Wanted Down Under: Programmers, Developers and Network Security Experts

A series of massive IT projects have led the Australian Government to add a variety of computing professionals to its Migration Occupations in Demand List giving Java and C# programmers a better chance for a new life Down Under.

The Australian Government added the following to its Migration Occupations in Demand List (MODL) today: Computing Professionals specialising in CISSP, C++/C#/C, Java, J2EE, Network security, Oracle, PeopleSoft, SAP and SIEBEL. Applicants for emigration to Australia with these qualifications are given bonus points and there applications fast-tracked.

"There simply aren’t enough qualified staff in Australia to meet demand, especially in the cases of C# and Java programmers," said Oonagh Baerveldt, spokeswoman for the Australian Visa Bureau. "There have been reports in the Australian media for a while now saying various large-scale Government IT projects are understaffed."

"The bulk of the vacancies are in the cities of Canberra and Adelaide where the cost of living and quality of life is suited to young professional with families. The cost of housing, ease of travel to work, and park lands are major selling points for British IT professionals.

"Both Canberra and Adelaide are affordable places to live. The fantastic quality of life in Australia because of cost of living and weather are unmatched," said Baerveldt. "Network security is an increasing issue in Australia; this is reflected in today’s additions to the MODL. Coupled with the fact that C# and Java programmers are in such high demand, there’s never been a better time to go to Australia if you’re in IT."

Basic requirements for emigration as a computing professional include being under 45 years of age, proficient in English, IT degree qualified with a minimum of 4 years of experience, or 6 years experience without.

IT professionals interested in investigating the possibility of emigrating to Australia are encouraged to visit www.visabureau.com and take the Online Assessment for Australia to determine their points total. Australia’s migration system is points-based, and applicants whose skills appear on the country’s MOLD receive are deemed "crucial."

"Australian IT is moving away from parachuting contractors in – the industry is moving towards having agency offices in the cities where work is being done. From an optics perspective, it’s not okay for a lot of coding to be done overseas anymore," said Baerveldt.

Australia Opens its Doors

The Australian Government has announced another round of sweeping changes to its immigration policies which will make it easier for young, English speaking skilled workers to emigrate to Australia. The Australian Government has significantly altered its points-based system because it is looking for more immigrants after increasing its immigration target numbers to the country's highest levels ever for skilled workers, up from 97,000 to a record 102,550 for the year.

Previously, professional workers struggled to reach the 120 point threshold for a Skilled Visa leading to permanent residency because they were only awarded 20 points for their English language ability. However, as of September 1, anyone passing an optional standardised English language test will receive 25 points rather than 20.

Chris Cook of the Australian Visa Bureau, said: "The Australian Government realises it is lacking workers in many professions which it desperately needs to fill so the country is throwing its doors open to huge numbers of skilled and experienced British people."

The Australian immigration changes affect key professional workers required to fill skills gaps in Australia's growing economy, including teachers, doctors, nurses, dentists, IT professionals, finance managers, civil engineers, HR managers, engineering managers, aeronautical engineers, supply and distribution managers.

Chris Cook added: "The implications of these changes are vast. The Australian Government is looking for more immigrants than ever before. The changes are directed at nurses, IT workers and those in the trades, and making it easier for them to meet the minimum eligibility requirements. We would advise anyone considering Australian immigration to visit the Australian Visa Bureau where they can fill out a simple online Australian visa assessment form to see if they are eligible under the new proposed legislation."

The Skilled Migration program in Australia awards visas on a points basis depending on age, language, occupation, skills and experience. A total of 120 points will make an applicant eligible for an Independent Skilled Visa entitling the applicant and his or her family to a Permanent Residency Visa which allows them to live and work anywhere in Australia.

Other professions being actively sought by the Australian Government via its Migration Occupations in Demand List (MODL) include: accountants, carpenters, plumbers, engineers, locksmiths, painters and decorators, architects, metal machinists, quantity surveyors, chefs, bakers, bricklayers, cabinet makers, child care coordinators, mechanics, pastry cooks, plasterers and toolmakers. For a full list of all occupations on the list and to see if your profession is currently in demand, please view the complete Australian Migration Occupations in Demand List.

The Australian Visa Bureau specialises in arranging visas for British and Irish nationals looking to live in, work in and travel to Australia. Based in London, the company ensures clients are given the most up to date information concerning immigration and visa policy. Visit Visa Bureau for further information and free online visa assessments for Australia.

a cap on Australian immigration

Australia has joined the United Kingdom and Canada in implementing a cap on Australian immigration. The UK government has announced its intention to cap immigration, and Canada has limited the number of applications it will consider under its own skilled worker scheme. Last month the Australian government introduced a skilled visa capping bill, to limit the number of skilled workers able to enter the country. Now the new Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard, has spoken about restricting population growth by limiting Australia immigration.

The Prime Minister, herself an immigrant from Wales, made a speech to the Lowy Institute on 5th July. As reported by The Australian, Gillard signalled her intention that the Labour government should slow down the growth in Australia’s population and ensure that Australian immigration should be driven by regional needs within the country.

In the meantime Australian Immigration Minister Chris Evans has promised to use his new visa capping powers sparingly. The new law, which cleared the lower house of parliament last month, gives the minister powers to close applications in particular classes if sufficient numbers of people in a particular occupation have already been admitted to the country. The minister has described the press response to the new law as “hysterical” and said that he will use his new powers to limit Australian immigration sparingly.

A pattern is now emerging where countries are seeking to protect employment for their existing population by imposing limits on immigration, while seeking to admit people in high-demand occupations in a more controlled way. Speaking about this trend, Liam Clifford, Director of Global Visas the world’s leading Immigration Company said, “All major economies are locking down their labour markets. This is protectionism which world leaders have previously warned against. This short-sighted approach often leads to difficulties for local employers in securing the talent they need. The policy of capping skilled migrants is wrong and the fact is if there are no vacancies or jobs skilled migrants will not come. Economies and countries must allow talent to move freely and compete for that talent in an open market. Locking your door is not the answer.”

For more information

Please contact the UK Global Visas office on +44 (0)207 190 3903.

About Global Visas

Global Visas are a world leading authority on immigration and visas for private individuals and corporate clients, providing the most comprehensive and up-to-date visa and immigration advice available. Their offices around the world provide immigration and visa solutions for those travelling to America, South Africa, Australia, the UK and many other countries. Global Visas was founded in 1996 by a former immigration officer.