Population of Immigrants in Australia!

Australia is one of those countries that is a magnet for the maximum number of overseas group each year, be it for learning purpose, immigration, business purpose or some other reasons. The statistics says the uppermost number of immigrants in the country is from the United Kingdom, go after by China and other European countries.

Immigrants compose one quarter of Australia’s 22 million of total population. Natives from the UK consist of the biggest migrant group in the country. In accordance with the statistics, British community account for more than 1.2 million of Australian population.

Australia also has a big number of migrants from New Zealand, reason being Kiwis are not requisite to get visas so as to enter Australia. Apart from British and New Zealanders, some other chief immigrant groups contributing to the Australian population are from Greece, India, Vietnam, China, Philippines, Pakistan, South Africa, Macedonia, Netherlands, Indonesia, the US, Malaysia and Lebanon.

As stated by the 2006 census, New South Wales possess the largest immigrant population, with South Korean, Chinese, Iraqi, Lebanese and Fijian. With overseas-born population, include Italians, Turkish, Indians and Sri Lankan, Victoria is the Australian state with second leading immigrant population.

In addition, Western Australia has a significant number of overseas-born immigrants. The immigrant population in the state makes over half million. The state is succeeding the New South Wales, when it comes to British settlers. Queensland with near about 710,000 foreign settlers proves as one of the most likely states for immigrants. It hosts settlers generally from New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.

When we see the figures of the immigrant population in Australia, it comes obvious that the nation is one of the hot destinations amongst the abroad settlers, together with the US and UK!

Steps For Visa Issuance Under Australia General Skilled Migrant Points Based System

The following are the steps briefly that you go through for Australian General Skilled Migrant Visa approval:

Review your (and if married, your spouse’s as well) qualifications against the qualifying conditions for the Australia General Skilled visa class, under which you table to apply. If you are set up to qualify through the eligibility standards, go to the next level.

Next, check if your nominated profession appears on the latest Skilled Occupation List (SOL), Employer Nomination Scheme Occupation List (ENSOL), and Migration Occupations in Demand List (MODL) and in a number of cases, in the Critical Skills List (CSL) additionally.

If your occupation does not emerge in the list, do not drop hope. There may alternate choices that match your profile. Sponsorship and state nominations are a total no problem.

Verify your credentials to evaluate your possibility of approval under the current pass mark or pool mark for Australia. Identifying the ‘Regional Australia’ or ‘Designated Area,’ from which you wish to get the nomination. Or, you have the option to check if you have a relation who would like to sponsor or propose you.

In cases when you are not very sure about your sanction under the sponsored or independent visa class of the permanent Australian visa, you or your spouse’s credentials are then evaluation for the requirements of provisional visa category for Australia. This previous assessment proves to be a great time, efforts and cash savior for you.

In the next step, identify the relevant evaluation authority, where your qualifications are to be formally assessed. Occasionally, qualifications assessment process may demand you to undertake IELTS test first and then submit an application for qualification assessment.

On receipt of the positive evaluation, lodge your application further with the Adelaide Skilled Processing Center, Department of Immigration and Citizenship together with all the supporting documents and the application fee.

Clearance from the medical and the police is also necessary at this time. Lastly, forward your passport for visa stamping with local consulate office. This completes your visa issuance process for Australian immigration.

Pass Mark and Pool Mark for Australia General Skilled Migrant Points Based System

Pass mark is the least amount of score that an applicant is requisite to attain, so as to qualify under the Points Based System of the General skilled Migrant category for Australia. This system fundamentally assesses your skills and qualifications for your nominated occupation together with a number of other factors, like age, Australian occupation and several others.

At this blog, you will be provided necessary guidance, so that you organize well for the Points Based System, with which you are positive to score a win with the Points Test, for immigration to Australia.

On the other hand, there are a small number of factors that are beyond one’s reach, like if you have not studied in an English speaking environment and have just limited knowledge of the Queen’s language, you may fail to benefit from some points that make it hard for you to get the minimum pass mark. When faced with any such state of affairs, you require not glare at all.

If you are unrelenting on flying to Australia under the General Skilled Migrant category only, you may perhaps wait for your luck to play its cards as your request is put in the pool for the subsequent two years when you are not capable to meet the existing pass mark. If the fortune is on your side and there is some easygoingness in the Points Based System with the reduced pass mark or may be if you could claim additional points because of some change in the eligibility factor requirements, your request may be reassessed if you are expected to meet the criteria under the changed conditions.

The pass mark or pool mark changes frequently. Keep a watchful eye on these latest changes in the pool mark in addition to the pass mark that is applicable on the date of filing of your application. This is not to be puzzled with the date of filing for qualifications assessment.

It frequently happens that the pass mark go through a change at the same time as the applicants are getting their qualifications assessed. If you are meeting the pass mark requirements, it is important to use the qualifications assessment process in the most efficient and accurate manner.

Applications filed below the General Skilled Migrant category for Australia are cause to undergo the following pass marks and pool marks:

Pass Mark Pool Mark
Skilled Independent Visa 120 100
Skilled Australian Sponsored visa 100 80
Skilled Australian sponsored overseas student 100 100
Skilled Independent Overseas student visa 120 120

Migration Occupation in Demand (MODL) List

The immigration laws are constantly on the change, and so are the occupations in demand by Australia. ASA keep it's finger on the pulse and will update this list accordingly.

The (Skilled) Migration Occupations in Demand List (MODL) below is a list of occupations which have been identified as being in demand in Australia. The MODL list is not to be confused with the Skilled Occupations List (SOL).

•People seeking to migrate to Australia on the basis of their work skills receive points if their nominated occupation is on the MODL list which is current at the time their application is assessed (not when their application is lodged).
•They receive extra points if they have a job offer in their nominated occupation from an organisation that has employed at least 10 people on a full-time basis for the previous two financial years.
•For an occupation in demand, but, with no job offer in Australia - 15 points
•For an occupation in demand, with a job offer (the employer must evidence that they employed no less than 10 people in the previous two financial years) in Australia - 20 points

Managers and Administrators
◦Engineering, Distribution and Process Managers
◦Miscellaneous Specialist Managers

Professionals
◦Building and Engineering Professionals
◦Accountants, Auditors and Corporate Treasurers
◦Computing Professionals
◦Medical Practitioners
◦Nursing Professionals
◦Miscellaneous Health Professionals

Associate Professionals
◦Hospitality and Accommodation Managers
◦Miscellaneous Health and Welfare Associate Professionals

Tradespersons and Related Workers
◦Mechanical Engineering Tradespersons
◦Fabrication Engineering Tradespersons
◦Automotive Tradespersons
◦Electrical and Electronics Tradespersons
◦Structural Construction Tradespersons
◦Final Finishes Construction Tradespersons
◦Plumbers
◦Food Tradespersons
◦Horticultural Tradespersons
◦Printing Tradespersons
◦Wood Tradespersons
◦Hairdressers
◦Textile, Clothing and Related Tradespersons
◦Miscellaneous Tradespersons and Related Workers

Critical Skills List (CSL)
Critical Skills List (CSL) Occupations - current as of 16 March 2009

Professionals
◦Building and Engineering Professionals
◦Accountants, Auditors and Corporate Treasurers
◦Computing Professionals
◦School Teachers
◦Miscellaneous Social Professionals
◦Medical Practitioners
◦Nursing Professionals
◦Miscellaneous Health Professionals

Tradespersons and Related Workers
◦Mechanical Engineering Tradespersons
◦Electrical and Electronics Tradespersons
◦Structural Construction Tradespersons
◦Plumbers

Road to IELTS is the Road of Immigration to Australia




If you are one of those applicants who desire to immigrate, it is essential for you to know that most countries ask for superior proficiency in the English language. For this reason, all future immigrants who belong to ethnicities where English is not the main language, an IELTS band or score is demanded. The IELTS or the International English Language Testing System is the official body designated by numerous countries to evaluate the aptitude of their applicants’ ability and skills in English. This makes IELTS one of the key factors so as to obtain your visa. For this, a methodical preparation is a must in this view.
The British Council has developed the Road to IELTS program as a support for those appearing for the IELTS. The course work includes concentrated assignments that would facilitate you to improve your abilities to execute the best. This 30 hours elementary coursework involves all sections that are reading, writing, listening and speaking which would aid you to scrutinize your skills and therefore, fill in the gaps. This assignments also caters to both Academic and General Training Modules of IELTS.
This course can be found on the Internet where in you can perform your skills on the a variety of online tests made obtainable by the program. Numerous test samples are also obtainable for example videos for the speaking section which demonstrates the a variety of test modules. This would make you analyse the a variety of contexts from which a question might be asked.
Additionally, you can also get to identify where you stand depending on your score. More so, you can make sure the right answers which would help you to get better. The main aspect here being that you can evaluate your score with the other participants as well. At a particular timeline, there are 3 themes which are lively under the Road to IELTS and these themes are shuffled periodical.

Above all, the test is totally free! It could be accessed at
All that you require to do is enter your test date, test number and your passport number. You can simply take advantage this test even after one week post your IELTS exam.

Best of Luck!

An Overview of Skilled Regional Sponsored Visa of Western Australia

Western Australian State Sponsorship is intended for Skilled Sponsored Visa (SSV) and Skilled Regional Sponsored (SRSV) (Provisional) Visa.

Eligibility Criteria of this Visa Scheme: Applicants applying for Western Australian State Sponsorship are needed to accomplish the DIAC criteria for the applicable visa that they are applying for.

Skilled Sponsored Visa (SSV) – Permanent Residency
•Have a profession on the WAOIDL (Western Australian Occupations in Demand List)
•Plan to live and work in Western Australia for the necessary term.
•Take part in a survey every 6 months for the duration of two years
•Show an evidence of sufficient financial funds.

Skilled Regional Sponsored Visa (SRSV) – Temporary Residency
•Have a profession that should be present on WAOIDL (Western Australian Occupations in Demand List)
•Aim to live and work in Western Australia and show an evidence of enough funds.

Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) basic criteria:
•The candidate must be aged less than 45, at the time of lodging the visa application;
•Points requisite: 100
•Vocational level of English
•Positive skill appraisal
•Fulfill the appropriate Work requirements.

In addition, Western Australian State Sponsorship requirements are reviewed on a customary basis. So keep visiting this blog.

Why Immigrate to Australia?

No doubt Australia is an excellent place to reside and groom your family. Here are the reasons why one should choose Australia as an Immigration destination:
1. Australia is a collectively diverse state. It is ornamented with populace of all cultures and religions. Therefore the atmosphere is perfect for people who come to migrate from all over the world.
2. The employment opportunities are many for you to craft your future with brilliance. Make sure that you meet the required qualifications and no one can prevent you from getting your dream job in Oz.
3. The highly praised quality of education provided by the country makes Australia as one of the most excellent study destinations to study abroad. Oz is attired with first-rate educational institutions to offer the best education to potential students who come from all over the world to study in Australia.
4. Australia is a perfect place for all the foodies out there. With unify of sea food, to world’s best boozing choices, to the mouthwatering Australian cuisine and alike, food lovers can take pleasure in all the delicacies at one place.
5. Australia is safe to live as the crime rate is little as compared to other countries.
6. People also visit Australia for its outstanding Health Care system, which is provided by both government and private health care facilities. The public health system is known as Medicare and provides numerous benefits for people who are in need of health care services. The country spends almost 8.5% of it’s GDP on healthcare.
7. Australia offers a merger of modern city architecture and a peaceful country life at the same time. So it has something to offer to everybody. Furthermore, visitors may find world well-known destinations, landscapes and tourist spots like Blue Mountains, Fraser Island etc.
8. Wildlife lovers have the chance to stick into the amazing wild life of Australia by visiting the famous wildlife sanctuaries.

An Overview of Skilled Regional Sponsored Visa - Subclass 475

The Skilled Regional Sponsored Visa - Subclass 475 is a 3 year provisional Visa meant for those skilled workers who fail to meet the requirements for a Skilled - Independent visa. It is compulsory to fulfill either of the following requirements:

1. Nominated by State government agency or a Territory government agency
2. Sponsorship by a relative residing in a designated area of Australia provided the relative fulfills the eligibility criteria.

Eligibility criteria of Sponsor:
It is obligatory that the eligible sponsor must sign a Sponsorship Undertaking so as to prove the following facets:
1) Provide apt financial help (including accommodation) during the first two year stay of the major applicant.
2) Give support, in case the applicant plans to learn English language classes.
3) Give all the essential information on Australian jobs.

Eligibility criteria for Applicant:
1) Be under the age of 45
2) Sponsored by a family member living in Australia
3) Have aptitude in the English language such as IELTS.
4) Qualify for the conditions required for a profession on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL). Every occupation listed in the list is allocated a points value.

Freedom under Skilled Regional Sponsored Visa - Subclass 475:
1) The applicant is permissible to stay in Australia for three years
2) It is mandatory that the applicant must live and work in the Specified Regional Area
3) The visa is a doorway to get a PR in Australia.

Australian Immigration Annual Report 2008-2009

In accordance with the latest Annual Report released by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, Australia, following are some of the highlights that are described in the same:

•101,280 Subclass 457 Visas were approved, the number that showed a boost of 8% as compared to the preceding year. It is believed that the Subclass 457 Visa provides a doorway towards getting a PR in a country. The report proved this information as 39,170 subclass 457 visa holders were given a PR status.
•171,318 people were granted migration visas, further than which 67% were granted under Skill Stream, the category of Family Stream occupied 32.9% and 0.1% were placed in the special eligibility component.
•356,251 student visa applications were granted which means a raise of 18.3% than the last year. Out of them, 72.7% were offshore and the others were onshore. In addition, 188,150 applications for Study Visa were registered through online medium that represents an increase of 34.3% as compared to the previous year.
•The figure of Employed Sponsored Visas enhanced by an intense margin of 60% in 2008-2009. The report showed the number reached 38 026.
•‘Pacific Seasonal Worker Pilot Scheme’: Tonga and Vanuatu were invited to be a fraction of this scheme. 50 workers from Tonga and 6 workers from Vanuatu arrived in Australia. Other two countries that are part of this system are Kiribati, Papua New Guinea

Australia has genuinely shown some of the optimistic outcomes as far as Immigration is concerned. The report obviously depicts that it is one of the potential destinations for a variety of facets like studying, traveling, business ventures, to name a few. If you are one of those applicants who are planning to immigrate to Australia, it would be wise to keep in touch with this blog.

Changes in the Australian General Skilled Migration

Focusing on the present economic trends during this period of the economic slump worldwide, the Australian government modified its immigration policies. Based on the situation, little modifications were brought about in the General Skilled Migration program. These changes were put into cause from 1st January 2009 with the major motto to drive immigration via the present local industry needs. With this, the skills deficiency together with the consequent labor shortage is the key aspects being catered to by the changes. In addition, priority processing for some application has been implemented for those applications that have been filed post 1st January 2009 and the ones previously been filed. This is especially for those applicants who have a company sponsorship or a nomination from the state or the territory and their profession is mentioned on the Critical Skills List.

With the alterations in place, the territorial governments have been given better authority and range to the lacking skills in their particular regions. These states have been catered with a broad list of occupations to nominate foreign professionals. Though, there is a fixed set of immigrants invited for each field of occupation.

Additionally, the set Critical Skills List has been developed as a mode to assess the scenario post execution of the amendments. This has resulted in reducing the migration population by 14%. This amendment led to a balance in the economy and did not pressure on its resources. Therefore, the needs were catered to as well as the program was a victory

It was also found that in 2008–09, the General Skilled Migrant led to an immigration number of 69,153. From these, around 14,055 migrated as a candidate by the state and territorial governments. The others incorporated their occupations being mentioned on the Critical Skills Set. This figure consisted of the 29,035.

With such a equilibrium being maintained, it can be appropriately said that as an immigration destination, Australia has catered to its immigrants in the best likely manner. Ask any queries or concerns in comments. You will be answered promptly.

Skilled Regional Sponsored Visa Queensland (Subclasses 475 and 487)

The Skilled Regional Sponsored (Provisional) Visa Subclasses 475 and 487 is for the applicants who accept to reside and work in a regional Australian area. The 3 year visa allows the applicants to request a Permanent Residence after living in the regional area for 2 years and employed for a minimum of one year.

It is compulsory to have selection by the state or sponsorship by an entitled Australian relative. Additionally, applicants applying for Skilled Regional Sponsored for Queensland are required to accomplish the following requirements:

•Meet the requirements for the listed profession. One have to note that every occupation on this list has its own requirements:
1. English language requirements
2. Qualifications and registration
3. Industry experience
•Have the profession on the Demand List for Queensland and meet the Australian Government’s eligibility criteria.
•Have positive skills assessment for that profession from the appropriate appraisal body
•Necessities detailed on the application form
•Have encouraging assessment from the Migration and Skills Recruitment Queensland.
•Complete application form.
•Give the necessary documentation which includes a copy of a detailed CV, employment history (if any), proof of obvious financial assets, and so on.

There are 2 subclasses under the Skilled Regional Sponsored (Provisional) Visa.
1. Skilled Sponsored Visa (SSV) for Permanent Residency
2. Skilled Regional Sponsored Visa (SRSV) for Temporary Residency
Both visas necessitate the nomination of an occupation in the Occupation list for Queensland. Also, the applicant must plan to live in Queensland for the chosen period and show a evidence of ample financial funds.

One has to note that a positive skills assessment is not sufficient for the approval. The nomination of occupation also depends upon the judgment of Migration and Skills Recruitment Queensland, where the department may decline to nominate your occupation if it finds some problem in your application.

Deficiency of Skilled Workers in Australia


Australia is soon to be in short of skillful immigrants in accordance with the Workplace Future report. The report states that approximately by 2025, there would be a skill deficiency of about 1.4 million workers. To triumph over these shortages, the report recommends rising the immigration process and also to raise the retirement age.


The report stated the following facts


- Additional steps must be taken towards hiring older people and other deprived persons.

- A population expansion is probable with the current birth rate being a bit on the higher side. With this, immigrant children are also adding to the cart. But this does not help the elderly population which continues to raise less in number.

- The predictable labor deficiency in Victoria itself by 2025 is around 440,000 workers. This form is calculated based on the present retirement and migration rate.

- Considering the present workforce trends, it is likely that the participation rate might go down to 61.8% from 65.2% in 2025.

All in all, to meet these demands, an increase in the age of retirement is the primary task to be carried out. With this, the border line of the hired workforce needs to be extended.

Therefore, for those planning to immigrate to Australia, keep an eye on Australia as of now when it comes to job opportunities. Also, migration is something which is being supported as of now by the Australian government. So why not obtain your chance? You might be the next one