the migration program which will be available as the need arises.
The exception to this will be protection visas. The minister cannot make a cap and terminate determination in relation to protection visas.
However, the primary policy imperative of the proposed amendments is to allow the minister to end the ongoing uncertainty faced by general skilled migration applicants whose applications are unlikely to be finalised because their skills are not in demand in Australia.
The proposed amendments will better address Australia’s skills shortages by limiting the number of general skilled migration visas able to be granted to applicants whose occupations are in oversupply, thereby leaving more spaces in the program available to applicants whose occupation is in demand.
This will allow the Australian government to deliver a skilled migration program that is more tightly focused on high-value skills that will assist in meeting the medium- to long-term needs of the Australian economy.
The government’s intention is to establish a realistic balance between providing the skills Australian employers need and ensuring the maximum opportunities for Australian citizens and permanent residents in a changing employment market.
This amendment is just one in a package of reforms the government is currently making to the skilled migration program to ensure that it is able to target skilled migrants with the high-value, nation-building skills that Australia needs.
Conclusion
This bill represents an important step in achieving the government’s objectives of a flexible skilled migration program that can be adapted to the economic and business cycle and the needs of Australian business and industry.
Debate (on motion by Mr Robert) adjourned.
http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo
Melbourne Sea Front Furnished Rental Accommodation in Seaford
26 May 2010We have just listed a beautiful 3 bedroom apartment on the sea front in Seaford Melbourne. Why not take a look at the accommodation link on our website to view, please hurry though as it is only available until December. http://www.moving-to-melbourne.co.uk/melbourne-furnished-rental-accommodation-seaford-seaview.htm
Melbourne Furnished Rental Accommodation – Preston – Great Price
26 May 2010We have just added a great studio apartment to the website from $275 per week.
This fabulous resort style studio have 3½ star facilities including large outdoor pool, 24 hour gym, complimentary car park, business centre, and in-room
internet access.
They are ideally located to all public transport, including tram, train and bus. Northland shopping centre is located only 5 minutes drive from the hotel.
They are situated close to all major universities, offering a FREE shuttle bus service from the complex to La Trobe and RMIT Universities in Bundoora,
and a separate run to all city universities such as RMIT, Melbourne University, ACU, Victoria University 5 days a week!
Each studio contains a Flat Screen LCD TV, bar fridge, microwave, reverse cycle air-conditioning/heating, telephone, writing desk, chair, shower and toilet. A common kitchen and laundry (coin operated) is located on every floor.
All electricity, water and gas utilities are inclusive in the affordable weekly rate as well as access to 3½ star Leisure facilities including a 24 hour gymnasium, Melbourne’s largest resort style pool, BBQ area, basketball court, recreation room with a BIG screen TV and Foxtel.
For further information take a look at: http://www.moving-to-melbourne.co.uk/melbourne-furnished-rental-accommodation-studio-Preston.htm
Joing us for a Live chat with shipping / removals company tonight
19 May 2010
Just a quick reminder that as part of our series of chat sessions with industry experts, our sister site – pomsinoz.com, will be hosting a Live Chat session with PSS International Removals tonight – 19th May at 19:00 – 21:00 UK time.
To take part, either head over to our sister site – PomsInOz Australia Migration & Expat Forum and click the ‘chat’ button or use this link – PSS Chat
Once the chat software has loaded, tick the ‘Guest’ option at the top of the chat window, then choose a username and enter the ‘PSS International Removals’ chat room.
Liam Witham from PSS will be hosting the chat and will be on hand to answer any shipping / removals queries you may have.
The session will will last approximately 2 hours.
Are you looking at moving to Australia?
Do you want advice about what you can or can’t bring with you?
Do you want to know what is involved in the shipping process?
New SOL (Skilled Occupation List) Announced 17th May 2010
17 May 2010New Skilled Occupation List to meet Australia’s economic needs
Monday, 17 May 2010
The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, today announced a new Skilled Occupation List (SOL) designed to deliver highly skilled migrants and crackdown on people seeking permanent residency through low-value education courses.
Senator Evans said the list, developed by the independent body Skills Australia and containing 181 highly valued occupations, would ensure Australia’s skilled migration program is demand-driven rather than supply-driven.
“We intend to fundamentally change the way we target skilled migrants to restore integrity to the skilled migration program,” Senator Evans said.
“Through a targeted migration program, the Rudd Government will attract skilled migrants of the highest calibre and deliver people with real skills to meet real need in our economy.”
The new SOL is a critical reform in the Government’s overhaul of the skilled migration program and closes the door on those seeking to manipulate the migration system.
Only people with relevant qualifications in occupations listed on the SOL will be eligible for independent general skilled migration.
“Australia’s migration program cannot be determined by the courses studied by international students,” Senator Evans said.
“This SOL represents a new direction which aims to ensure we choose migrants who have the skills to meet our nation’s economic needs.
“The Rudd Government continues to value the very important contribution made by the international education sector and education providers that deliver high-quality courses to both Australian and overseas students will continue to prosper.
“International students who have the skills our economy needs will still be able to apply for permanent migration or be nominated by employers but we will no longer accept the thousands of cooks and hairdressers who applied under the guidelines established by the Howard government.”
Under the Howard government people who completed short courses in vocations such as cooking and hairdressing and had low English skills were almost assured of gaining permanent residence as a skilled migrant.
In 2007-08, of the 41 000 general skilled visas granted, more than 5 000 went to cooks and hairdressers; three quarters of them had formerly studied in Australia. These two occupations have been removed from the new SOL.
The Minister said he would recommend to the Governor-General in-Council amendments to the Migrations Regulations 1994 to give effect to this new framework.
The new SOL is proposed to come into effect on 1 July 2010 to replace the old list which contained more than 400 occupations. It will be updated annually.
Senator Evans said Skills Australia received advice from industry skills councils, industry peak bodies and Professions Australia to ensure the SOL contained occupations Australia needs in the medium to long term.
“The initiative builds on the reforms announced in February,” Senator Evans said.
“The Government has increased English language requirements for trade applicants and introduced a new job ready program for onshore trade applicants.
“There is now increased priority for employer sponsored migrants and this will ensure industry is able to quickly access the skilled workers it needs.”
During the past 18 months, the Government has driven a reform agenda, aimed at shifting the supply-driven skilled migration system we inherited to a demand-driven one.
“First and foremost, young Australians should be trained and given the opportunity to fill existing job vacancies. The Government has a national plan to ensure young people are skilled in the occupations where there is the greatest need,” Senator Evans said.
“But there are some occupations where there will continue to be a high demand for skills and we welcome highly trained people to Australia to fill these vacancies.
“Hospitals can’t go without nurses, country towns can’t do without a local GP and the resources sector increasingly needs skills.”
Chairman of the Government’s National Resources Sector Employment Taskforce, Parliamentary Secretary for Western and Northern Australia Gary Gray, welcomed the new SOL and said it would address the needs of the resources sector.
“The taskforce has met with resource sector employers across the country and the clear message is that we need a targeted approach to migration,” Mr Gray said.
The government recognises the proposed changes would affect some overseas students currently in Australia intending to apply for permanent residence. The introduction of the new SOL does not change the concessions announced in February which provide generous transition arrangements for former and current international students seeking a visa under the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program.
People who have already applied for a GSM visa would not be affected by the implementation of the new SOL.
The changes would in no way affect international students coming to Australia to gain a qualification and then return home.
Skills Australia will publish on its website www.skillsaustralia.gov.au the evidence and analysis for each listed occupation in coming weeks.
New Skilled Occupation List to meet Australia’s economic needs
Live chat session about exchange rates and money transfers tonight
12 May 2010
Just a quick reminder that our sister site – pomsinoz.com, will be hosting a Live Chat session with Moneycorp tonight – 11th May at 19:30 UK time.
To take part, either head over to our sister site – PomsInOz Australia Migration & Expat Forum and click the ‘chat’ button or use this link – Moneycorp Chat
Once the chat software has loaded, tick the ‘Guest’ option at the top of the chat window, then choose a username and enter the ‘Moneycorp’ chat room.
John Kinghorn from Moneycorp will be hosting the chat and will be on hand to answer and exchange rate / money transfer queries you may have
The session will will last approximately 2 hours.
Whether you are moving to Australia, or living there already, John will provide the latest updates on the Aussie dollar and give you some insight into the key influencing factors. Exchange rates are constantly fluctuating and transferring your money at the right time, via the right channel, will make a big difference.
Temporary Suspension of certain General Skilled Migration Visas – 175, 176, 475
7 May 2010The Minister has today announced a temporary suspension of certain general skilled migration visas. The move hopes to ensure that all offshore general skilled applications made after today are in accordance with the occupations included on the new Skilled Occupation List (SOL), to be released later this month. The Minister has not indicated when the suspension will be lifted, however it will be no earlier than the announcement of the new SOL.
The Minister has announced that his Department will not accept applications for the following visa subclasses from 8 May 2010 until further notice:
* Subclass 175 – Skilled Independent;
* Subclass 176 – Skilled Sponsored; and
* Subclass 475 – Skilled Regional Sponsored.
Therefore, any applications received by the Department after 8 May 2010 for one of the above visa subclasses will be returned and the visa application charge refunded.
Please note that this suspension does not affect onshore general skilled migration visas.
Melbourne Relocation Package
5 May 2010Our silver package is ideal if you already have family and friends to help you once you arrive in Australia, or if you have been to Melbourne before and know exactly what you are looking for and where to go.
We can provide you with information on your chosen suburbs, this can include weekly property rental lists, school information and public transport times.
If required we can provide you with an Australian address which you can use to set up International mail forwarding to. We will collect this mail for you twice a week and forward to your designated address. This is great for giving friends/relatives and utility services a temporary address until you get settled. This service is for 1 month it can be extended for an extra fee.
On your arrival date we will collect you from the airport and take you to your chosen accommodation
$399 to book please contact: http://www.moving-to-melbourne.co.uk/contact.htm
Plumber wanted in Melbourne
5 May 2010Plumber required for a Melbourne business (bayside suburbs) specialising in hydronic heating, with a developing geothermal and air source heat pump product offering. Above award pay will be offered to the successful candidate. Those seeking contract and/or full time employment opportunities will be considered.
Licenced plumber preferred but plumbers registered with Victorian Plumbing Commission are encouraged to apply.
Please see: http://www.pomsinoz.com/forum/job-vacancies/83897-plumber-heating-wanted-melbourne.html
