Category: News

TOEFL and PTE Academic Now Accepted As IELTS Alternative for English Test

Post author By NTRUST
Post date November 24, 2014

TOEFL and PTE Academic Now Accepted As IELTS Alternative for English Test

The department has announced that it will accept test scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT) and the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) as alternative English tests for visa applications lodged on or after 23 November 2014.

These tests will be applicable for Australian visa applications including Skilled Migration and Business Innovation & Investment Programs.

“This development affords applicants more choice in providers while also increasing competition within the English language testing market,” said Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, Michaelia Cash.

In addition, it is expected that scores from the Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) test will also be accepted from a test taken on or after 1 January 2015 (to coincide with the launch of Cambridge English Language Assessment’s new reporting system).

TOEFL iBT

The TOEFL iBT is taken via the internet. There are more than 50 test dates each year across different test locations around the world.

The test takes approximately 4 hours to complete has the following format:

Reading: 60-80 Minutes
Writing: 50 Minutes
Listening: 60-90 Minutes
Speaking: 20 Minutes

TOEFL scores are available online 10 days after the test date and a hard copy is sent approximately 13 days after the test date. You can select the institutions who will receive the score reports sent via an online facility but this cannot be changed after you have taken the test.

The current cost to undertake the TOEFL iBT in Singapore is US$235 – cheaper than the IELTS.

PTE Academic

Overall, the Pearson Test of English Academic takes 3 hours to complete.

Reading: 32-41 minutes
Listening: 45-57 minutes
Speaking and Writing: 77-93 minutes

Score results can be viewed online within 5 working days. It is also possible to forward results to institutions via the online account.

The cost to do the PTE Academic test is USD$250 – slightly more expensive than IELTS. Locations and test dates are less extensive than the TOEFL.

Some important points to note about these changes:

Test Validity

Test results are valid for 3 years – you must lodge your visa application within 3 years of undertaking the test.

Pearson and TOEFL are also now acceptable for establishing Functional English. Functional English is important for determining whether any included dependents need to pay the English Language fees. Tests are only valid for 12 months for the purposes of establishing Functional English.

Summary: IELTS compared to TOEFL iBT and PTE Academic

Component	IELTS	TOEFL iBT	PTE Academic
Listening	30 minutes	60-90 minutes	45-57 minutes
Reading	60 minutes	60-80 minutes	32-41 minutes
Writing	60 minutes	50 minutes	77–93 minutes (combined with speaking)
Speaking	11-14 minutes	20 minutes	Duration combined with writing
Total duration	2.7 hours	3.2 to 4 hours	2.6 to 3.2 hours
Cost	$310-$320 (Singapore Dollars)	$235 (Singapore Dollars)	$250 (US Dollars)

Click here to download the score equivalent chart of IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic and OET.

For a consultation schedule, feel free to call us at +65 6299 0245 to discuss your visa options and to find out which test is appropriate for your application. Alternatively, you can attend our Australia immigration seminar for an overview of the process to migrate to Australia.

Sources:

News

Skilled Migration: 2014-15 Occupational Ceilings Announced

Post author By NTRUST
Post date July 11, 2014

Skilled Migration: 2014-15 Occupational Ceilings Announced

The Occupational Ceilings for the 2014-15 year have been announced. Changes to the number of places allocated to Engineers, IT Professionals, Accountants, Teachers, Constructions Trades, and Chefs were substantial.

What is an Occupational Ceiling?

An occupational ceiling is the total number of invitations issued by the Australian Immigration Department for a particular occupation under the skilled migration program for an entire financial year.

Where does it apply?

Skilled-Independent Subclass 189 visas and family sponsored Skilled Regional Subclass 489 visas are subjected to occupational ceilings. They do not apply to, State or Territory Nominated, Employer Sponsored or Business Innovation and Investment visa subclasses. This means that states can nominate occupations for Skilled Sponsored Subclass 190 and Skilled Regional Subclass 489 visas even if the ceiling has been reached. Occupational ceilings are only applicable for Skilled Occupations List (SOL).

2014-15 Occupational Ceilings

There have also been some changes in the places available for certain occupations. 2,530 places were added to Engineering occupations and 1,132 places added for IT Professionals. 4,242 places were deducted from Accountants, 1,170 subtracted from Teachers, 2,168 places reduced from Construction Trades and a decrease of 1,353 places from Chefs. Registered Nurses have the largest ceiling with 15,042 places, this is more than double the quota of any other occupational group.

Below is the complete list of the 2014-15 Occupation Ceilings:

Description	Ceiling Value
Construction Managers	5,178
Engineering Managers	1,428
Production Managers	3,132
Child Care Centre Managers	1,000
Health and Welfare Services Managers	1,356
Accountants	5,478
Auditors, Company Secretaries and Corporate Treasurers	1,188
Actuaries, Mathematicians and Statisticians	1,000
Land Economists and Valuers	1,000
Marine Surveyor	1,000
Architects and Landscape Architects	1,476
Cartographers and Surveyors	1,000
Urban and Regional Planners	1,000
Chemical and Materials Engineers	1,000
Civil Engineering Professionals	2,850
Electrical Engineers	1,332
Electronics Engineers	1,000
Industrial, Mechanical and Production Engineers	1,680
Mining Engineers	1,000
Other Engineering Professionals	1,000
Agricultural and Forestry Scientists	1,000
Medical Laboratory Scientists	1,092
Veterinarians	1,000
Other Natural and Physical Science Professionals	1,000
Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teachers	1,404
Secondary School Teachers	7,002
Special Education Teachers	1,044
Medical Imaging Professionals	1,014
Occupational and Environmental Health Professionals	1,470
Optometrists and Orthoptists	1,000
Chiropractors and Osteopaths	1,000
Dental Practitioners	1,000
Occupational Therapists	1,000
Physiotherapists	1,188
Podiatrists	1,000
Speech Professionals and Audiologists	1,000
Generalist Practitioners	3,672
Anaesthetists	1,000
Internal Medicine Specialists	1,000
Psychiatrists	1,000
Surgeons	1,000
Other Medical Practitioners	1,000
Midwives	1,000
Registered Nurses	15,042
ICT Business and Systems Analysts	1,620
Software and Applications Programmers	5,004
Computer Network Professionals	1,788
Telecommunications Engineering Professionals	1,000
Barristers	1,000
Solicitors	3,426
Psychologists	1,248
Social Workers	1,968
Civil Engineering Draftspersons and Technicians	1,000
Electrical Engineering Draftspersons and Technicians	1,000
Telecommunications Technical Specialists	1,000
Automotive Electricians	1,000
Motor Mechanics	6,444
Sheetmetal Trades Workers	1,000
Structural Steel and Welding Trades Workers	4,482
Metal Fitters and Machinists	6,816
Precision Metal Trades Workers	1,000
Bricklayers and Stonemasons	1,506
Carpenters and Joiners	7,164
Painting Trades Workers	2,448
Glaziers	1,000
Plasterers	1,980
Wall and Floor tilers	1,110
Plumbers	4,464
Electricians	7,854
Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics	1,626
Electrical Trades Distribution Workers	1,000
Electronics Trades Workers	2,580
Chefs	2,547
Boat Builders and Shipwrights	1,000
Dental Hygienists, Technicians and Therapists	1,000

How to Apply?

If you would like to consider your options under any of the skilled migration programs to migrate to Australia, call us at +65 6299 0245 to schedule an appointment to discuss your application. Alternatively, you may complete our free online assessment to check your eligibility.

Source: http://www.immi.gov.au/Work/Pages/SkillSelect/SkillSelect.aspx

News

South Australia Opens Up More Sponsorship, Introduces Chain Migration

Post author By NTRUST
Post date July 3, 2014

South Australia Opens Up More Sponsorship, Introduces Chain Migration

Good news, South Australia had reopened its state sponsorship for skilled migrants. Started on 1 July 2014, many occupations had been relisted as highly available in the state. Even more interesting, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) requirement for some occupations in the list became lower.

Below are the occupations listed under the South Australia skilled nominated occupation list: (The listing may may change without prior notice.)

Chief Executives, General Managers & Legislators

Chief Executive or Managing Director
Corporate General Manager

Specialist Managers

Sales and Marketing Manager
Advertising Manager
Public Relations Manager
Corporate Services Manager
Engineering Manager
Wholesaler
Production Manager (Manufacturing)
Production Manager (Mining)
Supply and Distribution Manager
Medical Administrator
Nursing Clinical Director
Welfare Centre Manager
Health and Welfare Services Managers nec
School Principal
Faculty Head
Regional Education Manager
Education Managers nec
Chief Information Officer
ICT Project Manager
Art Administrator or Manager
Environmental Manager
Laboratory Manager
Quality Assurance Manager
Sports Administrator

Hospitality, Retail & Service Managers

Caravan Park and Camping Ground Manager
Amusement Centre Manager
Fitness Centre Manager
Sports Centre Manager
Call or Contact Centre Manager
Customer Service Manager
Fleet Manager
Transport Company Manager
Cinema or Theatre Manager
Facilities Manager
Financial Institution Branch Manager

Arts & Media Professionals

Book or Script Editor

Business, Human Resource & Marketing Professionals

Commodities Trader
Finance Broker
Insurance Broker
Stockbroking Dealer
Financial Dealers nec
Financial Investment Adviser
Financial Investment Manager
ICT Trainer
Training and Development Professional
Archivist
Gallery or Museum Curator
Health Information Manager
Records Manager
Land Economist
Valuer
Librarian
Management Consultant
Organisation and Methods Analyst
ICT Account Manager
ICT Business Development Manager
ICT Sales Representative
Sales Representative (Industrial Products)
Sales Representative (Medical and Pharmaceutical Products)

Design, Engineering, Science & Transport Professionals

Surveyor
Other Spatial Scientist
Mining Engineer (Excluding Petroleum)
Petroleum Engineer
Geologist
Geophysicist

Education Professionals

Early Childhood (Pre-Primary School) Teacher
Special Needs Teacher
Vocational Education Teacher (Non-Trades)
Vocational Education Teacher (Trades)
Education Adviser
Education Reviewer
Art Teacher (Private Tuition)
Dance Teacher (Private Tuition)
Music Teacher (Private Tuition)
Private Tutors and Teachers nec
Teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages

Health Professionals

Environmental Health Officer
Occupational Health and Safety Advisor
Acupuncturist
Naturopath
Podiatrist
Anaesthetist
Specialist Physician (General Medicine)
Cardiologist
Paediatrician
Psychiatrist
Surgeon (General)
Orthopaedic Surgeon
Emergency Medicine Specialist
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
Ophthalmologist
Pathologist
Diagnostic and Interventional Radiologist
Nurse Educator
Nurse Researcher
Nurse Manager
Nurse Practitioner
Registered Nurse (Aged Care)
Registered Nurse (Child And Family Health)
Registered Nurse (Community Health)
Registered Nurse (Critical Care And Emergency)
Registered Nurse (Disability And Rehabilitation)
Registered Nurse (Medical)
Registered Nurse (Medical Practice)
Registered Nurse (Mental Health)
Registered Nurse (Perioperative)
Registered Nurse (Surgical)

ICT Professionals

ICT Business Analyst
Systems Analyst
Database Administrator
ICT Security Specialist
Systems Administrator
Computer Network and Systems Engineer
Network Administrator
Network Analyst
ICT Support Engineer
ICT Systems Test Engineer
Telecommunications Engineer
Telecommunications Network Engineer

Legal, Social & Welfare Professionals

Judicial and Other Legal Professionals nec

Engineering, ICT & Science Technicians

Medical Laboratory Technician
Pharmacy Technician
Meat Inspector
Quarantine Officer
Electrical Engineering Draftsperson
Electrical Engineering Technician
Electronic Engineering Draftsperson
Electronic Engineering Technician
Maintenance Planner
Metallurgical or Materials Technician
Mine Deputy
Building and Engineering Technicians nec

Automotive & Engineering Trades Workers

Fitter (General)
Fitter and Turner
Fitter-Welder
Metal Machinist (First Class)

Construction Trades Workers

Painting Trades Workers
Glazier
Roof Tiler

Electrotechnology & Telecommunications Trades Workers

Electrical Linesworker
Business Machine Mechanic
Communications Operator
Electronic Equipment Trades Worker
Electronic Instrument Trades Worker (General)
Telecommunications Linesworker
Telecommunications Technician

Food Trades Workers

Cook

Skilled Animal & Horticultural Workers

Shearer

Other Technicians & Trades Workers

Canvas Goods Fabricator
Shoemaker
Dressmaker or Tailor
Chemical Plant Operator
Gas or Petroleum Operator
Power Generation Plant Operator
Camera Operator (Film, Television or Video)
Make Up Artist
Musical Instrument Maker or Repairer
Sound Technician
Diver
Interior Decorator
Optical Dispenser
Optical Mechanic
Wool Classer

Health & Welfare Support Workers

Dental Hygienist
Dental Technician
Dental Therapist
Diversional Therapist

What visa can I apply for if an Australian state will sponsor me?

The two most popular visa programs that require state sponsorship are the following:

Subclass 190: Permanent (Nominated/Sponsored)

This is a permanent residence visa. To migrate using this visa, you need a sponsorship from an Australian State/ Territory Authority under the State Migration Plan. Your close family member can also sponsor you though no points will be awarded.

This lets you and any family members who have also been granted this visa to:

live in Australia indefinitely
work and study in Australia
have Australia healthcare benefits
pathway to Australian citizenship (if you are qualified)
sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence
travel to and from Australia for 5 years from the date the visa is granted

Subclass 489: Provisional (Nominated/Sponsored)

If you cannot qualify for a permanent visa initially, you can apply for this 4-year provisional visa. You will need to be prepared to settle and work in a specified regional area of Australia. A sponsorship is required and can come from a participating State/Territory or a close family member living in a designated area of Australia.

This visa allows you and your family to:

stay in Australia for up to 4 years
live, work and study in a specified regional area of Australia
travel in and out of Australia while the visa is valid.
Pathway to Australian permanent residence

Chain Migration

A new nomination pathway has been introduced by Immigration South Australia known as the Chain Migration. This system allows applicants with an immediate family member permanently residing in South Australia to apply for a state nominated visa.

The benefits of the chain migration pathway:

Ability to apply for a permanent (190) or provisional (489) visa
Access to a more extensive occupation list compared to the Department of Immigration and Border Protection’s (DIBP) Skilled Occupation List (SOL)
Instant visa invitation from DIBP once approved for state nomination
Priority visa processing with DIBP

Requirements

To qualify for the chain migration pathway, applicants must:

Have completed a Bachelor degree or higher
Meet all DIBP criteria and Immigration South Australia criteria
Have 60 points on the DIBP points test.

To qualify for the chain migration pathway, the family member in South Australia must:

Be the applicant’s grandfather, grandmother, father, mother, brother or sister. Applicants can still apply if it’s a step or adoptive parent/sibling.
Be an Australian Permanent Resident or an Australian Citizen
Have resided in South Australia for the past twelve months.

How to Apply?

If you would like to consider your options under the visa programs mentioned above, call us at +65 6299 0245 to schedule an appointment to discuss your application. Serious applicants must act fast because slots for sponsorship are rapidly taken. Alternatively, you may complete our free online assessment to check your eligibility to migrate to Australia.

Source: https://www.migration.sa.gov.au

News

1 July 2014: Changes to Australia’s Occupations List And Skills Assessments

Post author By NTRUST
Post date July 1, 2014

1 July 2014: Changes to Australia’s Occupations List And Skills Assessments

Update on Occupations List

Fortunately, no occupations have been removed from SOL and CSOL. However, new occupations have been added.

Skilled Occupations List (SOL)

The Skilled Occupation List identifies occupations which do not need sponsorship by a state or territory government agency for the applicant to qualify for migration to Australia.

From 1st July, the following occupations will be included in the Skilled Occupations List:

Chef
Bricklayer
Wall and Floor Tiler

The list is also applicable for visa applicants under the Graduate Work stream.

Consolidated Sponsored Occupation List (CSOL)

The Consolidated Sponsored Occupation List identifies occupations that must have sponsorship from a nominated state or territory government agency under a State Migration Plan for the applicant to make an application.

The following occupations have also been added to the CSOL:

Hydrogeologist
Exercise Physiologist

Changes to Occupation Titles

The following titles will be changed:

Marine Surveyor (old title: Ship’s Surveyor)
General Practitioner (old title: General Medical Practitioner)

Changes to Assessing Authorities

The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) will be assessing the following occupations from 1st July 2014:

Nurse Manager
Nurse Educator
Nurse Researcher

In addition, Marine Transport Professional will be assessed by Vocational Education and Training Assessment Services (VETASSESS).

Skills Assessments Will Be Valid for 3 Years

From 1 July 2014, Skills Assessments will now be valid for a maximum of 3 years for the following visa types:

Skilled Independent Subclass 189
Skilled Nominated Subclass 190
Skilled Regional Sponsored Subclass 489
Graduate Temporary Subclass 485
Employer Nomination Scheme Subclass 186 (Direct Entry Stream)
Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme Subclass 187 (Direct Entry Stream)

In summary, all Australian migration skills assessments over three years old will expire on 1 July 2014. However, if the skills assessment specifies that expires sooner than 3 years, the shorter validity period would apply. This change in validity period of skills assessment will become parallel with the validity period for English Language tests which is 3 years.

Application Assistance

If you need assistance in applying for Australian visa to migrate to Australia, call us at +65 6299 0245 to book an appointment for consultation or complete our free online assessment to check your eligibility.

News

Number of Accountancy Places for Migrants to be Limited to 5,000

Post author By NTRUST
Post date June 18, 2014

Number of Accountancy Places for Migrants to be Limited to 5,000

The Abbott government will limit the number of foreign accountants who will be able to get permanent visas from almost 10,000 to about 5,000 starting 1st July 2014. The Australian media has reported that this came after the Australian Workplace and Productivity Agency (AWPA) refused a proposal from the Department of Employment to have accountants removed from the Skilled Occupation List (SOL).

Each year, AWPA recommends which occupations be added or removed on the list.

The good news is that foreign workers whose occupation is on the list can apply for a permanent visa without being nominated by a state or territory government agency.

“Lowering this ceiling will not only ensure that the allocation of the program remains appropriate to Australia’s… needs, but will safeguard other in-demand occupations… from being crowded out from excessive accountant applications,” Michaelia Cash, the Assistant Minister for Immigration said.

All occupational groups eligible for Australian skilled migration are subject to an occupational ceiling which can be no more than 6% of that occupation’s workforce in Australia.

It has long argued that accountants would be moved from the Skilled Occupations List and to the Consolidated Skilled Occupations List (CSOL). Applicants whose occupations are listed under the CSOL must have sponsorship from a state to become qualified. But even though they obtain sponsorship under these occupations, they are not obliged to work on these occupations.

Surprisingly, despite of continues to be a surplus of qualified accountants in Australia there were only 1 of 7 submissions received that called for accountants to be removed from the list. It is expected that the changes to taxation law and regulations will result to a greater need for qualified accountants in Australia over the next few years.

Accountants do not need any work experience to be classified as eligible, just good English language ability and must have studied 9 of the 12 courses that would complete in Australia as part of a Bachelor of Accounting degree.

So far, 5475 accountants were invited to apply this financial year. The financial year in Australia starts every 1st of July and ends every 30th June.

If you are an accountant and have some concerns, you may book an appointment and consult with us or attend our seminar for advice. NTRUST, established in 2003, has helped hundreds of accountants migrate to Australia from Singapore.