Australian Migration

Facts about the migration advice profession and us

  • Most agents outside Australia may not be registered. We are not just registered agents but also Australian lawyers.
  • 80% of registered agents do not have a legal practising certificate.
  • Even in Australia only 21% of migration agents are lawyers.
  • 70% of migration agents do not re-register after the first year and of those that remain registered 60% do not re-register after five years. We have more than 20 yrs of combined migration law experience.
  • 40% operate as a sole trader. We operate in corporate centres and in a professional environment subject to regulations.
  • Out of 7,402 registered agents only 21% have more than 10 yrs experience.
Student
I want to stay after graduate in Australia

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Skilled
I'm a skilled person wanting to live and work in Australia

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Business
I want to start a business or invest in Australia

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Partner/Family
I sponsor a partner or family member

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Sponsorship
Sponsor employees to work in Australia

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About us

We are based in Australia. We are Barristers & Solicitors (An Australian Legal Practitioner). We are not just agents, we are Australian Migration lawyers with over 20 years of combined Migration law experience. Dinesh is one of only 21% of migration agents with such experience in Australia. Dinesh is renowned for providing excellent results for his clients. Do not miss out on an amazing opportunity to talk to him and get the best advise on how to create your new life in Australia.

DON’T GET CAUGHT! GET THE RIGHT ADVICE FIRST TIME!

Our Team

Dinesh Iriyagolla Weerakkody
Dinesh Weerakkody
Dinesh Iriyagolla Weerakkody

Breaking News / Latest articles / Blogs

Australian Visa Assessment Form

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Australian Migration PROCESSES – Three Steps

Notes:

  • It does not matter where you are in the world. We will use skype, emails etc to communicate.
  • We will only contact potential/prospective applicants.
  • We are NOT an “Employment Agency” however we may be able to assist to find you a contact.
  • Due to current complex nature of Migration Law & process we DO NOT provide adhoc information as it may be misleading and not proper legal advice. We only provide specific and accurate information with written file records in a paid consultation.
  • We DO NOT lodge applications unless we reasonably believe of success (i.e., you are able to meet regulatory criterian) or unless you instruct us to lodge in complex circumstance, after our advice.
  • After a success in each stage we may move to the next step. With each successful step clients will get closer to a visa (Note no guarantees can be provided by anyone for a visa until an application is lodged and a visa is granted!).

— Australia's migration system is complex — Minister [22 Feb 2023 ]
https://minister.homeaffairs.gov.au/ClareONeil/Pages/how-australia-broke-its-migration-system.aspx

Point and Occupations Invitation Round 05/09/2024

Here are some client's occupations and points:

  • Carpenter 65 points
  • Architect 75 points
  • Landscape Architect 80 points
  • Medical Lab Scientist 80 points
  • Civil Engineering Draftsperson 75 points, 80 points
  • Mechanical Engineer 90 points
  • Early Childhood Teachers 80 points
  • Developer Programmer 95 points
  • Software Engineer 95 points
  • Civil Engineer 90 points
  • Quantity Surveyor 95 points
  • Secondary teacher 80 points
  • Registered Nurses nec 80 points
  • Registered Nurses 75 points, 80 points
  • Social Worker 80 points
  • Metal Fabricator 80 points
  • Early Childhood Teacher 80 points
  • Physiotherapist 80 points
  • Painting Trades Worker 65 points
  • Multimedia Specialist 95 points
  • Civil Engineer 100 points
  • Biotechnologist 100 points
  • Systems Analyst 90 points

Offshore applicants:

  • Airconditioning and Mechanical Services Plumber 65 points
  • Life Scientist (General) 100 points

Australia Immigration: Visa Options for PR, Work, Study, & Family

Visitor visas

Studying and training visas

Family and partner visas

Working and skilled visas

Refugee and humanitarian visas

Other visas

Repealed visas

Australia migration system is complex

Step 1:

CONSULTATION, INITIAL/ PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT

Our process always starts with a consultation.

Your appointment will be with an experienced lawyer and it is a very important meeting that could make or break your case. Your situation will be assessed, advice and strategies discussed. At the end of the interview, you will have clear advice regarding your situation. If your matter is complex, more time will be needed as we will not be able to properly interview you and assess your matter. (remember to add more time if your matter is complex or if we are required to check documents).

Please use the two links below and complete

We will exercise our skills, experiences and judgment to provide you advice on the matter, as per the relevant legislative criteria (Migration Act 1958, Migration Regulations including schedule one and two criteria) and Policy Advice Manual).

  • We will undertake a proper basic assessment of your case by asking relevant questions. This is the most appropriate personalised assessment.
  • our fees are noted on the appointment booking link.
  • We will advise you of the estimated total professional fees for the visa, soon after the initial assessment, when we understand your situation.

Step 2:

LETTER OF ENGAGEMENT & CHECK LIST

After the consultation for the initial assessment, before we start on a visa, we provide you our fees etc, in writing. This is called the cost agreement and disclosure or the letter of engagement (LOE).

  • LOE is an agreement between us.
  • We will have a time plan for the work.
  • We will have a conference with you and provide a check list of documents.
  • You provide us with the all the requested document.
  • Once all the documents are to hand we will undertake the final and a full assessment – this may take between 3-4 weeks. Only after a full and final assessment we will be in a position to understand strengths and weaknesses of your matter and will be in a position to advice likely success or failure of your case. You may then need to instruct us based on our advice.
  • We may request additional documentation from you.
  • We prepare submissions and peruse applications. This may take 3 weeks.
2.1 LOE for a skills assessment

After an assessment the next step is the signing the 1st LOE for a skills assessment. LOE includes information about the Skills (Occupations) Assessment fees & our fees etc.

What is a Skills (Occupations) Assessment?

This is an evaluation of your qualifications to make sure that you are sufficiently qualified for your nominated occupation by the relevant assessing authority. You must obtain positive skills assessment before you lodge the migration application.

2.2 Preparing the final application and final LOE.

This is the last step. We will advise you of the fees and on your request we will prepare the final LOE. The final LOE will include all the information you will require. After signing the LOE we will take final step to prepare and lodge your application.

To get a clearer understanding of our cost structure and when you need to pay, including the t & c and about EOI’s please click here;

Step 3:

FINAL STEP – FULL AND FINAL ASSESSMENT AND LODGING APPLICATIONS AND SUBMISSIONS.

Only at this stage, we will be able to assess the strengths and weaknesses of your matter. Now we can advise you and provide our professional opinion for you to decide on the matter.

As lawyers we will peruse the relevant law in relation to your matter and check them against the evidence to prepare a submission. The submission will be lodge with the application.

You get a lawyer to do your application as opposed to a non-lawyer agent or your self is because a lawyer will use the legal skill, experience and judgement when preparing your submission.

Migration law and the statutory changes and can be found in the http://www.comlaw.gov.au. ComLaw contains the only database of Australian Government legislation that is authoritative for the purposes of legal proceedings. No other website in the world can make this claim. Other web sites including the department of immigration (DIAC) web site and the DIAC policy and our web site also should not be treated as the correct version of law and a fact finding legal body would also not treat DIAC web site information and its policy as law. The ultimate responsibly of interpreting the law is in the hands of the courts.

Steps in the official SKILLED visa application process

Explore. Discover
Stop dreaming, Start moving

 

STEP 01
Check the skilled occupation lists.

You must have an occupation on a skilled occupation list.

Choose an occupation from the ‘Australian Visa Assessment Form’ and also submit the form to start the assessment.

STEP 02
Check that you can meet or exceed the points score.

To be invited to apply for a visa, you must meet or exceed the points score against several criteria.

Calculate your potential points score via the ‘Australian Visa Assessment Form’

STEP 03
Get your skills assessed and your English language proficiency tested.

There is an assessing authority for each skilled occupation in the skilled occupation list.

We will take you through the process. You will need to have at least competent English.

STEP 04
Complete and submit your Expression of Interest.

Next, complete and submit your Expression of Interest (EOI).

As your lawyer, we will guide you, provide strategic advice, and use our skills, experience and judgement.

STEP 05
Receive an invitation to apply for a skilled visa.

You must be invited to apply for a visa.

We will guide you strategically to maximise your chances of getting an invite.

STEP 06
Apply for the visa.

If you’ve been invited to apply for a visa, we will complete and submit your application.

Australian Migration FAQs

Below is a list of frequently asked questions when it comes to Australian migration.

Australian Visa Assessment Form

The quality of our assessment depends on the accuracy of the information you provide below; as such you can read “General Skilled Migration points test framework” before answering questions.

To check your eligibility please fill out the assessment form now.

The biggest change to Australia's migration visa system 2024

New Migration Pathways

Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).

 Update on 04 December 2024

 The Australian Government announced the release of the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).

The Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) will apply to the Core Skills stream of the new Skills in Demand visa, of which will replace the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa. The CSOL will also apply to the Direct Entry stream of the permanent Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa.

 

Australia's long-awaited new migration strategy.

It outlines 8 key actions and over 25 new policy commitments. We will also reveal the timeline for delivering these changes.

We have thoroughly examined the 300-page document and other related information and are now providing insights.

I will also dive into why, what and when it will happen. We will only talk about practical stuff that is directly relevant to you.

Why:

The Migration review found ‘a lack of clarity on what Australia has been trying to achieve through migration is at the heart of the problems the system faces today’.

Dr Martin Parkinson AC PSM led the Migration Review and noted that the system was so badly broken that it required a 10-year rebuild. It is not delivering for workers, for businesses, or Australians.

Ultimately, the success of the migration system relies on the backing of the Australian people.

Five objectives to realise this vision

Objectives Plan
Raising living standards for Australians by boosting productivity, meeting skills shortages and supporting exports.
Ensuring a fair go in the workplace by complementing the jobs, wages and conditions of all workers and preventing migrant worker exploitation.
Building stronger Australian communities by better planning the migration intake, and giving migrants the opportunity to invest in their lives in Australia through permanent residence and citizenship
Strengthening international relationships by building stronger economic and social connections with our region and international partners
Making the system work by being fast, efficient and fair for migrants and employers.

What:

The eight key actions in the Government’s Migration Strategy.

1 Targeting temporary skilled migration to address skills needs and promote worker mobility A new Skills in Demand visa with three targeted pathways

New visa settings that give migrant workers more mobility in the labour market.
2 Reshaping permanent skilled migration to drive long-term prosperity A commitment to explore a reformed points test for permanent skilled migration, and a new Talent and Innovation visa for migrants who can drive growth in sectors of national importance.
3 Strengthening the integrity and quality of international education New commitments include:

  • Higher English language requirements for international students and graduates
  • More scrutiny of high-risk student visa applications and a $19m investment into the Home Affairs student visa integrity unit
  • Restrictions on onshore visa hopping that undermine system integrity and drive ‘permanent temporariness’
  • Strengthened and simplified Temporary Graduate visa settings
  • Measures to support international students and graduates to realise their potential.
4 Tackling worker exploitation and the misuse of the visa system A new public register of employer sponsors to improve integrity and support migrant worker mobility.
5 Planning migration to get the right skills in the right places A new approach to planning permanent migration over the long-term and greater state and territory collaboration on net overseas migration forecasts.
6 Tailoring regional visas and the Working Holiday Maker Program to support regional Australia and its workers A new direction to ensure regional visas receive the highest priority visa processing.
7 Deepening our people-to-people ties in the Indo-Pacific A new approach to developing people-to-people links with our region, including through a direct pathway to citizenship for New Zealanders and increased mobility with Pacific Island and Southeast Asian countries.
8 Simplifying the migration system to improve the experience for migrants and employers The removal of 20+ unnecessary and duplicative visas to simplify the visa system

Your Pathway to Australia’s Future

The Australian Dream Within Reach

Do you dream of living and working in Australia permanently? Take the first step towards a brighter future down under!

Book Appointment Now!

NEW COMMITMENT:

A median service standard of 21 days for the new Skills in Demand visa
7 days for the Specialist Skills Pathway.

Comparative Analysis of the Pathways

Pathway Minimum Annual Earnings Occupation List Processing Time Priority Focus Notable Features
Specialist Skills $135,000+ No Restrictions 7 days High-earning professionals Fast-tracked, limited spots
Core Skills $70,000+ Core Skills List Standard In-demand occupations Open to trades, pathway to PR
Essential Skills Under $70,000 Sector-Specific Standard Critical sectors Stricter regulations, capped numbers

Key Benefits Across All Pathways

  • Visa Validity: Extended to 4 years, offering stability and long-term planning.
  • Employer Flexibility: Allows switching employers within the nominated occupation.
  • Pathways to Permanent Residency: Clearer and more accessible routes for eligible visa holders.

Summary of vital changes from 7 December 2024

Prior to 7 December 2024 Current Impact
Permanent residency (PR) pathway Depending on the visa stream, only select TSS visa holders had a pathway to Permanent Residency SID visa offers path to PR across all visa streams (Core Skills, Specialist Skills, and Labour Agreement streams Expanded access to Permanent residents for skilled migrants
Occupation list Short-term Skilled Occupation List, Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List For TRT stream, applicants must apply in the same occupation nominated under their 482 visa

For DE stream, Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) applies

 An addition of 189 occupations that now have a direct pathway to permanent residence under the Subclass 186 visa TRT stream
Occupation matching TRT stream applicants had to nominate an occupation that exactly matched the 4-digit ANZSCO code of their most recently held 482 visa. Any variation in occupation codes or updates to ANZSCO classification could result in a refusal or disqualify otherwise eligible skilled migrants from seeking Permanent Residence Same principals remain - the nominated occupation must be the same as the one under which the most recent 482 visa was granted - the need to strictly match the 4-digit ANZSCO code has been removed This results in the changes in occupation codes through ANZSCO updated not disadvantaging applicants, which creates a more adaptive pathway to Permanent Residency
Work experience requirements Only time with specific sponsoring employer was counted towards the 186 visa TRT stream work experience requirements meaning limited employee mobility All sponsored employment counts towards the 186 visa TRT stream work experience requirements Allowance for career progression, providing greater flexibility for changes in occupation to be considered, including promotions/working in a related field
Income threshold Used Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) Uses Core Skills Income Threshold, directly aligning with SID visa requirements which will be indexed annually Annual indexation means salary requirements remain competitive and reflective of current market conditions
Nomination process Family members had to be included in nomination Family member inclusion no longer required Reduced administrative complexity and means more flexibility for employers and applicants

 

When:

Here is the complete timeline action plan.

Check Dinesh on ch 31 TV