Sue was amazing throughout, keeping us updated each step of the way, and providing detailed guidance at the start of each stage, which enabled us to start preparing and collating everything needed for the next part when the time came. Sue’s replies to the many emails that I've sent her way over the course of this process, were always prompt and patient, and nothing ever seemed to much trouble. Sue’s experience and understanding of the processes, timelines and the strict format in which things had to be done, meant that she was able to advise us and provide guidelines, which meant that when we submitted each stage, we were not having to worry about delays due to incomplete applications.
18 months on from that initial meeting - we have now been living and working in Australia for 8 months, and have recently changed onto a permanent visa.
We are extremely glad that we chose to work with Visa Go, and want to say a massive thank you to Sue, Darren and the team for all of their support and assistance throughout.
Darren always took the time to answer any questions and help me through the process.
Within weeks he had my partner visa submitted and now I have my permanent residency!
I couldn’t thank Darren and the team enough 👍
My case officer, Sue, has been very professional and knowledgeable throughout the process providing great customer service, from providing the documents required to promptly replying to all queries.
So, to Darren, Kimberley and Sue, thank you all for your support to achieve my Visa.
Our visa process took 11 months (as expected for the visa we applied for) and Sue kept us on track and up to date all the time, extremely organised and always happy to help and provide us with her support.
I highly recommend Visa Go Australia, we couldn't imagine trying to go through this process without Sues help and guidance. Samantha Mills
Can't thank Darren and Kimberley enough.
Calam, Charlie and Rory
Thank so much for all your help!
Jonas & Cynthia
I would highly recommend anyone applying for a visa to do it through them.
They made sure we had all the information at every step of they way and nothing was ever a problem if I called or emailed.
Thank you so much to all of the team!
Denny, Victoria and Caitlyn
WA State Sponsorship Program re-opened 2023-24
Australia, Skilled Visa, Visa UpdateWA State Sponsorship Program re-opened 2023-24! Western Australia have re-opened their state sponsorship program for 2023-24. This allows eligible candidates to apply for state nomination from WA.
State sponsorship is a requirement in obtaining a subclass 190 and 491 visa.
Learn more about state sponsored visas.
WA State Sponsorship Program re-opened 2023-24
The WA Government is making it easier for skilled migrants to obtain sponsorship. This includes:
WA has also created the Construction Visa Subsidy program, whereby eligible trade occupations can receive a grant of $10,000!
Learn more about Western Australia’s Construction Visa Subsidy program.
Before applying, we recommend paying close attention to the work experience and contract of employment requirements. You can assess your eligibility by visiting the Migration WA website. Alternatively, book a visa consultation with us.
WA Invitations – Rankings and issue dates
WA continue to operate a ranking system, as outlined below:
– building and construction;
– healthcare and social assistance;
– hospitality and tourism; and
– education and training.
This means that someone living in WA will receive an invitation before someone on higher points for example.
Invitations for WA State nomination are likely to be issued monthly. The number of invitations issued each month may vary, depending on the number of applications being processed by WA. If you are invited, WA Migration Services will contact you via email with a link to the state nomination application form.
Having an eligible EOI submitted in SkillSelect does not guarantee you will receive an invitation for State nomination.
Move to WA
Interested in moving to Western Australia? Book a consultation with our Migration Agent to discuss your visa options in detail.
We also have some WA jobs here: https://visa-go.com/jobs-in-australia/
Get paid to build a life in WA!
Australia, Employer Sponsored Visa, News, Skilled Visa, Visa, Visa UpdateIntroducing WA’s Construction Visa Subsidy Program – a monetary incentive for migrants to build a life in WA. Claim up to $10,000!
WA Construction Visa Subsidy Program
The WA State Government created this program to entice skilled construction workers to relocate to WA. It aims to fill construction jobs, as the demand for housing in WA continues to grow.
There are a variety of construction and building occupations included. From electricians, to architects, surveyors, bricklayers and more!
This program is for skilled migrants wanting to build a life in WA. No other states or territories are currently offering this program. but watch this space…
How much money can I claim?
Am I eligible for this grant?
To apply, you must meet all the following:
There are currently 34 construction occupations on the WASMOL.
Alternatively, WA employers sponsoring skilled migrants can claim this grant. This includes visa subclasses 482, 494 and 186 and DAMA’s.
See the full terms and condition of this program on the Migration WA website.
How do I apply?
Follow these steps:
Visa Go Australia can process the first stage by helping you obtain a skilled visa. Following this, there’s help available from the Construction Migration Office.
Working Holiday age increases for UK applicants
Australia, News, Visa Update, Working Holiday VisaIt’s finally happened – Australia’s working holiday age increases for UK applicants!
Working Holiday age increases for UK applicants
The Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement was signed nearly 2 years ago in December 2021. This agreement makes it easier for British people to live and work in Australia and vice versa. As part of this agreement, both Governments agreed to increase the eligible age for working holiday makers.
UK passport holders can now apply for a working holiday visa until the age of 35. Previously, UK applicants could only apply until the age of 30. UK passport holders can lodge an application for any Working Holiday (subclass 417) visa until midnight (AEST) on the day before their 36th birthday.
This will be welcomed news for those who want to live and work in Australia!
To see full details of the changes, please refer to the Government website.
Why choose a working holiday visa
A working holiday visa is a desirable option for migrants. This visa lets you experience Australia, with work rights allowing you to fund your travels. Other advantages include:
However, it may be a good ‘stepping stone’ visa, as it allows you to experience Australian life and discover employment opportunities at low cost. Some of our clients have found employer sponsorship opportunities after arriving in Australia as a working holidaymaker.
If you’re seriously considering a move to Australia, we recommend booking a visa consultation. Our migration agent Darren will explain your visa options to you, and help you decide the best pathway.
Australian visa changes from 1 July 2023
Australia, News, Visa UpdateAustralia’s migration year starts on 1 July, and with it comes a lot of anticipation! Commonly, this is when we see major changes to Australia’s visa system. This includes price increases, changes to visa criterion and more.
Below, we outline the main Australian visa changes from 1 July 2023.
UK working holiday age increased
Perhaps the most anticipated change, more UK passport holders are eligible to apply for a working holiday visa. Eligible applicants can apply between the ages of 18-35 inclusive.
Full details are on the Department website.
Price increases
Visa application charges increase in line with inflation each year. Most fees have increased by 6% this year. Some popular visa categories outlines below:
Refer to the Department website for a full list of current visa application charges.
Increased income threshold for skilled applicants
The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) has increased to $70,000. The TSMIT is the minimum wage a 482 visa holder must receive. Previously, the TSMIT was $53, 900 and
had not been updated since 2013.
By raising the income threshold, it’s hoped that international workers are paid a liveable salary and locals will not be undercut for jobs. However, this increase in salary will make it difficult for smaller businesses as the cost of employer sponsorship continues to rise. Time will tell how this will affect the willingness of Australian businesses to sponsor overseas workers.
If you need visa advice, you can book a consultation with our Migration agent here: Australian Visa Consultation – MARA Registered Agent – Visa Go Australia (visa-go.com)
Exchange Rate Alert: GBP/AUD Exchange Rate
Australia, Currency update, NewsIf you’re relocating to Australia, you’ll be considering how and when to send your money across. Knowing when to send your money to Australia can help maximise your dollars.
We work with Halo Financial, an award-winning UK foreign exchange brokerage. Halo simplify the currency exchange market to save you time and money. Keep reading to see their latest GBP/AUD exchange rate update.
GBP/AUD Exchange Rate
The GBP/AUD rate is $1.91 (at the time of writing). This level has only been reached twice very briefly in the last 3 years, so if you are transferring money from GBP to AUD, you may want to consider taking advantage of this level NOW.
Speak to our Foreign Currency Partner Halo Financial, to find out more about GBP/AUD currency movements, rates and options available to help you to achieve the best possible rate within your time frame.
Contact our friendly Kiwi contact at Halo geraldine.collett@halofinancial.com
Or register with Halo to keep up to date with AUD & GBP rates or other worldwide exchange rates.
Phone: +44 (0) 20 7350 5470
Email: geraldine.collett@halofinancial.com
Website: https://www.halofinancial.com/visa-go-australia
482 visa update: TSMIT to increase on 1 July
Australia, Employer Sponsored Visa, Skilled VisaFrom 1 July 2023, the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) will increase to $70,000.
The TSMIT is the minimum annual wage a 482 visa holder can be paid. Since 2013, the TSMIT has been $53,900.
By raising the TSMIT to an acceptable market rate, it protects against undermining the Australian workforce. It’s hoped that increasing the TSMIT will encourage Australians to take up local jobs.
Are you interested in employer sponsorship? Learn about the 482 visa on our dedicated webpage.
Update: GBP/AUD Exchange Rate
Australia, Lifestyle, NewsIf you’re relocating to Australia, you’ll be considering how and when to send your money across. Knowing when to send your money to Australia can help maximise your dollars.
An update on GBP/AUD rate
The GBP/AUD rate has hit the highest level for over a year (at the time of writing), so if you are transferring money from GBP to AUD, you may want to consider taking advantage of this level now.
Speak to our Foreign Currency Partner Halo Financial, to find out more about GBP/AUD currency movements, rates and options available to help you to achieve your desired exchange rate.
Contact our friendly Kiwi contact at Halo geraldine.collett@halofinancial.com
Or register with Halo to keep up to date with AUD & GBP rates or other worldwide exchange rates.
Phone: +44 (0) 20 7350 5470
Email: geraldine.collett@halofinancial.com
Website: https://www.halofinancial.com/visa-go-australia
Teaching in Australia after 45 – Is PR possible?
Australia, Employer Sponsored Visa, News, Teacher, Teaching, VisaLearn about teaching in Australia after 45. Our Migration agent Darren explains the possibility of achieving permanent residency as a teacher in Queensland, even after your 45th birthday!
I am a teacher over 45 years old. Can I still apply for a permanent residency visa?
Darren Chatt MARN:0211214
“If you’re over 45 you can apply for an employer sponsored visa (subclass 482). There are no age restrictions on the 482 visa, however pathways to permanent residency are difficult.
If you’re a teacher over 45 years old, you can apply for permanent residency (PR) via the Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA). Applying under a DAMA bypasses the age restriction for PR.
Far North Queensland (FNQ) are approved under the DAMA, and teachers are on their occupation list.
If you’re over 45 and aiming for PR, it’s advisable to seek Queensland schools approved under this agreement. The school must have been operating within the Designated Area for at least 12 months prior to seeking endorsement.”
Teaching occupations included in DAMA
Teaching occupations included in the Far North Queensland Designated Area Migration Agreement:
All 7 occupations have an age concession of 55 years old.
DAMA areas
The FNQ DAMA designated area comprises the Cairns, Douglas, Mareeba, Tablelands and Cassowary Coast local government areas. Also, the Cook Shire Council, Torres Shire Council, and Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council local government areas, and the Weipa Town Authority area.
The business must have been operating within the Designated Area for at least 12 months prior to seeking endorsement.
Full details of the FNQ DAMA can be found on their website. The occupation list is regularly updated.
Learn more about the teaching skills assessment on our dedicated page.
Increased Processing Times for Vetassess Trades
Australia, Chef, Hairdresser, Motor Mechanic, News, Skilled Visa, Skills AssessmentAre you a tradesperson applying for a skills assessment through Vetassess? Read the latest update on processing times.
Processing Times for Vetassess Trades
The processing time for Vetassess skills assessments continues to grow. If you’re lodging a trade skills assessment, you should allow for extra processing time.
You cannot apply for a skilled visa without first obtaining a positive skills assessment.
Vetassess executive director Rob Thomason provides an explanation.
“We are currently dealing with an unprecedented number of trade applications, which has extended our processing times.
We understand this is causing frustration for you and your clients and want you to know that we are cognisant of the issue and are working to reduce our assessment times.
As you are aware, we are the only Trades Recognition Australia (TRA)-approved registered training organisation for occupations such as Diesel Motor Mechanic (321212), Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic (342111), Toolmaker (323412) and Hairdressing (391111), and only one of two providers of assessment services for Motor Mechanic (General) (321211) and Automotive Electrician (321111).
An increase in demand for these occupations along with a shortage of qualified assessors in Australia, particularly for motor mechanics and engineering trades, has resulted in extended processing times.
We continue to recruit qualified assessors to deal with this increase and have resumed face-to-face assessments in the Philippines and elsewhere. We will hold practical assessments in South Africa from 28 – 31 March and hope to advise of other dates and venues soon.
It is important to note that all applications we receive are processed based on the lodgement date, i.e., the date in which we received payment approval from TRA.
We would like to apologise to you and your clients for the delays and assure you we are working hard to process skills assessments as quickly as possible.”
At Visa Go Australia we can assist with your skills assessment and visa application. We prepare you for each step of the visa process.
Learn more about your skilled visa options
Are you an Electrician moving to Australia?
Australia, Electrician, Employer Sponsored Visa, Future Skills International, News, Skilled Visa, Skills Assessment, VisaAre you an electrician moving to Australia? At Visa Go Australia we understand it can be a daunting process. Below, we outline key considerations when moving to Australia.
Electrician visa options
Seeking advice from an experienced Migration Agent will help you understand which visas you can apply for. We offer visa consultations with our Migration Agent for just $100 AU. We think it’s a worthwhile investment before spending thousands on a skills assessment and visa.
Book a visa consultation with our Migration Agent Darren Chatt
Attend our free Electrician moving to Australia webinar
Complete your electrician skills assessment
If you’re an electrician moving to Australia, you need to ensure you can work. The skills assessment is a part of this process.
You must be licensed to work as an electrician in Australia. Obtaining a positive skills assessment will issue with an Offshore Technical Skills Record (OTSR). Once you have an OTSR, you can apply for a provisional electrical license.
Learn more about the skills assessment process for electricians
Having a positive skills assessment will also give you the option of applying for a permanent residency visa. This is the best pathway for those looking to move to Australia on a long-term basis.
If you’re applying for a short-term visa like the working holiday, you can use our skills assessment only service. This includes a dedicated case processor to help you obtain a positive skills assessment. It’s cheaper than our full visa service.
To summarise
Are you ready to move to Australia as an electrician? There may be several visa options available to you, so it’s best to speak with a Migration Agent to find out what’s best suited.
Electrician is on Australia’s skills list. This means skilled visas and employer sponsored visas are available. Australia’s working holiday visa is another popular option to live in work in Australia as an electrician.
To work in Australia, you’ll need to become licensed. To get your Australian electrical licensing you must complete a skills assessment with Future Skills International. The skills assessment is also the first part of applying for an Australian skilled visa, so it’s a necessary investment.
If you need help in moving to Australia, you can contact us for reliable and helpful advice.