News just in:

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa – Closure of ACT nomination program to overseas applicants for 2013/14

If registered migration agents are looking for a professional SIV Advisor then Migration Alliance has located the right person for this very important job.

Stacey Martin one of NAB's Asian Ambassadors and works at NAB Private Wealth.

Stacey Martin has more than 20 years experience advising globally mobile executives, business owners and their families to manage their personal wealth.  Stacey has been with NAB since the year 2000 and works very closely with the NAB Migrant Banking team. 

Stacey is one of the key contacts for the bank's Significant Investor Visa (SIV) advice offering.

Stacey takes time to build relationships, understands an SIV client's unique needs and designs tailored solutions. 

The DIBP and OMARA really need to fix up Section 280B and create tighter restrictions for persons giving immigration assistance.  Unwitting and vulnerable visa applicants to Australia are being provided documents with 'pathways to Citizenship' which are nothing more than a money spinning con.

The following information has come in today via email:

The source does not wish to be identified citing they are fearful to do so:

The source who I will name PERSON X has provided me with a copy of this document:

We are pleased to advise that the Office of the MARA have approved Migration Alliance as an Authorised Voluntary Organisation for the purpose of migration CPD as of yesterday 20 March 2014. 

Any Registered Migration Agents who are interested in earning 1 migration CPD point for 3 hours of Pro Bono /Volunteer work please contact Migration Alliance on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

In the next few weeks Migration Alliance will be launching it's first Immigration Clinic in Auburn, NSW.  Auburn is an immigrant hotspot in Sydney's west, made up of 'mosques, kebabs and multicultural gatherings' says CNN Travel, who have put together a news item on Auburn.

The following information has come in to Migration Alliance from a RMA who is happy for us to share the news:

Dear Richard,

The matter was considered and the policy has been amended. IELTS tests will be valid for up to 3 years.

Warm regards,
Michael Thomson
Administration
Australian Institute of Medical Scientists (AIMS)
PO Box 1911
Milton QLD 4064
Australia
Phone: 61 7 3876 2988
Fascimile: 61 7 3876 2999


From: Richard Coates [This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. '; document.write(''); document.write(addy_text20863); document.write('<\/a>'); //-->\n This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ]
Sent: Wednesday, 12 March 2014 3:15 PM
To: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Subject: IELTS Policy

Dear Sir Or Madam,
Have noticed in your Guidelines your policy on IELTS test is as Follows,

1. International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
A valid IELTS report form showing an overall band score of 7.0 or better (Academic or General). AIMS
considers an IELTS report to be current for two years from the date of issue.

Are you aware that DIBP have changed their Legislation to acceptance of IELTS results and that under Migration legislation since July 2012 all IELTS test are valid up to 3 years could you put this to your board member to consider a change of policy in view of fairness to potential applicants who have IELTS test results and believing they are accepted throughout Australia for up to two years., the benefits to you organisation should you come in line with the department of immigration policy change can only be an wider scope and increase in applicants for professional assessment. The only people who benefit from not changing your policy is the IELTS test body financially. As agents we feel it is an un dues expense on your potential clients. Its common sense that a person ability to speak and function at the required level once met wont decrease once they are utilising it in Australia in their profession I would like to know if there is any lodgeicsal reason your body cannot make this change as DIBP has done. DIBP recognise this and it would bring your organisation in line with government latest legislative change.
Look forward to hearing from you .

Regards

Richard E Coates
Migration Agent
Marn #0746134
Celtic Migration Services pty ltd
Ph.: 08 83966814 Mob: 0417839502 Email : This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.