Living in Australia can be a rewarding experience. Recent evidence of this can be found in the fact that Australia recently topped the ‘Happiest Developed Nations’ list, which was compiled by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Australia’s top position was followed by Sweden, Canada, Norway, and Switzerland.

Listed below are the known factors why Australia was chosen as the forerunner of the national satisfaction list.

Economic advantage

Australia is an ever-developing country because of the abundance in natural resources. This causes the Australian economy to soar high, with the Australian dollar experiencing regular vigorous trading in thirty years. The abundant resources allow Australia’s movers and shakers to start projects nationwide without relying too heavily on imports.

During the first quarter of 2013, the Land Down Under has experienced economic growth slowdown. A major dip in investment is considered as one of the reasons for this slow growth. Change in consumer spending was also observed by the country’s economists.

However, from this slowdown phase, Australia’s economy had a significant boost of about 2.6%. Professionals are certain that this boost can even reach up to 2.7% as the year draws to a close. People should also be aware that Australia has evaded the effects of global recession because of its stable economy.

Life expectancy and employment rate

Australia’s economic advantage has a positive impact on its Better Life Index rating. According to OECD, over 73% of people aged 15 to 64 have a paid job, topping the 66% marginal rate. This means that there are more job opportunities in the Land Down Under than in other countries. On average, Australians work for 1693 hours per year; this rate is less in comparison to the other countries evaluated by OECD. Up to 14% of employees also work for very long hours, and men have been found to still work longer than women.

With these satisfactory employment conditions, the overall health condition and life expectancy of Australians have improved. OECD has gathered some new data, capping the life expectancy rate to 82 years, higher than the previous margin of 80 years. Living in Australia is also desirable as it has very low levels of pollution. Water quality in the country is good, gathering an average of 91%.

Migration status

As the economy of Australia becomes livelier, it has attracted more tourists from neighbouring countries. However, it is undeniable that due to growing industries, the immigration outlook of the country has shifted to hiring more skilled migrant workers. Statistics reveal that up to 68% of all arrivals are focused on skilled migration. A major factor pointed out is the change in the country’s immigration processes. Australian employers are also opening up new opportunities for skilled guest workers from other countries.

The issue of the Subclass 457 Visa is still prominent though. The Opposition (who is expected to win the next election) has defended the 457 Visa, claiming that the rorting issues were just myths created by the government itself.

With Australia’s living and working conditions becoming better, more foreigners looking for greater opportunities will apply for various Australian visas. To make the process more secure, faster, and legal, applicants may coordinate with a registered migration company like National Visas to ensure that all areas are covered and possibilities for breach are avoided.

It can be said that Australia has a highly structured visa application system; however, this does not mean that the process for lodging a visa application is always overly complex.

To assist applicants to determine the most appropriate visa, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship launched a system called ‘Visa Wizard’ in September 2008. The Visa Wizard system is an online questionnaire that helps applicants to identify the right type of visa for their specific circumstance. It is important to note, however, that the Visa Wizard only includes the most common types of visas out of the many.

Fortunately, if Visa Wizard is unable to provide you with the information you need, National Visas can assist applicants determine the best visa type applicable to their situation.

So, how can National Visas help to identify what visa is right for you?

The first step involves you identifying your reasons for coming to Australia. The first question asks you to tell National Visas what you want to do while you are in Australia:

Do you want to . . .

• travel to Australia for a holiday or business trip?
• come to Australia on a working holiday?
• study in Australia?
• live and work in Australia?
• employ an overseas worker?
• live with your partner in Australia?
• join your children in Australia?
• own or develop a business in Australia?
• live in retirement in Australia?

What should you do next?

If you have answered yes to one of the above questions, then National Visas guides you through the next phase by asking you a few more particular questions regarding the type of visa initially applicable to your situation. For instance, if you seek to apply for a partner visa, an agent from National Visas needs to know how long you have lived or been living with your partner. Other areas that require information from the applicant include the various health and character requirements.

Remember that each visa type has a different set of questions that must be answered, and eligibility depends on these answers. However, in case you are not qualified for the visa you initially want, National Visas provides other visa options that may be appropriate to your situation.

National Visas agents can also provide you with relevant information on the following depending on the type of visa you initially wish to apply for:

• what to do before you apply
• where you should be at when you apply
• location for your lodgement
• application charges, methods of payment, and processing times
• length of stay, visa rights, sponsorship requirements (if any)
• specific conditions, like budget and bringing of family members
• visa evidence requirements

How can National Visas assist you?

Application for any type of Australian visa takes more than one step of process. Because of the complications and legal matters that may be encountered, it may be beneficial to seek advice from a Registered Migration Agent.

National Visas has a streamlined process managed by registered migration agents who are knowledgeable in Migration Law. Migration agents at National Visas will assist you throughout the entire visa process from identifying the most appropriate visa for you right through the visa application and lodgment process. With National Visas as your partner, you are lead through the right path whatever kind of Australian visa you wish to apply for.

The ‘island continent’ is far more than just a large landmass way down south. It has been cultivated through millennial by wet and dry climates. Although Australia is one-third arid, getting to the country in its real essence—that is, experiencing the Aussies’ ways of living, governing, and working—can result in knowing a historically and culturally rich jewel. It’s no wonder why foreigners want to consider the country as their second home; a decision that may be solidified further by the following benefits of living in the Land Down Under.

Favorable migration programs

Among developed nations, Australia is one that has established a systematic and comprehensive immigration program. Since the abolition of the White Australia policy (which occurred between 1949 and 1973), immigration to Australia has become so pervasive that it is estimated that one-fourth of its present population comprises foreigners, yielding a ratio of 2 migrants out of 7 Australian citizens.

Australian demographics are widely varied; skilled immigrants comprise the larger share of the immigration policy pie, but other visa programs also allow families and refugees to stay in Australia if they meet certain criteria. There are ample opportunities available to productive students, skilled workers without personal Australian ties, or experts with no formal qualifications through employer sponsorship. Australia caters to everyone who wants to learn, work, and enjoy a holiday through its different visa programs.

Recognised competencies

Before students and workers can be approved for a visa to Australia, they need to qualify for certain standards. On the whole, the Immigration Department only approves student visa applicants who demonstrate genuine motivation to earn a qualification in Australia, or those 457 visa applicants who proved that they could contribute significantly to the industry they are entering. Those migrant workers who qualify are bound to earn a competitive income for themselves, given the fact that Australia has the fifth highest per capita income in the world. Students can also obtain monetary supplementation for their studies because their student visas allow them to work for a fixed number of hours during their course.

Good living and learning standards

As one of the wealthiest countries in the world, Australia offers high-quality living standards to its citizens. Quality road infrastructure, public transport, and public and business establishments provide an immensely livable, enjoyable and safe environment. Also, Australians enjoy a low cost of living that is said to be lower compared to most other developed countries. For bachelor and post-graduate students, Australian educational institutions offer lower tuition charges than counterparts in other competitive countries; and colleges in Australia also regularly rank very highly in international standard rankings.

Naturally beautiful country

The Great Barrier Reef, the Sydney Opera House, and Uluru National Park are only three of the most awe-inspiring natural and man-made creations found in the Land Down Under. There are also rainforests to explore, beaches to see, and rough and dusty terrains to navigate—any adventurous and nature-loving traveller can have a fill of the beauty Oz has to offer.

What is more for future migrants?

Australia is a progressive country that strives to create better overall conditions for its citizens. In order to attract more visitors and make entering the country easier, the Immigration Department sometimes hires famous people from around the world to become tourist ambassadors, in addition to finalizing visa agreements with many countries around the globe. With these focused efforts, Down Under is set to be a welcoming home to millions of non-Australian people in the following years.

Getting an Australian visa is similar to finding a job that can support you for many years to come. There are many choices and each can offer a different set of opportunities related to your goal. National Visas, a professional migration firm, can help you determine the right visa type out of the many Australian visas available. Before helping you lodge one, the company can also help you understand the nature, requirements, and processes related to the Australian visa that applies to your situation.

Travel Visa (Australian Visitor Visa)

If you want to visit Australia for a vacation or short stay, this is the perfect visa for you. A Visitor Visa (Subclass601) allows you to stay in the country for travel or holiday for a maximum of 3 months each visit over a 12-month period. However, if you want to engage in minimal business activities, you will need to apply for a Subclass 601 or Subclass 400. The type of business activities you wish to undertake will determine the type of visa subclass for your situation.

To apply for a Travel Visa, you must be outside Australia, but extension of the visitor status due to a nearly expiring visa may be done onshore, in some circumstances. If you want to know if you can apply for this visa online, an agent from National Visas can help you determine if your country is eligible for this application option.

Working Holiday Visa

If you are a holidaymaker looking to supplement your funds through short-term employment, this visa is right for you. This visa allows you to have a stay in the country for up to 12 months, and it lets you apply for a casual job at the same time. Be informed that this visa is valid only to applicants between 18 and 30 years old and is only available to a select few passport nationalities.

National Visas can inform you regarding the specific requirements for the Working Holiday Visa. For instance, its conditions do not apply to dependent children and other family members. Also, you will be advised to have access to sufficient funds, which is at least AU$5,000, to cover your expenses for the trip to Australia. Another reminder is that you cannot work for the same employer for more than 6 months, and you cannot study for more than 4 months. A National Visas agent can ensure that you are informed of the specific conditions of this visa to prevent any breach.

Student Visa

Apply for the Student Visa program if you want to complete your studies in Australia and experience a high-quality education system. You need to complete an assessment for this visa in order to know the number of documental requirements you need to fulfil. To be guided well, consult with a National Visas agent. A student visa is generally valid for the duration of your chosen course.

You do not have to leave Australia after graduation. Once you have completed a 2-year course, you may be able apply for a Skilled Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), which will allow you to live and work in Australia temporarily. Obtaining a Skilled Graduate Visa can be your chance into having permanent residence in the Land Down Under.

Working Visa (Skilled Visa)

The Skilled Migration Visa program is meant to overcome work shortages in the country. A Skilled Visa allows professionals, tradespersons, or skilled fresh graduates to join the Australian workforce.

One of the basic requirements for this visa is competence in the English language. You must also pass the Skilled Assessment Test for your nominated occupation to ensure that you are competent enough for the job. Your specialisation must also be included in the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) or, in some cases, the Consolidated Skilled Occupation List (CSOL). You may consult with a National Visas agent to determine other visa options that will allow you to enter the country for work purposes.

Employer-Sponsored Visa

With the SkillSelect program, an employer can hand-pick you to be a part of his workforce, after which you will be requested to apply for an Employer-Sponsored Visa. This visa may be one of three types: Subclass 457, Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS), and Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS). All of these visa types have their respective processes and requirements, so engaging the help of National Visas can significantly ease the burden related to lodgement.

Partner Visa (Family Visa)

This visa may be applied for by any foreigner with a partner who is an Australian citizen, an Australian permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen. There are some important eligibility factors that must be considered: the length of partnership, current health and medical status, and restrictions on when and where the visa was lodged. Permanent residence may be granted to the visa holder if the relationship stays true and genuine after a period of two years.

Parent Visa

This is one of the visa types with several subclasses. Aside from the balance of family test, application for this visa may be complicated because of the specific factors that need to be matched with a subclass to make an applicant eligible. Furthermore, you must also be sponsored by your child, who must be a legal Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. To reunite faster with your family in Australia, consult with National Visas in order to have a streamlined process.

Retirement Visa

The Retirement Visa allows you to spend time in Australia as a retiree. To become qualified, you must be over 55 years of age and must be able to support your financial needs. Additionally, this visa allows you to work part-time in order to earn extra money that you may spend for travel or leisure activities. This is another visa program with several subclasses, so ensure accurate application by confirming eligibility requirements with a registered migration agent.

Having a satisfying life and work in the Land Down Under is attainable, but the only hurdle that may be in your way is the complexity of visa-related processes. With NationalVisas.com.au as your partner, you will be able to get past these difficulties and enter Australia as a tourist, a skilled worker, a student, or a retiree.

Migration to Australia is as active as ever, as indicated in the December 2012 report by the Department of Immigration: 6.4% and 1% increases in tourism and business Visitor visa applications, respectively; 97.8% grant rate for all Visitor visas; and 9.2% increase in the number of Visitor visa holders. As of 2012, there are more than 400,000 holders of Visitor visas for Australia, and this number is bound to escalate as the Department continues its initiatives to make online lodgement applicable to all countries, to allow travel without passport label, and to establish more Australian Visa Application Centres (AVACs) overseas.

These facts demonstrate how accommodating the Australian government is in allowing foreigners to travel legally to the country. But, naturally, the individual experiences of travellers with their applications do vary. Many applicants still complain about delays and hassles despite furnishing sufficient documentation for their lodgement, mainly due to not understanding the application process in the first place. Lodgement of an Australian Visitor visa—be it an ETA (Subclass 601), eVisitor (Subclass 651), or Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)—can be a smoother process with the help of a registered agent from a trusted migration firm like National Visas.

An application for a Visitor Visa to Australia, whether for tourism or business, has these basic steps: eligibility check, form fill-out and supplementation, and payment. However, the details of the steps vary depending on if the application is done online or offline (paper application).

Online application

ETA (Subclass 601), eVisitor (Subclass 651) and Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) can be lodged online provided that the applicant holds a passport from an eligible country, and that he or she is outside Australia at time of lodgement.

Here are the steps for the ETA (subclass 601) visitor visa application:

Step 1: The applicant can access the website of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) or any visa processor. National Visas, a trusted Australian visa provider, has an informative website for online applicants that can guide them through the application process. The first step requires the applicant to undergo a quick eligibility check. Here, he or she needs to supply basic information, including:
Name
Nationality
Date of birth
Length of stay
Reason for the visit, and
Whether he or she is currently in Australia.

Tip:
Visa holders may enter Australia as many times he or she wishes during the validity of their ETA visa, provided that each visit is no longer than 3 months.

Step 2: If the applicant is eligible for the e601 visitor visa, he or she may proceed with the main part of the application. Here, the applicant needs to fill out an online form, for which he or she needs to supply passport and travel information, among others.

Tip:

It is necessary to check the expiry date of the passport before an application is submitted; this is so because the passport used for the application needs to be the same one that the traveller will use to enter Australia.

Step 3: Before an online visa application is processed, the government or migration agent needs to receive secure payment for the service. If using National Visas, the applicant may pay using a valid credit card or a PayPal account. Payments are charged in Australian dollars (AUD); the applicant needs to pay the equivalent amount in his or her own currency depending on his or her financial institution. Hence, the amount will change depending on the current exchange rate on the date the payment is done.

Upon successful payment, DIAC or National Visas will start processing the application. National Visas ensures that the applicant is updated with the status of the application. It generally takes 24 hours for an application to be processed.

Tip:

So that the applicant’s payment details are transmitted securely, he or she must check that the website uses secure payment methods. National Visas payments pages are encrypted to ensure information security.

Step 4: The applicant will receive an email notification regarding the successful application. The visa will be electronically linked to the passport; thus, no more stamp or label is necessary. If the visa is lodged with a reputable firm like National Visas, the applicant may also receive reminders and additional advice and support as well as free amendments to their applications.

Tip:

DIAC does not refund the payment for applications which are not approved. But National Visas, with its dedication to making the visa application more convenient and streamlined for applicants, will refund payment if the e601 ETA visitor visa was not approved.

Here are the steps for the eVisitor (subclass 651) visa and Visitor e600 application:

Step 1: Similarly to the e601 process, the applicant needs to undergo an initial quick eligibility test and supply basic information such as name, nationality, date of birth; he or she has to disclose the length of stay, reason for visit, and whether he or she is currently in Australia.

Step 2: If the applicant qualifies for an e651 visitor visa, he or she may continue with the main part of the application. Unlike with the e601 visitor visa application, a bit more information about the applicant is required in addition to passport and travel information. These are the following:
Employment details
Partner details
Dependents details
Health & Character details
Declarations
Supporting documentation (in some cases)

Step 3: National Visas accepts payments by credit card and Paypal for the applicant’s convenience. Once completed, National Visas will start processing the application. The general processing time for an e651 visitor visa depends on whether or not documents are required. The application may be as fast as 24 hours, but may, in some cases, take 1-2 weeks to process.

Step 4: When the application is approved, the applicant will receive an email notification. The visa will be electronically linked to the passport; thus, no more stamp or label is necessary.

In addition to the two online visas mentioned above, there is a third type of online visitor visa called the e676. The processes for this visa are similar to the two visas types mentioned above.

The online visa that is the best for an applicant will be determined by a number of factors, including:

Country of passport
Duration of intended stay in Australia
Intended activities in Australia

National Visas’s streamlined process can quickly determine which visa type an applicant may be eligible. Once the service is purchased, a registered and experienced migration professional at National Visas will make sure that the applicant has purchased the best visa for his or her situation before proceeding.

Offline application

Visitor visa applicants have the option to lodge their application through a diplomatic office (if overseas) or the immigration office in Australia (if onshore). This is a paper-based application that is available for foreigners who are not holders of a passport from a country which is eligible for online visas.

An offline application can be accomplished through post or courier by the applicants themselves, and National Visas can advise them through the process with their Visa Information Pack service, which assists applicants to self-manage and submit a valid visa application to DIAC.

Onshore applications can sometimes be more complex, so it is advised that applicants contact a registered migration agent to address their specific situation.

If applicants are unsure which visitor visa is right for them, a registered migration agent is able to point them in the right direction. They must coordinate with a trusted and registered migration firm like National Visas. The benefits of this option include elimination of lodgement hassles, prevention of mistakes, and avoidance of fraud.

Getting a degree in Australia is one of the significant boosts that you can have for your future career. Supported by Australia’s growing economy and commodious workforce, entering Down Under as a foreign student has become even more possible. Despite the strict migration laws in the country, securing an Australian student visa should not be that complicated, especially because there are professional migration firms like National Visas who can assist you in every step of your visa application.

If you want to study in Australia, the following reminders from National Visas shall guide you in having a successful and speedy application:

Starting an application

Before applying for a student visa, understand that the process will take time and the visa processing company will require your utmost cooperation. You can start the process online for your convenience. Ensure that you have a stable internet connection and a browser that supports at least 128-bit encryption.

When filling out forms, you must complete all fields of information; insufficient information may slow the processing of your application. Do not paste bullet points, numbering, and other formatting into the free text fields; only use alphanumeric characters as well as dashes and underscores.

It is important to note that online lodgement is not available to students who cannot complete their studies in Australia because of a default issue presented by the education provider. If you happen to be in this situation, you may contact National Visas to get assistance in handling this kind of setback.

Lodging a student visa

Depending on your situation, you may lodge your application onshore or offshore. Take note of the following differences:

• Outside Australia. If you qualify for Assessment Level 1, you may lodge your application online. If you are not sure if you belong to this bracket, consult with a National Visas agent to determine if your passport country and course of study make you qualify for Assessment Level 1. Take note that if you lodge your visa application while outside Australia, you must be outside Australia when the visa is granted.

• Within Australia. If you are currently ‘onshore’ at the time you want to apply for a student visa, you should contact a trusted migration firm like National Visas to see if it is possible in your case. Applying for your visa while you are in Australia has many complexities, especially if this is your first student visa. Not all applicants can apply ‘onshore.’ You should ensure that you understand your situation before proceeding.

• Subclass 485 Visa. If you have successfully completed a course in Australia and want to work, you may be eligible for a Graduate Skilled Temporary visa. Applications can be done online, and you must be prepared to answer questions to check your eligibility. Eligibility checks for this visa can be very complex and depends on many variables. You should consult with a National Visas agent to determine your eligibility.

Checking application progress

The benefit of lodging your student visa application with National Visas is that you are regularly updated regarding the status of your application. Tour migration agent will contact you throughout to advise on progress with your visa application. In addition, you also receive updates and tips so that you do not unknowingly commit any act that may lead to visa cancellation.

The Temporary Work visa or Subclass 457 is one of the most popular work visa programs in the Land Down Under. This visa allows skilled workers outside Australia to seek out employers in the country and obtain residence within a limited time period. Following the controversies enveloping it, the 457 visa attracts the spotlight again now that the Australian government has changed the official fee from $450 to $900 (effective July 1st 2013). Members of the Federal Opposition have lashed out again at the government, but farmers hiring skilled workers took on a positive outlook.

Demand remaining high

Despite the vast employment opportunities in other major developing countries, Australia continues to be a popular choice for work among foreigners, making Australian working visa applications still high. The continually growing economy of Australia offers a great promise of stability, in addition to opening up a bigger workforce space that must be filled. Farmer-employers who are flying in 457 workers for interviews said that they will continue to hire foreign workers despite the 457 visa price hike.

More budget for national improvement

Although the price hike caused Opposition members to raise brows, the move still presents a positive effect on the country’s economy. With the revenue increase due to the fee hike, the Australian government can create more improvement in infrastructures and tourism, among others. The visa price hike can even be used to improve all visa programs, not only in terms of hastening application processes with more efficient systems, but also in ensuring security of visa applicants and Australian citizens.

Competitive with other migration schemes

With developing countries competing to obtain a portion of the skilled international workforce, Australian visa programs need to be on par. The Australian government said that the recent price hike “brings Australia into line with other migration schemes.” The costlier 457 visas will compel employers to keep with the hiring standards, in turn elevating the quality of workers entering the Australian workforce.

National Visas as a trusted partner

With the more expensive skilled visa for Australia, foreign workers need to ensure that they only lodge their application with a professional migration firm like National Visas. Agents from the company can provide skilled migrant workers assistance throughout their application, in addition to advice regarding work ethics and safety.

Permanent residency in Australia is not only limited to skilled workers and family units who meet the criteria set by the Immigration Department. Foreign students can also qualify for this privilege if they have completed a two-year course of study in Australia and have acquired a Skilled Graduate Visa (subclass 485).

However, if you are only starting out as an international student in Australia, you must first ensure that everything you do gets you closer to having permanent residency. National Visas, a professional migration firm, gives you the following tips to ensure that your stay as a student makes you a permanent resident after graduation.

Requirements

Obtaining a student visa in Australia becomes less difficult if you have National Visas as your partner. An agent from the company can give you a complete list of the documentary requirements for a student visa, in addition to the following pieces of helpful information:

• Course selection. It is advisable to pick a registered course from any Australian Education Institution. With Australia’s high level of educational standards, you are sure to enter the field of study you desire whatever level it falls under. Consult with a National Visas agent in order to find out if your institution offers your desired course or if you need to know about alternative courses fit to your interest.

• Full-time requirement. The Australian Migration Law requires you to pick a course that runs full-time. By engaging in full-time study, you will have more chance to enter the professional field after graduation.

• Credentials and personal records. Before contacting National Visas, ensure that your personal and school credentials are complete. If you are unsure about the files that you need to supply, an agent from National Visas will be able to provide assistance.

Assessment

Before being granted with a student visa, you need to pass the assessment of a National Visas representative, who will advise you of the Assessment Level for the type of student visa for the course you intend to complete. Assessment Level 1 represents the lowest immigration risk, while Assessment Level 5 represents the highest; the higher risk your application poses to immigration security, the more documental support you have to fulfil.

Passport nationality. National Visas needs to identify if your country of origin—as stated on your passport—is included in the list of countries with high immigration risk.

Type of student visa. A National Visas agent will determine the number of documentary requirements you have to furnish based on your chosen field of study, level of study (preparatory, undergraduate, or post-graduate), institution type (university, polytechnic, or private), and location.

Clarifications

The student visa is a temporary visa with a validation period equal to the length of your course. After completing your course, your student visa will expire soon after and you will have to leave the country. There may be several alternatives available to you before your student visa expires. You may be able to apply for another temporary visa or even a permanent residence visa if you have previously acquired a Skilled Graduate Visa.

If you are a holder of a temporary student visa, you must obtain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) throughout your stay. National Visas advises that you pay your OSHC fees early in order to obtain your visa faster.

National Visas for all your needs

Application for a student visa may be complicated if you do it all by yourself, without the expertise of a registered migration firm like National Visas. More so, if you are looking to acquire permanent residency in Australia, you need to ensure that you apply for the correct course and student visa in order to prevent committing an unintended error by completing the wrong course that may prevent you from obtaining an Australian permanent residency visa in the future.

Getting a part-time job in Australia can ensure the personal growth of a foreign student. By working while studying, a student has to juggle his or her time between studies and work, in turn making him or her experience partially the life of a professional. With these responsibilities, however, a foreign student may forget about his or her Australian visa conditions and the entitlements he or she deserves from the job. Recently, the Fair Work Ombudsman has extended its helping hand by offering tips to overseas working students.

Visa scope and conditions

Before targeting a job in Australia, you have to determine first if your visa allows you to work. If it does, you need to request for a tax file number from the Australian Taxation Office and give it to your employer. This number is beneficial to your employer because it makes them pay a lower tax amount.

A contract is also important. You must read its contents, and the conditions included must be clear between you and the employer.

The modern award system

As an employee in Australia, you are covered by the modern award system. This system details the minimum wages and working conditions of your work. Keep in mind that some businesses have agreements that only apply if they are registered and approved.

The agreement should cover the minimum pay rate, entitlement and opportunities to higher pay rates, weekends and public holidays, minimum hours per shift, and allowances for accomplishing extra tasks set by the employer. A migration agent from National Visas will remind you about these working conditions and systems since your welfare Down Under is the company’s priority.

National Employment Standards

Whether you are a full-time or part-time worker, you are under the protection of the National Employment Standards, which postulate and clarify the following ten entitlements:

• Fair Work Information Statement

• Maximum weekly hours of work

• Request for flexible working arrangements

• Parental leave and related entitlements

• Annual leave

• Personal or carer’s leave and compassionate leave

• Community service leave

• Long service leave

• Public holidays

• Notice of termination and redundancy pay

All about shifts

Another concern that you have to know about is your work shift. If you are working part-time, you will also gain the same benefits offered to a full-time worker. However, these benefits are based on the number of hours spent on the job. As a part-time employee, you also need to do regular shifts.

If you are a casual employee, on the other hand, you can work by the hour or by the day, depending on your employer. You would not get a paid sick leave, but your pay rate may be higher to compensate for such condition.

Payments

The Australian government ensures that all working students must be paid for all of the hours they spent at work. The Fair Work Ombudsman has emphasised that your employer must pay you the minimum rate and not less, must pay you at least once a month, and must provide a corresponding payslip. Additionally, your employer is not allowed to give goods and services in place of monetary payment for the services you rendered.

National Visas protects your welfare

Aside from ensuring that you complete your student visa requirements for Australia, National Visas also makes it its responsibility to inform you about your entitlements as a working student in Australia. A National Visas agent can even assist you to determine your work rights.

Australia has a huge playing field for migrant workers, but the Australian government is straining to fill regional and city job vacancies equally. The pro-overseas-worker issue surrounding the 457 Australian working visa does not help in improving the condition of rural employment fast. But the Australian government is determined to resolve the geographic worker imbalance.

In May 2013, the Gillard Government has created an incentive program to attract Australian families to choose job posts in the Australian outback. This move by the government received rabid criticisms from National Farmers’ Federation president Duncan Fraser, saying that the 457 visa incentive program would give farmers difficulty in employing reliable workers. Despite this, the new program has several perceived benefits:

Attractor for Skilled Visa applicants

Australia’s tourism industry has experienced incremental growth in the last five years, mostly due to the combination of nationwide improvements, economic overhauls, tourism sector upgrades, education standards upgrade, and increased bearing on national working standards. As businesses grow, the demand for skilled jobs follows, proven by jobs boards searching for workers to fill more than 100,000 jobs per annum.

Rural area improvement

With workers moving to rural areas, the incomes in these outback regions are bound to increase. The local government can then designate budget for the improvement of public structures to make these places more hospitable and reachable, especially to tourists. In a wider view, the program can improve both the employment and tourism status of the country.

Training and welfare

It is common for skilled migrant workers to share their knowledge to local Australians. The Australian government empowers this motive that can create vigorous strides for the economy and the people as well.

With viable knowledge coming in from skilled foreign workers, teenagers and new graduates will learn more tips about their respective industries and fields of interest. This sharing will improve relationships aside from strengthening the career foundation of the next generation of local workers.

National Visas as migration solution

Migrant workers may consult with National Visas regarding specific questions for applying for regional work in Australia. National Visas is a known migration firm that handles applications for all types of visas and provides relevant and up-to-date migration information.