New Points System Worries Groups

The Australian migration department has recently been all out in its effort to attract more professional workers into the country. Thus, it has started to implement various changes in the skilled migration program since last year. And the department said that there are still a lot of changes that are in store for the program.

One of the latest changes that the Department of Immigration and Citizenship has introduced in the last few months is a new set of points assessment tests for working visa applicants. The points assessment is the test used by the DIAC to determine whether or not an applicant is qualified for a visa based on his qualifications.

Under the new system, English proficiency has been given a significant emphasis. Here, applicants who will be able to get a rating of “Superior” in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam will automatically get 20 points for the assessment. Immigration officials stressed that good English proficiency is important for those wishing to work and settle in the country permanently.

One the other hand, the DIAC has also decided to scrap the points that are awarded to applicants based on the jobs that they are intending to get in the country. Previously, this was granted in order to encourage foreign workers to go to certain fields, which the department has deemed to be in demand. Now, immigration authorities said that the changes will give equal opportunities to all applicants regardless of work plans. 

Another major change in the points system is the increase of the pass mark to 65 points. The age limit for the skilled migration programs has also been upped to 49 years old. This, officials say, is to attract more senior professionals into the fold.

However, various groups are concerned that the new points system might not live up to its promise. In fact, some experts argue that this might even lead to worker shortage. They point out that the tougher criteria will likely discourage a lot of applicants. On the other hand, even though the age limit has been increased, some observers have pointed out that it is likely that a narrow group of applicants will be able to make it through.

However, the DIAC is still confident that the changes that it has made will be able to address the current worker shortage in the country. They said that by providing tougher rules. They will be able to sort out those applicants that have all the qualifications that the country currently needs.

The Australian Holiday Calendar

When planning to visit Australia, holiday visa holders would surely want to know when the holidays really are supposed to be. After all, they are supposed to be in a holiday vacation. Here are some of the days that you need to watch out for when in the country. 

Aside from the regular holidays that the country celebrates along with other countries around the world, such as Christmas, Australia also celebrates many holidays unique to the country. In fact, the week between Christmas and the New Year is still very much packed with holiday activities.

After Christmas on the 25^th, Boxing Day follows immediately on the 26^th. Though the name might remind tourists of two guys duking it out on the ring, it is actually different from that. Boxing day refers to the tradition of giving gifts to people, hence the “box”. And since it's all about gifts, many Australians also consider Boxing Day as Shopping Day, as many commercial establishments in the country go on sale during this day, with very large discounts on most stores.

The first month of 2010 also has several holidays in line. Aside from the New Year, Australians will also look forward to the 26^th of January, as this is is celebrated as the country's Foundation day. There will be many celebrations held in the various parts of the country. And since this is a public holiday in Australia, many people will likely be just relaxing and enjoying all the activities out there, so this will also definitely be a good time for tourists as well.

Aside from nationwide holidays, each state also has its own set of holidays. For those going to Tasmania, it would be a good idea to visit Hobart on the second Monday of February since this is the end of the Royal Hobart Regatta. This is actually a public holiday in the state and is often marked by celebrations held throughout the island, with many events being held at Hobart itself.

On the other hand, the country's capital, Canberra, celebrates the official date of the city's naming on the 2^nd Monday of March. As with any of the public holidays that are held in the country, there is a lot of events taking place during this day. This is also the same date when the famed Adelaide Cup is held in Adelaide, so horse racing enthusiasts would definitely want to book a trip to the city during this date.

An interesting thing about holidays in Australia is that, when a holiday falls on a weekend, the succeeding Monday (and sometimes Tuesday) is often given as a day off. Thus, worker will definitely have a longer time to celebrate. This has also earned the country the popular nickname “the land of long weekends”. 

Sources:
Public Holidays in Australia, Wikipedia article
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_holidays_in_Australia
IOL Travel
http://www.ioltravel.co.za/article/view/3551845   

Getting A Marriage Visa

One of the most common methods of entry to a foreign country is through marriage. However, it is by no means the easiest way to enter. In fact, getting a marriage visa for Australia  is one of the toughest visa application processes offered. And the process is definitely on the heavy side with regards to application fees.

The marriage visa application is usually filed by either a citizen seeking for his or her partner to be recognized as an immigrant. In some cases, like that of Australia, citizens can also petition their would be partners even if they have yet to marry. As with any other visa types, several requirements have to be met in order to be entitled for approval. These are to be submitted along with the general visa requirements.

The first thing required is that the petitioner must be a permanent citizen of the country he wants his partner to go to. Note that both natural born and naturalized citizens are eligible to apply for this one. This can be easily be proven by the petitioner by providing either a birth certificate (for natural born citizens) or naturalization papers.

The next thing is definitely the most difficult part applying for a marriage visa, since you actually have to prove that you are indeed married to the one you are petitioning for. Expect a thorough scrutiny from the embassy officials on this one since many are know for abusing it. First of all, you need to have proof that your partner is indeed of legal age. Marrying ages vary from country to country, so you should be aware of the legal age in your country. Also, you need to be able to show that you were married in a ceremony required by your home country, or the country of your spouse's origin. You will have to present records certifying your marriage as valid or have witness stand in for proof.

Petitioning a fiance is definitely much harder than petitioning a spouse. One main problem with this one is you don't have any legal proof (such as documents) that you are indeed in a relationship. Engaged couples who have already put forth initial wedding preparations will have an easier time with this since they have the much needed proof in the form of documents such as purchase receipts. On the other hand, couples planning on marrying after arriving in the other country will be placed under tighter restrictions. One such restriction requires the couple to be married within nine months after the visa is granted.

After having submitted the documentary proofs, you will then be scheduled for an interview with the consul. Here, you will be further probed, along with your partner. You will be asked to further elaborate on the details of your relationship. Afterward, you will be granted a spouse visa. If you are not yet married, you will be granted a fiance visa and be required to fulfill the above condition. Once completed, you will then required to apply for a spouse temporary visa and finally a permanent visa.

Hang out with Crocs In Australia

Are you a dare devil and enjoys getting your life in dreadful challenges? If you are an extremist and fond of extreme challenges, try this very new sighting in Australia. Take an Australia tour and experience something that will make your heart jump. Bring with you your Australia map and go for a quest to search for your fear.


In this island down south a new attraction pulls tourists and making their mouth produce a big “O”. But the center of this happening is, not really attractive. It was a beast. They are friends of the ever luxurious Lacoste and the nightmare of the coward Captain Hook.


In a very hot city of North Queensland in Australia, there is a theme park called Hartley's Crocodile Adventure. The park shelters 12 wild crocodiles. They are open for public viewing, but not allowing visitors to come really close.


In a deceiving natural green pond there live the crocs. It doesn't seem like dangerous getting closer to the pond, except for the bamboo fences and signs saying “beware of Trinity and 11 other Crocs”. Trinity was the main attraction among all the crocodiles. Ashe is 50 years old with a weight of 350 kilograms and a length of 4.4 meter. She was caught in a forest Cairns after harassing( instead of eating) water skiers in Trinity inlet in 1991.


The show is called “Hanging out with the Crocs”. People will get to see how a crocodile eat a raw meat of chicken the closest that they can be. Keepers hold a whole dead chicken as a prey for the marvel creature. The predator is unseen and idle under the water. The keeper will tempt it with the meat and wait for it to jump for his food that the he holds with his bare hand. Really dangerous. Brave men will experience the crocodiles big mouth, with very sharp fangs right in front of them.


Keepers says they are professionals and shouldn't be imitated. The danger of crocodile feeding is a part of their everyday life, it's their job. Only people who studied and trained themselves about crocodile behavior has the right to copy what they are doing.


People behind fences got no choice but to scream and be amazed by the leaping ability of Trinity and the courage of the keepers. This attraction became active as a participation of preserving the life of crocodiles.


If you think this is what can satisfy you then grab your Australia travel visa now, get on the plane and meet the crocs and experience the thrilling and freaky feeling brought by a new experience. If your heart hasn't felt an extraordinary thumping, this is what you need. Take your courage to another level( only if you think you can). Push yourself to your limit and overcome your fear.

Australia's Sights And Sounds For Tourists

One of the best tourist destinations nowadays is Australia, tourist visa holders has so much to offer for the ever eager tourist. And there are definitely so many activities that you can do. You will find out that your three week stay in country is not enough.

So what is there to do in Australia. As have been said, there are plenty. It's all up to you to decide on what to get into first. But perhaps, the best suggestion that you can get is to try the Australian outdoors, which the county is famous for.

The first thing that you might want to see out there are the wildlife. Australia is the home of the famous kangaroo, and you can see them almost everywhere. But you can better appreciate these animals by going to a preserve, which Australia has plenty of. Here you get the chance to interact with these towering animals. You can also buy kangaroo themed souvenirs to show to your friends back home.

There are still many other animals that you will surely love seeing in Australia. The koala (not a bear, as many thought) is as uniquely Australian as the kangaroo. This furry little creatures are very sociable and your children will definitely like seeing them. Bird watching is also a main attraction, as the country is home to more than a hundred endemic species.

If you are not into animals, then there is still so much in store for you. Australia is very well known as a great diving spot. The Great Barrier Reef is a yearly attraction for countless divers from all over the world. There are also countless shipwrecks along the coast, which would be truly a delight for would be treasure hunters.

For those who want their adventures to stay on land, then you are also in luck. The continent has natural wonders that will definitely awe you. You can either hike are bike to reach your destination. If you want something more challenging, why not try hang gliding? This is definitely one sort that will surely get your heart pounding. There are still other extreme activities that you can try in the country, which would surely give you that adrenaline rush you've been looking for.

And if you are the passive kind of tourist, there are still something that you can do. The country is home to countless museums and galleries that you can visit. And it's not only the regular painting on walls type that is found in Australia. There are also hundreds of ones housing odd collections. And if you are into happenings various kinds of festivities are held annually in the different cities in the continent. The night life is also buzzing with activity, as there are a multitude popular bars and restaurants that you can go to.

As, you can see, a wide range of activities are available for you in Australia. All you have to do book a flight to the land down under and get the best time of your life.