Australia has often been called the land of opportunity.’ Citizens are entitled to freedom of speech, can choose what religion they practice and enjoy numerous other freedoms. So what are the opportunities for immigration in the year 2008?

STATISTICS:
-102,500 Skilled Visa’s will be granted by June 2008
-660,000 refugees have been granted visa’s in the past 60 years
-13,000 refugees are accepted annually
-Last year the main countries refugees came from were Sudan, Iraq, Afghanistan, Burma, Central and West Africa
-Applicants are not discriminated against based on race, religion or gender

AUSTRALIAN VISAS:

WORK/SKILL VISA- If you are a skilled professional or trades person, you may qualify for a skilled visa. This also is includes the EMPLOYER SPONSORED VISA- for applicants who are sponsored by an Australian employer and the BUSINESS VISA- for successful business people who plan on developing new or existing businesses.

Applicants need to be between the ages of 18-45 and have a skill/qualification that is listed on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL).

RETIREMENT VISA- If you are over 55, have no dependents and can support yourself financially, you may be eligible for this visa.

FAMILY VISA- for fiancs, partners, children, parents and other family members of citizens. These visa is assessed on the balance of family’ test which determines how strong your links to Australia are. Such as how closely related your family sponsors are.

STUDENT VISA- for people intending on undertaking a full time course in Australia.

REFUGEE VISA- for refugees and people in humanitarian need.

SOME OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS-you are required to meet health requirements so you will need to have a health exam.

CHARACTER REQUIREMENTS- if you have a substantial criminal record, an association with criminals or are likely to commit a criminal act your application will be rejected.

TO INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF GAINING AN AUSTRALIAN VISA:
-Speak English
-Have a skill
-In particular have a skill that will fill a current shortage in the Australian labour force
-List your qualifications on the Department of Immigration and citizenships Skill matching database. If you are nominated for migration you will have a greater chance of being approved.

SKILLS CURRENTLY IN DEMAND:
-Doctors- who hold full medical registration
-Nurses
-Mining and construction roles-carpenters, bricklayers, joiners, roof plumbers, and wall and floor tilers
-Child care workers
-Mechanical roles-Panel beaters, auto electricians, vehicle painters and body makers.
-Hairdressers
-Cooks

References and further information:
www.migrationexpert.com
www.immi.gov.au
http://www.nationalvisas.com.au
* Many websites offer free online visa assessments