Phoenix: Arizona Governor Jan Brewer plans to fight a federal judge's ruling against a part of Arizona's tough immigration law that would have made it a crime to harbor illegal immigrants, court papers showed on Thursday.
Lawyers for the Republican governor said the state planned to lodge an appeal with the 9th U.S. Court of Appeals in San Francisco to remove a block placed on the measure by a lower court judge on Sept. 5. A formal appeal has not yet been filed.
The measure, which makes it illegal to transport, shield or harbor an illegal immigration within Arizona's borders, was barred by U.S. District Court Judge Susan Bolton as part of a ruling allowing another key part of the law to go into effect.
Under the controversial "show-your-papers" provision of the law, which has been upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court, police statewide are now required to check the status of people they stop and suspect are in the country illegally.
Arizona's immigration law is part of an attempt to crack down on the flow of illegal immigrants streaming into the border state where an estimated 360,000 undocumented people live.
Brewer signed the bill into law in April 2010, saying the federal government had failed to secure the state's border with Mexico.
Critics of the law said it could lead to racial profiling.
Brewer spokesman Matthew Benson said the governor, who has clashed repeatedly with the White House over illegal immigration, maintained that the state should be able to arrest those found to be violating the harboring provision.
"The transport and harboring of illegal aliens leaves a path of crime and violence across our state, from the human smuggling operations to the drop houses where torture and blackmail are commonplace," Benson said in a statement.
"Combating these problems, in cooperation with federal law, is well within the police powers of a state taking action to preserve the safety and well-being of its citizens." An attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union, one of the groups contesting the law, believes that the appeals court will reject the governor's appeal.
"It simply is not the state's business to criminalize everyday interactions with Arizona residents based on their immigration status," said Omar Jadwat, a senior staff attorney with the ACLU Immigrants' Rights Project. "Every court to consider this issue has gone our way." The high-profile Arizona law was challenged by the Obama administration two years ago, saying that the U.S. Constitution gives the federal government sole authority over immigration policy.
The legal challenge made its way to the U.S. Supreme Court, which in June upheld the "show-your-papers" provision but struck down three others as unconstitutional.
Construction jobs increased by 28.7 percent in Gregg, Texas
September 27, 2012: From March 2011 to March 2012, employment increased in 293 of the 328 largest U.S. counties, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today.
Gregg, Texas, posted the largest increase, with a gain of 6.0 percent over the year, compared with national job growth of 1.8 percent. Within Gregg, the largest employment increase occurred in construction, which gained 1,948 jobs over the year (28.7 percent). Benton, Wash., experienced the largest over-the-year decrease in employment among the largest counties in the U.S. with a loss of 3.9 percent.
The U.S. average weekly wage increased over the year by 5.4 percent to $984 in the first quarter of 2012. Williamson, Texas, had the largest over-the-year increase in average weekly wages with a gain of 27.4 percent. Within Williamson, a total wage gain of $298.1 million (49.5 percent) in the trade, transportation, and utilities industry had the largest impact on the county’s increase in average weekly wages. New York, N.Y., experienced the largest decrease in average weekly wages with a loss of 6.3 percent over the year. County employment and wage data are compiled under the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW) program.
Gregg, Texas, posted the largest increase, with a gain of 6.0 percent over the year, compared with national job growth of 1.8 percent. Within Gregg, the largest employment increase occurred in construction, which gained 1,948 jobs over the year (28.7 percent). Benton, Wash., experienced the largest over-the-year decrease in employment among the largest counties in the U.S. with a loss of 3.9 percent.
The U.S. average weekly wage increased over the year by 5.4 percent to $984 in the first quarter of 2012. Williamson, Texas, had the largest over-the-year increase in average weekly wages with a gain of 27.4 percent. Within Williamson, a total wage gain of $298.1 million (49.5 percent) in the trade, transportation, and utilities industry had the largest impact on the county’s increase in average weekly wages. New York, N.Y., experienced the largest decrease in average weekly wages with a loss of 6.3 percent over the year. County employment and wage data are compiled under the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW) program.
The PDF version of the news release
SkillSelect second round revealed
SkillSelect, the Australian immigration authorities' new system for processing Australia visa applications has released details of its second round of invitations.
The new system opened for access on 1 July, 2012 but, despite having as many as 190,000 potential Australia visa grants to issue in the 2012/13 program year, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) is using controlled samples to gauge how well the system can respond.
The first round of invitations was issued in August and as the system responded as intended, the second was released in September: 450 initiations for Skilled - Independent (Subclass 189) visas were issued and 50 for Skilled - Regional Provisional - Family (Subclass 489).
On the separate assessments to determine applications, which include skills and language assessments, an applicant need only score 60 to receive an invitation for the Skilled – Nominated (Subclass 190) visa or a Skilled Regional Provisional (Subclass 489) visa but the applicant does requires a nomination from an eligible state or territory. Invitations were issued to some who had expressed an interest in the Independent (Subclass 189) visa or a Skilled Regional Provisional (Subclass 489) visa with family sponsorship, in September but these applicants who had a points score of 70 or higher.
In the SkillSelect system, Australian visas are not issued; instead, selected applications are given the opportunity to apply for a visa.
Who is offered an application depends on the applicants' occupation skills and the number of similar applications already in the system.
In the current second round of invitations, the following occupations received the most invitations, with Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) visas accounting for a substantial majority.
Leonie Cotton, casework manager at the Australian Visa Bureau, says that the number of inviitations issued next month will be a substantial increase.
"There was already a 500% increase in the number of invitations issued between this month and last and as there are almost 200,000 general skilled migration places available for the 2012/13 program year, it's
anticipates the number of invitations issued on a monthly basis are expected to increase as the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship have indicated that 190,000 general skilled migration places are available for the 2012/13 program year.
The new system opened for access on 1 July, 2012 but, despite having as many as 190,000 potential Australia visa grants to issue in the 2012/13 program year, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) is using controlled samples to gauge how well the system can respond.
The first round of invitations was issued in August and as the system responded as intended, the second was released in September: 450 initiations for Skilled - Independent (Subclass 189) visas were issued and 50 for Skilled - Regional Provisional - Family (Subclass 489).
On the separate assessments to determine applications, which include skills and language assessments, an applicant need only score 60 to receive an invitation for the Skilled – Nominated (Subclass 190) visa or a Skilled Regional Provisional (Subclass 489) visa but the applicant does requires a nomination from an eligible state or territory. Invitations were issued to some who had expressed an interest in the Independent (Subclass 189) visa or a Skilled Regional Provisional (Subclass 489) visa with family sponsorship, in September but these applicants who had a points score of 70 or higher.
In the SkillSelect system, Australian visas are not issued; instead, selected applications are given the opportunity to apply for a visa.
Who is offered an application depends on the applicants' occupation skills and the number of similar applications already in the system.
In the current second round of invitations, the following occupations received the most invitations, with Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) visas accounting for a substantial majority.
Software and Applications Programmers
Accountants
ICT Business and Systems Analysts
Generalist Medical Practitioners
Civil Engineering Professionals
Secondary School Teachers
Registered Nurses
Other Engineering Professionals
Other Medical practitioners
Computer Netowkr Professionals
Industrial, Mechanical and production Engineers
Dental Practitioners
Leonie Cotton, casework manager at the Australian Visa Bureau, says that the number of inviitations issued next month will be a substantial increase.
"There was already a 500% increase in the number of invitations issued between this month and last and as there are almost 200,000 general skilled migration places available for the 2012/13 program year, it's
anticipates the number of invitations issued on a monthly basis are expected to increase as the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship have indicated that 190,000 general skilled migration places are available for the 2012/13 program year.
Live and Travel Anywhere in Australia with a Working Holiday Visa
If you travel to Australia for whatever reason– a holiday, visiting friends & relatives or to travel and work in Australia for 12 months, you will need to apply for an Australia working holiday visa. This subclass of Australia visa will enable you to take any job you can find in Australia while holidaying for up to 12 months on the condition that you don’t work for any single employer for more than 6 months.
So with your working holiday visa, you will get a full year to kick back for your ultimate adventure down under, as well as make the most of it and travel further by topping up your funds with part-time work along the way.
Since the implementation of this reciprocal visa program, thousands of young people have applied for a Working Holiday Visa. This visa has also been the most common means for backpackers and uni-gappers to experience Australia’s laid back lifestyle, have the opportunity to exercise their independence, as well as have the time to do everything you ever wanted.
So with your working holiday visa, you will get a full year to kick back for your ultimate adventure down under, as well as make the most of it and travel further by topping up your funds with part-time work along the way.
To be eligible to apply, you must meet all the requirements for this visa such as you should hold a passport issued by an eligible country (UK and Ireland are included); be aged between 18 and 30 (inclusive) at time of applying; and not have previously entered Australia on a Working Holiday Visa.
Once your visa is approved, you must also apply for an Australian Tax File Number (TFN) as most Australian employers will require you to provide them with this before you start to work in Australia. You apply for your TFN online; however, do take note that you can only complete this application if you are a permanent migrant or temporary visitor such as a working holiday-maker who is actually in Australia.
You must also set up an Australian bank account as when you’re working in Australia your wages will need to be paid into an Aussie bank account.
You can sort this out when you arrive in Australia or you can avail of the services of some travel suppliers, for example STA, who will help sort it out for you before you leave. You will need to take along your passport and some money to get started.
Also, prepare and make your CV up-to-date. Consider also buying travel insurance before you leave the country.
Once these things are prepared, you can now do a search online and book your flight. Decide on which Australian Gateway city you want to start your adventure in.
In Australia, there are a number of different transport options and journey ideas for travelling around, ranging from domestic airlines; going by rail; renting or buying a car, kombi or campervan; or taking a boat.
Also, upon your arrival in your chosen Australian gateway, it is best that you pre-booked your first few nights accommodation, just until you find your feet.
Then, armed with your working holiday visa, you can work your way around Australia.
Because of Australia’s booming mining and resource industries, most of Australia’s businesses are now looking not only for skilled workers but also for unskilled and seasonal workers. You could also work in farms and plantations as seasonal workers.
Of course, you don’t have to work, but working in these part-time jobs is a great way to get extra cash so you can travel more and get to experience the real Australia.
Whether you’re just wanting to chill by the sea, or looking for adventure in the rugged Outback or just wanting to chill on the many clubs, bars and restaurants of the country’s dynamic cities while working on part-time jobs, Australia’s working holiday visa will enable you to do all these and more!
SkillSelect for employers Facebook live chat
If you’re an employer and have a question about how SkillSelect can help you find overseas skilled migrants, or you would like to find out more about SkillSelect, join us on Friday 28 September between 10.30–11.30pm AEST to chat with First Assistant Secretary of the Migration and Visa Policy Division, Kruno Kukoc.
While Kruno can’t respond to questions unrelated to the live chat, including individual case enquiries, he will be able to answer general questions about how SkillSelect enables employers to quickly and easily identify potential skilled workers with the skills and attributes needed for their business.
To join in, you need to ‘like’ the department’s Facebook page.
Twitter users can also join our live chat by tweeting @SandihLogan.
While Kruno can’t respond to questions unrelated to the live chat, including individual case enquiries, he will be able to answer general questions about how SkillSelect enables employers to quickly and easily identify potential skilled workers with the skills and attributes needed for their business.
To join in, you need to ‘like’ the department’s Facebook page.
Twitter users can also join our live chat by tweeting @SandihLogan.
UK government to relax immigration rules for getting highly skilled staff
London: A leading think-tank, considered close to the ruling Conservative party, wants the David Cameron government to relax immigration rules to make it easier for digital companies to recruit highly skilled staff from anywhere in the word.
In a report titled 'Bits and Billions', the London-based Policy Exchange said the UK has enormous potential to be a world-leader in the high-tech and digital economy, but that it is tough for start-ups to find enough coders, designers and other highly skilled staff.
The study wants UK policymakers to learn lessons from the United States, especially California which is home to nearly half of the top 100 digital start-ups in the world, and relax immigration rules.
One of its major recommendations is to reinstate the two-year post-study visa that enabled students from India and other non-EU countries to work for two years after completing their courses.
The visa, which was popular among Indian students, was scrapped in April.
The report wants the government to relax visa requirements for skilled migrants, to enable start-up businesses in the digital sector to take on highly skilled staff for a two-year probationary period without needing to pay a high up-front salary.
Chris Yiu, author of the report, said: "The Prime Minister is right when he says he wants the UK to be the best place in the world to start, run and grow a high-tech company. The problem is that the sorts of skills these businesses need are in short supply".
He added: "Start-ups need to be able to take on the right people fast, not spend months trying to expand their technology teams. That's why we need to make it easier for UK start-ups to take on highly skilled foreign graduates".
Yiu noted that companies such as Intel, Yahoo!, Google, eBay and YouTube were co-founded by immigrant entrepreneurs.
"They are now major global businesses. We need to create the right conditions to ensure that the UK lives up to its potential to be a world leader in the digital economy," he said.
New CSO figures show 1.8% drop in employment numbers in Ireland
Ireland: New figures from the Central Statistics Office show the number of people in employment fell by 33,400 in the second quarter of this year.
Most of this was due to a drop in public sector jobs, while the fall in numbers in the private sector slowed to just 0.3% in the year to June.
The Quarterly National Household Survey for the three months from April to June show that a total of 308,500 people were unemployed in the second quarter, up 1.3% on the same time last year.
The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was steady at 14.8% in the second quarter of 2012 compared to the first.
The CSO figures show that the long-term unemployment rate rose from 7.7% to 8.8% over the year.
The long term unemployed now account for 59.9% of the total amount of unemployed, this compares to 43% in the second quarter of 2012.
The figures also reveal that the total number of people in employment in the three months from April to June fell by 1.8% (or 33,400) to stand at 1,787,900.
The CSO notes that the fall in employment was most heavily concentrated in the 20-24 and 25-34 age groups.
Employment fell in ten of the 14 economic sectors over the year, according to the CSO. The biggest falls were seen in the administrative and support services activities, which saw numbers down by 8.8%. This was followed by financial, insurance and real estate activities (down 7%) and construction (down 6.5%).
The largest increase was recorded in the accommodation and food service activities where employment levels rose by 5.9%.
Full-time employment fell by 31,700 over the year from 1,395,900 to 1,364,200. Part-time employment also fell by 1,800 on an annual basis from 425,400 to 423,600.
The CSO noted that full-time employment has been falling almost continuously since peaking in the third quarter of 2007 with a total decrease of 22.7% being recorded in the second quarter of 2012.
Goodbody chief economist Dermot O'Leary described the National Household Survey numbers as "disappointing" given the resilient performance of GDP and more timely PMI surveys in the first half of the year.
He said: "Given the slew of job announcements from the multi-national sector it is disappointing that employment trends have actually deteriorated further in the first half of the year.
"Clearly, falling domestic demand, fiscal consolidation and banking sector restructuring is taking its toll and will continue to do so.
"It will be a long haul back to full employment and policy efforts must focus on reducing the longer-term risks to the economy associated with the large increase in long-term unemployment."
Online Reputation and Privacy: What You Need to Know
When it's time to look for a job, there are a lot of different factors that potential employers will evaluate. If you apply for a new job, you can be sure that the employer will get online and start checking you out. In this situation, you have to make sure that your online reputation looks great if you want to land the job of your dreams.
Having a Clean Slate
When you want to put your best foot forward, it's important to make sure that you have a clean slate. If you have all kinds of information out there about you, there's a chance that there may be stuff you don't want people to see. It is also a good idea to have a clean slate in general, even if you aren't necessarily in the market for a job. You never know when you'll need to apply for a position at some point in the future, and it's best to get things in order now.Potential Consequences
Those who do not manage their reputations online face the possibility of a lot of negative information getting out there. For example, when someone finds an old paper that you wrote in college and it has unflattering views portrayed in it, it could cost you a job. When potential employers find pictures of you partying on your social networking profile, they may be turned off.What Can Be Done
COO of Reputation.com Owen Tripp explains the Business of Privacy by talking about what can be done for those in need of reputation management. In many cases, it is better to leave this practice up to a professional company that specializes in reputation management. Lead by Michael Fertik, Reputation.com is one of the first companies to capitalize on the demand for this service, and make the process easier on those who need it.By simply paying a nominal fee, the individual can get a professional company to come in and take over the process of handling their online reputations for them. This is often a lot easier than trying to manage everything on your own. Leaving it up to a reputation management company can make a lot of sense and make everything easier on you in the long run. Just make sure that you understand exactly what you're getting when you sign up for service.
Skilled migration seminars in Port Augusta
Australia: An immigration outreach officer will visit Port Augusta on September 5 to discuss recent significant reforms to the skilled migration program.
The changes that were introduced on 1 July 2012 include a new online service connecting Australian employers with potential skilled migrants and streamlining of the pathway to permanent residence for people already working in Australia on temporary skilled 457 visas.
The employer nomination scheme (ENS) and the regional sponsored migration scheme (RSMS) have been integrated with the new skilled migrant selection register, SkillSelect.
The online SkillSelect system is a new expression of interest (EOI) approach to skilled migration, allowing skilled workers interested in migrating to Australia to record their details to be considered for a skilled visa through an EOI.
“These new arrangements are designed to better respond to labour market demands and form part of ongoing reform of the skilled migration program,” a Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) spokesman said.
“Intending migrants will be found and nominated for skilled visas by Australian employers or state and territory governments, or they could be invited by the Australian Government to lodge a visa application.
“This will give the government greater control and flexibility to adjust to changes in the economy. Sponsors must also demonstrate they have a genuine need for the workers and that the skills required cannot be found in their region.”
Since July 1, there is also a fast-tracked pathway from the 457 visa to permanent residence under the employer-sponsored visa program, enabling skilled migrants to settle and work in regional and metropolitan Australia.
The departmental officer visiting Port Augusta will conduct seminars and also be available for brief individual appointments with employers and employees to answer their questions about skilled migration.
“Our officer will be available to provide a range of information on temporary or permanent employer-sponsored visa options and the concessions available for regional applicants,” the spokesman said.
The department’s regional visits program enables employers in communities outside capital cities to attend information sessions and to sit and talk directly with an immigration officer about specific issues they may face.
Port Augusta
The department will conduct seminars on skilled migration visa options in the following location, date and time:
Regional Development Australia Far North, 2a Stirling Road, Port Augusta,
September 5, 9.30am (about 90 minutes’ duration) and 5.30pm (about 90 minutes’ duration).
The DIAC officer will also be available for individual appointments at the following times:
Regional Development Australia Far North, 2a Stirling Road, Port Augusta, September 5, 11am-5pm.
Those who would like to attend the seminar and/or an individual appointment should email outreach officer Jan Schmortte on outreach.sa@immi.gov.au to confirm attendance at the session.
Bookings for both the seminars and the individual appointments are essential.
Media Enquiries: National Communications 08 7421 7673
SkillSelect: First round offers go to skilled professionals
Doctors, dentists, nurses and engineers have dominated the first round of skilled migrants invited to formally apply for visas under the government’s new online SkillSelect service.
Accountants, ICT analysts and programmers were also strongly represented in the 100 invitations in the first round, which drew the highest scoring candidates from the initial expressions of interest (EOI).
“This is an excellent result for the economy, employers, and ultimately for Australia,” a spokesman from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) said today.
“SkillSelect helps to ensure the skilled migration program is based on the economic needs of Australia. It supports the government in managing who can apply for skilled migration, when they can apply and in what numbers.”
More than 10 000 skilled people have completed EOIs throughwww.skillselect.gov.au since it went live on July 1.
Earlier this month, the first automated invitation round for skilled independent (90 visas) and skilled regional family-sponsored (10 visas) was completed.
The lowest points score invited was 75 points in both the skilled independent and skilled family sponsored visas. This is significantly above the 60 point pass mark, and demonstrates the quality of the skilled people interested in migrating to Australia, and the benefits of selecting only the best.
“The points score varied from 75 up to 85 across the two visa subclasses,” the spokesman said.
“Additionally, almost 400 skilled people have been invited since July 1 following nominations lodged by state and territory governments.
“More than 160 of these invited clients have already lodged their visa applications, and the others have 60 days to lodge their documentation using DIAC’s electronic lodgement system,” he added.
Full details of the first round of SkillSelect visa invitations are available atwww.skillselect.gov.au.
For more information on the first round offers and statistics on SkillSelect go to www.immi.gov.au/skills/skillselect/index/report-2012-08/
Media Enquiries: 02 6264 2244 / www.newsroom.immi.gov.au
For video on SkillSelect go to
http://tiny.cc/IMMI_sls
For SkillSelect logo graphic
http://www.flickr.com/photos/diacimages/7847381856/in/photostream
For photos of the recent Houston Skills Fair
http://www.flickr.com/photos/diacimages/page6/
For video on SkillSelect go to
http://tiny.cc/IMMI_sls
For SkillSelect logo graphic
http://www.flickr.com/photos/diacimages/7847381856/in/photostream
For photos of the recent Houston Skills Fair
http://www.flickr.com/photos/diacimages/page6/
Changes to Australian visa service delivery in China
New Australian Visa Application Centres (AVACs) in Beijing and Shanghai will improve service delivery for Chinese visitors, skilled migrants and business representatives travelling to Australia.
As part of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship’s (DIAC) commitment to client service excellence, the department is expanding its network of AVACs to the People’s Republic of China.
“AVACs will be located in Beijing and Shanghai to provide more convenient access to immigration and citizenship services for clients in these regions,” a departmental spokesman said today.
“The introduction of the AVACs is part of a number of service delivery improvements across the region.”
In addition to the AVACs becoming operational in early September 2012, considerations are under way for possible AVACs to be opened in Guangzhou and Chengdu in 2013.
The AVACs will provide a range of services including extended operating hours with phone lines operating until 5pm weekdays and internet kiosks with an online application tracking facility that enables clients to view the status of their applications.
Optional services provided by the AVAC for an additional service fee include courier services, photocopying, passport photos, SMS notification, translation services, and a premium business lounge providing access to dedicated staff, photocopy and fax facilities, and refreshments.
“All applications will continue to be assessed and decided by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship,” the spokesman said.
“Staff at the AVAC will have no involvement in the decision-making process or have any knowledge of the application outcome.”
The introduction of AVACs will also bring changes to where certain visa applications are processed. The Australian Consulates in Shanghai and Guangzhou will be consolidated as visa processing centres for Northern and Southern China respectively.
The Australian Embassy in Beijing will be primarily responsible for liaising with Chinese Government stakeholders. They will retain a range of visa processing functions relating to travel by Chinese officials and process temporary residence (non-business) visa applications for all of China.
Clients in the Beijing and Shanghai catchment areas applying in person for an Australian visa will lodge their application at their local AVAC.
Clients submitting their visa application by post or courier will be required to send their visa application directly to the AVAC in the location of the relevant processing office. Exceptions to this are adoption (subclass 102) visa and resident return (subclass 155/157) visa applications, which should be submitted directly to the Australian visa office at the Australian Consulate Guangzhou.
Clients in the Guangzhou catchment area applying for an Australian visa will continue to submit their application directly with the Australian Visa Office at the Australian Consulate in Guangzhou. The exception to this is clients lodging a visa application for a temporary residence (non-business) visa by mail or courier which should be submitted directly to the AVAC in Beijing.
There will be no change to the current lodgement and processing arrangements for government officials applying via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) or their local Foreign Affairs Office (FAO). These applications should continue to be submitted directly with the nearest Australian Visa Office. Diplomatic visa applications should be lodged with the Australian Embassy in Beijing.
A service fee of 175 RMB will be charged by the AVAC for each application, in addition to the standard visa application charge (and any applicable associated charges) required by DIAC. The AVAC service fee is in line with the current average service delivery partner fee applied globally for the department’s clients.
Further specific details about visa lodgement and processing arrangements will be provided on the DIAC website in the coming weeks.
Media Enquiries: National Communications Branch 02 6264 2244
As part of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship’s (DIAC) commitment to client service excellence, the department is expanding its network of AVACs to the People’s Republic of China.
“AVACs will be located in Beijing and Shanghai to provide more convenient access to immigration and citizenship services for clients in these regions,” a departmental spokesman said today.
“The introduction of the AVACs is part of a number of service delivery improvements across the region.”
In addition to the AVACs becoming operational in early September 2012, considerations are under way for possible AVACs to be opened in Guangzhou and Chengdu in 2013.
The AVACs will provide a range of services including extended operating hours with phone lines operating until 5pm weekdays and internet kiosks with an online application tracking facility that enables clients to view the status of their applications.
Optional services provided by the AVAC for an additional service fee include courier services, photocopying, passport photos, SMS notification, translation services, and a premium business lounge providing access to dedicated staff, photocopy and fax facilities, and refreshments.
“All applications will continue to be assessed and decided by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship,” the spokesman said.
“Staff at the AVAC will have no involvement in the decision-making process or have any knowledge of the application outcome.”
The introduction of AVACs will also bring changes to where certain visa applications are processed. The Australian Consulates in Shanghai and Guangzhou will be consolidated as visa processing centres for Northern and Southern China respectively.
The Australian Embassy in Beijing will be primarily responsible for liaising with Chinese Government stakeholders. They will retain a range of visa processing functions relating to travel by Chinese officials and process temporary residence (non-business) visa applications for all of China.
Clients in the Beijing and Shanghai catchment areas applying in person for an Australian visa will lodge their application at their local AVAC.
Clients submitting their visa application by post or courier will be required to send their visa application directly to the AVAC in the location of the relevant processing office. Exceptions to this are adoption (subclass 102) visa and resident return (subclass 155/157) visa applications, which should be submitted directly to the Australian visa office at the Australian Consulate Guangzhou.
Clients in the Guangzhou catchment area applying for an Australian visa will continue to submit their application directly with the Australian Visa Office at the Australian Consulate in Guangzhou. The exception to this is clients lodging a visa application for a temporary residence (non-business) visa by mail or courier which should be submitted directly to the AVAC in Beijing.
There will be no change to the current lodgement and processing arrangements for government officials applying via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) or their local Foreign Affairs Office (FAO). These applications should continue to be submitted directly with the nearest Australian Visa Office. Diplomatic visa applications should be lodged with the Australian Embassy in Beijing.
A service fee of 175 RMB will be charged by the AVAC for each application, in addition to the standard visa application charge (and any applicable associated charges) required by DIAC. The AVAC service fee is in line with the current average service delivery partner fee applied globally for the department’s clients.
Further specific details about visa lodgement and processing arrangements will be provided on the DIAC website in the coming weeks.
Media Enquiries: National Communications Branch 02 6264 2244
Australia's unemployment falls despite job losses
Australia's unemployment rate has fallen to 5.1 per cent, despite the loss of 8,800 jobs in August.
The Bureau of Statistics figures show unemployment eased from 5.2 per cent in July to 5.1 per cent last month, with full-time employment up by 600, but the number of part-time jobs falling 9,300.
Economist forecasts had centred on 5,000 jobs being created and unemployment rising to 5.3 per cent.
The Bureau of Statistics figures show the surprise fall in unemployment was driven by a drop in the proportion of people in work or looking for work, from 65.2 to 65 per cent.
A fall in the participation rate is often a sign that discouraged jobseekers have given up the search for work because they cannot find a job, even though they might still like to work.
"You could interpret this as saying that, because employment is so weak, people gave up looking, that they withdrew from the labour force," JP Morgan chief economist Stephen Walters told Reuters.
"On balance it's a pretty weak report, but not as weak as if the unemployment rate had gone up. It's a bit of a mixed bag."
In a further sign of labour market weakness, the number of hours worked across the Australian economy fell by 5.7 million to just under 1.619 billion in August.
The more stable trend unemployment figure, which smooths out monthly volatility, also showed a stagnating labour market with unemployment steady at 5.2 per cent.
The Bureau of Statistics figures show unemployment eased from 5.2 per cent in July to 5.1 per cent last month, with full-time employment up by 600, but the number of part-time jobs falling 9,300.
Economist forecasts had centred on 5,000 jobs being created and unemployment rising to 5.3 per cent.
The Bureau of Statistics figures show the surprise fall in unemployment was driven by a drop in the proportion of people in work or looking for work, from 65.2 to 65 per cent.
A fall in the participation rate is often a sign that discouraged jobseekers have given up the search for work because they cannot find a job, even though they might still like to work.
"You could interpret this as saying that, because employment is so weak, people gave up looking, that they withdrew from the labour force," JP Morgan chief economist Stephen Walters told Reuters.
"On balance it's a pretty weak report, but not as weak as if the unemployment rate had gone up. It's a bit of a mixed bag."
In a further sign of labour market weakness, the number of hours worked across the Australian economy fell by 5.7 million to just under 1.619 billion in August.
The more stable trend unemployment figure, which smooths out monthly volatility, also showed a stagnating labour market with unemployment steady at 5.2 per cent.
August Employment Figures Show U.S. Improving
While there is more work that remains to be done, today’s employment report provides further evidence that the U.S. economy is continuing to recover from the worst downturn since the Great Depression. It is critical that we continue the policies that are building an economy that works for the middle class as we dig our way out of the deep hole that was caused by the severe recession that began in December 2007.
To create more jobs in particularly hard-hit sectors, President Obama continues to support the elements of the American Jobs Act that have not yet passed, including further investment in infrastructure to rebuild our Nation’s ports, roads and highways, and assistance to State and local governments to prevent layoffs and to enable them to rehire hundreds of thousands of teachers and first responders.
Canada adds 34,000 jobs in August, outpacing July loss
OTTAWA: The Canadian economy added 34,300 jobs in August, recouping all 30,400 positions lost in July, as it returned to the recent trend of slow net increases in employment, Statistics Canada data on Friday showed.
The gains topped the expectations of analysts surveyed by Reuters. They predicted, on average, a gain of 10,000 jobs, and the highest prediction was for 25,000.
All the job gains were part time, mirroring part-time losses in July. The unemployment rate remained at 7.3 percent, as forecast, because more Canadians looked for work in August.
"It's likely to support the already hawkish stance of the Bank of Canada. We've had a slew of some disappointing domestic data recently, so this is a positive development for the Canadian dollar," Scotiabank chief currency strategist Camilla Sutton said.
That said, markets priced in a slimmer chance that the Bank of Canada will raise interest rates after the Canadian figures, which were released at the same time as weaker-than-expected U.S. jobs data.
The U.S. data increased speculation the U.S. Federal Reserve is now more likely to pump additional money into its sluggish economy. Many analysts think Canada's central bank will be more reluctant to tighten monetary policy while its U.S. counterpart is easing.
The gains topped the expectations of analysts surveyed by Reuters. They predicted, on average, a gain of 10,000 jobs, and the highest prediction was for 25,000.
All the job gains were part time, mirroring part-time losses in July. The unemployment rate remained at 7.3 percent, as forecast, because more Canadians looked for work in August.
"It's likely to support the already hawkish stance of the Bank of Canada. We've had a slew of some disappointing domestic data recently, so this is a positive development for the Canadian dollar," Scotiabank chief currency strategist Camilla Sutton said.
That said, markets priced in a slimmer chance that the Bank of Canada will raise interest rates after the Canadian figures, which were released at the same time as weaker-than-expected U.S. jobs data.
The U.S. data increased speculation the U.S. Federal Reserve is now more likely to pump additional money into its sluggish economy. Many analysts think Canada's central bank will be more reluctant to tighten monetary policy while its U.S. counterpart is easing.
Grand science slam to open German house for research and innovation in New Delhi
Winners will be awarded a fully paid learning opportunity to work in an eminent researcher’s group in Germany
The German Government has embarked to set up a German House for Research and Innovation in New Delhi (DWIH New Delhi). The DWIH will serve as a ‘one-stop shop’ for interested students, researchers and potential partner institutions, and disseminate information about higher education in Germany, research landscape and funding sources. New Delhi is one of the five focal points for enhanced German academic and research cooperation, along with Sao Paolo (Brazil), Moscow (Russia), New York (USA) and Tokyo (Japan).
Marking the inauguration of the DWIH in India, the German Embassy New Delhi and the German Research Foundation (DFG) will be organizing a Grand Science Slam on Saturday, 27th October 2012 at one of the highlights of the “German Year in India 2011/2012”, the Indo-German Urban Mela in New Delhi: A great platform for researchers, the Grand Science Slam will include topics from all fields of science including humanities and social sciences. Young scientists and science enthusiasts can showcase their best and most interesting scientific projects to eminent researchers and the general public. Slammers can choose from medicine/physiology, “green” life sciences, physics/mathematics, geo sciences, chemistry and process engineering/engineering, informatics and social sciences.
On that occasion, the German Ambassador to India, Michael Steiner, states: “Indo-German cooperation in science and technology is a defining pillar of our bilateral relationship. India and Germany maintain a highly dynamic academic exchange and a vast array of bilateral research projects to jointly develop the technologies of the future. The new German House for Research and Innovation will be a scientific hub for young talents and a landmark for innovation which benefits India as well as Germany.”
Elaborating on the concept of the Grand Science Slam, Dr. Torsten Fischer, Director, German Research Foundation (DFG), the official coordinator of DWIH New Delhi, says, “The Grand Science Slam is a great opportunity for Indian researchers to showcase their knowledge of science in the presence of a distinguished gathering of very senior researchers. The shortlisted participants from each of the six streams will be required to publicly display complex scientific concepts in a very simple form in a Science Slam. Each participant gets only ten minutes to prove his or her knowledge of science using any format of choice, ranging from a conventional talk to a stage play or even a musical performance, using any source or object to make their presentation more interesting. The winner will be decided by award-winning jury members collectively with the audience, so the presentation must be easy to comprehend.”
The ten minute research presentation by young participating scientists will be followed by a 5 minutes question and answer session with the jury and audience. Two of the brilliant finalists will be chosen as winners of the Grand Science Slam, among which one of the awards will be decided by the Jury and the other by the general public sitting in audience. Each of the winners will be awarded a fully paid learning opportunity to work in the research group of an eminent researcher in Germany. All participating finalists will receive a citation and a gift hamper. The event will be attended by Heads of DWIH member organisations, and will feature ‘Leibniz Lectures’ by two German speakers and scientific talks by two Indian scientists.
The deadline for submission of applications is Sunday, 9th September 2012. Application form and submission details are available for download here.
For more details, please contact:
Ruchika Christ
Public Relations
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG)
German Research Foundation
Tel. +91.49224905, Ruchika.Christ@dfg.de
Dr. Niklas Wagner
Press and Comumication Department
German Embassy New Delhi
Tel: +91.1144199247, niklas.wagner@diplo.de
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