The Australian Department of Immigration has finalised and announced the updated points program for General Skilled Migration.

Points are based on your age, education, number of years of relevant work experience and English skills. You also gain points when sponsored by a state, or by a relative living in designated areas of Australia.

If you have studied or worked in Australia previously, you may be eligible for additional points.

Each state has released its State Migration Plan (SMP) that outlines the skilled occupations that it will sponsor in 2011/2012.

Each state has different sponsorship requirements so it's a good idea to team with a registered migration agent to guide you through each step.

To find out if you qualify under the new points, complete our free online assessment form.

If you are you a nurse, accountant, engineer, teacher, IT professional, scientist or business professional  who wants to emigrate to Australia? Complete our online assessment to see if you are eligible for a skilled visa to Australia. You could get permanent residency on arrival!

Recent Migration News.........

The number of Irish people granted Australian visas doubled between June 2010 to June 2011. The Irish Times claims that Australia is a popular destination for the Irish, quoting "Australia remains a magnet for the Irish, particularly young Irish people." Many Irish Working Holiday Makers can stay on in Australia through sponsored or skilled visas. 

WA is set for an influx of skilled migrants with 80% of WA companies surveyed by audit firm KPMG indicating they planned to hire from abroad in the next 12 months. DIAC statistics show WA's intake of 457 visa holders skyrocketed 85 per cent in July compared with the same month last year.

http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/newshome/10439094/more-skilled-migrants-for-wa/

Andrew Liveris, Head of Dow Chemical, states that reviving Australia's manufacturing sector will require immigration rules that allow more highly-skilled workers to stay in the country. Australia's relativity small worker base means the country needs both an education system that can produce the right workforce, and an immigration system that attracts them. Find out more here:

http://www.smh.com.au/business/skilled-migrants-should-be-able-to-stay-says-dow-chief-20111006-1lbof.html

Australian Immigration Key Contributor to Population Growth

According to a report released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) in September 2011, immigration is still the key factor in population growth despite a general decline in net migration. The report shows that more than 165,000 people migrated to Australia between March 2010 and March 2011, accounting for 54% of the increase in Australian population growth. Do you want to be here too? Click here to get expert advice. We will outline your options, as well as discuss the steps, costs and time frames.