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What Are The Differences Between Australian PR And Citizenship?

What Are The Differences Between Australian PR And Citizenship?

Differences between PR and Citizehnship

Australia is a beautiful country with diverse landscapes and people. It’s home to shimmering red deserts and lush tropical forests. The cities are bustling cultural and political hothouses filled with secret cafes and unique architecture. Many Singaporeans have been enchanted by the country and dream to migrate to Australia from Singapore. But alongside emigration comes the conversation about residency and citizenship. The difference between Australian permanent residency (PR) and Australian citizenship often confuses those wishing to emigrate. It can be challenging to get a complete picture of each status with many resources. A leading expert in migration to Australia, NTRUST has consolidated vital information about the difference between PR and citizenship into an easy-to-understand format so you can focus on more critical considerations for Australian immigration. 

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Does The Current Cost Of Living In Australia Make It A Good Time To Immigrate There?

Does The Current Cost Of Living In Australia Make It A Good Time To Immigrate There?

Cost of Living in Australia

Australia has always been a popular choice for immigration. Many move to start families, work, receive world-class education, retire and more. No matter why you want to move, it’s essential to have a realistic understanding of the cost of living in Australia. Without this, you may find that your move is not financially sustainable. We’ve compared the cost of living so you can make an informed choice about migrating to Australia from Singapore.

How Expensive Is Living In Australia?

The 2021 Cost of Living Survey by Mercer concluded that Singapore ranked number 7 as one of the most expensive cities to live in. However, the cost of living in Australia is more spread out across regions. The cities were ranked below:

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ACT is Now Accepting Offshore Applicants

ACT is Now Accepting Offshore Applicants

Migration to Australia, Scenery

In 12th January 2022, Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has released its Critical Skills List to address the shortage in the entire territory. In line with that, ACT is now accepting offshore applications.

There are criteria set for both Subclass 190 and Subclass 491, and a specific set of documents for overseas applicants. Should you find your nominated Occupation below, consult with us to know how you can take advantage of this opportunity.

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Can I Still Enter Australia During Covid-19 Times?

Can I Still Enter Australia During Covid-19 Times?

woman entering Australia

Ever since the breakout of the pandemic back in March 2020, Australia has closed off its borders as their way of taking quick investigating action against the threat of COVID-19. This decision largely paid off, with the country now having the pandemic well under control compared to others, with new cases now averaging about 1,776 per day.

Due to these restrictions, migration today has become difficult for many people, with the situation believed to remain the same for the rest of 2021. However, various Australian states are now permitting interstate travel with certain requirements as well as exceptions for other, outside individuals looking to gain entry.

Understand what it takes to be able to enter Australia borders, or even successfully migrate to Australia from Singapore.

Who can enter Australia at present?

As stated above, the Australian government has placed a few exceptions for certain individuals to enter the country, such as:

  • Permanent residents and Australian citizens
  • Immediate family of permanent residents or Australian citizens
  • Individuals who have been in Australia or New Zealand for 14 days or more immediately before arrival by air in Australia
  • Individuals transiting Australia for 72 hours or less
  • Individuals recruited under the government-approved Seasonal Worker Program or Pacific Labour Scheme
  • Individuals who possess a Business Innovation and Investment visa
  • Individuals who possess a Temporary Activity (subclass 408) visa under the ‘Post COVID-19 Economic Recovery Event’ stream and are supported by the Global Business and Talent Attraction Taskforce.

Lastly, temporary visas such as working holiday, visitor, and prospective marriage are typically unable to enter Australia for now. To see the full list of exemptions, requirements, and updates, visit the Department of Home Affairs website here.

When should you apply for your Australian visa?

Although the country’s borders remain closed today and are expected to remain as such for the time being, there are no interruptions to the processing of Australian visas. Thus, it is possible to apply even amidst the COVID-19 restrictions imposed within the country today.

Entry pilot testing will soon be initiated for student visa holders, and prospective easing of restrictions to temporary visa holders are in place. Both measures may be initiated as soon as Australia reaches its 80% vaccination rate, and may start to consider easing restrictions gradually.

Skilled, working holiday, parent, and partner visas have a 1 year’s entry date. This means applicants have 12 months from the date of their visa grant before they must enter Australia. Moreover, skilled visas may take up to 6-8 months of preparation and processing before they can be ready for lodgement, so it is worthwhile to allow themselves plenty of time.

What does the future of Australia Migration hold?

It is a well-known fact that Australia has long relied on talents from overseas to bolster and sustain its economy by filling its skill shortages and contributing to the country’s tax system. Even though there has been a sharp downturn in migration due to the recent pandemic, the situation is expected to return to its previous state once the country’s borders reopen in the near future.

Australia is constantly on the lookout for highly skilled individuals to assist in the country’s economic post-pandemic recovery, so now is a good time to start inquiring about visas and possible job opportunities and get one’s application processed early.

Conclusion

Due to the recent uptick of new COVID cases in Australia, it is unlikely the country will open its borders anytime soon. This is also reinforced with a statement from the Australian government stating that they might not lift the travel ban until 2022 at the earliest.

Nonetheless, the country will need to source skilled workers that can aid in the recovery of the country’s economy, so those wishing to migrate to Australia from Singapore should stay alert regarding updates and potential developments and submit their applications as early as now.

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Skilled Migration Program: Update For Offshore Applicants

Skilled Migration Program: Update For Offshore Applicants

Offshore Applicants Skilled Migration

If you’re a skilled worker who’s planning to expand your career options abroad, then Australia’s skilled migration program might interest you a lot. Australia is home to many job opportunities for skilled individuals around the world, including nurses, accountants, engineers, architectures, IT professionals, and more.

With its highly developed economy, Australia is indeed one of the most attractive countries to work in. Fortunately, Australia has become increasingly open for skilled individuals or families who are planning to migrate permanently in the country and fill its skill shortages.

In fact, you’ll be able to learn more about Australia’s skilled migration program and the recent updates it has for offshore applicants as you continue reading on.

What is the skilled migration program?

The skilled migration program in Australia consists of migration schemes or initiatives that are specifically designed to attract skilled migrants who are willing to contribute to the Australian economy and fill the positions in which no Australian workers are available. Especially with the COVID-19 situation currently, there are many more jobs for skilled migrants in Australia.

These skilled migrants are considered to have very high participation rates in the country’s workforce, thereby helping to boost its economic growth and increase its job opportunities.

The skilled migration program also plays a crucial role in regional development by sourcing skills and labour that are not available locally. It also encourages investment and promotes local spending in regional areas. Overall, the main objective of Australia’s skilled migration program is to amplify the country’s economy and workforce.

Update of the skilled migration program for offshore applicants

Because the COVID-19 pandemic has brought several impacts on Australia’s economy, the Australian government has come up with a number of labour solutions to help manage its coronavirus recovery response. Many of these solutions have something to do with the country’s skilled migration program for offshore applicants.

From September 28, 2021, Australia has already opened an additional 70 occupations to skilled migration applicants who are residing offshore. Some of these occupations include the following: (Note: This does not apply to the entire nation, likewise, every state. Check the specific nomination requirements or with an experienced consultant to verify your eligibility.)

  • Sales and Marketing Manager
  • Public Relations Manager
  • Human Resource Manager
  • Policy and Planning Manager
  • Research and Development Manager
  • Customer Service Manager
  • Management Consultant
  • Organisation and Methods Analyst
  • Liaison Officer
  • Advertising Specialist
  • Marketing Specialist
  • Public Relations Professional
  • Technical Sales Representatives
  • Crop Farmers
  • Mixed Livestock Farmer
  • Poultry Farmer
  • Livestock Farmers
  • Construction Project Manager
  • Project Builder
  • Child Care Centre Manager
  • Environmental Manager
  • Laboratory Manager
  • Quality Assurance Manager
  • Statistician
  • Surveyor
  • Agricultural Scientist
  • Food Technologist
  • Conservation Officer
  • Environmental Research Scientist
  • Geologist
  • Biochemist
  • Botanist
  • Marine Biologist
  • Veterinarian
  • Metallurgist
  • Meteorologist

Each of the occupations found in Australia’s Skilled Occupation List has certain requirements that need to be satisfied by the applicants. However, generally, the minimum requirements for state nomination in these occupations are at least 8 years of work experience in the same job or something closely related to it and proficiency in English.

What does state nomination mean?

State nomination is basically the process that allow state governments to nominate highly skilled candidates to migrate and meet Australia’s skills needs. If you’re a skilled migrant, state nomination is a helpful scheme that can assist you in qualifying for a skilled migration visa. It provides you with additional points for your application.

The general state nomination requirements for offshore applicants of Australia’s skilled migration program include:

  • Submission of a Registration of Interest (ROI) Application
  • Under 45 years of age at the time of the nomination
  • A valid and positive General Skilled Migration (GSM) skills assessment issued by an authorised skill assessment institution
  • Adequate years of work experience in the occupation or related field, which is generally at least 8 years
  • A proficient plus English level
  • The occupation applied for must be in Australia’s Skilled Occupation List
  • Possession of the minimum point requirement that each occupation requires

However, it is important to note that even if you’ve already lodged an ROI and meet the minimum requirements, there’s still no guarantee that you’ll receive an invitation to apply for state nomination since the process is usually competitive.

Still, it’s worth the effort and can help boost the chances of getting a spot in Australia.

Conclusion

Australia is undoubtedly a place for those who wish to boost their career and improve their financial capabilities. With many career opportunities and helpful migration programs in place in the country, working in Australia is a totally achievable dream for numerous skilled workers.

If you’re a skilled individual who’s planning to migrate to Australia from Singapore, you should consider reaching out to us at +65 6299 0245 as we can help you smoothen the process of your application for an Australian visa. Our reliable consultants will discuss with you your eligibility criteria and help you meet all the requirements that you need.