Home-Bound is the Recommendation
COVID-19 & Travel
Australia’s borders are closed. Only Australian citizens, residents and immediate family members can travel to Australia. Even so, strict border measures are in place, with limited flights in and out of Australia. Any travelers able to meet the criteria and enter Australia are still subject to a mandatory quarantine for 14 days at a designated facility, such as a hotel, in their port of arrival, and may be even required to pay for the cost of quarantine.
There are restrictions even between Australian states. To enter Queensland, a traveler is required to apply for a Queensland Border Declaration Pass, which will not guarantee entry, subject to the discretion of the Emergency
Officer, following the state's published health directions. New South Wales has temporarily shut its borders with Victoria. Those seeking to enter the states despite these restrictions are required to apply for a New South Wales border entry permit.
We all hope that this may change in the near future.
Studying in Australia
Subclass 500—Student Visa
Experience the lifestyle of Australians, whether that's from the beautiful sands of Gold Coast beaches, just south of Brisbane; the shops of Pitt St Mall in Sydney's busy streets; or from the aroma of coffees as you hop between Melbourne's finest. It's the perfect balance between work, study and play, as you complete your qualification.
Current application fee: $620—up from $550
It's frustrating to keep up with these changes, we know, but it's necessary to make sure you understand all these small details that are so easily overlooked. Make sure to read up on the restrictions that cap work to forty hours per fortnight, and research the general requirement to either hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), or fall in one of the exemption categories. It's important to stay ahead.
Apply in or outside of Australia to participate in an eligible course of study, and be eligible to bring a partner or child with you—processing times may vary.
Data Collection
Visa Application Process
Your visa application cannot
be processed—the response you never want to hear.
Luckily, it is not that hard to avoid, if you take the right precautions. Understand that the Australian government aims to be quick, discreet and non-intrusive in collecting data for their records.
It is important to know who everyone is, and to protect everyone's interests:
It is about protecting your identity with biometric data collected from an Australian Visa Application Centre (AVAC) or an Australian Biometrics Collection Centre (ABCC).
It is about ensuring adequate healthcare is available for your time in Australia. Treatment for various conditions can be expensive, and inaccurate information can make it worse—that's why visa applications require a recognised health service provider to perform the various health examinations.
It is about being able to communicate in English so that it does not cause issues further down the track. Being unable to communicate is not only painful, but can an alienating experience—ensure your English is sufficient with international standards like the IELTS.
COVID-19 is Changing the World
Eligibility for Graduates
The Morrison Government is making a number of changes to student visa arrangements to ensure Australia remains a priority destination for international graduates as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic.
One of these changes will allow graduates who have held a student visa to be be eligible to apply for a post-study work visa while they're outside Australia if they are unable to return due to COVID-19.
Acting Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs Alan Tudge said the change is aimed at providing assurance to international graduates already in Australia and those who haven’t been able to travel due to COVID-19 border closures.
This is an extension of the previous relaxation of work restrictions for international students working in the health, aged and disability care sectors during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A New Country. A New Home.
No matter how far you roam, you'll still need a place to call home.
We understand what home means at Alex Halim & Associates.
We've experienced it, working with those who have moved internationally and we understand how stressful and disorientating the experiences can be. But that's also why we aim not just to bridge the gap, but to assist in building a new life for our clients.
That is the reason why Alex Halim & Associates have teamed up with House Estate Agents to present Holmview Estate, situated atop one of the highest points in Holmview, with views of Stradbroke Island. Imagine the feeling from the hilltop as your family grows with you in this dream home. Live at the perfect compromise between the bustle of Brisbane City and the beautiful sands of the Gold Coast beaches.
Feel free to contact the office for any inquiries and we can help you move into a place you will love to call home.
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