New Zealand Work Permit for Filipinos

Working overseas is not new to many Filipinos. It is true that international companies overseas hire Filipinos because of the hard work, sincerity and dedication to their work. Amongst many countries Filipinos often work for, New Zealand is one on the list.
 

New Zealand is a great country to pursue career opportunities. It has a very good working environment and work usually offers a higher pay compared to those offers here in the Philippines. Hence, considering the money that Filipinos will be making in New Zealand, the opportunity such as this should not be missed and must be taken advantage of. However, it is wise to remember the requirements and specifications needed in applying for work permit in New Zealand.

To be able to be granted a temporary work visa, one should:

• Undergo medical check-up indicating that the individual is in good health and of good character
• Possess a valid passport
• Complete filling out the application form
• Pay the appropriate application fee
• Have a job offer, if necessary
• Provide evidence of qualifications and work experience relevant to the job offer
• Provide police certificates, if necessary
• Present their IELTS or the International English Language Testing System exam score

Regarding the IELTS score, candidates should be able to reach a score of at least 6.5 in the General or Academic Module. In addition, certain companies require a specific IELTS score as their requirement; hence, applicants should double check on this. Due to the fact that an IELTS score is necessary, Filipinos should be aware that taking review classes in IELTS review centers is important. Training courses that will teach them how to make the right responses for the test is an advantage in getting the target scores.

 

 

Some applicants are denied in getting their work permit. These are some probable reasons why:

• The person is not eligible for the said visa.
• He or she is in New Zealand unlawfully upon the application.
• The immigration officer believes that he or she will likely stay in New Zealand unlawfully.
• The immigration officer believes that certain conditions on the said visa will not be followed.

After having completed the application form together with the other requirements, prepare to lodge the application. For Filipinos, send the application to the nearest Immigration New Zealand office.

Prepare the applications as early as possible. Make a checklist on the things you need to present and complete for the application. Most of all, make sure you take the IELTS test before applying and get the right training to ace the test.

News: TOEFL and PTE Academic Now Accepted in Australian Visas

“From November 2014, the department will accept English language test scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based test (TOEFL iBT) and the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) across visa programmes,” according to the Department of Immigration and Border protection.

Starting November 2014, scores for the English proficiency tests TOEFL (Test of English as Foreign Language) and PET (Pearson English Test - Academic) will now be accepted across several categories of visas in Australia. 

Read more information at http://www.australiantimes.co.uk/move-to-australia/australian-visa/migrants-will-soon-find-it-easier-to-dot-their-is-and-cross-their-ts.htm.

The Process of Getting an F1 Student Visa

Have you ever imagined yourself learning in a university outside your home country? Do you see yourself being in a group of diverse students working on a school project? Studying overseas not only enrich your academic life but provides you with great cultural and social experiences as well.

 

It is every student’s goal to get a good education. Education is one very important thing that contributes to a person’s success; hence, getting a degree in a prestigious university is a great advantage to any student. Furthermore, some students want to explore and take the opportunity in being educated outside their home country, particularly in the United States of America.

The United States of America houses different well-known universities. These universities offer different programs that most foreign students are interested in studying. However, one cannot just go to the United States and start studying. Obtaining a visa, particularly the F1 Student Visa is necessary.

The F1 visa is awarded to individuals to study or conduct research at an accredited academic institution in the United States. To be qualified for the said visa, one must be accepted in a recognized academic institution and should have the necessary requirements. Here’s how you can apply for F1 visa:

1. Applicants should take a necessary academic test.

Each student has a different course program that they want to study. Moreover, there are certain academic tests that are a requirement to these course programs. For example, we have the SAT, GRE, GMAT or the TOEFL. Applicants have to register for one of these exams – depending on the requirement – and take the exam in their home country.

2. Applicants should register in an accredited US academic institution

Any candidate for this visa should first find a school or university. They need to apply and complete all the requirements of the school. Once they pass all the requirements, an I-20 form will be given by the school. An I-20 form is a government certificate that will state that the student is bona fide, has met all the school’s requirement, is in a full course program and has provide proof of funds to sustain while living in the US.

3. Apply for the Visa

Once your application is received, you will be scheduled for an interview. The interview will also determine if you will be granted with the F1 visa. Once you get a positive response, you are ready for the next step.

4. Have your visa stamped.

Present your valid passport, Consular Electronic Application Center or CEAC Barcode, valid visa receipt, original interview appointment letter and I-20 to the embassy.

5. Contact your academic institution.

Once done, contact the school and inform that you are granted with the visa. They might have instructions for you before starting the academic year with them. The important thing in filing this visa is the readiness of the requirements. Have the requirements complete beforehand before lodging your applications.

Cayman Islands Now Require English Proficiency Certifications for Foreign Workers

Have you ever heard about the Cayman Islands?

The Cayman Islands are located in the western Caribbean Sea. Most of the time, the Caribbean Islands is known for a major world offshore financial center. It is a famous tourist destination for foreign nationals who like to bask in the sun and enjoy their white sand beaches with sparkling blue waters. Additionally, the Cayman Islands not only offer a place for fun and recreation but also job opportunities to foreigners as well.

According to the latest news on the Cayman Islands, foreign nationals who wish to work in the Cayman Islands who are non-native English speakers are required to take a formal language test in their country of origin before they are granted a work permit effective July 1st of 2014. Based on the news, any foreign prospective employee should take an English proficiency examination whether applying for full time or temporary work permit. Two English proficiency examinations are accepted in the Cayman Islands – the IELTS or the International English Language Testing System examination and the TOEIC or the Test of English for International Communication.

The IELTS is an English proficiency examination focused on an individual's understanding on English in a social context. Primarily, topics on the examination are not academic-based. There are four parts of the examination: reading, listening, speaking and writing. Though the test is not academic-based, a great amount of training and preparation is needed to attain the target score. Applicants to Cayman Islands need to get an overall band score of 6 in the IELTS.

Additionally, the TOEIC is an English proficiency exam that deals with business English. Certain vocabulary words are needed to be familiarized for the examination. The exam is a reading and listening test. It also has a separate speaking and writing which is most of the time depending on the companies’ requirement if the applicant has to take the mentioned sections. Most often, candidates for the TOEIC test need to review more on their vocabulary and grammar as these two are gauged in the exam. Applicants should be able to get a Band Score Level B2 on the TOEIC test.

Filipinos are good at English, yet training for the said examinations is much needed. There are a lot of English training centers that can help applicants for the Cayman Islands on these tests. Getting the target scores are needed so as to have a smooth processing of the application. Get the training, take the test, and aim for the target scores in either the IELTS or the TOEIC tests.

Age and Australian Visa Application Eligibility

189 visa

Having the opportunity to work or even study overseas is something Filipinos would go for. The chance of living their lives in other countries is a common goal for Filipinos. Working overseas promises better salary and studying in academic institutions abroad gives a whole new different academic experience. What is more exciting is getting the chance to live permanently in this country. Aside from the usual American dream, Filipinos are targeting Australia for work, study or immigration.

Applying for a visa in Australia seems to be easy. The Australian government has been offering quite a number of visas. Australian migration seems to it that all their candidates are treated fairly – no biases of race or religion. This is indeed a very good opportunity for anyone to file an application. Each type of visa has different criteria applicants need to satisfy. Moreover, it is the government’s decision to set the requirements and the number of people they can grant a visa yearly.

Point system is being followed in applying a visa. Most Filipinos are wondering if they are qualified to apply when it comes to an age requirement. Generally, any individual under the age of 50 can apply for a visa. However, points vary on their age bracket. People under the age of 18 do not get a point. Applicants from 18 to 24 get a score of 25. People between 25to 32 is awarded a score of 30. Individuals from 33 to 39 are given 25 points. Men and women who are at the age of 40 to 44 are given 15, and applicants 45 and up gets a zero. Hence, we can conclude that applicants should be 25 to 32 to get the highest score in the point system.

Aside from age there are other criteria needed. Here are some:

• English proficiency test score (IELTS or the International English Language Test System examination)
• Educational attainment (Australian diploma, Bachelor’s degree or Doctorate degree on recognized universities or academic institutions)
• Longevity of employment here in the Philippines

For more information on the criteria of a specific visa, visit www.immi.gov.au.

Among the requirements, the IELTS score is an important one to secure as early as possible. It is an English proficiency test where one’s skill is evaluated through different tasks that include reading, listening, speaking and writing. Getting the standard score and even getting better like IELTS 8.0 is better for visa application. The better the IELTS score, the higher points one get.

Getting a visa to Australia is not that complicated. Follow the right requirements and be sure to complete them before lodging the application.

Work in Australia - Australian Trade Skills Exhibit in the Philippines (Manila and Cebu) this May and June 2014

Everyone is invited to attend to the Australian Trade Skills Exhibit for the proper discussion on the requirements and procedures on working legally in Australia under a sponsored or permanent visa. Tips and proper procedures for passing the Australian Skills Assessment via the Offshore Skill Assessment Program (OSAP) will be the main topic of the event.

Join the Australian Trade Skills Exhibit on May 25, 2014 in Manila, particularly at Megatrade B Function Room A, 5/L, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City, and on June 1, 2014 at Jrooz Review Center, 16th Floor, Metrobank Plaza Bldg., Fuente-Osmena Blvd., Cebu City. Both event will start at 10AM and will end at 8PM.

For further information, please contact Palms Office at Units 209 and 226 Cityland Condominium 8, 98 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City. Call 8938035, 8134194, 0910-938-2908, 0927-754-7907; e-mail info@palmsimmigration.com.

Source: Inquirer

189 Visa Requirements for Dependents

The Skilled Independent Visa or Visa Subclass 189 for Australia is a points-tested visa for skilled workers that are not under sponsorship from an employer or family member or nominated by a state or territory government. Having granted by this type of visa allows the visa holder to live and work in Australia as a permanent resident. In addition, he or she can work and study in Australia, have the opportunity to enrol in Medicare – Australia’s scheme for health-related care and expenses. Once eligible, the visa holder can also apply for Australian citizenship. Finally, the visa holder can sponsor any eligible dependents for permanent residence as well. 

Inclusion of dependents on the visa should be done before lodging the application. Since dependents can be brought to Australia under this visa, there are some requirements that are requested. There are different kinds of people considered to be one’s dependent. Each also has their own particular requirements to be presented. 

1. Partner

Applicants must be able to prove that the applicant and the partner is either legally married or in a de facto relationship. Acceptable forms are as follows:

• Certified copy of the marriage certificate issued by the registry office
• Evidence to show that the relationship is authentic and ongoing for 12 months
• An International English Language Testing System Examination (IELTS) score 

2. Dependent Children

Applicants should provide valid proof that the dependent child is his or her child or a stepchild from a previous relationship. Acceptable forms are:

• Certified birth certificate of the child
• Certified copy of the adoption papers
• A copy of each child’s biographical date page from the child’s passport
• Two passport photos
• The child’s health examination 

3. Other dependent relatives

To be considered as a dependent, applicant must prove that these dependents:

• Are a resident to the applicant’s household
• Dependent on the applicant’s financial support for basic needs
• Have no other relative to take care for them in their own country

Acceptable forms include:

• Birth certificate
• Proof of being dependent to the applicant

People applying for this visa should apply online through Skillselect. Once an Expression of Interest (EOI) is evaluated, the applicant must provide evidence to support the claims. Application can be done both in and outside Australia. Prepare all necessary documents especially those ones that take time. Lodge the application and pay all necessary fees. For more information on 189 Australian Visa, visit www.immi.gov.au. Find out what this visa can provide for you and your dependents as well.

ETS Introduces Voice Identification System to Improve Security for TOEFL Tests

As posted at http://toeflreview.blogspot.com:

ETS or Educational Testing System will run a two-year pilot of a voice identification security system to its TOEFL-iBT examinations. The move was due to the alleged security breach reported by BBC, leading to the cancellation of TOEFL-iBT tests for visa applications in the UK. 

What is J1 Visa? Does this need IELTS? What are the requirements?

The United States of America has been offering different kinds of visas to any foreign nationals who wish to travel to the country for work, education or even as an immigrant. These visa types differ on the purpose which means that each visa type has requirements applicants have to satisfy. Amongst these visa types, J1 visa is one.

J1 Visa is also known as the Exchange Visitor non-immigrant visa for individuals who have been given approval to participate in work-and-study based exchange visitor programs. This visa’s primary purpose is to foster global understanding through educational and cultural exchanges. All individuals who have been granted this visa is expected to return to their home countries once their program is finished in order to share their experiences while in the US. This visa is valid until the holder finishes his or her course. Furthermore, students are allowed to work on and sometimes even off campus.

Any person interested to apply for the said visa need to obtain a Form DS-2019 from a sponsor. Once the person has this, application can be done in the nearest US embassy in the country, in Manila for the Philippines. Processing of the said visa varies depending on your country and on the individual’s circumstances.

Form DS-2019 is issued to authorized designated sponsors. This form is also known as Certificate of Eligibility. This form documents the person’s acceptance to an exchange program sponsored by a State Department designated Exchange Visitor Program sponsor. Other requirements include a valid passport for travel to the United States, completed online DS-160 non-immigrant visa application. DS-160 is an online non-immigrant visa application form for temporary travel to the United States. In addition, other requirements include the receipt showing a $140 visa application fee payment and 2x2 photographs following the standard requirements.

Since this is a work-and-study program, applicants are expected to pass an English proficiency examination from their sponsor as a requirement. One English language proficiency examination that is needed is the IELTS or the International English Language Testing System examination. Applicants who are going to take the IELTS need to get an overall band score of 7. For more information about IELTS band score, visit this page. Getting a 7 is not easy; hence, it is best to undergo IELTS training from IELTS review centers.

Applicants should start preparing the requirements as early as possible. It is better to start by taking the IELTS first. Having the necessary documents prepared early can help you, the applicant, have a faster processing of the application.

Source: http://j1visa.state.gov/basics/other-u-s-visas/