Migrating To Australia Podcast

There are some common mistakes that you need to avoid and some main points that you need to get right when you are applying to become an Australian Citizen.

David Bongiorno and I go over the things to get right, especially making sure your sums add up, and we rejoice in the joys of a Melbourne summer afternoon. Seasons Greetings to you all!

If you want a personal consultation with David, book an appointment here.

If you need some immigration advice, contact David on Instagram or Twitter @davidbongiorno

If you are interested in having your own podcast, follow Grant on Twitter @workthecloudoz or connect on LinkedIn.

If you like the show, why not tell us what you think? We love knowing what you think of the show, or our guests. It is really easy, just use this link - https://lovethepodcast.com/migratingtoaustralia

Share the show, be sure to subscribe or follow - again it is really easy to do - https://followthepodcast.com/migratingtoaustralia

In this episode, meet Jaco Vorster, an Auditor who has built a successful careeer in Australia after coming to Australia from the Rainbow Nation, South Africa.

What is similar about the 2 Commonwealth countries, with a love for cricket and rugby?  What is different?  Let's find out!

If you need some immigration advice, contact David on Instagram or Twitter @davidbongiorno

If you are interested in having your own podcast, follow Grant on Twitter @workthecloudoz or connect on LinkedIn.

If you like the show, why not tell us what you think? We love knowing what you think of the show, or our guests. It is really easy, just use this link - https://lovethepodcast.com/migratingtoaustralia

Share the show, be sure to subscribe or follow - again it is really easy to do - https://followthepodcast.com/migratingtoaustralia

Paul Cott, from Law on Lydiard, returns with an important update for anybody who thinks they may be a Casual worker in Australia. The law covering casual employees has changed, so you need to be aware of what your circumstances might be following this change.

Paul also has a podcast, so why not check it out? You can do that here.

If you want a personal consultation with David, book an appointment here.

If you need some immigration advice, contact David on Instagram or Twitter @davidbongiorno

If you are interested in having your own podcast, follow Grant on Twitter @workthecloudoz or connect on LinkedIn.

If you like the show, why not tell us what you think? We love knowing what you think of the show, or our guests. It is really easy, just use this link - https://lovethepodcast.com/migratingtoaustralia

Share the show, be sure to subscribe or follow - again it is really easy to do - https://followthepodcast.com/migratingtoaustralia

David Bongiorno tells Grant what the state of play is regarding travel and visas as we come into November.  Things seem to change every day, so keep listening, and checking out David on social media, to get the latest.

It looks like we ARE now moving into a new normal.  Let's see!?

If you want a personal consultation with David, book an appointment here.

If you need some immigration advice, contact David on Instagram or Twitter @davidbongiorno

If you are interested in having your own podcast, follow Grant on Twitter @workthecloudoz or connect on LinkedIn.

If you like the show, why not tell us what you think? We love knowing what you think of the show, or our guests. It is really easy, just use this link - https://lovethepodcast.com/migratingtoaustralia

Share the show, be sure to subscribe or follow - again it is really easy to do - https://followthepodcast.com/migratingtoaustralia

David runs through the latest news from the Aust Government - leaving Australia, update on Visitor visas, Qld delays the state-nominated skilled migration program, NSW Business and Skilled Migration (subclass 491) is open for all of October and David gives his tips for if you have to leave Australia at the moment.

If you want a personal consultation with David, book an appointment here.

If you need some immigration advice, contact David on Instagram or Twitter @davidbongiorno

If you are interested in having your own podcast, follow Grant on Twitter @workthecloudoz or connect on LinkedIn.

If you like the show, why not tell us what you think? We love knowing what you think of the show, or our guests. It is really easy, just use this link - https://lovethepodcast.com/migratingtoaustralia

Share the show, be sure to subscribe or follow - again it is really easy to do - https://followthepodcast.com/migratingtoaustralia

New South Wales has opened it's state-sponsored program, for General Skilled Migration, for those already living in New South Wales, and can satisfy a range of criteria, that David Bongiorno and Grant Williams, explore in detail in this episode.

This program is based on the skilled occupations list for New South Wales.

This is the website you need to check out, if you are interested in this program.

https://www.nsw.gov.au/topics/visas-and-migration/skilled-visas/nsw-skilled-occupation-lists

There is some quality banter at the back end of this episode!

If you want a personal consultation with David, book an appointment here.

If you need some immigration advice, contact David on Instagram or Twitter @davidbongiorno

If you are interested in having your own podcast, follow Grant on Twitter @workthecloudoz or connect on LinkedIn.

If you like the show, why not tell us what you think? We love knowing what you think of the show, or our guests. It is really easy, just use this link - https://lovethepodcast.com/migratingtoaustralia

Share the show, be sure to subscribe or follow - again it is really easy to do - https://followthepodcast.com/migratingtoaustralia

There is not a lot that needs to be said about this episode - it is aimed at a very particular cohort (haven't we heard a lot about that word in the countless medical updates and press conferences, during the pandemic?!) - medical students, studying onshore (here in Australia) and who complete the final year of their course in 2021.

David Bongiorno takes you through his tips and tricks, so that you have no hiccups as you progress from student, to fully-fledged medical professional.  Congratulations on completing your study, and for doing so in such an extraordinary period in our history!

If you want a personal consultation with David, book an appointment here.

If you need some immigration advice, contact David on Instagram or Twitter @davidbongiorno

If you are interested in having your own podcast, follow Grant on Twitter @workthecloudoz or connect on LinkedIn.

If you like the show, why not tell us what you think? We love knowing what you think of the show, or our guests. It is really easy, just use this link - https://lovethepodcast.com/migratingtoaustralia

Share the show, be sure to subscribe or follow - again it is really easy to do - https://followthepodcast.com/migratingtoaustralia

David and Grant are joined for this episdoe by Sara Bogdanovic, who has arrived in Australia from Serbia, via the circuitous route via Zimbabwe and then to New Zealand.

What was it like to be white non-English speakers in the post-colonial Zimbabwe? 

What are the similarities and differences between Australia and New Zealand, through the eyes of Balkan Europeans who have settled in Africa?

This is a fascinating view of life in the Antipodes.

You can check out Sara on LinkedIn here

If you need some immigration advice, contact David on Instagram or Twitter @davidbongiorno

If you are interested in having your own podcast, follow Grant on Twitter @workthecloudoz or connect on LinkedIn.

If you like the show, why not tell us what you think? We love knowing what you think of the show, or our guests. It is really easy, just use this link - https://lovethepodcast.com/migratingtoaustralia

Share the show, be sure to subscribe or follow - again it is really easy to do - https://followthepodcast.com/migratingtoaustralia

David and Grant are joined by Michael Glasser, who came to Australia as a child from South Africa, and has carved out a career in the highly competitive Social Media space, and along the way, has become somewhat of an expert on Burgers.

These are the places you can find Michael, if you need some advice or inspiration to make an impact using social media for busieness.

http://firstmove.com.au https://www.facebook.com/firstmovedigital/ https://www.instagram.com/firstmovedigital/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/first-move-digital

If you need some immigration advice, contact David on Instagram or Twitter @davidbongiorno

If you are interested in having your own podcast, follow Grant on Twitter @workthecloudoz or connect on LinkedIn.

If you like the show, why not tell us what you think? We love knowing what you think of the show, or our guests. It is really easy, just use this link - https://lovethepodcast.com/migratingtoaustralia

Share the show, be sure to subscribe or follow - again it is really easy to do - https://followthepodcast.com/migratingtoaustralia

Victoria has opened up the programs for the sub-class 190 and sub-class 491 visas, for State-sponsored General Skilled Migration. David Bongiorno steps through how to determine if you are eligible to apply, and the requirements of these programs offered by the State of Victoria.

If you need some immigration advice, contact David on Instagram or Twitter @davidbongiorno

If you are interested in having your own podcast, follow Grant on Twitter @workthecloudoz or connect on LinkedIn.

If you like the show, why not tell us what you think? We love knowing what you think of the show, or our guests. It is really easy, just use this link - https://lovethepodcast.com/migratingtoaustralia

Share the show, be sure to subscribe or follow - again it is really easy to do - https://followthepodcast.com/migratingtoaustralia

Sometimes we are unaware of the communities that exist within the larger community!

Meet Dzung, an accountant and restaurant owner, who is also an entertainer, with a very high profile as a singer. Dzung supports international stars in some of Melbourne's largest venues, and has toured in her own right. Discover another part of the nightlife in multicultural Melbourne.

If you need some immigration advice, contact David on Instagram or Twitter @davidbongiorno

If you are interested in having your own podcast, follow Grant on Twitter @workthecloudoz or connect on LinkedIn.

If you like the show, why not tell us what you think? We love knowing what you think of the show, or our guests. It is really easy, just use this link - https://lovethepodcast.com/migratingtoaustralia

Share the show, be sure to subscribe or follow - again it is really easy to do - https://followthepodcast.com/migratingtoaustralia

In this episode we meet Vy, a social worker who helps those in difficult circumstances in Melbourne.

Vy tells David and Grant some of the most challenging aspects of her job, and we trace her journey from Vietnam to Australia.

If you need some immigration advice, contact David on Instagram or Twitter @davidbongiorno

If you are interested in having your own podcast, follow Grant on Twitter @workthecloudoz or connect on LinkedIn.

If you like the show, why not tell us what you think? We love knowing what you think of the show, or our guests. It is really easy, just use this link - https://lovethepodcast.com/migratingtoaustralia

Share the show, be sure to subscribe or follow - again it is really easy to do - https://followthepodcast.com/migratingtoaustralia

SO, you have embarked on your migration adventure, you are in Australia, you have found that special someone, and it's that time when you consider getting married! Congratulations if that is you!

How can you do it? Do you have to do it in a church or other religious institution? Can you avoid any faith-based ceremonies all together? How long does it take?

You have questions.....  Our guest, marriage celebrant, Matt Finch has answers.

If you need some immigration advice, contact David on Instagram or Twitter @davidbongiorno

Here are all the ways to engage with Matt;

If you are interested in having your own podcast, follow Grant on Twitter @workthecloudoz or connect on LinkedIn.

If you like the show, why not tell us what you think? We love knowing what you think of the show, or our guests. It is really easy, just use this link - https://lovethepodcast.com/migratingtoaustralia

Share the show, be sure to subscribe or follow - again it is really easy to do - https://followthepodcast.com/migratingtoaustralia

Are you (or do you know someone who is) completing your studies in mid year or end of year 2021, an International student, studying IN AUSTRALIA, and will be applying for a 485 Temporary Graduate visa to pursue work after graduating?  Then this episode is for you .  Important refresher on how and when to get your application in.

If you need some immigration advice, contact David on Instagram or Twitter @davidbongiorno

If you are interested in having your own podcast, follow Grant on Twitter @workthecloudoz or connect on LinkedIn.

If you like the show, why not tell us what you think? We love knowing what you think of the show, or our guests. It is really easy, just use this link - https://lovethepodcast.com/migratingtoaustralia

Share the show, be sure to subscribe or follow - again it is really easy to do - https://followthepodcast.com/migratingtoaustralia

The New South Wales State government announced  that it was about to begin accepting a limited amount of international students. 

How will it work? Who is coming? What courses are included?

David Bongiorno and Grant Williams check out what has been announced.

If you need some immigration advice, contact David on Instagram or Twitter @davidbongiorno

If you are interested in having your own podcast, follow Grant on Twitter @workthecloudoz or connect on LinkedIn.

If you like the show, why not tell us what you think? We love knowing what you think of the show, or our guests. It is really easy, just use this link - https://lovethepodcast.com/migratingtoaustralia

Share the show, be sure to subscribe or follow - again it is really easy to do - https://followthepodcast.com/migratingtoaustralia

In this episode we speak with Corinna Galliano, PhD, an expert in international business and management, who came from Italy to further her academic career. She is currently teaching and developing courses at the University of Sydney. 

Recently, Corinna hasbeen designing and teaching a innovative unit called Leading in a post-crisis world, which is certainly going to be needed as the world emerges from a pandemic. 

Here are some places to find out some more about Corinna, and the work she does;

http://corinnagalliano.com/

https://business.sydney.edu.au/staff/corinna.galliano

If you need some immigration advice, contact David on Instagram or Twitter @davidbongiorno

If you are interested in having your own podcast, follow Grant on Twitter @workthecloudoz or connect on LinkedIn.

If you like the show, why not tell us what you think? We love knowing what you think of the show, or our guests. It is really easy, just use this link - https://lovethepodcast.com/migratingtoaustralia

Share the show, be sure to subscribe or follow - again it is really easy to do - https://followthepodcast.com/migratingtoaustralia

In this episode, David Bongiorno and Grant are joined by Cynthia Peretz, who has an interesting migration story of her own to tell, and over 20 years in Australia, she has a detailed knowledge of the property market in Australia, particularly Melbourne.

As a Buyer's Advocate, Cynthia helps people negotiatle all the traps and tricky things that can confront inexperienced buyers.  Loads of useful tips here for anyone about to enter the property market.

Connect with Cynthia on LinkedIn

Visit Cynthia's website - Metrolinx Proprty Advisors

If you need some immigration advice, contact David on Instagram or Twitter @davidbongiorno

If you are interested in having your own podcast, follow Grant on Twitter @workthecloudoz or connect on LinkedIn.

If you like the show, why not tell us what you think? We love knowing what you think of the show, or our guests. It is really easy, just use this link - https://lovethepodcast.com/migratingtoaustralia

Share the show, be sure to subscribe or follow - again it is really easy to do - https://followthepodcast.com/migratingtoaustralia

Our Guest today is Belle Lim, the current President of the Council of International Students Australia.  Belle is undertaking a Doctorate studying cancer genomics, working part time (as just about all of our International students do!) AND undertaking advocacy work and policy advice on behalf of the 700,000 students from all over the world who choose to study in Australia. 

Supremely capable and organised, Belle has some very considered opinions about the current state of the 'education industry' in Australia, and how the students that form her constituency now view Australia, in light of the response to students and other temporary residents, as the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdowns gripped Australia.

There are some confronting messages for Australia - the policy makers and beneficiaries of the education economy - and the wider community.  "We" could benefit from some serious self-reflection as we slowly return to 'Covid normal', as we may have caused ourselves seriou, ongoing damage.

If you want to follow Belle in her endeavours, you can find her on LinkedIn. Here's a helpful link.

If you are an International student and need advice, assistance or advocacy from CISA, or you just want to understand your rights - start with this page of the CISA website.

If you need some immigration advice, contact David on Instagram or Twitter @davidbongiorno

If you are interested in having your own podcast, follow Grant on Twitter @workthecloudoz or connect on LinkedIn.

If you like the show, why not tell us what you think? We love knowing what you think of the show, or our guests. It is really easy, just use this link - https://lovethepodcast.com/migratingtoaustralia

Share the show, be sure to subscribe or follow - again it is really easy to do - https://followthepodcast.com/migratingtoaustralia

Chris Andrews was a kid from Grimsby in the UK who loved golf, and he wanted to make it his career.

Like so many young people in the UK, Chris wanted to see the sights of Australia, pat a kangaroo, check out the surf at Bondi and cuddle a koala. So Chris got himself a working holiday visa, worked hard on a farm and secured a second visa to spend more time enjoying Australia.

How did he become a Professional at a fabulous Sydney Golf Club? Chris shares his story.

If you need some immigration advice, contact David on Instagram or Twitter @davidbongiorno.

At the height of the Covid lockdown, as a Melbourne winter was taking hold, a sympathetic restaurant owner took it upon himself to feed the hoards of International students who found themselves trapped in the city.

David Bongiorno and I meet Alan Chong, and hear the story.

Alan runs Tian 38 and used his kitchen to dispense up to 700 meals a day for people who really needed a hand at a very difficult time.

You will love Alan. We do!

Why not book a table at Tian 38 next time you are in Melbourne and meet Alan?

Contact David via Twitter @davidbongiorno or check out his helpful posts on Instagram @davidbongiorno

Year after year, no matter where you are in Australia, it is proved over and over why insurance is something you need to consider. It can be a natural disaster, or just an accident or mishap that can befall on anyone, but insurance helps people carry on with life after misfortune, but it's a complex area, especially for business.

SO, we talked to an expert, Lyndon Holland from CBD Insurance to help you get a grip on a difficult subject.

You can find Lyndon on LinkedIn here if you need information about insurance.

If you need assistance with an immigration issue, or you want to share your story, contact David on Twitter @davidbongiorno

And for matters about the show, contact Grant on Twitter @workthecloudoz

In this episode we meet Dr. Ram, and emergency medicine specialist, who has a very interesting career path and has skills that are in demand all over the world.

Ram's background gives some clues to the origin of his obsession with the game of cricket, and Ram gives his opinion on the best places to watch this game around the world.

We discuss how his valuable skills have allowed him to work all over the world, and where is home.

The Australian Government has foreshadowed changes to the way Parter/Spouse/Fiance/Prospective Marriage visa will operate in the future - perhaps June/July 2021.

David Bongiorno, leading immigration lawyer, takes us through the expected changes, and Grant puts forward some potential scenarios that may confront sponsors and applicants in the new "pre-arroved" regime, that will begin later in the year.

There is also a little commentary about where the show is being listened to.

If you need assistance with an immigration issue, or you want to share your story, contact David on Twitter @davidbongiorno or Grant on Twitter @workthecloudoz

It's been a while between episodes!  Not for want of trying - we have had to recast a few episodes - but we are delighted to tackle a few of the things that David has been asked lately in this instalment.

First, after a request from a listener, Grant gives an update on the current state of his health.

The second part of the episode deals with what Australian citizens and Permanent Residents have to do in order to leave the country while the current restrictions are in force.  It is pretty hard! David gives some examples, and delivers his usual measured and considered opinion about what to do if you have a need to travel at this time.

If you want to contact David, look him up on Twitter or Instagram @davidbongiorno or Book an Appoinment with him here.

With a fanfare for our 50th official episode, David shares as much detail as has been released about the Skilled Migration programs the NSW and Victoria have opened up. We recap the year, look ahead a little and celebrate just a touch. Best Wishes and thanks for being with us in 2020, a year nobody will miss!

David will still be on Twitter - @davidbongiorno

Following on from our last episode about starting a business, this time we consider relocating or expanding your existing business to Australia, with the services available through Invest Victoria.

Invest Victoria is an arm of the Victorian government that assists businesses that wish to commence operations in Victoria by providing advisory services, including vital market intelligence and strategy development, applicable to the Australasian market, which is basically Australia and New Zealand.

We are joined by Nik Guruprasad, Market Leader for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) at Invest Victoria.  NIk explains how the system works, who it can help, and how to access it.

NIk also has his own migration story, and he shares it with us.

Contact Invest VIctoria via the website 

Contact David via Twitter

A rollicking good time in this episode, featuring lawyer, commercial airline pilot, NSW Supreme Court researcher and business entrepreneur, William Attoh.  His migration journey began in Ghana, took in Romania, then arrived in Australia at 6 years of age.

Please enjoy and hour of insight, joy and wisdom.

Serious migration updates at about 1 hr 10 mins in - Qld Skilled Migration sponsored program and priority for Social Work.

Interested to read about the journey from Ghana to Romania then Australia, as told by Will's Mum?

https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/how-lenuta-hellen-nadolu-fled-a-tumultous-life-in-two-countries-20141017-1174ar.html

Daily Mail UK

You can get her book here

Will's website is here;

legalmadeeasy.com.au

Contact David on Twitter @davidbongiorno

Review our show easily;

https://lovethepodcast.com/migratingtoaustralia

There have been some significant changes announced by the Australian Government regarding these visas;

These relate to where you need to be to apply for subsequent visas, or length of stay - arising due to the travel restrictions due to Covid-19.

David explains all the details of the changes and who is affected.  Then we have some fun, blowing off some pandemic pent up stress.

We speak with Louis Foo, from Singapore, who is contributing to Australia as a Social Worker and in the creative arts with his punk rock band, KNT.

You can check out Louis and his band here;

On ABC TV "Rage"

Follow David on Twitter @davidbongiorno

Follow David on Instagram @davidbongiorno

Follow Grant on Twitter @WorkTheCloudOz

Saúl Zavarce has been presenting his celebrated Saturday morning program, Fiesta Jazz, since 2000, making him a veteran of the airwaves and a familiar face around Melbourne community FM station, 3PBS-FM. Fiesta Jazz explores Saúl's Venezuelan heritage, delving into Latin jazz and beyond into Afro-Caribbean, Spanish and Brazilian jazz, jazz fusions and Latin American folk rhythms. - that is straight from the 3PBS-FM bio page for Saúl, and I could not have said it better!

Today we meet Saúl, who tells us about arriving in Australia from Venezuela, and making his way to Melbourne, and how he has become an important contributor to the Latin American community through his 20 year tenure as presenter of Fiesta Jazz on Saturday morning.

David and Grant discuss the main issues in the Federal Budget for immigration - a shift of focus in skilled migration, a large increase in spouse visa quota - but with an English test. We do our best with no legislation to examine.

Follow David on Twitter @davidbongiorno

Follow David on Instagram @davidbongiorno

Follow Grant on Twitter @WorkTheCloudOz

If you have come to Australia from a country with a very different legal system, or one where women are largely excluded from independent access to the legal system, we have an episode for you.  Family lawyer, Nadine Udorovic, from Nicholes Family Lawyers, joins us to talk about how you can make the first steps if you are considering divorce in Australia, and explains the process.

It was a very dodgy internet connection, but bear with us, because there is some really valuable information here.

Contact David on Twitter - @davidbongiorno

Ali Shahsavand is widely regarded as one of the best tutors for the IELTS test, and has helped thousands of people achieve great results on the English language test, improving their immigration outcomes.

In this episode, Ali shares how to prepare, and some of the strategies to adopt to do well on the IELTS test, which many people find to be very challenging.

If you have to sit the IELTS test in the future, there will be something for you here.

You can learn more about Ali at his website - englishcorner.com.au

Reach out to David via Twitter - @davidbongiorno

Paul Cott is a lawyer who regular advises both workers and employers on all sorts of issues under Australia's workplace laws. David and Grant put a number of examples to him, in a effort to assist Temporary Residents and new entrants to the workplace to understand what is, and isn't, acceptable when you start a job. Paul is the Principal of Law On Lydiard in Ballarat, and has a great podcast on all kinds of legal issues, called Law On Lydiard. 

You can follow Paul on Twitter @CottLegal

If you need some immigration assistance contact David on Twitter @DavidBongiorno

If you are interested on your own podcast talk to Grant on Twitter @workthecloudoz

In this episode we talk to Nguyen, CA, who tells us how he came to study at high school in Melbourne, from Vietnam, and has ended up as a Senior Analyst in the Private Advisory team of Deloitte Private. Certainly living dream!

You can check out Triet on LinkedIn

Contact David on Twitter @davidbongiorno

Contact Grant on Twitter to talk about podcasting @workthecloudoz

If you are in Australia and you die (or snuff it, as we say here!), what happens? Well, in this episode, we speak with an expert in the field.

Adrian is in the Doyle’s Guide ‘Leading Wills & Estates Litigation Lawyers – NSW’ list for 2018, 2019 and 2020, and is on the Law Society of NSW Accredited Specialist Wills & Estates Assessment Committee, who set and mark examinations for candidates who apply to be Accredited Specialists in Wills & Estates.

Adrian commenced with Turnbull Hill Lawyers in 2002 and practises exclusively as a member of the Contested Wills & Estates Team.

Contact David on Twitter @davidbongiorno

Contact Grant on Twitter to talk about podcasting @workthecloudoz

With French, Beninese and Togolese (West Africa) heritage, Gracieuse Amah (Grace) is an Arts Manager, French Intellectual Property Lawyer, Community dancer and Choreographer. Passionate dancer of African dances since the early age of 8, she completed two years of contemporary dance as a major in high school and then spent daily hours to refine her craft in African dances. Brought up in a household of musicians and dancers, she has been immersed from a young age to African dances and their culture.   KWABO CONNECT FLASHMOB 3 happening the 12th September 2020 at 11:30am, is a fun online flashmob promoting African modern dances, wellbeing and togertherness. The third edition will also celebrate Grace's birthday.   The event includes free dance classes, dance tutorial and a video compilation with participants' individual videos.   REGISTRATIONS www.trybooking.com/BIYSH

Contact David on Twitter @davidbongiorno

Contact Grant on Twitter to talk about podcasting @workthecloudoz

This week we speak with aspiring AFL footballer, Nick Bracks, who never became a professional footballer, but did become a star on the popular TV soap, Neighbours!  Nick went through a public struggle with his own mental health, and has emerged from that period to become a very positive advocate for maintaining your mental health, and a determined catalyst for positive action.

Find out more about Nick and his work - nickbracks.com

Check out Nick's podcast - Move Your Mind - on Spotify, Apple Podcasts etc

Contact David on Twitter @davidbongiorno

Contact Grant on Twitter to talk about podcasting @workthecloudoz

We speak with Nicola Romano, and with a name like that, of course he has come to Australia from Italy!

He tells us how he has developed a top class restaurant,  Ostēr, in Melbourne, and how he is thriving during the lockdown in Melbourne.

After listening to our lively discussion, checkout everything about Oster, and maybe even make a booking?

And The Oster Facebook page

Check out David on Twitter or Grant if you want to talk about podcasts or birds.

If you listen regularly to this podcast, you will know that sometimes we say some uncomplimentary things about Education Agents. So, Laura Parra, an Education Agent contacted us and this episode is the conversation! This may change our opinions?

Contact David on Twitter

Charles Nikakis, a criminal law advocate with over 40 years experience in Victoria, tells David and Grant how to deal with Police in Victoria under curfew and lockdown in this extraordinary time. It is intended to assist Temporary Residents and visitors to know the basics in pandemic times. It is intended to give Temporary Residents and visitors an idea of basic rights and obligations under Victorian law during State of Disaster.

Contact David on Twitter

migratingtoaustraliapodcast.com

Something totally different today for you! A walk through of the case for skills-based Permanent Migration with a couple from the United Kingdom.

Amanda Younes reached out to us, via the Migrating To Australia Podcast website, and that contact resulted in a discussion with David, walking through the situation of herself and partner, Liam, and the ways they might be able to migrate to Australia as Engineers.

A lengthy examination of the available options, the points that may be achieved and possible strategies are explored. This episode will benefit any couples, especially professionals, who are considering migrating together.

Australia's points-based skilled migration system can be difficult to get your head around. Understand it better by following through this episode.

Here is a list that you need to be familiar when considering Skilled Migration;

ANZSCO - Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations - November 1990 issue

https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Latestproducts/6DEC67C36BED8490CA2584A8000E7A7C?opendocument

Contact David via Twitter

Make an Appointment with David to discuss your situation.

David and Grant discuss the things a recent graduate needs to know moving from a student visa and progressing through the stages of working in Australia and seeking Permanent Residency in Australia.

Graduates often forget to do things on time, or in the correct sequence.

If eligible, they do a 485 Visa.

Then they look to obtain the requisite points for Age, English, Qualification(s), Australian study, Australian Work Experience, and Status and so on to lodge an Expression of Interest.

Depending on their points and what they apply for, they may be invited for a Subclass 189, 190 or 491 Visas.

There is a detailed points breakdown, with examples, on the show's website -  migratingtoaustraliapodcast.com

Make an appointment with David here, or reach out to him on Twitter @davidbongiorno

There are some serious issues that affect citizens of the USA who are permanent residents of Australia or dual citizens.

The USA is one of the very few countries in the world that maintains and enforces a citizenship-based taxation regime. That has serious implications for US citizens living in Australia, because there are reporting obligations, possibly taxes due and potentially serious penalties if financial affairs are not in order and up to date.

Ashley Murphy is a specialist financial planner from Minnesota in the US, who grew up in Brisbane and studied at the University of Queensland.  He is a dual citizen and knows this field very well.

He shares the reasons why Americans living in Australia may be at a significant disadvantage in terms or taxation and retirement planning, but also points out that there are also some possible advantages.

David has many experiences with his clients who have opted to relinquish US citizenship, in order to rid themselves of the obligations that maintaining it brings about for those dual citizens living in Australia.

It's an entertaining discussion concerning a dry topic, and Ashley points out some of the cultural differences he sees that shape the different regulatory and enforcement regimes of the financial industry in Australia and the USA.

Ashley mentioned that Dr. Karen Alpert at the University of Queensland is working to try to fix some of the issues we we discussing. This is her website - fixthetreaty.org

Contact Ashley if any of these issues are likely to impact you at Arete Wealth Australia (arete-wa.com).

You can always contact David via Twitter and contact the show and leave a comment on the Migrating To Australia Podcast website or make an appointment to speak to David.

It's a really difficult time for international students who are in Australia during the Covid-19 period in Australia, with disruption to regular course delivery, loss of employment and the lockdown.

Gil Polglase from The Lonsdale Institute returns to outline what his college is doing to assist students to maintain their studies and cope with the difficulties that has arisen as a result of the new conditions at the moment.

Follow David on Twitter @davidbongiorno

Gil is also on Twitter @gilpolglase

It is a difficult and confusing time for international students studying in Australia now. At this time all courses are running online, and students who were supporting themselves with some employment may have found that their hours have been reduced, or the job is gone altogether.

David tells us what some of Australia's major universities are offering to international students as financial assistance, and what you need to be aware of in order to apply.

Some of the recent reviews for the show are also presented, and discussed.

Contact us via the Migrating To Australia Podcast website or follow David on Twitter @davidbongiorno

This episode is the recording of a live stream we did to look at the issue for the various temporary residents in Australia under a range of visa subclasses. 

The most important thing to remember is that while you hold a Visa you must apply for another Visa BEFORE your current visa expires.

You cannot let yourself become unlawful.

So if you’re on a Visa and your Visa is expiring soon, you must apply for a new Visa.

It’s vital that you don’t become unlawful.

We won’t talk about the consequences of becoming unlawful because we don’t know what the government will do to people in these times.

For international students, School is in session, everything is being delivered online.

There must be some very unhappy international students who paid substantial sums of money to study here and are getting an online experience that they could undergo cheaper and easier at home.

International students who are employed with major supermarkets and supermarkets noted on the government website can work more than 40 hours a fortnight during term.

The problem with that is that they already have to be working in supermarkets.

So International students who have lost jobs in other sectors cannot take advantage of the relaxing of rules.

Same goes for the aged care sector.

International students who are working in the aged care sector are not restricted to 40 hours a fortnight.

When school is in session they can work more than 40 hours a fortnight.

I would hope that International students in other sectors might be allowed employment in the sectors.

I would also hope that international students in other sectors benefit from relaxing of rules to help meet the needs of Australians and to keep themselves solvent.

We want international students to support themselves while they’re here.

If you are here on a tourist visa, on holidays, you must apply for another Visa before your current visa expires.

You must must must not let yourself become Unlawful!

If you have condition 8503, 8534, 8535 you can’t apply for another Visa while you’re in Australia.

You must apply for a waiver of these conditions.

Once you’ve got a decision on the waiver and it’s positive, you can apply for another Visa.

Please note that your next visa will probably have a no further stay on it.

Once again you can make a request for a waiver on that Visa as well.

Important take-home is to make application for a waiver now.

You don’t want to department having not made a decision on your way over and your Visa expiry.

Temporary Visa holders such as people on 500 visas, 482 Visas, 457 visas - it is not known what further assistance or conditions the government may introduce in the future.  It is undecided at this stage what aid if any they will be eligible for.  We will put out further updates as soon as the government makes further announcements.

Please everyone, stay safe, exercise good hand hygiene, and stay home as much as you can. We will be putting out a 'regular episode' on Monday, and a live stream update when necessary.

If you need specific advice about your case, make an appointment with David by clicking on the big button on the Migrating to Australia Podcast website or reach out to him on Twitter.

In this Episode David explains, in detail, how to pursue the Standard Business Sponsorship visa, either as an Employer or as a sponsored employee.

If you have questions, submit them to Grant via Twitter or via a comment on the Migrating To Australia podcast webpage.

Please join us and participate!

If you are considering studying Childcare in Australia on a subclass 500 visa, as a way to work in Australia and pursue Permanent Residence, don't!

David explains why the pathway is effectively closed, if you are looking at the 189, 190, 482, or 485 visas. It's just out of reach for reasons of points required, or work experience requirements.  A diploma course will not allow you to become a Childcare Manager!

Repeating the important point - Childcare is no longer an option. Consider a degree in Kindergarden teaching or similar.

Required listening for any international student who has already enrolled, so you can make informed choices before the relevant cut off dates.

Make an appointment with David migratingtoaustraliapodcast.com or reach out on Twitter @davidbongiorno

You might find these episodes helpful, in light of the issues raised in this episode;

Episode 26 - Prospective Marriage Visa (subclass 300) Checklist

Episode 23 - Don't study Accounting or Smoke Weed

Episode 10 - Satisfying the Genuine Temporary Entrant criteria

Episode 2 - Getting a Partner Visa for Australia

Make an appointment with David or reach out on Twitter.

In this episode David takes us through his Checklist that he uses for his clients applying for the Prospective Marriage Visa (subclass 300), for the OFFSHORE Applicant to deal with the interview that occurs with the Immigration Department.

Over 14 years, David has collated information about the question s asked and the issues raised in these interviews.  David and Grant have explored all these issues, and share the must do tips and the traps to avoid.

In this episode we are focusing on the situation where the Sponsor for this Visa is an Australian citizen or Permanent Resident, or an eligible New Zealand Permanent Resident.  The Applicant is the Non-Australian who is located OFFSHORE.

For this visa the Applicant will be interviewed, usually by phone call, by a staff member from an Australian Embassy or High Commission.  It is usually done over the phone, but in rare cases it may occur face-to-face.  David gives an example of how far embassy staff may travel to undertake these interviews.

This episode is full of helpful tips, and some warnings about how to handle an interview.  Following are some important items that are very important to bear in mind while preparing for an interview;

The Department have your information, and all manner of information about you and your family from other government departments, and other countries.

Be totally consistent with your answers. Do not invent an answer if you cannot recall details.  It's better to say you don't recall exactly, but provide context to the answer.

Be sure to have developed a Relationship Timeline - you will be expected to know many key dates about your relationship, and important dates and anniversaries within families.

You will be expected to know details about your partner and family in minute details - you are expected to know your partner inside-out.

You must be familiar with details of previous partners, children, employment history, academic history, living arrangements etc.

How you keep in contact will be examined in detail. Keep records of social media chats, email, records of any financial transactions. You will be expected to have evidence to support any claims you make.

Your travel with your partner (and without) your partner will be examined. Be sure to have the exact dates and itinerary to hand.

If you have travelled with friends or family of your partner, this is fantastic 3rd-party validation and recognition of your relationship. Pictures showing friends and family of your partner is fabulous evidence.

The interview should be conducted in your native language.  You have the right to insist on this.  If you do not feel that the person conducting the interview understands your answers properly, you can (and should) insist on an interpreter or translator being involved. You are entitled to this. Do Not take part in an interview being conducted in a language that is not your first language, or that you are not a MASTER of! In an interview like this, the subtleties of language are very important.

You will be asked how you communicated with your partner, by what means and in what language.  You will also be asked how you communicate with the parents and family of your partner.  How familiar are they with your relationship? Is it recognised by the family? By friends? By workmates? Is it accepted and approved of?  Be prepared by all manner of questions about this.

What do you do if your visa application is not approved?  You can lodge an Application for Review with an independent body, the Migration Review Tribunal. Your partner, the Sponsor, has to lodge this review application, and strict timelines apply. Do not delay in submitting the application for review.

There are so many great tips provided by David in this episode, so it really is essential listening if you are applying for the Prospective Partner visa. Also be sure to listen to our earlier episode about the Spouse or Partner Visa.

If you need assistance with a visa, make an appointment with David to discuss your situation.

David and Grant are joined by Career Coach, Marina Pitisano.

Marina shares her family migration story and then lays out what is required to find a job in the Australian job market, or develop a career in a changing employment environment.

Check out Marina's resources and her podcast at Letz Create, her career coaching information centre.

We continue our look at the 491 Skilled work visa program based on nomination by one of the states of Australia, this time, Victoria.

In this episode David looks closely at the requirements and conditions to be successful in getting the State nomination for skilled migration from the State of Victoria.

All of the ins and outs are covered, but pay attention to what to look out for if you change jobs or are offered a promotion or pay rise. This is super important!

Here are the links you need if you are seriously considering applying for this visa.

Here is the Australian Government Working In Australia medium and long term skilled occupation list for this visa subclass. This link is to the legislative instrument, and is current at date of release of this episode. 

The short term (temporary) occupations are also included in the same document, as well as the relevant skill-assessing authorities.

Check out the Live In Victoria website about this visa

Follow David on Twitter

Visit our website to make an appointment with David

In mid-December, the latest round of invitations for the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) and Skilled Work (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) from the Australian Department of Immigration and Home Affairs were released. 

These are working visas, and pathways to permanent residency, and invitations to apply are assessed using the points system that David discusses frequently.

The latest round has lifted the MINIMUM points required to be considered has risen to 100, and now makes Accounting a very poor (if not stupid!) choice for anybody thinking about studying in Australia as a pathway to gain permanent residency.

David and Grant walk through how to arrive at 100 points, and discuss how it is basically impossible for anyone studying accounting.

They then answer a listener question about cannabis (weed) and the medical blood test for immigration.

https://migratingtoaustraliapodcast.com

Contact David through the website of via Twitter @davidbongiorno 

Please share, rate or review us if you find us useful and helpful.

If you are considering a move to Australia, the individual States of Australia each have special visas to help them find the skilled and qualified workers needed for their employment markets.  This episode focuses on the State of Tasmania.

David walks through the new state-based skilled work visa for Tasmania, the Subclass 491 -Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa, discussing in detail the criteria for;

Check out https://www.migration.tas.gov.au

A short message from David and Grant wishing everyone a happy holiday season, with a big thanks for listening for the past year!

David and Grant discuss tips to be successful and the pitfalls to avoid when applying for several classes of visas.

Does Australia have a discriminatory immigration policy based on geography?

Australian culture and its effect on our labour market.

Make your your applications are completely filled out.

What are the Top 10 countries of David's clients?

David has interviewed Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) and Andie Macdowell!

David explains how the points required for skilled migration and permanent migration have changed, and what to do about it.

The government is trying to change the conditions for gaining citizenship.

Bringing your parents to Australia and Grant is shocked by the cost.

Handy tip to get your English language test result maximised.

Chukwudi Ogoh tells David and Grant about his reasons for choosing to study in Australia almost a decade ago, and why he chose Australia over the other options - USA, UK, Canada and New Zealand.

He tells us what he misses about Nigeria, how he has found visiting other countries, and his feelings about Australia after 8 years.

A revealing and very personal chat with a very interesting man.

Special update on Grant's health following his major surgery and what comes next for him.  Also some commentary on how many highly skilled migrants contributed to his medical care.

David and Grant talk to Eshan, who is about to complete a PhD examining the socio-economic dynamics of Indian students who are studying, or have studied in Australia.

Eshan has been in Australia as a student for 11 years, the last 5 working on his PhD.  He is also a lecturer at Latrobe University, Melbourne Polytechnic and Chisholm TAFE.  As part of his thesis he has interviewed Indian students in Australia and in India who have studied at Australian universities and colleges, examining why they chose Australia as a destination, what difficulties did they face and what did they do when they completed their study?

Following a pathway that has taken him from physics into business and economics education, Eshan is candid about why he chose to study in Australia, how he managed to fund himself for 11 years and how he uses his experiences to assist the international students who are fortunate to have him as a lecturer.

Eshan also talks about the growth of the Indian community in Australia and the cultural events and support for Indians in Australia.

David also explores the substantial achievements in the martial arts that Eshan has, running alongside a very successful academic and personal journey in more than a decade in Australia.

Eshan discusses how sees the education environment in Australia, what he would change, if given the opportunity, and what he will do when his thesis is published.

David goes over the features of the newly established Sponsored Parent Visa subclass 870, which allows parents to spend up to 10 years with their children who are living in Australia.

All of the features, restrictions and main benefits are examined and David recommends who may find this visa more suitable than other options available for parents to join their children in Australia.

Paolo has become a very successful chef in Melbourne.  He has cooked for a living in London, Singapore and his home country, Italy, and worked with some of the famed chefs in Australia and abroad.

Listen to his views on a cooking career in Australia, and get some extremely useful tips from both David and Paolo about being successful in coming to Australia to pursue a career preparing meals and working in a commercial kitchen.

Farid tells David and Grant about his successful study in Australia, how he builds his life in Australia, while staying connected to Iran, and his thoughts on traffic and the changes he has witnessed during his time living in Australia.

After finishing a shift at a convenience store, International student, Minh, is savagely beaten by a group of neo-Nazis, resulting in multiple very serious injuries. After a long recovery and a run-in with immigration authorities over his visa status, Minh overcomes everything -injuries, anxiety and an immigration system that has made an error - to achieve his professional goal, and secure employment and permanent resident status.

David talks to Grant about why he has been, and will be absent, and how he feels about his impending cancer surgery.

This is pretty personal stuff.

David and Grant are very lucky to have a conversation with former Deputy Secretary of the Department of Immigration in the Australian government.

He shares how decisions are made and how policy is applied by the public service. A very knowledgable contribution and an entertaining discussion about current issues in immigration facing Australia.

Check out more about Abul here;

https://www.cbe.anu.edu.au/alumni/alumni-hall-of-fame/abul-rizvi-psm/

David talks to Gil from The Lonsdale Institute, which has campuses in Melbourne and Sydney, about studying in Australia.

Find out more about the Lonsdale Institute here.

Remember you can always book a free introductory appointment with David Bongiorno at www.migratingtoaustraliapodcast.com - Just click on the button!

David focuses on all the elements you need to cover in your visa application to ensure that you meet the requirements to be considered a Genuine Temporary Entrant.

Remember you can book a free introductory appointment with David to discuss your situation.  Just visit the Migrating to Australia Podcast website and click on the button.

Migrating to Australia Podcast

Leading Migration agent, David Bongiorno, examines the pathways for students and recent graduates for permanent residency and citizenship.

After the 485 visa, what are your options? How do you qualify for a 482 visa?

Examine the two streams for the 485 visa and the conditions of holding one. How should you apply?

David details the points requirements, English language requirements, police check pitfalls and the health checks you need to undertake and insurance needed.

David covers where you should study, getting a skills assessment and the specifics of the post-study work stream.

What do do when you receive an Expression of Interest and what visa should you apply for - subclass 189, 190 or 489?

To book a free consultation with David, visit the migratingtoaustraliapodcast website and click on the button!

In this episode we speak to Teraseth, who fled South Sudan as an infant and details 6 year journey to arrive in Autralaia as a refugee, and how she has built a life that has included modelling at the highest level all over the world, and working for some of the largest brands in the world. If you want to make an appointment to consult with David visit migratingtoaustraliapodcast.com and book a free consultation.

Is this episode we introduce you to Ada, who decided to leave her home in Greece as the effects of a financial crisis were being felt by so many people in that country.

We trace her steps from her previous career in Greece to her successful study in Melbourne, and her eventual employment as an accountant.

David explains the pathway from student visa, to graduate and working visas, how different skills and activities help an applicant acquire the necessary points for general skilled migration to Australia, and how the government can make a change that any time that can affect the plan that any applicant has made.

Ada tells us what she thinks about Australia now, would she do it again and her advice for others about coming to Australia and studying.

We also find out her direct experience about how where you come from can affect the approach the Australian authorities take to your application.

A quick answer to a very common question about applying for a student Visa.

For more answers like this like this, be sure to download the upcoming Student Visa Q&A episode.

If you have completed your studies, there is also a special Q&A episode for Graduates coming soon, to assist with getting a 485 Visa.

In this episode, David takes us through how the issue of your character may affect your chance of getting a visa, using examples of real cases that have been prominent in the media in Australia, and how your actions determine how your character is assessed by the immigration authorities in Australia.

In this episode David explains how to get your partner a visa for Australia, whether you are in Australia or offshore and whether your partner is in Australia or offshore.

David goes through the steps involved, and points out the pitfalls and how you can avoid disappointment and prepare for a happy shared life in Australia.