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Immigration

Migration to Australia

We refer your enquiry and shall in the foregoing describe salient factors that need to be carefully considered in your endeavour to immigrate. The following provides detailed information relating to the immigration process.

The author, DOUGLAS J. RITCHIE who is a Registered Migration Agent and a member of the Migration Institute of Australia, is the Managing Partner of VISAIDE (Migration & Visa Consultants) whose Registered Office is located in Chennai, South India, since April, 1992. VISAIDE has been assisting prospective migrants who have successfully settled into the country of their choice. This compilation of "Frequently Asked Questions" has been prepared for the intended reference, of interested individuals to create a better understanding of the process of immigration.

What is Immigration?

Immigration is the act of coming to a foreign country to live. Throughout history, people have moved from country to country for many reasons. Many immigrants have an easier adjustment if they settle near others from their homeland. Through the years, a number of large cities have developed ethnic neighborhoods, many of whose residents are immigrants from the same country.

Immigration Policies

The extent to which any country allows immigration depends on how much that country needs to attract new citizens. Australia and New Zealand require immigrants.

Immigration to most countries is now based on a quota system so that the number of immigrants from any particular country or region is restricted. Skilled persons can apply for immigration under 2 categories (1) Independent - one who does not have a close blood relative. (2) Family sponsorship - one who is sponsored by a close blood relative, who is a citizen or Permanent Resident of that respective country. There are changes to the points system from time to i f the reader of the above text wishes to engage our services, we shall be most pleased to be of assistance, in handling your case for the entire process of migration, starting with a preliminary assessment, up to lodging an application, obtaining your visa, and ensuring you a Bon Voyage.

List of Enclosures required for a Preliminary Assessment from Applicant /Spouse:

1. Assessment Questionnaire duly completed

2. Photocopies of educational qualifications/Employment certificates

3. Detailed job description of each employment (indicate designation)

4. Non-refundable fee of Rs. 3,000/- in favour of VISAIDE Inc., payable in Chennai towards forwarding charges and other administrative costs.

Thanking you and assuring you of our prompt and efficient services at all times, we are,

Yours faithfully,

For VISAIDE,

(DOUGLAS J. RITCHIE)

Managing Partner

Enclosed: as above

Duration

Normally each of the above mentioned countries have standard procedures that differ one to another hence leading to a different time schedule for processing an immigration application from initial lodgment to visa grant. This does not include the time taken to obtain Assessment of Qualifications, allocation of a Visa officer to process your file. This will depend mostly on how soon the applicant can comply with necessary documentation, verification, etc.

The approximate times for processing an application for immigration experienced by us are as follows:

Australia: 12 to 14 months

New Zealand: 12 to 15 months

The above are only indicative and do not reflect the actual processing times that the Immigration office undertakes. This could vary on a case-to-case basis and depends on the existing workload and policies that are introduced.

Cost - Enclosed please find our schedule of fees.

The Points Test

Who can qualify is determined by a "Points Test", where points 'are awarded on various factors such as Employability and level of Skill, Education, Years of Experience, Proficiency in English and Sponsorship (for those who are sponsored by close blood relatives). The points test is a scale which is used by the Visa Officer to determine whether an applicant qualifies for migration or not. It is important to note that the 'points test' undergoes changes from time to time and one has to study well. one's chances of qualifying and should lodge an application when the situation is favourable. A formal Assessment is mandatory, prior to lodging an application.

Preliminary Assessment with relation to 'Points Test'

The process of assessment requires a thorough understanding of laws and regulations which are regularly being revised and policies and procedures whicn are modified to meet the objectives of the current Government of the day. To ensure that your application would likely succeed, we undertake a preliminary assessment of your Resume, based on the current 'points test', considering each factor as mentioned above and will advise if you are to proceed with lodging an application. If married,please photocopy the enclosed Assessment Questionnaire, fill in details of your spouse and return to us with applicable documents and assessment fee requested herein. The assessment fee includes an assessment for your spouse also and is applicable for Australia & New Zealand time to regulate the intake and meet the quota system. Immigrants qualify according to preferences, often calculated on a points system. Points are awarded for job skills, age, education, language ability and personal factors.

Why does Australia and New Zealand require immigrants?

Australia and New Zealand are young and dynamic countries where immigration is the foundation for economic growth. They invite immigrants between the ages of 18 and 44 as there is a growing demand for skilled personnel (Professionals/Trades persons) to join the work force. Since they are unable to meet this requirement within their country, the Governments of these countries have promulgated a policy which allows the citizens of the world to settle permanently and partake of the economic growth and prosperity of their country.

What is a permanent resident visa and its entitlements?

A Permanent Resident Visa is an official acceptance issued to enable a family or an individual to enter and enjoy all the privileges and entitlements that are applicable to any other citizen of that respective country. On arrival a permanent resident is entitled to gain employment in any industry of his choice and will receive the same remuneration as his fellow citizens. The education options are sound and affordable, health care is world renowned social security takes care of every citizen or permanent resident, if required) and a clean environment provides for a safe and secure future for your family.

What are the current prospects for employment?

As mentioned earlier, there is a growing demand for skilled personnel. One has to obtain the required points in the Skills/Employability criteria apart from other factors as mentioned in the foregoing. Having satisfied the visa officer that one is highly skilled in his respective field and gained the required points to qualify, the application will proceed to a grant of visa. Therefore, when a prospective migrant arrives into the country, he/she is entitled to join the work force immediately. Registration or licensing may be required in some instances.

It must be understood that, the respective governments have taken into consideration the basic needs of a new immigrant, and have an infrastructure to welcome and accommodate such persons, who can approach employment agencies, which will assist them in seeking employment suitable to their qualifications. Private Employment Agencies and Internet browsing could be other avenues used to seek employment.

A job search is advisable after visa grant and prior to one's departure, but a personal interview with your future Employer is mandatory in most cases. In short, an immigration status is granted to highly skilled persons permanently unlike a placement or work permit which is for a temporary period.

Preparation to lodge assessment/Migration Applications

It is now mandatory to first undertake an assessment of your skills by the relevant Assessing Authority in Australia/New Zealand, prior to lodging an application for migration at the respective Immigration Office.

In processing your application, we shall provide you with necessary original Assessment/ migration forms and advise you to obtain relevant documents that are to be submitted along with an application. There have been many instances where an application has been rejected due to improper and incomplete documentation.

Having compiled the necessary application form and examined in detail every aspect we ensure that all necessary information to support your application is provided to the Authorities. An effective submission addressed to the concerned Assessment/Visa Officer, highlighting various issues at hand thereby enabling the maximum number of points to be allocated for a particular factor, is attached.

In addition we provide active and ongoing monitoring of the filed application, keeping the applicant advised of the current status. We also assist th applicant in preparing for an English Language test. personal or Trade interview, guidance for medicals and other formalities until the visa is granted. Further to the above, we assist with pre-departure formalities which include Income tax &, Foreign exchange as per RBI regulations.

Intehration of Immigrants

How an immigrant becomes a citizen - The legal process by which a person acquires citizenship in a new country is called naturalization. Each country has its own rules, but. generally, a person who wishes to be naturalized must have been resident there for a specified number of years. Immigrants take an oath of allegiance to their new country and may have to give up citizenship of their country of origin.

Can a Non-Resident Indian apply for migration?

Yes, one can. Our client base extends all over India, the Middle East. Singapore, Malaysia, parts of Africa, parts of Europe, the UK and the US of A. We handle applications of NRI's who are temporary residents in the above countries.

Procedures such as the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Test, Medicals, can be undertaken in their country of temporary residence. Forms, documents, will be forwarded to applicants through courier/Registered post. We are in constant communication through phone/fax/e-mail and delays are minimal although geographically we are miles apart. A local contact in India, who is the relative of the applicant can follow up on the application, if necessary.

Why do you require the services of a professional immigration consultant?

There is no thumb rule which prescribes that one must engage counsel to successfully apply for immigration. Many individuals do apply and succeed on their own while many others incur unexpected additional costs, added delays or even fail. The immigration process, in addition to being costly and time consuming, depends in part on the subjective assessment/preparation and management by qualified professionals of an individual's application to review and "rate" the chances of successfully qualifying for migration.

In selecting an effective Immigration Consultant, it is advisable to consider the following:

Specialization - The most important area of the Immigration policy is to classify one's 'usual occupation'. Our specialization is to define, classify and project this 'usual occupation' to suit current Immigration Policies. A consultant who is exclusively practicing in this area is more likely to be aware of many issues at hand which give him the edge over others.

Experience - Acquired expertise is gained from experience.

Contract of Engagement - Prospective migrants should request for a written contract outlining the duties and responsibilities of the contracting parties.

References - Reputable Consultants should be willing to provide current references of past services rendered to satisfied individuals; these references could be looked at either in the Reception in our office or on our website www.visaide.com

Receipts of Payment - Obtain receipts for payments made towards service rendered;

Service - We ensure a pro-active interaction with the Immigration Department/Assessing Authorities and our clients which enables us maintain a high standard of client satisfaction for our clientele. This service, combined with a high success rate, places us by and large, as one of the leading migration consultancy firms in India.

Who can qualify?