Vik Ahuja

Hi George,

How is this likely to affect students already studying in Australia?
Amanda Vanstone spoke about giving them upto April 2005 to apply with
the old pass mark. But will this apply to them even if they haven't
actually completed their diploma/degree by April 2005, but still make
115 points? Or would it be necessary for them to have successfully
completed their studies by that time?

Any clarifications about this from Canberra?

Thanks in advance,

Vik

[email protected] (George Lombard) wrote in message news:<[email protected]. com>...
    > Dear Everyone,
    >
    > I got through to Canberra just now and the date of effect of the
    > increase for skilled independent applicants will be 14 April 2004.
    > The increase will not affect any applications already lodged. There
    > is also no affect on sponsored skilled applications.
    >
    > Also, the definition of "regional" is likely to be the same definition
    > which is currently used for regional onshore points, see
    > http://www.immi.gov.au/migration/skilled/regional.htm .
    >
    > I understand official announcements will be made today. The bottom
    > line is that anyone with a skills assessment who is planning to lodge
    > an application and does not wish to live in regional Australia for the
    > two years before they can apply for the permanent visa should do so by
    > 13 April. As that comes after the Easter holiday I believe it will be
    > prudent to get papers sent by courier on the previous Thursday, ie 8
    > April. Good luck to all...
    >
    > Cheers
    >
    > George Lombard
    >
    > www.austimmigration.com.au

Jaj

As things currently stand, if they don't submit a valid application by 1
April 2005, they are out of luck. It remains to be seen whether
applying for a 497 before 1 Apr 2005 will continue the exemption from
the 120 points for a time after that date.

DIMIA have also said that this concession will *not* apply to students
applying for the 136 visa (as some do) rather than the onshore 880 visa.

Those on 115 points may be able to apply for the regional visa in due
course, but that would involve making an offshore application.

Jeremy


>Vik Ahuja wrote:
    > Hi George,
    >
    > How is this likely to affect students already studying in Australia?
    > Amanda Vanstone spoke about giving them upto April 2005 to apply with
    > the old pass mark. But will this apply to them even if they haven't
    > actually completed their diploma/degree by April 2005, but still make
    > 115 points? Or would it be necessary for them to have successfully
    > completed their studies by that time?
    >
    > Any clarifications about this from Canberra?
    >
    > Thanks in advance,
    >
    > Vik


--
This is not intended to be legal advice in any jurisdiction

Vik Ahuja

Hi Jeremy,

Does that mean that I can fly back to the country I'm from, apply for
the regional visa, and come back to resume my studies? Or do I have to
stay back in my country as long as my app is being processed?

Thanks,

VIk

JAJ <[email protected]> wrote in message news:<[email protected]>...
    > As things currently stand, if they don't submit a valid application by 1
    > April 2005, they are out of luck. It remains to be seen whether
    > applying for a 497 before 1 Apr 2005 will continue the exemption from
    > the 120 points for a time after that date.
    >
    > DIMIA have also said that this concession will *not* apply to students
    > applying for the 136 visa (as some do) rather than the onshore 880 visa.
    >
    > Those on 115 points may be able to apply for the regional visa in due
    > course, but that would involve making an offshore application.
    >
    > Jeremy
    >
    >
    > >Vik Ahuja wrote:
    > > Hi George,
    > >
    > > How is this likely to affect students already studying in Australia?
    > > Amanda Vanstone spoke about giving them upto April 2005 to apply with
    > > the old pass mark. But will this apply to them even if they haven't
    > > actually completed their diploma/degree by April 2005, but still make
    > > 115 points? Or would it be necessary for them to have successfully
    > > completed their studies by that time?
    > >
    > > Any clarifications about this from Canberra?
    > >
    > > Thanks in advance,
    > >
    > > Vik

Jaj

With respect, you sound completely confused about how offshore
applications work and what criteria onshore students need to meet in
order to get one of these visas.

It sounds like getting professional advice from an experienced agent is
your best option, rather than trying to use newsgroups. Many overseas
students only have one shot to 'get it right' and a large number of
those who try it themselves end up having to go home because they were
confused about some fundamental points.

Jeremy

Vik Ahuja wrote:
    > Hi Jeremy,
    >
    > Does that mean that I can fly back to the country I'm from, apply for
    > the regional visa, and come back to resume my studies? Or do I have to
    > stay back in my country as long as my app is being processed?
    >
    > Thanks,
    >
    > VIk
    >
    > JAJ <[email protected]> wrote in message news:<[email protected]>...
    >
    >>As things currently stand, if they don't submit a valid application by 1
    >>April 2005, they are out of luck. It remains to be seen whether
    >>applying for a 497 before 1 Apr 2005 will continue the exemption from
    >>the 120 points for a time after that date.
    >>DIMIA have also said that this concession will *not* apply to students
    >>applying for the 136 visa (as some do) rather than the onshore 880 visa.
    >>Those on 115 points may be able to apply for the regional visa in due
    >>course, but that would involve making an offshore application.
    >>Jeremy
    >> >Vik Ahuja wrote:
    >>>Hi George,
    >>>How is this likely to affect students already studying in Australia?
    >>>Amanda Vanstone spoke about giving them upto April 2005 to apply with
    >>>the old pass mark. But will this apply to them even if they haven't
    >>>actually completed their diploma/degree by April 2005, but still make
    >>>115 points? Or would it be necessary for them to have successfully
    >>>completed their studies by that time?
    >>>Any clarifications about this from Canberra?
    >>>Thanks in advance,
    >>>Vik

--
This is not intended to be legal advice in any jurisdiction

Jrad

Hi Vick
You can perfectly continue with your course in Australia while you apply for the regional visa on or after July or for a 136 visa as long as you have 120 p whenever you want.
The point is that for you making an offshore application does not involve you leaving Australia. You will be asked to leave the country once your visa is about to be granted, and just then you go to see your family and boyfriend in your country in order to get your new "offshore" visa (Regional, 136, etc) from the Aus embassy in your country.
JR

Vik Ahuja

Thanks Jrad!

Things are never as complicated as they seem, if they're explained the
way you've illuminated this little matter...

Cheers,

Vik

Jrad <member20544@british_expats.com> wrote in message news:<[email protected]>...
    > Hi Vick
    > You can perfectly continue with your course in Australia while
    > you apply for the regional visa on or after July or for a 136 visa as
    > long as you have 120 p whenever you want.
    > The point is that for you
    > making an offshore application does not involve you leaving Australia.
    > You will be asked to leave the country once your visa is about to be
    > granted, and just then you go to see your family and boyfriend in your
    > country in order to get your new "offshore" visa (Regional, 136, etc)
    > from the Aus embassy in your country.
    > JR