The New Land of Opportunity

u
Did you know that
Sydney has the deepest natural harbor in the world with 504,000 mega
liters of water?

1
 The New Land of Opportunity

AUSFIS: WHERE EVERY POINT COUNTS

www.ausfis.org

Imprint
Australia: The New Land of Opportunity: January 2011 Edition
© Copyright 2011 AUSFIS Organization All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted, in any form or by any
means, electronic or mechanical, without written permission from the publisher,
AUSFIS Press.

Ausfis Inc.
Level 27, 101 Collins Street
Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
+61-3-9001-5905
www.ausfis.org

2
 The New Land of Opportunity

Table of Contents

DISCLAIMER 04

INTRODUCTION 05

SUPPLY & DEMAND 09

AUSTRALIA ECONOMY: WHAT MAKES IT STRONG? 10

CURRENCY 12

“TWO NATIONS DIVIDED BY A COMMON LANGUAGE” 14

AUSTRALIAN ENGLISH EXPRESSIONS 15

A WAY INTO AUSTRALIA 16

CONCLUSION 18

3
 The New Land of Opportunity

DISCLAIMER

Australia: The New Land of Opportunity is a snapshot into why people are now
considering moving to this country to become financially successful and some
of the legal ways to move to Australia. While it does not replace the expertise of
immigration lawyers, it does provide the individual with the background of what
is involved in the skilled worker visa and latest information about Australia’s
prosperity.

The information contained in this guide should not be considered as legal advice.
Although the publishers believe the information in this book to be accurate on
the date of its publication, the reader should be aware that immigration laws,
regulations and procedures are constantly changing. It is up to the reader to make
sure that the information is accurate and up to date.

The publishers shall not be held liable for any damage suffered directly or
indirectly due to the use of this guide.

u
Did you know that
Sydney has the deepest natural harbor in the world with 504,000 mega
liters of water?

04
 The New Land of Opportunity

INTRODUCTION
Congratulations! You are taking the first step to improving your life. Australia:
The New Land of Opportunity is more than just a title describing the country
called the Land Down Under, but a guide in achieving your dreams.

From the 110 countries around the world, Australia made the top five as one
of the happiest places to live, according to the premiere international business
website Forbes.com. Australia gives its residents the opportunity to be financially
successful; making enough money to buy the house, car, nice clothes,
and enjoy life.

Australia is more than a place where one can make it, but a country that prides
itself on the idea of freedom with the ability to speak your mind without fear, to
worship the God of your choosing, and to feel safe and secure in your own home.
It encourages people to get an education and become entrepreneurs.

05
 The New Land of Opportunity

You realize that your life needs improvement and you’re searching for other
opportunities. From where you are standing, the grass is greener on the other
side. If you are planning to make a move outside your home country, Australia
should be on the top of your list as a place to make your dreams a reality.

Before you can begin this new journey, the first question you should ask yourself
is do I deserve to have a better life? Your mind is saying yes, but your fears are
stopping you from making this happen. Most people in the world do not reach
their fullest potential. The greatest obstacle to financial freedom or
happiness is you.

For argument’s sake, you are granted a visa tomorrow, can you wrap your head
around the idea of moving to another country and starting all over? Remember,
Australia is not rolling out the Red Carpet so you can prance around and have the
paparazzi take photos of you entering the country. Only Nicole Kidman receives
that kind of VIP treatment.

We are creatures of habit! Moving or changing your circumstances in life is

literally going against the laws of nature. There is a certain comfort of staying
put. While your job may not be the greatest, at least it pays the bills. The
neighborhood is not the safest, but it’s nearby the shopping area. A college
degree would make me more marketable; however, it would take away time from
my friends and family. The word “but” always is lurking around the corner when an
idea of change pops in your head. The “but” is your fear. It is that voice that says
you do not deserve a better life.

Right now, the idea of changing your life is still swirling in your head. However,
you need to realize this decision of improving your lot in life is a mental, emotional
and educational process. Australia: The New Land of Opportunity is handbook
to not only equip you with vital information about what is needed to make a move
to Australia, but to give you the psychological foundation to make it all happen.

u
Did you know that
Perth has more cafes per capita than any other city in the world?

06
 The New Land of Opportunity

Today is your new page on life. This is the start to your exceptional life! You do not
have to be exceptionally gifted, talented, or creative to be successful, but you will
need to educate yourself in gathering the fundamentals of what it means to make
a move to another country and make it there. The information does not fall from
the sky, but requires research.

Remember, you are not the first person who immigrated to another country.
Millions before you have done it. You are not climbing Mount Everest for the first
time. What this means to you is that a precedent of success has already been
achieved; making your decision to leave your country an easier one.

It is true that in the past, people have immigrated to other countries due to
war and civil unrest. However, in the last few decades, countries are opening
their borders to import the best people to enhance the economy. Governments
understand that immigrants possess a drive like no other; it is a will to succeed at
all costs. It is the mentality that declares just give me a chance and I will make it
happen.

Employers understand that to succeed in business, they need to attract skilled

workers. Businesses cannot always find the right person locally and therefore,
they seek people from other countries to fill the void. The symbiotic need for both
business and government to attract people to make their markets stronger gives a
person like you an opportunity of a lifetime.

Most people are acquainted with the biblical story of Abraham who is asked by
God to leave his country to become the forefather of Monotheism. “Go from your
country, your birthplace and your father’s household to the land I will show you”
(The Book of Genesis, Chapter 12).

At the age of 75, Abraham is asked to leave it all behind. Not an easy call, leaving
everything that is familiar - your country, your relatives, your roots. But Most
people are acquainted with the biblical story of Abraham who is asked by God to
leave his country to become the forefather of Monotheism. Go from your country,
your birthplace and your father’s household to the land I will show you
(The Book of Genesis, Chapter 12).

07
 The New Land of Opportunity

But with that first step, Abraham became the most successful person in biblical
history with people today recalling his life.

At the beginning, God never revealed Abraham of his destination. At least, you
are contemplating a place considered the happiest in the world. It’s never too late
to change the direction of your life. Abraham could have decided to retire and live
off his social security, but he decided to begin again. Your age, financial situation,
or family circumstances should not deter you from what you wish to achieve.

u
Did you know that
approximately 200,000 camels roam Australia’s deserts representing the largest
herd of wild camels on earth?

08
 The New Land of Opportunity

SUPPLY & DEMAND

Did you know that Australia is one of the most multicultural countries in the world?
At least 25% of its population was born overseas and around 40% have one
parent born from a foreign country. What does this mean to you? Australia invests
in people regardless of race, ethnicity or religion. They are looking for individuals
to make Australia great. There are opportunities for people to come and work in
their country legally through a skilled workers visa or other types of employment
visas.

Often, we have a preconceived notion that when a country accepts immigrants it

is due to poor refugees who have been dislocated from their homes. Fortunately,
this is not the case anymore. Through Australia’s migration programs over
100,000 people last year came to its shores to build up the economy. What is
truly amazing about Australia is that through a global recession they pretty much
remain untouched by it all. In fact, the Australian dollar has gone up and has more
buying power than most currencies in the world.

You may think that Australia is looking for doctors or people within the high
tech world, but what are my chances as a professional plumber or electrician?
This country is looking for skilled workers in all sorts of professions, including
bricklayers, social workers, mechanics, and even a locksmith.

Experts predict that Australia will be facing worker shortage of nearly 200,000
people. In the next year or two people will be retiring and there is not enough
people to fill these positions. Every business sector is affected by this shortfall
especially those industries relating to mining and manufacturing. With an aging
population retiring combined with an insufficient skilled workforce, Australia is
looking outside its borders to fill the shortage of workers. Imagine that!

u
Did you know that
Australia is the only continent on Earth occupied by only one nation?

09
 The New Land of Opportunity

IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT AUSTRALIA

Capital Canberra
Largest city Sydney
Governor-General Quentin Bryce
Prime Minister Julia Gillard
Legislature Parliament
Upper House Senate
Lower House House of Representatives
Area
7,617,930 km
Total
2,941,299 sq mi
Population
2011 estimate 22,548,995
Currency Australian dollar (AUD)
Time zone variousN3 (UTC+8 to +10.5)
Summer (DST) variousN3 (UTC+8 to +11.5)
Drives on the left
Internet TLD .au
Calling code +61

u
Did you know that
Australia is surrounded by 3 oceans; Pacific, Indian and Southern?

10
 The New Land of Opportunity

AUSTRALIA ECONOMY: WHAT MAKES IT STRONG?

Ranking as number 13 in the largest economies of the world, Australia in the last
two decades has experienced positive reforms that have boosted its economy
and raised its standard of living. Did you know that the Australian economy has
avoided a recession for the last 19 years? Indeed! While other nations have
experienced severe financial setbacks since the global meltdown in 2008,
Australia has managed to survive and thrive.

As of 2009, Australia’s Gross Domestic Product was estimated to be $920 billion.

It has a western-style market economy with the services sector accounting for
71% of the GDP. While the agricultural and mining sectors are small, 4.7% of
GDP combined, they contribute approximately 65% of exports. Both a country and
a continent, Australia has enormous amounts of natural resources and beautiful
coastlines with huge deposits of gold, iron, bauxite, iron, manganese, opals and
sapphires along with natural gas deposits.

11
 The New Land of Opportunity

According to EconomyWatch.com some rankings for the Australian economy

include:

• Second in the United Nations 2009 Human Development Index

• First in Legatum›s 2008 Prosperity Index
• Sixth in The Economist worldwide Quality-of-Life Index for 2005
• Melbourne was listed 2nd in The Economist›s 2008 World›s Most
Livable Cities list (Perth was 4th, Adelaide was 7th and
Sydney was 9th)
• As of 2010, the Australian Securities Exchanges ranks 9th in the
world, following the 2006 merger of the Sydney Futures Exchange
and the Australian Stock Exchange.

According to a recent Wall Street Journal article, the largest trade credit insurers
in the world, Coface, rated Australia as one of the 10 strongest economies in the
world. This despite the recent floods Australia has faced. Coface projects that the
Australia’s economic growth will be 3.4 per cent in 2011, compared to 3.2 per cent
in 2010. Most European economies have growth of 2.9 per cent.

With rising raw material prices and the demand of China for it, Australia is
in a very good position. Coface’s gave Australia the highest A1 rating along
with advanced economies Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden,
Switzerland and emerging economies such as Singapore, Hong Kong and
Taiwan.

u
Did you know that
Australia has about one million different native species of flora and fauna?

12
 The New Land of Opportunity

CURRENCY

The Australian dollar entered the world of currencies in 1965, replacing Britain’s
sterling pounds. However, reaching a consensus of calling the Australian
money…dollars was a much more interesting process. Names such as emu,
diggers and australs were suggested. At the last hour, the name of the currency
was settled as the royal, but it was dropped, ending up with the Australian dollar.
The actual Australian dollar coin was not introduced until the 1980s. Before that
Australian dollars were made of paper.

The excitement of a new currency did not translate well on the international
market scene and often would find itself well behind the U.S. dollar. In December
of 1983, things really changed when the Australian dollar was floated. Its value
then rose and fell along with other international currencies. The lowest value of
the Australian dollar was in April of 2001 when it sank to 47.75 US. However, in
today’s market, the Australian dollar has seen a complete resurrection. While
the United States of America has been facing a devaluation of its money, the
Australian dollar (AUD) on the other hand has just hit a 26-month high.

13
 The New Land of Opportunity

For decades Australia’s reliance upon commodities such as mineral & farm
exports has seen the Australian dollar rally in global booms, and fall when mineral
prices slumped or when domestic spending overshadowed export earnings
outlook. The currency›s high unpredictable nature has made the AUD one of
the most traded currencies in the world. According to the Bank for International
Settlements Triennial Central Bank Survey released in September of 2010, the
Australian dollar has passed the Swiss franc to become the world›s fifth most-
traded currency.

Australia takes it currency very seriously and ensures that people do not have the
ability to reproduce it for counterfeit purposes. It is the first country in the world
to have a complete system of bank notes made from plastic (polymer), providing
greater security against counterfeiting. They were first introduced in 1988 with the
issue of a commemorative $10 note.

Australia’s notes are printed by Note Printing Australia and they print polymer
notes for a growing number of other countries including Indonesia, Malaysia,
Mexico, Nepal, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and others.

u
Did you know that
the world’s largest cattle ranch is in Australia; it is the size of the country
Belgium?

14
 The New Land of Opportunity

“TWO NATIONS DIVIDED BY A COMMON LANGUAGE”

There is an argument as to who actually said the above quote: Winston Churchill,
Oscar Wilde or George Bernard Shaw; however, the message is the same just
because the United States and England speak words that are from a common
language does not mean they are speaking English. This quote can also apply to
Australia. An Aussie walking in the streets of New York and entering a hardware
store to find a torch would create quite a reaction. Americans think of a torch as
wooden stick of fire. The images of the Mummy movie would pop into their head
and wonder if this person is on some archeological excavation in Manhattan or
does he wish to burn down someone’s house. It would take a while for someone
to realize that the Aussie is looking for a flashlight.

Another scenario that would receive humorous laughter after deciphering

the meaning of the word is when an Aussie is looking at the New York Times’
crossword puzzle and notices that he made a mistake. Asking the person next
to him for a rubber, the individual slowly moves away from the Aussie. He is
wondering why this total stranger is asking me for a condom. Realizing the
awkwardness of the moment, the Australian says he needs it to erase the mistake
he made in the crossword puzzle. “Oh, why didn’t you say so from the beginning
that all you needed was an eraser,” a sigh of relief is expressed by the individual.

Imagine you’re from the United States and on a family vacation in Australia. Your
baby drops her pacifier. A native of Australia comes over and picks it up and says
‘here it is, dummy’. Insulted, you wonder why the woman just called you an idiot.
Of course, an exchange of nasty words soon follows and finally it hits you - a
pacifier in Australia is called a dummy.

A move to Australia is more than just finding a house, job, and best locations to
eat and have fun, it also learning the way they speak. Australian English has its
own lingo and rhythm. It is worth investing some time in learning the Australian
expressions. On the next page, I provided some the essential terms you
need to know.

u
Did you know that
Australians celebrate Australia Day on January 26?

15
 The New Land of Opportunity

AUSTRALIAN ENGLISH EXPRESSIONS

Ant’s pants – real good Kip- to nap

Apples, she’ll be – it will be okay Lift- elevator
A sparrow’s fart – dawn Like a two-bob watch – something
Awning over the toy shop- a man’s unreliable
beer belly Lippy- lipstick
Bad trot- a period of bad luck Lob- unannounced visit
Barbie- barbecue Loo- toilet
Barney-fight Mail- gossip
Beavering-working hard Mystery bag – sausage
Billy- a pot used on open fire to boil No object – no problem
water On the nose- bad smelling
Boot-car trunk Pasty- a meat pie
Bugger Off- go away Porky – a lie
Burl- to try Prang- car accident
Cane it- drive fast Prawn- shrimp
Car park- parking lot Pusher – child’s stroller
Chalk and cheese- no comparison Rage- to party
Cherrio- goodbye Rattle your dags- ride your bike
Chukas- good luck Return- round trip
Coldie – a cold beer Roo- kangaroo
Corker- really good Sarvo – this afternoon
Cozzie- swimsuit Slate- to criticize
Cuppa- cup of coffee or tea Snog- to kiss
Dad & Dave – to shave Steamer- one piece wet suit
Digger- Australian soldier Suit hire- tuxedo rental
Dummy – a baby pacifier Swish- look good
Dunny roll- toilet paper Tat- tattoo
Easy on –calm down Tea – dinner
Flat-apartment Telly- television
Good oil (adjective) – useful idea Up the duff –pregnant
Hooroo- goodbye Wanker – arrogant person
I’m stuffed – I’m tired Yank- An American
Jimjams- pajamas

16
 The New Land of Opportunity

A WAY INTO AUSTRALIA

One of the best ways to live and work in Australia is through skilled migration
visas, known as the Australian General Skilled Migration program. These visas
are for people who are not sponsored by an employer and who have skills in
occupations that Australia needs to fill.

The Australia General Skilled Worker Visas are determined by a points system
and deal with 6 Australian States & 2 Territories as well as over 40 assessing
authorities! It is a process that is time consuming! It also can be potentially very
expensive if not done correctly and detrimental if done wrong. The following are
two visas that do not need specific people in Australia to sponsor you:

Australian skilled independent migrant visa (subclass 175)

If a person possesses proficient English language skills, is under age 45, and has
skills and qualifications that meet the Australian standard for an occupation on the
Skilled Occupation List (SOL), then such individual can apply for a Subclass 175
visa. Employment skills are based upon the Skilled Occupation List (SOL), a list
of skilled occupations that are in need in Australia. These skilled occupations are
constantly updated and each occupation listed on the SOL is allocated a points
value for use in the visa assessment process.

This visa allows you and any secondary applicants included in your visa
application to live as permanent residents in Australia and receive
the following benefits:

• Live and work in Australia on a permanent basis

• Study in Australia at school, Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector
or university
• Receive subsidized healthcare through Medicare and the Pharmaceutical
• Benefits Scheme (PBS)
• ccess certain social security payments (subject to waiting periods)
• Be eligible for Australian citizenship (subject to the residency eligibility
criteria)
• Sponsor people for permanent residence.

17
 The New Land of Opportunity

Australian skilled sponsored migrant visa (subclass 176) visa

An individual can apply for a Subclass 176 visa via an eligible relative living
in Australia who is willing and able to sponsor you OR a nomination from a
participating State or Territory government agency. However, you must possess
the following:

1. Proficient English language skills,

2. Under age of 45
3. Skills and qualifications that meet the Australian standard for an occupation
on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) relevant to that visa and the
corresponding lists from each individual State and Territory.

These skilled occupations are constantly updated and each occupation listed
on the SOL is allocated a points value for use in the visa assessment process.
This visa (subclass 176) allows you and any secondary applicants included in
your visa application to live as permanent residents in Australia and receive the
following benefits:

• Live and work in Australia on a permanent basis

• Study in Australia at school, Vocational Education and Training (VET
sector or university
• Receive subsidized healthcare through Medicare and the Pharmaceutical
Benefits Scheme (PBS)
• Access certain social security payments (subject to waiting periods)
• Be eligible for Australian citizenship
(subject to the residency eligibility criteria)
• Sponsor people for permanent residence.

u
Did you know that
the snowy mountains of the Australian Alps receive more snow than Switzerland?

18
 The New Land of Opportunity

CONCLUSION

Australia’s immigrant roots began with the convicts of England. It was the only
continent colonized by Europeans as a prison. Almost 225 years later, she has
become the new land of opportunity with a robust economy and a government
determined to import the best citizenry of the world.

Here, in Australia, we are all human beings. It is a classless society, a place that
began with few people brought together by a common purpose built a prosperous
nation in a remarkably short amount of time and against all the odds. Australia
has become one of the most powerful and progressive nations in the world. This
is nothing short of a miracle.

According to the Australia’s Department of Immigration and Citizenship over

6.9 million people have immigrated Australia since 1945, contributing to the
prosperity, culture and the shaping of this country. In 2008–09, more than 171,000
migrants were granted visas under the Skill and Family Streams of Australia›s
Migration Program and nearly 670,000 people received temporary entry visas
to Australia to undertake specific work or business, or to entertain, play sport,
have a working holiday or study. In addition, 13,507 humanitarian entrants were
granted visas to enable them to live in Australia to rebuild their lives, having fled
persecution or suffering.

According to a recent article in the Sydney Morning Herald, Australia’s economy

will struggle if the federal government does not increase its temporary skilled
migrant intake. By 2015, more Australians will retire than will join the workforce,
having a significant impact for economic growth and the government treasury as
older Australians move to retirement and labor participation rates drop.
Alan Chanesman, Chief Executive of Immigration Strategy for Lipman James
firm, last year addressed the World Computer Congress in Brisbane, said the IT
industry was vulnerable due to a lack of skilled temporary workers. He pointed out
those applications for the 457 business visas have fallen by 20%. “Immigration is
an essential ingredient in the population growth and one lever the commonwealth
can use to moderate or accelerate overall numbers,” remarked Chanesman.

19
 The New Land of Opportunity

For those who are searching for places that can change their lives for the better,
Australia is definitely that location. The only thing stopping you from making your
dreams a reality is not making that Abrahamic step.

u
Did you know that
Tasmania is considered to have the best air in the world?

20