Australia and New Zealand Immigration News

Australian Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen, announced today that the immigration department will implement a new visa fee system starting in 2012. Student visas will see a decrease in visa costs while other visas will see an increase in visa application fees.

Australian immigration is opening two new Australian visa application centres in New Zealand, making it more convenient for people to apply for Australian visas. The two new application centres will be based in Auckland and Christchurch.

Foreign Software Programmers and other IT professionals looking to emigrate to Australia can apply under the General Skilled Migration (GSM) Program. Applicants will need to meet the basic requirements for GSM, pass the Australian immigration Points Test and pass an occupation skills assessment to qualify for an Australian visa.

Currently registered nurses are in great demand in Australia and those looking to emigrate can apply under the General Skilled Migration (GSM) Program. Applicants will need to meet the basic requirements for GSM, pass the Australian immigration Points Test and pass an occupation skills assessment to qualify for an Australian visa.

Tens of thousands of skilled workers are needed in New Zealand to work on reconstruction projects in Christchurch following the earthquake that hit the city earlier this year.The Canterbury Employment and Skills Board (CESB) went to the UK to recruit more skilled workers and present at two job expos organised by Opportunities New Zealand in London and Manchester.

The first stage of a series of changes in Australian student visa laws is being implemented as part of the government's response to the Knight Review, including changes in financial requirements and the admission process.The Knight Review is a government appointed strategic review of the student visa program to help reform the Australian immigration student visa program.