The government response to the 457 Integrity Review was released last month and the following changes have been made to the Temporary Skilled (Subclass 457) visa based on the recommendations of the Review: The list of English language test providers has been expanded. The list now includes TOEFL iBT (full form Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test), Pearson Test of English (PTE), and Cambridge English Advanced (CAE) test (conducted on or after 1 January 2015). an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) overall test score of at least 5.0 with a score of at least 4.5 in each of the four test components an Occupational English Test (OET) score of at least ‘B’ in each of the four components a Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based test (TOEFL iBT) total score of at least 36 with a score of at least 3 for each of the test components of listening and reading, and a score of at least 12 for each of the test components of writing and speaking a Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic overall test score of at least 36 with a score of at least 30 in each of the four test components a Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) overall test score of at least 154 with a score of at least 147 in each of the four test components. An exemption will be granted when an applicant can provide evidence of five cumulative years of study in English at the secondary or tertiary level, rather than proof of five years consecutive secondary or tertiary study in English. The standard business sponsorship term has been extended to 5 years commencing from the date of approval instead of 3 years. The sponsorship period for start-up businesses have been extended from twelve (12) months to eighteen (18) months. The market salary exemption threshold has been reduced from $250,000 to $180,000. This is now in line with the marginal tax rate. The notifiable period for sponsors has been extended from 10 working days to 28 calendar days.

English language expert from Greenwich English College answers this one big life changing question. As a migration or education agent, you will no doubt have been asked: “What score do I need in IELTS to get this visa?” In many cases, the answer puts the customer in a panic mode as many of them need to get the ‘magic’ 7.0 to be able to apply for a certain type of visa. Many candidates decide to study by themselves and use materials available online, while others choose to do a course at an English college in Australia. No matter what option they choose, in many situations candidates still struggle to get 7.0. Therefore, my suggestion is to choose both the online materials and the English provider carefully. First of all, candidates should get help and find what their weakness is and why they cannot reach the level required to get 7.0. Please remember that in an IELTS test not only your reading, writing, speaking and listening skills are being assessed, but also your grammar and syntax (word order). Candidates need to understand what examiners look for when they mark the tests. In this way they will know what to focus on to improve their skills and get the so much wanted 7.0. The IELTS Public Descriptors are available online and they give an indication of what a candidate needs to know/produce in order to get a certain score. Based on this rationale, we have built a very solid process at Greenwich English College. Students who are interested in doing a face to face course are being tested to check their level and ultimately find their weakness and a course recommendation is given. Most of our students follow these study plans and they get the desired scores at the end of the course. Other students choose to study by themselves and use our IELTS Online course (www.preparationielts.com). The IELTS Online course designed by Greenwich English College is different from all the other IELTS Online courses and this is because we focus on two very important language aspects: GRAMMAR and WORD ORDER. Apart from these there are a lot of materials on all the other skills (LISTENING, READING, WRITING AND SPEAKING) and also VOCABULARY. It is a COMPLETE IELTS ONLINE COURSE. We know that there are candidates who have done the test many times and still get 6.5 either in writing or speaking or the scores are not consistent, they are either higher or lower. Is it because of the IELTS centre? Is it because of the examiner? Well, in most of the cases it is the candidate’s level which is not strong enough to offer consistency. For example, being able to write in English is not enough. You need to know how to do it correctly, what structure to follow, what kind of language/vocabulary to use, how to put the words in a sentence, how to combine words in a natural way, what kind of grammar structures to use, and how to use complex grammar, etc. Many of the IELTS candidates call them tips, but are these tips? Is it something you can learn overnight? The answer is NO. If you do not accept this answer, you may have to do the test a few times to convince yourself. That will lead to money and time wasted but it is each person’s decision. Another myth is the fact that doing the test in a certain IELTS centre will help candidates get a higher score. However, it is just a myth! We do know of candidates who have been doing the IELST test so many times trying to step up from 6.5 to 7.0. Once candidates get 6.0-6.5 they think that the next step is to get 7. Luck DOES NOT help candidates in IELTS. You need to know what and how to do the test. The gap between 6.5 and 7.0 is huge and candidates keep on doing the test hoping that the next one will bring miracles. Unfortunately it doesn’t work this way. For instance, perfect grammar doesn’t guarantee a 7.0. It is not how correct it is, but how complex it is. If you use only short sentences (simple clauses) that use one verb only or you connect sentences with ‘and’, ‘or’, ‘but’ and all of them are correct, the highest score you can get in grammar is 5.0. In order to get 7.0 in grammar, a lot of complexity must to be used. What is complexity? The ability to use subordinate clauses (relative, conditional, purpose clauses, etc). In addition candidates think that if they are able to use the so much popular linking words (furthermore, moreover, in addition, etc) again it guarantees a 7.0. Well, not again as when using these linking words, candidates stop using complex structures and other ways of connecting ideas which bring variety in their writing. COMPLEXITY and VARIETY guarantee a 7.0 in IELTS. Five important steps need to be remembered: 1. What do I need to know to get 7.0 in IELTS? 2. What is my current level? 3. What is my weakness? 4. What can I do to improve my weakness? Can I do a course or should I choose to do it online? 5. How do I choose the right online materials? If you need help with answers to these questions, our expert staff at Greenwich English College will gladly help you. (Please email us at info@greenwichcollege.com.au if you need help or would like to partner with us). You may also direct your students to our highly acclaimed online IELTS preparation course, which features over 120 hours of IELTS exercises and personalized assessment and feedback from real IELTS teachers. Also, as a migration and/or education agent, you can sell this course to your candidates and receive great commissions. To start offering this course to your students please visit the Greenwich Website at www.greenwichcollege.com.au.

 A quick guide for international students. The past week has seen the culmination of Orientation Week at many universities and colleges across Australia and a new batch of international students have come here to study, live and work. A warm welcome to those who have arrived recently, you’ve come to the land of fair-go, a multicultural society that values skilled migrants like very few economies do and it is mostly up to you to make the best of your experience here. Curriculum Vitaes (CVs) or Resume During your job or internship search most local employers will require a resume; however it is essential that you prepare one that conforms to local requirements. International CVs are occasionally more personal than a typical Australian resume; including date of birth, marital status, hobbies etcetera. Compared to one you might use elsewhere, your Australian resume may be briefer, yet include more of “selling” your skills and experience. Tips to “Selling” Yourself on Your Resume Use a variety of strong action verbs to describe the experiences you have had in the past (e.g. Coordinated, Organised and Led). Concentrate on your strengths and avoid any statements that could be perceived as weak or negative. Ensure you start with the most recent experience/ qualification on the top and proceed to the least recent. Include awards you have won for academics, work, or campus/community involvements. Include any voluntary work you may have undertaken locally or internationally. Be specific with your language skills and your experience with different cultures. Get someone else to read and revise your resume if needed, spelling and grammar errors are unacceptable. A well-formatted resume can demonstrate how organized you are and is easy to read for the recruiter. Don’t underestimate the influence of your social media presence and your LinkedIn profile as well as connections. Only include links to your social media profiles if it is relevant to the work you are applying for. Cover Letters Create a new letter for each job or internship and include only information that is appropriate to what the employer is seeking in a candidate. Ensure you address all the selection criteria. Focus on Your Language Ability and Confidence Highlight that you are bi-lingual or multi-lingual, a big plus for many multi-national companies. Practice your language skills through informal interactions, class discussions, presentations, and ensure your resume as well as cover letter are impeccable. Highlight Your Unique Strengths and Cultural Knowledge Multi-Language ability and experience work and life in other cultures and nations. Adaptability and flexibility in adjusting to different environments and challenges. Demonstrate your strong work ethic and motivation. Most Universities have amazing people working/ volunteering at the Student Associations. Don’t hesitate to approach them or a relevant student collective for help or feedback. The whole point of moving abroad is to gain real life experience along with your qualifications so don’t be afraid to reach out to people.

We have received a number of queries from our readers regarding the various English tests currently accepted by the department. You can go through the answers supplied by an expert to these queries to help you decide which test is best for you. Roxana Ene has been teaching General English, IELTS and TESOL for the past eight years. She is the Director of Studies at Greenwich College and also an IELTS, Cambridge and BULATS examiner.   Q. Where can I find more information about TOEFL iBT and PTE Academic tests? Resources for these two tests are available online or at bookstores.   Q. What is the difference between the tests? TOEFL and PTE test tend to be more academic so they may be a better choice for university students who have a stronger academic foundation. In IELTS and CAE, tests skills are completely separated, in PTE and TOEFL tests skills are combined/integrated. Candidates have to listen or read and write the summary or they need to read or listen to extracts and answer questions about them. IELTS offers two modules, general and academic so candidates can choose one depending on their needs. CAE tends to be less academic and deals more with familiar topics.   Q. Is the PTE test easier than IELTS? No test is easier or more difficult. A good grasp of language is needed no matter which test is taken. However, candidates should consider their background and needs when choosing the test. IELTS has been a very popular test for many years and the number of resources available is huge. Candidates should consider their weakness when choosing the test. IELTS is more prescriptive, ‘tips focused’ and concentrates on skills in isolation, while PTE combines skills: candidates have to listen or read and write the summary or they need to read or listen to extracts and answer questions about them. PTE can be an option for the candidates who need to do the IELTS Academic Module, but for those who need the general module, taking the IELTS test may be a better alternative as the content of the PTE test is more academic.   Q. Where can I get preparation material for PTE and CAE tests? There are many resources available in bookshops, online, and on the official websites. In addition candidates can do preparation courses which will provide them with practice materials. CAE would probably be a good choice as the candidate needs to communicate mainly with another candidate. Also the given prompts (pictures) may help candidates produce more language and ideas which will allow them to keep speaking about the given topic.   Q. I struggle with the listening test, do any of the tests play the recording twice? CAE listening is played twice and you are also given more time to read the questions (up to 75 seconds) and also the check your answers (up to 2 minutes).   Q. Do any of the tests have a specific grammar test? I have only sat the IELTS and my grammar is not too good. The CAE test has a grammar component called ‘Use of English’ which includes exercises on word order, word forms, paraphrasing. This component and the reading component together last for 90 minutes.   Q. Do all the tests have speaking tests? All tests have a speaking component. However, the length and the structure is different. IELTS ONE examiner- ONE candidate : based on the interaction between the examiner and the candidate Three parts: dialogue-monologue-dialogue CAE TWO examiners (an interlocutor and an assessor) – TWO candidates: very little interaction with the examiners. Prompts ( pictures)  given to help candidates produce more language TOEFL Speaking component is mixed with the writing component and includes tasks like: read the lecture and the text and answer the following question. Texts tend to be more academic. It is a computer based tests so the speaking gets recorded and is marked in America. PTE Speaking component mixed with listening and writing includes tasks like: read the lecture and the text and answer the following question, listen to the lecture and answer the following questions, etc.  Texts tend to be more academic. It is a computer based tests so the speaking gets recorded and is marked by a software.   Q. IELTS tests are conducted every week, how often do the other tests occur? CAE- paper based or computer based tests Computer and paper based tests:  Once a month NOTE: Candidate should contact Cambridge test centres and see if they run the test on the specified dates. Cambridge tests centres can choose when they want to run the test. In Australia many dates are especially available in March, June, July, September, and December. Test results are available online 2 weeks after the test. TOEFL Tests can be taken every week and results are available 10 days after the test. PTE Tests can be taken every week and results are available in 5 business days.   Q. How long does the entire test session last for each of the tests? CAE: 4 hours (speaking test may be held on a different day) TOEFL: 3 hours and 10 minutes IELTS: 3 hours (speaking test may be held on a different day) PTE: around 3 hours (shorter or longer tests depending on the level of the candidate)   Q. I can’t get seven on reading and I have given the IELTS 15 times, can you suggest which test has an easier reading component? In the CAE Reading test candidates need to answer 26 questions. In comparison with IELTS where different question types are being used (multiple choice questions, matching headings with paragraphs, T/F/NG, fill in the gaps) in CAE there are only multiple choice and matching question types. T/F/NG questions and matching paragraphs tend to be the most problematic question types for IELTS candidates. The reason for this is because IELTS tests use a lot of distractors to check candidates’ comprehension. Therefore, trying to guess the answer based on word similarities will not lead to a correct answer. CAE reading questions

Fresh graduates are always full of hopes and expectations about their careers.  But why can’t the best students nail their dream jobs? Lack of experience. If you have searched for a job in Australia, you know how hard it is to even be called for an interview when you have university qualifications but no experience. Even the most brilliant students from the best universities in the country may find it hard to find a position in a corporate organisation. We know it sounds unfair, but experience does count. And here is a reasonable explanation. Work environment has little to do with the atmosphere at university.  A professional attitude is very relevant to any job position and that can be easily acquired through experience. Another point is that someone who has been part of a professional team naturally develops better communication skills, creativity and critical thinking. Three of the essential features employers look for. However, the obvious question is: How can we gain experience if that is required for any position? If you have been looking for a job that may be the feeling. The quick answer is Internships. Internships will open the first door to your dream career. You will be able to develop your skills, put what you have learnt into practice, and gain professional experience and exposure. Several renowned companies are looking for interns in the most diverse areas and fields. That is your chance to work for a big organisation and have the experience that is required for your dream jobs or dream employers. Whether the internship is paid or unpaid the benefits are numerous. Gain visibility, have experienced professionals as your mentors and supervisors, learn a lot from them and give your fresh perspective on their procedures. Your internship experience can be the beginning of a great professional career. You may even be hired by the same company in the future, or at least have them as your referees for future opportunities. That will definitely depend on our performance. So, take this unique opportunity seriously and make the most of it. International students, be prepared! Good communication skills in English are not only appreciated but a minimum requirement. Do your best to improve your oral and written communication skills to take part in an internship program. If you are willing to take this chance and find yourself an internship, we are happy to help! Call us on 02 4626 1002 or send your resume to admin@mckkrs.com.au

The Department of Immigration has informed stakeholders of a change to the policy guidance relating to industry training funds.No Commission can be paid from Training Benchmark A contributions and Training Benchmark A contributions cannot be made to TAFEs and Universities if there is a statutory Industry Training Fund operative   This is due to an audit being conducted by DIBP of known training funds in response to recent allegations of misuse of funds for meeting 457 training benchmark requirements. The concern was that TAFEs  and Universities would be allocating part of the amount spent on contributions to pay commissions to registered migration agents or other institutions for referring clients to them, which clearly goes against the objective of the training fund contributions. This issue of misuse of Training Benchmark A funds was also raised in the October 2014 edition of ME magazine.   The change in the departmental policy has been updated which specifies that: No percentage of a contribution made to either a recognised industry body or a scholarship fund operated by a university or TAFE college, for the purposes of satisfying training benchmark A, may be allocated to a commission.   In the same report in the October edition of ME magazine, I had also raised the issue that Training Benchmark A contributions made to scholarships funds of TAFEs and Universities may be invalid contributions as those contributions can only be made to TAFEs and Universities where a statutory Industry Training Fund is not operative.   The DIBP email dated 19th February 2015 to stakeholders indicates that Training Benchmark A contributions can be made to Statutory Industry Funds only where such Funds are operative. Industry training funds are statutory authorities responsible for providing funding for training of eligible workers in certain industries.  The email from the DIBP states that if there is no statutory industry training fund operating in the same sector as the applicant for approval, for the purposes of meeting training benchmark A, the department will accept evidence of contributions made to: a recognised industry body who provide training opportunities or a recognised scholarship fund operated by an Australian university or TAFE college.   The Department goes on to state that 457 sponsorship applications which do not meet these training benchmark requirements will be refused.   In view of this we would like to inform RMAs that they should ascertain whether an industry training fund is operative or not before they advise their clients to pay Training Benchmark A contributions to the scholarship funds of TAFEs and Universities. Alternatively, RMAs can consider the option of Training Benchmark B if their clients are eligible for Training Benchmark B. If you have any questions or would like to know more, you may write to: support@mealliance.com.au   DIBP also advises that a formal government response to all 22 of the recommendations made by the integrity review is expected to be announced shortly and implementation will begin immediately following this announcement.

  Every person working in Australia is entitled to basic rights and safeguards in the workplace, including minimum pay and conditions. The Fair Work Ombudsman makes sure that these rights are protected and enforced fairly as per Australia’s workplace laws.   Like many international students, you may get a part time or casual job to help pay your living expenses while you study in Australia. It is important that you know your rights in the workplace in order to protect yourself from being exploited. Most international students and their partners are allowed to work limited hours when classes are in session and may qualify as part-time or casual employees.   Part-time employees work regular hours each week, but less than the 38 hours of full-time employees. You generally receive the same benefits as full-time workers, but they are generally calculated on pro-rata basis depending on the number of hours you work.   Casual employees work on an hourly or daily basis and are less likely to have regular or guaranteed hours of work. Casual employees do not get paid sick leave or annual leave, but the rates of pay are usually higher to make up for this.   Overtime is when an employee works extra time. It can include work done: beyond their ordinary hours of work outside the agreed number of hours outside the spread of ordinary hours.   The spread of hours is the times of the day ordinary hours can be worked (eg. between 7am – 7pm).   Your minimum rights and conditions at work may be set by a legal document like an award, an agreement, or a contract of employment. Before you start work it is in your best interests to ask your employer which one applies to you to find out how you are being affected.   If an award or agreement does not apply, all employees in the national workplace relations system receive basic minimum pay, conditions and protections under Commonwealth workplace laws.   If you are asked to sign any type of document agreeing to specific work conditions, make sure you read it very carefully and understand it before signing anything and always keep a copy for your records. You should not feel undue pressure to sign any agreement with an employer, if you do, you contact the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94 for advice.   You can read more about your rights and obligations while you work in Australia as well as download theinternational students factsheet at the Fair Work website.

As a young graduate or professional, it’s easy to suffocate in the bubble of conflicting advice. The media feeds us stories of those who found contentment in their dream jobs. There’s the accountant that became a Master Chef, the librarian who became an author, but is ‘following your passion’ the right advice for everyone? Here’s a healthy dose of reality. It’s great to follow your passion, but we do live in the real world and I’m sure you know it’s not all a magic carpet ride. To truly reach your potential, a healthy balance of being a realist and a dream catcher is the best way forward. Ask yourself these questions. Are you good at what you enjoy? Do some soul searching to discover what your strongest, natural skills are. What do your friends say your qualities are? What have you consistently been good at? Once you start identifying these skills, you can explore careers that will allow you to grow and succeed.

In this highly mobile age, globetrotting has become a very popular trend. However before one decides to leave his/her home country, a lot of questions pop in the mind… Will the move involve sacrificing my career?                                Will I be able to handle a new country, new policies and procedures? Will I have access to some expert advice? And the list is never ending… Ages ago, when people used to migrate cities, states or countries things were less complicated or maybe that generation was stronger… more than ready to burn their bridges and wholeheartedly accept whatever risks came their way. Today we entangle ourselves with multiple questions, seek endless advice and involve ourselves in a long debate of whether to move or not to move! It is only natural to feel a little scared, insecure and doubtful when leaving a comfort zone where everything is in its place- the house, the job, the family, the mates! But today these thrill seekers are very lucky to have more guidance than ever before. As a result of these growing individual concerns, organizations have identified a market segment that they can cater to. This is how we see a number of successful migration centres, educational centres, internship and training centres working endlessly to make this transition as smooth as it can be.

What employer does not dream about a highly-qualified committed team? People who can deliver their products or services in the best possible way, who add value to their organisation, who develop their skills and contribute to organisational climate and results. It is known now that this dream team can be part of the reality of many companies all around the globe, as long as these companies invest in their most valuable asset: their people. Corporate Training has always proven to be beneficial to organisations worldwide and there is no doubt about that. The real question lies in why so many employers are reluctant to training their staff or even do not see it as a priority in their organisations. Taking that into account, the Australian Government is encouraging employers to invest in corporate training using it as a requirement for 457 and 186 sponsoring visas. The companies wishing to sponsor an employee will have to meet training benchmarks. Training benchmark A consists of a donation of 2% of their annual payroll to government educational institutions. We, however, help companies meet training benchmark B. What’s training Benchmark B? Employer sponsors in Australia contribute at least 1% of the annual payroll to the provision of training for their employees who are Australian Citizens or permanent residents. Employer sponsors are also committed to maintain this contribution for the term of approval as sponsor. How we help To meet the benchmark, we provide the widest variety of courses and we can help you with the best choice for your organisation. We can provide customised training plans within 2 working days of application. By choosing the correct course to an organisation, meeting training benchmark B will be highly beneficial to the organisation and its staff, developing people’s skills and contributing to a better work environment. Not to mention better results for the company in the long and short run. Our courses are fun and provide practical tools to make people’s work more efficient and pleasant. They benefit both employers and employees, contributing positively to any sort of corporate organisation. For more information on our courses and Training Benchmark B, please visit our website localhost/mckkrs-new/demo2/. To know more about new courses, market trends and visa requirements, like our page on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mckkrs-Training and follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/McKkrs and we’ll keep you updated. If you are a migration agent, call us to know about the benefits of referring us to your clients looking for training benchmark B (02 4626 1002). We are always happy to help.