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What Expats Need To Know About Australia’s Work Culture

What Expats Need To Know About Australia’s Work Culture

expats Australia's work culture

Australia is highly favoured as a migration destination for its opportunities to climb up the corporate ladder while maintaining some semblance of work-life balance.

This rapidly growing economic hub is home to so many flourishing industries and promising opportunities – it is no wonder that so many people are flocking to work in Australia. Still, there are quite a few notable differences between working life in Australia and Singapore – so, you’ve got to keep them in mind before packing your bags and leaving the country!

So, as if you’re moving to Australia from Singapore, here are some changes you will start having to adapt to. Let’s understand a day in the life of a typical Australian worker to catch a glimpse of their work culture.

Commute to work differently

Most Singaporeans are used to squeezing in tightly packed Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) trains and public buses or tolerating long traffic jams to get to work. In general, public transport is reliable and efficient, but the commute can still get pretty tiring in the long run.

In Australia, there is a greater variation in commuting time compared to Singapore. On average, most Australians commute for up to an hour to and from work. Commuting times vary, but workers from cities such as Sydney and Brisbane average higher commuting times.

While public transport may not be as efficient in Australia, traffic is a lot better, and it is cheaper to drive a car. Furthermore, walking and biking are also popular options.

In other words, if you are working in Melbourne, do consider biking to work! It is one of Australia’s most bike-friendly cities with dedicated on-road bike lanes and dedicated bike tracks.

Working overtime is less likely in Australia.

In Australia, employees are legally allowed to work a maximum of 38 hours per week.

This is a sharp contrast compared to Singapore, where employees are allowed to work an additional 6 hours per week, making the maximum a whopping 44 hours per week.

Work-life balance varies from industry to industry, but in general, Australian workers spend fewer hours in the workplace. With more time away from work, it is common to see Australians socialising over drinks at night and pursuing their hobbies during the weekends.

Socialising after work and coffee are common social practices.

Many Singaporeans report feeling surprised by the differences in coffee and drinking culture after moving to Australia from Singapore; mainly because coffee and drinks play huge roles in maintaining business relationships in Australia.

After all, in Australia, people take their coffee really seriously; it is not surprising to see a younger colleague grab a cup of coffee with their superiors. You may also be surprised to see that coffee is a way of life and coffee joints are the perfect place to socialise, meet new people, and secure business deals. On the contrary, business in Singapore is often done in the office or a fancy restaurant.

Similarly, socialising after work over drinks in a pub is a common practice in Australia. It is common to see a boss invite his fellow employees out for drinks on a Friday after work or even a regular weekday night.

And the best part? You’ll see local pubs often holding special deals that are eagerly snapped up by hungry office workers looking to unwind with their colleagues!

The hierarchy in the workplace is less important than you think

One key difference you may notice after moving to Australia from Singapore is the lack of power differentials between employees in Australia.

In the workplace, hierarchies are pretty much absent aside from mere titles. Regardless of position, employees are encouraged to share their opinions and provide input and insight whenever they deem fit.

Bureaucracy is less common in Australia than in Singapore. In Singapore, traditional Asian values take precedence over more liberal mindsets. Authority figures are respected, and distance is maintained between bosses and subordinates. Strict rules regulate and standardise operations in businesses.

So, ready to work in a laxer environment? Australia’s your best bet!

Life in Australia promises many exciting possibilities for your career and plenty of new connections. With greater awareness of the work culture in Australia, you will be able to find fulfilment and joy as you begin a new stage of your working life.

Culture aside, it is important to have the necessary documents ready as you prepare to immigrate to Australia from Singapore. Consult us at NTRUST, where our Registered Migration Specialists will be able to assist you. With our help, navigating the complicated processes of obtaining a successful visa or Australia PR application has never been easier. Simply call us at +65 6299 0245 or book an appointment with us to better understand what the application process entails!

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Migrating To Australia: Can You Bring Your Pet Over?

Migrating To Australia: Can You Bring Your Pet Over?

migrating to Australia with your pet

When moving to Australia from Singapore, you will have to navigate various legal processes that may be foreign and complicated. Worse yet, these tricky processes may seem unclear as there are many conflicting resources on the Internet.

Pet owners may experience added confusion as migrating comes with another concern; how can they safely and legally bring their pet abroad with them? After all, migrating to a new country is not complete without taking your beloved pet along with you.

Migration laws vary in each country, and Australia has its own unique set of rules. Here are things you need to know when bringing your pet along as you immigrate to Australia from Singapore.

Some breeds are prohibited from entering Australia

Australia categorises countries by the risk of rabies, and Singapore is considered a Group 2 country. Each country comes with its unique set of procedures to clear.

When importing cats and dogs from Singapore, check the breed of your animal. Hybrid cats and dogs are generally prohibited from entering Australia. Some breeds are banned for their aggressiveness and their history as fighting dogs. Examples include Savannah cats, Bengal cats, Pitbull Terriers, and Japanese Tosas.

So, be sure to read the prohibitions and requirements first before making a final decision on bringing your pet abroad permanently.

Be sure to microchip your pet

Microchipping is the practice of inserting a very small identification chip under the skin of an animal.

Each chip comes with a unique code that can be scanned by the relevant authorities. Details about the owner and the pet’s health are recorded in a database with the code, and animal shelters can hence identify your pet if it is lost.

Microchips must be compatible with ISO readers, such as Avid, Trovan, and Destron. Ensure that your chip is ISO 11784 or ISO 11785 compliant, and it has to be at least 15 digits long. The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment also rejects microchips that start with “999” as they are not unique and would not be effective in identifying your pet.

It’s up to you as the furparent to get the right microchip to keep your pet safe and sound, at all times!

Apply for an import permit

Like their owners, pets need a passport when moving to Australia from Singapore.

All pets entering Australia require an import permit. Import permits take a long time to process, so get started as early as you can. It is advisable to begin applying for a permit at least 50 days before you move.

You can register an account on the Biosecurity Import Conditions system (BICON) and submit all relevant documents and payments according to the website’s instructions. Some documents include the RNAT test declaration form, RNAT test lab report, and proof of vaccination against rabies.

And voila! Your pet’s passport is secured – you can focus on other preparations to get your furry friend ready for the move.

Get your pet vaccinated and tested early

It is essential to get your pet vaccinated against rabies. In Australia, laws mandate that all pets under category II have to be vaccinated against rabies after their microchip implantation.

Cats also have to get additional vaccinations against feline enteritis, rhinotracheitis, and calicivirus. Dogs from Singapore also have to be vaccinated against the canine influenza virus (CIV).

Check with your veterinarian to ensure that your pet is fully vaccinated in compliance with Australian laws.

Transport your pet safely

Pets are not allowed to travel in the cabin with their owners. Instead, they must travel in an International Air Transport Association (IATA) approved crate.

You can refer to the guidelines for the necessary dimensions and requirements for the crate online. From your pet’s size and weight, suitability of a container, to the number of animals for transportation – there are many considerations to make prior to the confirmation of a pet’s move.

Furthermore, all pets must arrive directly at Melbourne International Airport for their quarantine.

Book a quarantine slot for your pet.

All pets entering Australia must be quarantined in a facility located in Mickleham (Melbourne, Victoria) for at least ten days.

After being granted an import permit, you should book a quarantine slot immediately as they are subject to availability, and waiting periods may take longer than expected. Without a confirmed booking, your pet will not be allowed to fly into Australia.

Still, rest easy – you do not have to worry, as your pet will be well taken care of by veterinary professionals. The animals will stay in pens with regulated temperatures and climate. High-quality dry food will be provided once a day, but you can also submit a form specifying any dietary requirements for your pet.

Moreover, you’ll find that bedding and toys are all provided by the facility. Any bedding or toy in the crate will be removed and disposed of as the pet comes into contact with them during their travel.

Say hello to happier and safer travels for your pet too!

Australia contains many pet-friendly outdoor spaces, and pet services such as clinics and groomers are widely available. Be sure to comply with these importation laws, and you will be able to reunite with your pet after the quarantine period!

NTRUST is a migration agency that can help you with migration processes, including pet importation. Not to mention, we’re the first registered Australia migration company that specialises in Australia PR application – be it consultation, documentation, or legal matters – we’re the right person for the job. So, feel free to contact us at +65 6299 0245 and schedule an appointment to immigrate to Australia from Singapore with ease!

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5 Common Mistakes Made When Applying For A Visa In Australia

5 Common Mistakes Made When Applying For A Visa In Australia

Regardless of whether you are planning to go see Kangaroos on your vacation or immigrate to Australia from Singapore – applying for an Australian visa can be quite intimidating to some people. Visa applications are not only quite a process, but you also have to be interviewed by a visa officer, which some would consider a dreadful endeavour.

Intimidation and stress can lead people into making mistakes in the application process, which isn’t really ideal because when you want your visa application to be approved, you have to do it right.

As such, to help you avoid making mistakes in your application, we have gathered five of the common mistakes that people make in their application so you can avoid them and have your application approved in as little time as possible.

1. Filing an application for the wrong type of Visa

The immigration in Australia provides options for people who are meaning to stay temporarily or permanently. They have approximately 100 types of visa that you can apply for, all of which have a corresponding eligibility criteria.

Still, it goes without saying that the choices can be overwhelming to some people – which is why you need to take your time in finding the one that is right for you so that you wouldn’t be wasting time and money!

Not only that, applying for the wrong visa type can ultimately hurt your chances of being granted a residency visa.

2. Having inadequate supporting documents

Australia’s immigration department evaluates thousands of visa applications, which means they want to avoid wasting time as much as possible.

If an application lacks a certain supporting document that the department called for, it could lead to an immediate rejection. To give you an idea, they are mostly looking for documents that prove your relationship status, business history, your assets and resources, the credentials that you have gained, qualifications, employment records, and more.

So, always double check! Make sure that you check the required documents of the visa type that you are applying for so that you can prepare them and increase your chances of getting that application approved.

3. Committing mistakes in the application process

The mistake that most people make during their visa application is not reading the forms and instructions thoroughly.

If you want to increase your chances of getting an approved application, you have to make sure that you are providing the department with the information that they are looking for.

The most common mistake that people make in this area are failing to sign their application forms, not completing a separate application for their dependents, and using a PO box rather than their residential address.

These might seem like simple errors, but these can have negative implications on your visa application.

4. Providing inconsistent information

Given that you have been searching the internet on how to move to Australia from Singapore, you are already probably aware that their immigration process is very particular with the information that you provide in your application.

They will be cross verifying everything you provide them with other sources such as your supporting documents, government records – even your social media account. You can usually explain any information differences that may arise in the middle of your application, but the approval will probably be delayed at best.

That is why it is still best if you provide accurate information so that everything will fall into place. To avoid this mistake, be sure that you have checked the accuracy of everything that you provide them with (even triple check, if you must).

5. Not following the prescribed timeline

Provided that Australia’s immigration department is handling thousands of visa applications, they can be very particular with the timing of your submission.

Depending on the visa type that you are applying for, they frown upon any submission that is done beyond their prescribed timeline – non-compliance is only granted little flexibility, regardless of whether or not the deadline was missed by only a few days.

When applying for an Australian visa, timing plays a huge role in getting it approved. You must be able to come up with a plan that will help you meet the department’s eligibility criteria and the prescribed supporting documents.

Once you have a clear idea of the mistakes to avoid, you’re one step closer to submitting a successful visa application. With it, you can get prepared for your move to Australia and embark on a new journey!

Still, if the Australia PR application process is boggling your mind – you can rest easy with the help of NTRUST’s reliable and experienced team. From consultation up to casework management – we have the right qualified professionals to get your visa application approved in a jiffy. All you have to do is either call us at +65 6299 0245 or set an appointment date with us!

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How To Help Your Children Cope With The Migration Process

How To Help Your Children Cope With The Migration Process

Australia and Singapore are both modern cities with rich cultures. However, there are also many differences, such as their climate and cultural sensitivities. Therefore, migration can be an exciting process that promises new experiences and fresh beginnings.

However, it may also be confusing, challenging, and scary for children who are in their formative years. Uprooting your children from the familiar routines they have established in Singapore may cause them to feel distressed and anxious as they dread migrating.

Teenagers may be especially averse to moving. As they navigate the awkward transition between childhood and maturing as an adult, moving may be an added unwelcome challenge.

So, here are some common problems children face when moving to Australia from Singapore and some ways you can help ease their transition.

1. Relieve anxiety by maintaining familiar routines

To your child, moving may equate to leaving their old lives behind. Starting afresh in a completely new environment is fear-inducing as your child is exposed to many unknown possibilities. In such a situation, it is natural to feel overwhelmed and helpless.

In such a foreign environment, your child may need some familiar routines to counteract these feelings of fear and displacement. As it is hard to control daily life beyond the home, your child can find comfort in regulating the environmental factors within their control.

Family time is one way you can comfort your children. If your family constantly has meals together at regulated, scheduled times, you can continue this practice. You can also let your child play a bigger role in organising these family dinners, be it in cooking a dish or simply cleaning up after. If your child is alone overseas, you can continue to schedule a time to have a meal together over a video call, or even watch a TV programme or film every now and then.

Your child may also have hobbies that they used to pursue back home. So, you can try to encourage them to make these hobbies a part of their new life in Australia. These hobbies can help your child relax and find comfort in familiar activities they enjoy as they adjust to their new environment.

In Australia, malls are accessible, and it is easy to shop for supplies they may need to work on their craft projects. If they enjoy reading, they can explore the vicinity to find a library or bookstore. Australia is also spacious and home to many natural wonders and rich scenery, so if your child is into photography or outdoor sports, they can definitely find an appropriate spot to practise their hobbies.

2. Strengthen support networks by maintaining pre-existing relationships

Your child may fear losing contact with their friends and loved ones as they immigrate to Australia from Singapore. Without physical interaction and common activities, it is easy to lose touch with even the closest friends.

However, technology has made it easier than ever to stay connected. Tidbits and funny incidents about one’s simplest day to day activities can be shared in photographs and short videos with a quick text message. It is easy to delve into the details instead of glossing over the day briefly. This way, your child and their friends can share their lived experiences together.

There are also activities your child can do with their friends despite the distance. Streaming sites online and plenty of apps offer a multitude of ways to binge-watch movies together. Your child can also immerse themselves in video games with their friends. Sometimes, a heart-to-heart over a video call will even suffice.

Everyone has to put effort into maintaining relationships. If your family has moved to Australia together, make it a priority to spend more time together. You can explore the new city or neighbourhood with your child, or just hang out together at home. With the support of family, your child will feel less anxious.

They will realise that their lives haven’t changed as much as they thought; their family dynamics are still the same under a different roof!

3. Help your child fit in by encouraging them to take the first step.

Your child may be worried about finding friends and forming strong platonic relationships. After all, friends are important as your child begins to seek support networks beyond their home. In a new environment when local children may already have existing social circles, your child may find it hard to settle in.

Not to mention, after moving to Australia from Singapore, your child may notice there are many differences between them and the local children. There may be slang they do not understand or interests they do not share with the locals.

Still, all hope is not lost – you just have to start from somewhere! So, to start off, you can slowly ease them into this new environment by introducing them to fellow Singaporean students who may share more commonalities.

If your child is shy and finds it difficult to initiate conversation, slowly encourage them to take the first step. There are many interest groups they can join to meet new people in the community, and these groups also provide a common topic for your child to use as a conversation starter. They can begin to gradually build their confidence through these networks before moving into a school setting.

Sometimes, your child may be struggling to cope with the new curriculum while making new friends. Encourage them to reach out to new friends who can help them meet mutual schoolmates. They can also start with open-ended questions to sustain the conversation. Prioritise frequent check-ins with your child; you can ask them how you can support them while giving them the privacy and space they need.

Migration can be scary and intimidating, but with the right support and encouragement, your child will find it easier to settle down. You can help them build their courage and confidence by strengthening your relationship with them as a parental figure.

Supporting your child may be emotionally draining. While figuring out how to move to Australia from Singapore, you may encounter other logistical and administrative problems. Reduce your stress by engaging NTRUST as we aid you in the moving process – be it in regards to consultation, documentation, or legal matters. All you have to do is call us at +65 6299 0245 or get an appointment date ready with us.

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5 Practical Tips To Help You Ace Your Ielts Examination

5 Practical Tips To Help You Ace Your Ielts Examination

When you have plans on moving to Australia from Singapore, the most important requirement that you need to have is an Australian visa. To get one, you need to apply for it which quite a list of processes that you need to comply with in order to get it approved.

To be granted an Australian PR or permanent residency, you must take either the IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training. But if you have plans to be a professional in Australia (which you probably have), you must take the IELTS Academic. And in order to pass the IELTS or International English Language Testing System, you must have a score of at least 6 in all of the four components of the test.

But don’t let it overwhelm you because we have gathered five tips that can help you achieve superior knowledge of the English language, which will ultimately contribute to the approval of your Australian visa application.

1. Understand how the bonus points for PR works

If you have been looking up how to move to Australia from Singapore, you probably have stumbled upon visas that are based on points. Without going too much into the details of it, you basically earn more points the higher your proficiency level of the English language is.

The government in Australia has defined five different English competency levels – if you get an average band score of no more than 4.5 for each of the tests’ 4 components, your competency level would be defined as “Functional English”.

If you get at least 5, it would correspond to a “Vocational English” level. If you get at least 6, you would be considered to have a “Competent English” level. 7 Would merit a “Proficient English” level, while a score of at least 8 would earn you the highest “Superior English” level.

When migrating to Australia, there are more or less four visa types that you should be concerned with, there is the “Skilled Independent Visa” which earns you an additional 10 and 20 points for proficient and superior levels, respectively.

The same point system applies for the “Skilled Nominated” and “Skilled Regional (Provisional)” visa classifications. But for the “Skilled Work Regional (Provisional)” visa type, you get an additional 5 points for a partner with competent English.

2. Study as much as you can

The key to making sure that you pass the IELTS is to know and be familiar with the fundamentals of the English language.

Even if your first or native language is English, you should still practice because the test is going to be technical.

Speaking the language effortlessly doesn’t guarantee that you know the specificities of sentence constructions, which is why you need to be equipped with the knowledge that will help you advance your IELTS results.

3. Get into a work-study routine

Without a doubt, you might have other responsibilities that you need to attend to such as your 9 to 5 job.

So, for a certain – we’re not suggesting that you ditch it completely so you can focus more on studying for your IELTS. But rather, the plan here is to squeeze in a bit of your time after your work and allocate it towards studying.

It doesn’t have to be a huge chunk because at least an hour every day goes a long way.

4. Take practice tests

Apart from familiarising yourself with the English language, it would also help if you become familiar with how the test is going to be formulated.

Taking practice tests will give you an idea of what kind of answers are being asked for in questions found in IELTS, giving you the advantage of knowing what you need to prepare for.

The official website of the IELTS has practice tests that you can take at any time, all of which are scored by official IELTS markers. You can also use this platform to keep track of your progress each time you take a practice test.

5. Above all else, get some rest

When reviewing for a test like the IELTS, it is very tempting to allocate most if not all of your energy into reviewing and practising for it.

However, it might not be such a good idea because this will lead to burnout, reducing your chances of getting a passing mark.

As such, absolutely make sure that you are studying moderately and see to it that you get some rest afterwards – this will condition your brain for more learnings!

With these tips, polish your reading, writing, and listening skills in no time. All that’s left for you is to finalise your preparations for the upcoming IELTS examination, ace it, and improve your chances of migrating smoothly!

In fact, if you’re looking for an extra helping hand – assistance is on its way with NTRUST’s consultation and guidance. Whether it’s IELTS preparation, approval of Australia PR Application, or migration skills assessment – simply call our office at +65 6299 0245 or schedule an appointment for a clearer idea on how to make a successful PR application in Australia.