Australia Set To Implement Biometric Scanning

If you are planning to go to Australia, visa application will surely be one of the tough things that you need to go through. And with the changes that the Department of Immigration and Citizenship has been implementing lately, this has become even harder for a lot of people. So it would definitely be a good idea to be well prepared.

And if you have been reading the news lately, you have probably already heard of the latest changes that the department has announced. One of these is the expansion of biometric data collection and identification to all visa types. The project was initially implemented on a few visa types, but with the successful results, the department has decided that they will apply it to the entire visa program.

So what is biometrics anyway? In simple terms, biometrics is essentially the measurement and detailing of certain body parts for identification purposes. Fingerprint records are probably the oldest form of biometrics data that is being implemented by the various immigration departments around the world. However, with the advent of new technology, several other new methods of biometrics scanning have since been developed. These include, iris and retina scans, hand prints, facial recognition.

In the case of the new visa rules for Australia, fingerprints would still be one of the biometric data that are going to be used. However, instead of the physical print, the data will now be in electronic form that will be stored in the visa to be issued to you. On the other hand, the department have also said that they will also be implementing facial recognition technology in the data gathering process. This will augment the full face photograph that would still be present in the visa.

The department said that, barring any changes, they expect to begin the biometric data collection early next year. From there on, the data collection will be a mandatory part of the the visa application process. However, the department assured Australian visa applicants that the data gathering process would be a quick one and without any hitch.

However, one thing that applicants need to get ready for is the expected increase in the application fees. Immigration officials assured that this would not be a huge one, but they also said that applicants should be well aware of these. Officials also said that there will be additional biometric requirements for people coming from selected countries, but they refused to name these for security reasons.

Mixed Reactions On The Decline Of Immigration To Australia

As a lot of people have probably known about Australia, migration still remains as one of the major issues affecting the country. Indeed, with the way immigration has been closely tied with the country, one can see how this would affect Australia. And because of these, the Australian government is closely monitoring the level of immigration to the country.

However, the current immigration data might actually have mixed reactions coming from many sectors in Australia. According to the latest figures, the number of immigrants who has arrived into the country topped at 240,000 people. This one is significantly lower than the 320,000 posted last year. As a consequence, the population growth rate (of which migration is a big factor of) decreased from last year's 2.2 percent to around 1.8 percent this year.

According to experts, the decline in immigration numbers is still attributed to the effects of the changes made by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) to the country's immigration programs. It can be recalled that the DIAC started the implementation of these new rules since early last yea. Many of these changes were intended to regulate the number of people going into the country. However, a lot of experts have said that these will likely cause a large decrease in the number of immigrants into the country.

Indeed, the figures are showing that there is a significant decline in the immigrant arrivals. Oddly enough, some sectors in the government are actually very welcoming of the development. According to immigration officials, these are actually the results that they are expecting. They also added that the lower immigration numbers will make it easier for the government to manage the population.

Interestingly, this one is in fact very much inline with current Prime Minister Julia Gillard's sustainable population policy. Gillard unveiled the plan during the recent federal elections held in the country last August, which she won. According to her, Australia needs to effectively control and manage its population in order to sustain its current rate of development.

However, the Australian business community is actually not well too impressed with the happenings. They said that the decline is likely to cause the country's economy a big deal. As it is, Australia is highly dependent on immigrant labor in order to make its economy run, and the decline in the number of people coming in will surely affect their businesses. Thus they urged the government to try to encourage more people to move into the country.

Brisbane Whale Watching

One thing that can be said about Australia visa tourist holders is that they love the water. Even if they have an entirely different purpose for visiting the country, many would often try as much as possible to squeeze even a single day at the beach in their schedules. And since Australia is surrounded by the ocean all over, they actually have a lot of options to choose from.

But if you are one of those tourists who are a bit tired of the usual routine of just splashing around, but still don't want to get away from the water, then you still have a host of other activities to try out. One such activity is whale watching off the coast of Brisbane. You will surely enjoy riding in the company of these magnificent creatures.

There are actually many whale watching tours being offered off the coast of the cities. These range from small tours, to large ones involving dozens of people, and are usually included in cruise packages. In some cases, you can actually rent a small boat and go out whale watching by yourself, though it would be much better if you have a guide to tag along with you.

Also, there are plenty of different species that you can look out for during a whale watching session. Dolphins are perhaps the most common ones in the coast of Brisbane. The bottle nosed and common dolphins are to of the several different species that frequent the area. They are very playful and will swim with the boat, so you will definitely be able to get a good close look at them.

And if you want to see the really large ones, then you are definitely in luck, as the coast of Brisbane is also on the route of some of the larger whale populations. Humpbacks are one of the major attractions in the area. They are remarkable not only for their large size, but also for the haunting sound of their songs. Right whales also travel the area, so you will be able to catch a glimpse of them. In some cases, you will actually be lucky enough that you will be able to see several different species in a single session.

The best time to go out whale watching is during the months of June to November, as these are the periods when the whale populations are moving to the south for their winter migration. The actual times varies between species, so be sure to check out the schedules from the local guides. Also, one thing that you need to take note is that the number of whales or dolphins that you will see during each session also varies greatly. There are some instances that you will be able to see dozens, if not hundreds, of them in an hour, while if you are out of luck, you will be able to see only two or three during the whole time that you are watching.

Nevertheless, this one will surely be an enjoyable activity for any tourist. And not only will you have a great time here, but you will also have an even greater appreciation of these magnificent creatures. 

Sources:

Queensland Holidays

http://www.queenslandholidays.com.au/things-to-see-and-do/brisbane-whale-watching/index.cfm

Oz Horizon

http://www.ozhorizons.com.au/hotels/qld/brisbane/brisbane-whale-watching

Image Source:

http://www.travel-vancouver-island.com/data/media/3/whale-watch_153.jpg

 

Things You Shouldn't Do in Australia

Being in another country means you are bound to get exposed to a new nature and social behavior. Don't worry, it wouldn't be that hard living in Australia. It is very easy to keep up with Australian customs and Australian traditions. Nothing would be embarrassing and depressing than becoming a dumb ass in a place where you are supposed to have fun. Your immigration to Australia will only be a disappointment if you are going to act way beyond the norms of the Aussies.

When you travel down south, for sure you have prepared your master list of things you need to do while you're there. But you don't have to forget what are the things you shouldn't do. They seem very simple but it can ruin your stay big time. There's always a chance to catch up with all of these. You'll never run out of time. But it is the best if you'll get to know unacceptable behaviors in the country as early as your Australia visa application.

First thing that you need to know, never get mad or upset of Aussies jokes to you. They are known as friendly and jolly. They are frank and will directly say what they mean. If that is the case, it only means that you are very much welcome to their group.

During happy hours, once you are offered with a bottle beer, you shouldn't refuse it. The beer culture is very worthy for Aussies. You shouldn't also let it warm because they will find it very offensive.

As a departing visitor, don't bestow them with wines because it is abundant in their country. The best choice for gifts are chocolates, books and flowers. But if it is about business, gift giving is not practiced by Aussies.

During business meeting, never brag yourself or your company. People will find it irritating. Be an active listener and do not interrupt while someone is speaking and wait for your turn

You also never come late to any meetings you are involved. Aussies are punctual and they will hate you for being inconsiderate.

When riding a cab or taxi, male passenger usually seats in the front seat while a lady traveling alone seats on the back left passenger seat of the car.

Don't move your hands too often while in a conversation. Touching, hugging or patting other men in public is socially unacceptable. Men should not become physically demonstrative with another man, or wink or whistle at a woman.

Australia has so much respect for all the races that they are sheltering. Racial discrimination is heavily apprehended by the Australian law. Think first of what you're going to say before releasing them, especially in front of other races. It is alright to have fun but not too much.

Image Source:

http://www.keanhui.com/image/120509/img_2.jpg

What To Expect in Australia

Once they get into Australia, visa holders will definitely be thinking, what's next? Luckily there are plenty of opportunities waiting for would be migrants to the country. And these opportunities will definitely guarantee that you will be able to get a good life going in the country.

For those looking for work, Australia is a bustling market. The country has a huge demand for workers and is currently hiring a large number yearly, and this worker demand covers a wide variety of industry, which means that you will be able to find the job of your choosing. By far, the most in demand in the country are medical practitioners, most specifically nurses. Skilled workers are also another section which draws a large amount of workers yearly.

Incoming workers will also be surely be delighted to know that Australia is one of the highest paying countries in terms of wages. Thus you are sure to earn a good deal during the period of your work. Also, there are plenty of benefits that Australian (both foreign and local) workers are entitled to, which is further secured by a strong presence of workers' unions in the country.

And if you are planning to permanently establish yourself during your work, the country also has many things to offer. Residence is perhaps the most crucial one that you would think about at this point. For those just starting, the country is known as one of those having the most affordable rental rates today. And with the current boom in the number of houses for rent being build (tied with more demand for it), you are sure to find one easily. On the other hand, if you are planning to get your own house, the country's mortgage rates are also well within reach of many workers, and you have many options to choose from.

Becoming a permanent resident, and eventually a citizen of Australia, will definitely be an opportunity that you will surely want. Applying for permanent residency is actually quite fast and you will be able to get one in no more than two years. Becoming a citizen will be a bit longer. However, once you get it, you will entitled to more benefits, such as a pension.

And once you have settled yourself in the country, you will probably be thinking how to get your love ones to join you. Since you are already a citizen, the petition process for your your relatives is going to be fast and you will see them in no time at all.

What is an Australia Electronic Visa?

Australia migration is achievable only if you will apply for an Australian visa. This is to secure their country and government from some unlawful acts. To do the application, you have to actually visit the diplomatic of the travel agency and submit your requirements. This is the process that everyone who wish to be in Australia meets. This may take time and a lot effort before coming up with your own visa. But this was all before.

Today is the computer age, that are many time consuming tasks being reduced via technology. Applying for an Australia visa is made easier because of the internet. Australia Electronic Visa is now introduced to future travelers by the Australian government. An electronic visa is obtainable by applying for it online. Applicants will fill the visa form online. To become eligible, applicants must have a current passport valid for a minimum of six months. If you are applying for a Long-Stay Temporary Business Visa, details of sponsor or the associated nomination approval number or transaction reference number is required. But on top of this, applicants should have a credit card.

You are qualified to apply for an Australian Electronic visa if you are outside Australia. Electronic visa is also called ETA or Electronic Travel Authority. It is the equivalent of visa. But with Australia ETA, there is no need for stamp or label in your passport. Even more, you don't need to visit Australia's diplomatic office to submit your application. ETA is issued electronically by a computer system from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship of Australia.

Australia Electronic Visa is giving its customers limitless questions regarding their application. They can ask several questions about the visa form and their eligibility for free and effortlessly. It also acts as your guide throughout their application. Applicants can also directly check out the terms on the conditions abide the visa form. They have to read first the terms and conditions and agree with it before continuing with the form.

Validity and availability of applicants' current passport, details of travel documents and details of Australian visa are among the required information that is asked by the Electronic Visa form. You also have to give your name and detailed residential address, postal and e-mail address, and self declaration of health and character.

Electronic Visa in Australia comes in different forms. You can choose a business visa if its for business purposes, tourist visa if its plainly for traveling or student visa if you wish to have a short-course on one of Australia's schools and training grounds. Required information varies depending on the visa you are applying for.

Applying for your Australia visa online is safe and easier. Whether online or not, just as long you took the proper application, you can come to Australia. Just make sure that you are doing a transaction with a credible and recognized visa and immigration service provider.

People in Australia

Adjusting in Australia is required in your Australia visa, though it was not specified. Of course, when you visit or stay in another country, nothing will be easy. It's like you are starting over again. It is impossible that the greater number of people will be the one adjusting for you. So when you come to Australia, you should know how people there behaves. Once you achieve this, everything else will be automatic.

Most Aussies live in urban areas, mainly on larger cities along the coast. They live in a cosmopolitan lifestyle. They love going out. They love parties and celebration. They like it being always involved in sports, spectators or participants. They usually sympathize with the underdog. Australians are also the hardest-working type of people in the world, owning the longest average working hour in the whole world.

You shouldn't get mad if you meet Aussies who are very frank. People in Australia are known to be vocal and informal. They will directly say what they mean.

People in Australia are defined with their cultural diversity. This means that they are different in many ways as a result of multiculturalism. Since Australia is a country of more than 40 culture, expect that they all vary when it comes to tradition, behavior and influences. But this does not mean that you need to forget your past. According to the laws in Australia, all residents have the right to express their culture and beliefs and all are free to participate in Australia's national life and celebrations.

The Australian government expect its people to uphold the principles and shared values of the country. They want people to have respect for equal worth, dignity and freedom of the individual. Everyone has the freedom of speech and association and freedom of religion. The government also has a support for the parliamentary democracy and the rule of law. The equality under the law, between men and women and some opportunities are fully observed. Most of all, the country and its people is embracing the spirit of egalitarianism. They provide tolerance, mutual respect and compassion for those who are in need. They are very careful on the treatment of newcomers. They want them to be treated equally and shouldn't be judged using their country, cultural heritage, gender or religious belief as the basis.

To make your adjustments easier, you should learn the English language because it is what most Australian speak. This is the most important factor why Australians are united. However, Australian English is not the same as the English from Britain or America. There are terms that will indicate a different meaning as compared to what you know. You can check these words on some Australian English Books or dictionaries.

Living in Australia is not that difficult. Adjustments that you made are made easy by the government. The people are friendly and the lifestyle is common and simple.

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.

The Emergency Brought by Illegal Immigrants

People who didn't undergo a proper immigration to Australia are called illegal immigrants. They go aboard, without a due process. This has been one of the problems that Australian government is facing. The mere fact that they are illegal is already a crime. It also open doors for smugglers, plus the threat of terrorism is undeniably high.

To be in Australia, one must hold an Australia visa. No one is allowed to stay in the territory without undergoing a visa system.

A person becomes an illegal immigrant either because he/she does not hold any visa, or the visa has expired or canceled. There are a lot of terms used to define illegal settlers like prohibited non-citizens, illegal aliens, unlawful citizens, illegal immigrants, asylum seekers and the newest, boat people. No matter what name should we call them, they are all subjected to deportation, detention or grant of visa, upon the observance of the Australian law.

Asylum seekers are immigrants who never hesitate to migrate to Australia without even thinking of the future consequences, instead, they assume themselves with an asylum that will make them a legal Australian citizen.

Boat people are foreign nationals who perceives immigration laws of Australia weak, trying to enter Australia illegally. A wave of boat arrivals has the highest record in 1999 with a total of 3000, 1200 of them arrived in November, the largest to reach Australia, in the shortest time. Though there have been steps to send back these desperate refugees, some are welcomed compassionately, through responsive actions considering their human rights. Most of its passengers are people from China, Afghanistan and Iraq. Levels of desire and need to move from poor and war-torn countries have intensified, as opportunities for legal entry, even to traditional immigration countries, have diminished.

These illegal immigration have caused concern to the government and as well to its people. They take the jobs intended for legal residents. Not only that, their status is exposing them to abuse and exploitation by their employers or smugglers who organized their entry.

Boat people causes alarm. They brought a question mark to the Australian government whether they are capable or not to control who has the right to enter their borders. National security is also on the edge of disturbance. Population is also hard to control. The safety of these immigrants is on a risk. Illegal immigration is a man-made crisis.

But the Australian government is making policies that can minimize or completely eliminate illegal immigration. One is by putting the aliens in detention, a policy that have been criticized not only by some Australian analyst, but also by the United Nations. There are also suggestions that there should have full monitoring of the boundaries of the country to see illegal immigrants before they arrive at the shores.

Getting to Australia doesn't have to be burdensome, just take the legal steps. If you are afraid of responsibilities, you may hire an immigration service provider for further visa assistance for Australia.

Pursuing that Australian Dream

Because of the Global Financial Crisis, Australian migration decreased. Not only because migrants became poorer, but also because the country's immigration policy changed. They have tightened the number of immigration prior to its people call. They put a certain limit on Skilled Migration to giving more priority to the native Australians. However, the country is still lacking of skilled workers on many different areas except agriculture and tourism. There is still a space to pursue your Australian dream.


The Australian government found out that skilled migration had threatened the unemployment rate inside the country. As a response, they trimmed down the number of skilled migrants going inside the country. But this can't be a reason to give up, because there are still more than a hundred thousand job opportunity in Australia. You can still apply for an Australia visa and fulfill slots that meet your qualifications.


As for this time, hundreds of occupation in tourism, clerical and agriculture was removed from 457 visa program. Removed professional slots will be allotted to natural Australian citizen to stop the unemployment scare.


Changes on immigration policy also occurred like higher level of English ability. This was set to make sure that the 457 program has filtered all applicants and provide companies with much skilled workers to be designated instantly in different workplaces.


Australian Technology Network or ATN has been criticizing Australia's skilled immigration cuts. They believe the emigrating to Australia are great contributors for their recovery. The ATN says that instead of cutting Skilled Visa program by 14%, they should have leave it open, thus, it is an opportunity for more skilled academics to come to Australia which later can boost to economic recovery. They even added that once Australia recovered from recession, they will be facing another problem, that is, extreme shortage of skilled workers.


Economists are very optimistic that it's not so long, Global Financial Crisis will leave the world and we will all come back to what we were before. After that Skilled migration will be back to its former status wherein acquiring of professional skilled workers from overseas is given priority. Recovery will open more job opportunities for many jobs in Australia aspirants. Analysts even said that the recovery is coming soon so we have to watch out what will be the next episode of Australia Skilled Migration Program.


A dream is not finish until you give it up. If you're dream is to establish a better life for your family, then push it. After all, it will never be erased that Australia is a land of opportunity, a shelter for many dreams. Chances are high that your Australia visa will be granted, depending on how you are working for it.