Monday, September 30, 2013
Monday, September 23, 2013
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Australia Named the World’s ‘Happiest Nation’ – Again
For the third year running, Australia has been declared as the world’s happiest nation. The report is based from Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (OECD) Better Life Index 11 criteria which include income levels, education, health and work-life balance.
The happiness of Australians is considered greater than Sweden and Canada, countries also known for high standards of living. Norway and Switzerland rounded up the top five while United States stood at sixth position followed by Denmark, the Netherlands, Iceland, and the United Kingdom.
Survey participants said they encounter more positive experiences daily, such as good life, pride in accomplishment and enjoyment without being stressed.
More than 73% of Australia’s 23 million people aged 15 to 64 are employed, which is above the OECD’s 66% average.
Life expectancy at birth is also higher, at almost 82 years, 2 years more than the average.
A Strong Economy
Australia’s economy of the natural resource-rich nation has been boosted by strong demand from China and many countries in Asia. Its strong financial sector on the other hand has helped the country to remain stable during the global downturn.
The Australian dollar, presently trading close to 30-year highs is reflecting the strength of the country’s economy.
“Australia performs exceptionally well in measures of well-being, as shown by the fact that it ranks among the top countries in a large number of topics in the Better Life Index,” stated on the OECD website. Click here to download the full report by OECD.
Act Fast! Engineers and IT Professionals Have less occupation Quota
Act Fast! Engineers and IT Professionals
Statistics released by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) indicate that quotas (Occupation Ceiling) for Engineers and IT Professionals are being filled up despite Australia’s new fiscal year having just began on 1st July.DIAC has therefore announced that remaining places will be allocated on a ‘pro-rata basis” for the rest of the program year meaning that only a few places will be allocated each month in the highest demand occupations to make them last for the rest of the year.
Below are six occupations presently affected:
- ICT Business and Systems Analysts (67% filled)
- Chemical and Materials Engineers (50% filled)
- Electronics Engineers (39% filled)
- Telecommunications Engineering Professionals (38% filled)
- Other Engineering Professionals (36% filled)
- Software and Applications Programmers (28% filled)
What is an Occupation Ceiling?
The Occupational Ceiling is a quota set by the Australian government each program year (which runs from 1 July to 30 June) for General Skilled Migration program. Once an occupation reached its celling, no further invitation to apply will be issued in that occupation until the beginning of the next program year. An invitation to apply (ITA) is a requirement obtained from the SkillSelect system to qualify for skilled migration.Engineers
After just 3 invitation rounds started 1st July 2013, 11% of engineering places are filled:ANZSCO | Title | Ceiling | % Filled |
---|---|---|---|
2331 | Chemical and Materials Engineers | 360 | 50% |
2332 | Civil Engineering Professionals | 2280 | 7% |
2333 | Electrical Engineers | 1500 | 3% |
2334 | Electronics Engineers | 420 | 39% |
2335 | Industrial, Mechanical and Production Engineers | 2040 | 8% |
2336 | Mining Engineers | 780 | 3% |
2339 | Other Engineering Professionals | 300 | 36% |
Engineering Overall | 7680 | 11% |
IT Professionals
On the other hand, 23% of IT professional places have been filled (As of 15 August 2013):ANZSCO | Title | Ceiling | % Filled |
---|---|---|---|
2611 | ICT Business and Systems Analysts | 1380 | 67% |
2612 | Multimedia Specialists and Web Developers | 720 | 0% |
2613 | Software and Applications Programmers | 4800 | 28% |
2621 | Database and Systems Administrators, and ICT Security Specialists | 1920 | 4% |
2631 | Computer Network Professionals | 1800 | 6% |
2632 | ICT Support and Test Engineers | 300 | 0% |
2633 | Telecommunications Engineering Professionals | 300 | 38% |
IT Overall | 11220 | 23% |
Affected Visas
All visas under the General Skilled Migration program are subject to occupational ceilings, including:- Skilled – Independent (subclass 189):a permanent visa which does not require sponsorship by a State/Territory Government or Relative
- Skilled – Sponsored (subclass 190): a permanent visa which requires sponsorship by a State/Territory Government
- Skilled – Regional Provisional (subclass 489): a four year provisional visa which requires sponsorship by either a State/Territory Government or Relative living in a Designated Area
- Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS): a permanent visa sponsored by an employer
- Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS): a permanent visa requiring a job offer in a regional area
- Temporary Work (Skilled) (subclass 457): a four year temporary visa sponsored by an employer
Immigration Advice
If you are concerned that your nominated occupation is affected, you may contact us to discuss your concerns. Superior Consulting (Pvt.) Ltd. has substantial experience in handling permanent residence and work visa applications for Engineers and IT professionals.Tuesday, September 3, 2013
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