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May 2008

NEWSLETTER – MAY 2008

Greetings to you all from your Relocation Services Team at Network Migration!

It is hard to believe we are almost half-way through the year already, and we certainly trust it has been a good one for you thus far!

We have some interesting articles for you this month - amongst others, Wellington in New Zealand, Winnipeg in Canada, and Sydney, Australia. We provide you with the visa updates, and take pleasure in introducing you to our new Relocation Services Partners.

Australian Permanent Residency Processing Information:

ACKNOWLEDING AND RECEIPTING OF APPLICATIONS:

Applications submitted on the dates shown below are currently being allocated to case officers for the initial review of applications. Once this review has taken place a letter requesting additional information such as medicals with be sent.

As at 27th May 2008 the ASPC Administration Section is processing applications as follows:

Skilled Migration Visas received before 1^st September 2007

(Subclasses 134, 136, 137, 138, 139, 495 and 496)

All applications submitted have been receipted and acknowledged.

Skilled Migration Visas received after 1^st September 2007

( Subclasses 175,, 176, 475, 476 )

Currently acknowledging applications received 23^rd May 2008

PROCESSING AND ALLOCATION INFORMATION AS AT 27^th May 2008

Applications lodged on or before the dates shown have been allocated to case officers for further processing.

Skilled Migration Visas received before 1^st September 2007

(Subclasses 134, 136, 137, 138, 139, 495 and 496)

All applications submitted in the week of 28^th May 2007 have now been allocated visa officers

Skilled Migration Visas received after 1^st September 2007

(Subclasses 175,176, 475, 476)

E- lodged ( on line) applications submitted 10^th November 2007 have now been allocated visa officers.

Paper based applications: 19^th September 2007

Information is updated weekly and can be obtained by sending a blank email to: aspc.processing@immi.gov.au.

This is an automated service providing processing information only. Please do not send any other inquiry or information to the e-mail address.

Communicating with the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship

In our December Network Migration advised you of the delays in communicating with DIAC. The situation has not improved greatly over the past month although we have been assured DIAC are taking steps to rectify the situation as soon as possible .

DIAC have issued these time frames for processing applications:

DIAC aim to accept payment within 12 – 14 weeks of submission
DIAC will acknowledge an application 4 – 6 weeks after payment has been accepted
DIAC will send an acknowledgment letter containing a client reference number and a receipt after this time.
If your inquiry is not related to the acknowledgment or receipt of an application DIAC will aim to answer your query within 2 weeks but it can sometimes take up to 4 weeks.

Once payment has been accepted the applications will undergo validity checking. Once this checking has been completed you will receive an acknowledgment letter with a file number. There will then be a wait of approximately 6 – 9 months before your file is allocated a visa officer. The delay in acknowledging your application will not impact on the time taken for your application to be allocated a case officer if you have lodged a valid application. Case officer allocation and expected date of finalisation will be in line with DIAC's current processing times and service standards available on their website. ( www.immi.gov.au)

New ZealandExpression of Interest Fortnightly Selections

The latest selections took place on 21^st May 2008.

All EOIs at or above 140 points. 481

All EOIs with a job or a job offer claiming points between 100 and 135 points. 131

All EOIs claiming 15 points for work experience in an area of absolute skill shortage and with a points total between 100 and 135 points. 64

All EOIs claiming 10 points for work experience in an area of absolute skill shortage and with a points total between 100 and 135 points. 36

All EOIs claiming 10 points for a qualification in an area of absolute skill shortage and with a points total between 100 and 135 points. 61

All EOIs with a points total of 135 points where there are no points claimed for a job or job offer, work experience in an area of absolute skill shortage, or qualification in an area of absolute skill shortage. 3

TOTAL SELECTION 776

Canadian High Commission Processing Information:

File Completion Processing Times ( source: Canadian High Commission website)

There are so many variables in processing an immigration application that it is impossible to estimate how long it will take. Our present estimated processing times for immigration applications are:

Skilled Worker Class and Business Class applicants - approximately 40 months for a substantive review to take place; if the application is approved, approximately 6 to 8 months to process to completion from the date of the substantive review; if a personal interview is required, approximately 8 to 12 months to process to completion from the date of the substantive review.

Skilled Worker Class applicants with a job offer in Canada - applicants who have received an offer of permanent employment confirmed by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) and do not intend to work in Canada before obtaining permanent residence are fast-tracked and may be processed within 6 to 8 months. If a personal interview is required, processing can take 12 months from the date of review.

Skilled Worker Class applicants in Canada on a valid work permit who have received an indeterminate offer of employment from their current employer in Canada may be processed within 6 to 8 months if an interview is not required.

Provincial Nominees - are fast-tracked and will take approximately 6 to 8 months.

Family Class applicants (spouses, common-law partners, conjugal partners and dependent children of Canadian citizens and permanent residents) - approximately 6 months once the approved sponsorship and completed application is received by our office in Pretoria.

Other Family Class applicants - a minimum of 12 months once the approved sponsorship and completed application is received by our office in Pretoria.

CHC are currently processing files submitted in September 2004.

Changes at Network Migration:

There is a common saying that a change is as good as a holiday and to that end Network Migration would like to introduce some very capable new team members who have joined our nms 'family'. Many clients deal with us for extended period of time during which strong relationships are formed with the team members and our clients can find it unsettling when changes occur. However for us it is imperative that team members are constantly trained and developed and we are excited to be able to offer new opportunities to key members of staff from time to time that may result in changes to the team structure.

To that end we would like to introduce the new Network Migration Services team to you:

SEMINAR PRESENTING TEAM:

Andrew Kerr – Director of Network Migration Services

Andy has been the Director of Network Migration Services for the past 15 years and has a wealth of experience in the migration process to Australia, New Zealand and Canada. Andrew presents seminars throughout South Africa and the United Kingdom. Andy has helped thousand's of people successfully gain permanent residency. If you have queries please contact Andy on andrew@netmigration.co.za.

Michael Menezes – Seminar Presenter

Michael joined Network Migration Services in July 2006 and has been presenting seminars around South Africa since then. Michael is no stranger to travel having previously worked as an international flight attendant for Emirates. Michael has had first hand experience at immigrating having lived in Dubai for 3 years before returning to South Africa. Michael can be contacted at michael@netmigration.co.za

Steve Hollis – Seminar Presenter.

Steve joined Network Migration Services in April 2008. He has been presenting seminars around South Africa since then. Steve is a UK citizen having emigrated to South Africa with his family in 2002. Steve spent 30 years in the British Army and has lived all over the world. He brings with him a degree in life and his “pommy” humor when advising clients on the numerous types of visa's and their many different qualifying requirements. Steve can be contacted at steve@netmigration.co.za

Asheley- Anne Shawe – PA to Andrew Kerr/Internal Training Facilitator

Asheley has many years experience in the migration industry handling the processing of visa applications. Asheley moves from her current position of Client Services Manager to fulfil her new dual role of PA to Andy and Internal Training Facilitator. Asheley will use her wealth of knowledge in migration to ensure that the Visa Processing Team is kept up to date and fully informed of these processes and any changes to regulations. This will ensure that our clients receive the best possible service and that their emigration process is seamless.

Asheley can be contacted at asheley@netmigration.co.za

VISA PROCESSING TEAM:

Angela Raine – Manager, Visa Services

Angela joined Network Migration Services in January 2006 as a Client Services Manager and has worked with a number of client's over the past two and a half years. Angela manages the Visa Processing Team.

Angela is a New Zealand citizen and has first hand experience at immigrating. She has moved from New Zealand to the United Kingdom then onto South Africa and Cameroon. Angela can be contacted at angela@netmigration.co.za

Verochelle Fransman – Visa Consultant

Verochelle joined Network Migration Services in March 2008. She has a strong client liaison background having been an Executive PA for many years.

Verochelle will be working with client's whose surnames begin with A - F and can be contacted at verochelle@netmigration.co.za

Manisha Mistry – Visa Consultant

Manisha has worked for Network Migration Services for the past four years. Intially employed as a receptionist Manisha then moved into the role of Andy's PA . She has a strong knowledge of the migration business and has worked with all of our client's at some stage over the past few years.

Manisha will be working with client's whose surnames begin with G – L and can be contacted at manisha@netmigration.co.za

Gillian Peters – Visa Consultant

Gillian has a strong background in visas and immigration and has worked in the industry for several years.

Gillian will be working with client's whose surnames begin with M - R and can be contacted at gillian@netmigration.co.za.

Stuart Baverstock – Visa Consultant

Stuart comes to Network Migration with a strong background in visas and immigration, an industry where he has several years experience.

Stuart will be working with client's whose surnames begin with S- Z and can be contacted at stuart@netmigration.co.za.

RELOCATIONS TEAM:

Merrill Isherwood - Manager - Relocation Services

Merrill is heading up the Relocation Services and Job Search divisions of Network Migration Services. She comes with a wealth of service experience,predominantly in the Travel and Car Rental industries and as such, is extremely client focused. Merrill is enjoying the challenge of working in the Immigration industry, providing her with her daily adrenalin rush.

Merrill can be contacted at merrill@netmigration.co.za

Rosh Pillay – Job Search Consultant

Rosh ihas been with Network Migration for the past year and has helped many Network client's in their job search process and has much success .Rosh has a recruitment background and has brought this experiencewith her to Network Migration. Rosh will assist client's with their job search process and can be contacted at jobsearch@netmigration.co.za

FINANCE TEAM

Norma Hughes – Financial Director

Norma has been at Network Migration Services as Financial Director for the past 4 years. Norma comes from a strong financial background and was Financial Director for one of South Africa's leading companies before relocating to Perth, Australia. After spending a few years in Perth, Norma returned to South Africa to join the Network Migration Services team. For any financial queries please email Norma at norma@netmigration.co.za

Susan Kinsey – Finance Department

Susan joined Network Migration over two years ago bringing with her 20 years experience in accounts and book keeping. Susan manages the arduous task of processing and handling all foreign drafts and government payments related to visa applications for our clients. If you have any payment queries please contact Susan on accounts@netmigration.co.za

Bridgette Burke – Finance Department

Bridgette has worked in several different capacities at Network Migration giving her a unique 360 degree view of the business. Bridgette is currently responsible for facility management, support services management and internal human resource management. She also assists in the finance department.

Bridgette can be contacted at bridgette@netmigration.co.za.

ADMINISTRATION TEAM

Maria Gontse - Reception

Maria has been working for Network Migration Services for the past 13 years. Maria will be assisting with all your front line queries at reception.

Support Services

We have a small team of support personnel that consists of Raymond, Anna, Bridgette and Imlaan. They ensure that the day to day running of the office is as seamless as possible.

BUSINESS VISA TEAM:

Katrina Nicoholson – Manager, Business Visas

Katrina Nicholson is a South Australian who has been working in South Africa for the past 4 years. In Network Migration Services she is principally responsible for business migration, developing business plans and assisting clients to assemble the documentation necessary for a business skills visa.

Katrina brings to Network Migration Services over 10 years of experience working for the Government of South Australia in immigration. Immediately before joining us she held the title of South African Representative for the Government of South Australia, a role that built on her previous position of Assistant Director, Immigration SA in the Department of Trade and Economic Development.

Katrina can be contacted at kat@netmigration.co.za

Harry McGovern – Business Visa Consultant

Harry is responsible for business migration for our Johannesburg based business client's. Harry brings a wealth of corporate knowledge to Network Migration and his years of experience provide him great insight when developing business plans.

Harry can be contacted at harry@netmigration.co.za.

Ian Petersen – Administration , Cape Town

Ian has been with Network Migration Services for the past 4 years. He fulfilled the role as a Case Processing Officer for 2 years before taking an opportunity to move back to his home town of Cape Town. Ian fulfills an administration role for the Cape Town office ensuring the efficient day to day running of the office and the visa processing for our business visa client's. Ian can be contacted at ian@netmigration.co.za

Sydney

Sydney is the most populous city in Australia, with a metropolitan area population of approximately 4.28 million (2006 estimate) It is the state capital of New South Wales, and the site of the first British colony in Australia, established in 1788 at Sydney Cove by Arthur Phillip, leader of the First Fleet from Britain. A resident of the city is referred to as a Sydneysider.

Sydney is located on Australia's south-east coast. The city is built around Port Jackson, which includes Sydney Harbour, leading to the city's nickname, "the Harbour City". Noted for the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, and its beaches. The metropolitan area is surrounded by national parks, and contains many bays, rivers and inlets. In September 2007, the city hosted the leaders of the 21 APEC economies for APEC Australia 2007, and in July 2008 will host World Youth Day 2008. The main airport serving Sydney is Kingsford Smith International Airport.

Sydney is one of the most multicultural cities in the world which reflects its role as a major destination for immigrants to Australia. .According to the Mercer cost of living survey, Sydney is Australia’s most expensive city, and the 21st most expensive in the world

Climate

Climate Table

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Mean daily maximum temperature (°C)	25.8	25.7	24.7	22.4	19.3	16.9	16.2	17.7	19.9	22.0	23.6	25.1	21.6
Mean daily minimum temperature (°C)	18.6	18.7	17.5	14.7	11.5	9.2	8.0	8.9	11.0	13.5	15.5	17.5	13.7
Mean total rainfall (mm)	103.3	117.4	131.2	127.2	123.3	128.1	98.1	81.5	68.7	76.9	83.1	78.1	1217.0
Mean number of rain days	12.1	12.3	13.3	12.0	12.0	11.4	10.3	9.9	10.3	11.5	11.4	11.5	138.0

Entertainment and Performing Arts

Sydney's iconic Opera House has five theatres capable of hosting a range of performance styles; it is the home of Opera Australia—the third busiest opera company in the world, and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.[ Other venues include the Sydney Town Hall, City Recital Hall, the State Theatre and the Wharf Theatre.

The Sydney Dance Company has also gained acclaim. The Sydney Theatre Company has a regular roster of local plays, such as noted playwright David Williamson, classics and international playwrights.

In 2007, New Theatre (Newtown) celebrates 75 years of continuous production in Sydney. Other important theatre companies in Sydney include Company B and Griffin Theatre Company.

The National Institute of Dramatic Art, based in Kensington, boasts internationally famous alumni such as Mel Gibson, Judy Davis, Baz Luhrmann and Cate Blanchett. Sydney's role in the film industry has increased since the opening of Fox Studios Australia in 1998. Prominent films which have been filmed in the city include Moulin Rouge!, Mission Impossible II, Star Wars episodes II and III, Superman Returns, Dark City, Dil Chahta Hai, Happy Feet and The Matrix.

Sydney's most popular nightspots include Kings Cross, Oxford Street, Darling Harbour, Circular Quay and The Rocks which all contain various bars, nightclubs and restaurants.

Source: www.wikipedia.

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Wellington

Wellington is the capital of New Zealand, the country's second largest urban area, the most populous national capital in Oceania and the southern-most capital city in the world. It is in the Wellington region at the southern tip of the North Island. It is popularly referred to as the "Windy City" due to its historically fierce winds and weather or colloquially as Wellywood.

Wellington's urban area extends well beyond the boundaries of a single local authority. Greater Wellington or the Wellington Region means the entire urban area, plus the rural parts of the cities and the Kapiti Coast, and across the Rimutaka Range to the Wairarapa.

Importance

Wellington is New Zealand's political centre, housing Parliament and the head offices of all government ministries and departments, plus the bulk of the foreign diplomatic missions based in New Zealand.

Wellington's compact city centre supports an arts scene, café culture and nightlife much larger than most cities of a similar size. It is a centre of New Zealand's film and theatre industry. Te Papa Tongarewa(the Museum of New Zealand), the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, the Royal New Zealand Ballet and the biennial New Zealand International Arts Festival are all sited there.

Wellington has the 12th bestquality of living in the world, according to a 2007 study by consulting company Mercer. Of cities with English as the primary language, Wellington ranked fourth. Only Auckland of New Zealand cities rated higher.

Film

Wellington is the centre of the nation's film industry.

Peter Jackson, famous for The Lord of the Rings, Richard Taylor, and a growing team of creative professionals have turned the eastern suburb of Miramar into one of the world's most acclaimed film-making infrastructures.

Climate

The city averages 2025 hours (or about 169 days) of sunshine per year.

Weather averages for Wellington, New Zealand
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Average high °C	20.3	20.6	19	16.7	14.2	12	11.4	12	13.5	15	16.6	18.5	15.8
Average low °C	13.4	13.6	12.6	10.9	8.8	6.9	6.3	6.5	7.7	9	10.3	12.2	9.9
Precipitation mm	72	62	92	100	117	147	136	123	100	115	99	86	1,249
Average high °F	69	69	66	62	58	54	53	54	56	59	62	65	60
Average low °F	56	56	55	52	48	44	43	44	46	48	51	54	50
Precipitation inches	2.8	2.4	3.6	3.9	4.6	5.8	5.4	4.8	3.9	4.5	3.9	3.4	49.2
Source: NIWA [18] Oct 2007

Museums and cultural institutions

Wellington is home to Te Papa Tongarewa (the Museum of New Zealand), the Museum of Wellington City & Sea, the Katherine Mansfield Birthplace Museum, Colonial Cottage, the New Zealand Cricket Museum, the Cable Car Museum, Old St. Paul's, and the Wellington Law school (largest wooden building in the southern hemisphere) and the Wellington City Art Gallery.

Festivals

Wellington hosts the biennial New Zealand International Arts Festival, annual International Jazz Festival, and major events such as Cuba Street Carnival, New Zealand Fringe Festival, Summer City,

Music

The New Zealand School of Music was established in 2005 through a merger of the conservatory and theory programmes at Massey University and Victoria University of Wellington. New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Nevine String Quartet and Chamber Music New Zealand are based in Wellington.

Performing arts

Wellington is home to the National Opera Company, City Gallery, the Royal New Zealand Ballet, St James' Theatre, Downstage Theatre, Bats Theatre, the Arts Foundation of New Zealand and the New Zealand International Arts Festival, the Wellington Performing Arts Centre is also an important local source for theatre.

Source: www.wikipedia.

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Winnipeg

Winnipeg is the capital, and largest city of Manitoba, Canada. Located in the eastern prairie region of Western Canada, it is often called the "Gateway to the West".

The city is located near the geographic centre of North America,at the confluence of the historic Red and Assiniboine Rivers, a point now commonly known as The Forks, now a mixed-use public space and one of the city's most popular attractions.

Winnipeg lies in close proximity to hundreds of lakes, including Lake Winnipeg, the world's eleventh largest, as well as Lake Manitoba and the Lake of the Woods. Lake Winnipeg is the largest lake within the borders of Southern Canada, and along the east side are some of the most pristine Canadian Shield rivers.

The city is a cultural centre and is the home of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. It boasts historic architecture, scenic waterways, a heritage river, numerous parks including Assiniboine Park, and distinctive neighbourhoods. Winnipeg is home to the Hudson's Bay Company Archives, and is in the area of the original settlements and farms in the west. Winnipeg has laid claim to the title of World's Longest Skating Rink along the Red and Assiniboine rivers.

Climate

WinnipegClimatological Data

Month

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May