The hurdle of IELTS

One of the processes to gain permanent residency is to gain a certain score in the International English Language Testing System, IELTS exams.

As per the legislative changes introduced in the points system from the 1st of September, 2007, if you gain 7 or more then 7 in ALL modules of IELTS, then, you score 25 points.

When I first appeared in the IELTS test in Sept, 2004 in Pakistan, I scored more then 7 in all modules of IELTS in the academic version of the test.

While applying for residency in 2007, I was very much confident that I would score more then 7 in all modules of IELTS on the first go, however, to my surprise, I was unable to score 7 in all modules and was constantly getting 6.5 in the reading module.


Finally on the third attempt, I achieved above 7 band in all modules of IELTS and got through the exam. I actually got 8.5 in listening, 9 in reading, 9 in speaking and 8 in writing.


Word of Advice

Do not take the IELTS exam lightly, even if you are really confident of your English language skills. It can become a real big hurdle. For those who have a weakness in a particular area of the English language should prepare well before the exam.

IELTS can become a real pain in the neck without any reason.

Do not take it lightly and be well prepared for it.

Practice Material:

I have been receiving a lot of queries from people asking for help in the IELTS examination.

I am putting up some material which you can download by clicking on the following links.

http://rapidshare.com/users/V4KHSM

Simply download all files and then unzip them all in the same directory.

Please note that all files are required to unzip the archive. You have to use the winrar application to be able to open the archive.

Best of luck.

Choosing a migration lawyer

I have been receiving a very high volume of emails requesting help regarding visa migration to Australia.

Certain people have also offered to pay me for my services. I want to inform all my readers that I am not a registered migration agent and the advice I provide on this blog is free of charge. This doesn't mean that what I am telling you is wrong. The fact that I am not a registered migration agent/lawyer means that I cannot charge you for providing legal services or any advice on this blog.

Warning

There are lots of scams going on in the market where unregistered, non-professional people posing as lawyers rip off people by charging them high legal fees. There is a strict penalty for such crimes and the person involved can face criminal charges.


How to chose a migration lawyer/agent?


The first step you should take in choosing your lawyer agent is to confirm whether he/she is registered with the Migration Agents Registration Authority, MARA.


Please note that migration agents outside Australia are not required by Australian law to be certified from MARA. However, any one providing migration services, inside Australia is required by law to be a certified MARA migration agent. So its up to you to chose a MARA qualified migration agent or to chose a non-qualified MARA agent.

All registered MARA migration agents have a registration number. If you want to hire a lawyer, agent, You should ask for your lawyers/agents MARA registration number. You should ask for your lawyers/agents MARA registration number.

The authenticity of that registration number can be confirmed by checking it from the online database provided on the website of MARA.

Your agent/lawyer/consultant of the firm should be a registered Migration Agent under Australian Government Legislation. This legislation requires Registered Migration Agents to demonstrate that they are of good character and demonstrate competence in Australia's immigration law. Registered Agents must operate in accordance with a detailed Code of Conduct. You can also have a look at the Information on the Regulation Migration Advice Professional (IRMAP)


What are the benefits of hiring a MARA registered lawyer?


The greatest benefit a customer has while hiring a MARA registered lawyer/agent is that you can legally sue your lawyer/agent by lodging a complaint with MARA. If you do not hire a registered migration agent, you will not be able to legally sue him in Australia. It doesn't matter whether you yourself live in India or Brazil. Sending an email complaining against your agent/lawyer would be enough.


There are many other benefits such as knowledge and skills of a registered lawyer and his experience in handling cases etc.


I myself made a mistake and hired a non registered MARA lawyer and got myself into trouble. So instead of trying to save money and then getting yourself into trouble, it is advisable to pay a little extra and hire a professionally qualified lawyer who can get things done quickly and in a proper way.


Eligibility for registration

To be eligible to register with the MARA, you must be over 18 years of age and be either:

• an Australian citizen
• the holder of an Australian permanent visa
• a New Zealand citizen holding a special category visa.

In considering registration applications, the MARA must be satisfied that an applicant:

• is a fit and proper person to provide immigration assistance (an AFP National Police Check is required)
• has demonstrated competence in the English language
• has completed a Graduate Certificate in Australian Migration Law and Practice or holds a current legal practicing certificate
• holds professional indemnity insurance.

The MARA website contains forms and guidance about the requirements for becoming a registered migration agent.
See: www.themara.com.au

Points for PR

For most General Skilled Migration visas, your application will be assessed against a points test. You can claim points under a range of different factors. The maximum points that can be claimed in any one factor reflects how valuable those characteristics are in the Australian labour market or in assisting settlement.

What is the pass mark?

The pass mark is the total points you need to score to be eligible for a points–tested General Skilled Migration visa.

What happens if you don't meet the pass mark?

If you have applied for a Skilled – Independent (Migrant) visa (subclass 175) or a Skilled – Sponsored (Migrant) visa (subclass 176) and you score below the pass mark, but above the 'pool mark', your application will be held 'in the pool' for up to two (2) years after assessment.

If the pass mark is lowered at any time in that two (2) year period, and your score is equal to or higher than the new pass mark, your application will be processed further.

Rather than waiting in the pool, you could consider the following visa options if you do not meet the pass mark:

1. If you score 100 points you may be eligible for a Skilled – Sponsored (Migrant) visa (subclass 176) or a Skilled – Regional Sponsored (Provisional) visa (subclass 475) visa.
   See:
   Skilled – Sponsored (Migrant) visa (subclass 176) visa
   Skilled – Regional Sponsored (Provisional) visa (subclass 475) visa
2. If you meet the pool mark for the Skilled – Independent (Migrant) visa (Subclass 175), you can still lodge and register for the Skill Matching Database. More information on Skill Matching is available.
   See: Skill Matching Database
   

What are the current pass and pool marks?

The table below lists all the current pass and pool marks for the points–tested visas in the General Skilled Migration category.

Category	Pass mark	Pool mark
Skilled – Independent (Migrant) visa (subclass 175)	120	100
Skilled – Sponsored (Migrant) visa (subclass 176)	100	80
Skilled – Regional Sponsored (Provisional) visa (subclass 475)	100	100
Skilled – Independent (Residence) visa (subclass 885)	120	120
Skilled – Sponsored (Residence) visa (subclass 886)	100	100
Skilled – Regional Sponsored (Provisional) visa (subclass 487)	100	100

How often do the pass and pool marks change?

Changes to the pass and pool marks occur to address Australian labour market needs.

You should check the current pass mark immediately before making an application. You will be assessed against the pass and pool mark that is in effect on the day you make your application.

Points Break down

You can calculate your points at this link

http://www.workpermit.com/australia/point_calculator.htm

-------------------------------------------------------------

Please note that the pass marks are subject to change. You should check the latest pass marks when making decisions. I will update my blog regularly to reflect any changes in the pass marks.