Place to Stay in New Zealand

Why choose EasyRoommate.com.

• Safe, Scam Free & Up to date Content
• 5,000 of New Zealand listings
• Advanced Search Facilities
• Network of Exclusive Partners
• Dedicated Customer Service 24/7

http://www.easyroommate.co.nz/content/common/account.aspx

Institutions Licensed by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka to take Deposits from the Public

Institutions Licensed by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka
to take Deposits from the Public

http://www.cbsl.gov.lk/pics_n_docs/01_home/docs/banner_2_e.pdf








Institutions Licensed by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka

to take Deposits from the Public

Licensed Commercial Banks
1. Amana Bank Ltd.
2. Axis Bank Ltd.
3. Bank of Ceylon
4. Citibank, N.A.
5. Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC
6. Deutsche Bank AG
7. DFCC Vardhana Bank PLC
8. Habib Bank Ltd.
9. Hatton National Bank PLC
10. ICICI Bank Ltd.
11. Indian Bank
12. Indian Overseas Bank
13. MCB Bank Ltd.
14. National Development Bank PLC
15. Nations Trust Bank PLC
16. Pan Asia Banking Corporation PLC
17. People’s Bank
18. Public Bank Berhad
19. Sampath Bank PLC
20. Seylan Bank PLC
21. Standard Chartered Bank
22. State Bank of India
23. The Hongkong & Shanghai Banking
 Corporation Ltd.
24. Union Bank of Colombo PLC


Licensed Specialised Banks
1. DFCC Bank
2. Housing Development Finance
 Corporation Bank of Sri Lanka
3. Lankaputhra Development Bank Ltd.
4. MBSL Savings Bank Ltd.
5. National Savings Bank
6. Pradeshiya Sanwardhana Bank
7. Sanasa Development Bank PLC
8. Sri Lanka Savings Bank Ltd.
9. State Mortgage and Investment Bank


Licensed Finance Companies
1. Abans Finance PLC
2. Alliance Finance Co. PLC
3. AMW Capital Leasing and Finance PLC
4. Arpico Finance Co. PLC
5. Asia Asset Finance PLC
6. Asian Finance Ltd.
7. Associated Motor Finance Co. PLC
8. Bartleet Finance PLC
9. Bimputh Finance PLC
10. Capital Alliance Finance PLC
11. Central Finance Co. PLC
12. Central Investments and Finance PLC*
13. Chilaw Finance PLC
14. Citizens Development Business
 Finance PLC
15. City Finance Corporation Ltd.
16. Commercial Credit and Finance PLC
17. Commercial Leasing and Finance PLC
18. Deshodaya Development
 Finance Co. Ltd.
19. ETI Finance Ltd.
20. George Steuart Finance PLC
21. Ideal Finance Ltd.
22. Indra Finance Ltd.
23. Kanrich Finance Ltd.
24. Lanka ORIX Finance PLC
25. LB Finance PLC
26. Melsta Regal Finance Ltd.
27. Mercantile Investments and
 Finance PLC
28. MCSL Financial Services Ltd.
29. Multi Finance PLC
30. Nanda Investments and Finance PLC
31. Nation Lanka Finance PLC
32. Orient Finance PLC
33. People’s Leasing & Finance PLC
34. People’s Merchant Finance PLC
35. Prime Grameen Micro Finance Ltd.
36. Richard Pieris Arpico Finance Ltd.
37. Senkadagala Finance PLC
38. Singer Finance (Lanka) PLC
39. Sinhaputhra Finance PLC
40. Siyapatha Finance Ltd.
41. Softlogic Finance PLC
42. Swarnamahal Financial Services PLC
43. The Finance Co. PLC
44. The Standard Credit Finance Ltd.
45. TKS Finance Ltd.
46. Trade Finance & Investments PLC
47. UB Finance Co. Ltd
48. Vallibel Finance PLC
Licensed Commercial Banks
Licensed Specialised Banks
Licensed Finance Companies
Matters to Keep in Mind
Central Bank of Sri Lanka

¾ The Central Bank is authorized to regulate and supervise the above named
institutions in order to promote prudence in their business operations
and thereby safeguard the deposits of the public. However, the Central
Bank does not have legal authority to guarantee deposits or assure that
any such institution will never fail. The Central Bank has introduced a
Deposit Insurance Scheme to guarantee the repayment of deposits upto
Rs.200,000 per depositor in the event of a failure of a bank or a finance
company supervised by it, with effect from 1st January 2012.
¾ When depositing money in any of the above institutions, please exercise
due care for the safety of your deposits.
Institutions Licensed by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka
to take Deposits from the Public
(As at 15.10.2013 , in Alphabetical Order)
NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC
Banks - Tel: 2477100, 2477120, 2477129, 2398539 Fax: 2477711 Email: banksup@cbsl.lk
Finance Companies - Tel: 2477500, 2477504 Fax: 2477738 Email: secdsnbfi@cbsl.lk
* Managed by the Managing Agent appointed by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and undergoing
 restructuring. In the meantime, deposits mobilisation has been suspended.

Australia relaxes student visa restrictions

Australia relaxes student visa restrictions

Students from Sri Lanka, India and Pakistan are no-longer categorized within the assessment level associated with high-risk visa applicants (Assessment Levels 4 and 5), which are scheduled to be abolished by January 2014 by the Australian Government.

Applicants from Sri Lanka will be categorized in Assessment Level 3. According to Barrister and Solicitor, Fairfields Lawyers Australia, Don Susantha Katugampala, this was disclosed by the Federal Education Minister Christopher Pine in his keynote address at the Australian Economic Education Conference recently. He firmly endorsed the Federal Government's commitment to reduce barriers to trade, enhance bi-lateral relations across the Asia-Pacific Region and develop comprehensive strategies to realize Australia's economic potential.

Following this address, broad reforms are in the process of being implemented, with the focus on enhancing opportunities for international students within Australia's higher education sector.

The Federal Immigration Minister Scott Morrison MP has further announced revolutionary changes to student visa rules complement these measures.

"This signals the end of indefinite delays in visa processing and the removal of restrictive financial conditions which previously discouraged many potential students from exploring higher education options in Australia," Katugampala said.

"Overall, the message is abundantly clear. This Government waste no time in taking action, and Australia is opening its doors for business. The proposed changes alone are expected to restore Australia's international student revenues to their pre-2011 peak of $ 19 billion, and offers a wide range of disciplines for international students who need only demonstrate access to sufficient funds covering 12 months of their combined expenses in Australia."

- See more at: http://www.dailynews.lk/business/australia-relaxes-student-visa-restrictions#sthash.wrlTDJdb.dpuf

Part time jobs for students

http://www.sjs.co.nz/

WHAT WE DO

We simply get students jobs.

Call us Cupid, but our core service is match-making. We align the needs of employers looking for their ideal employee/s with the needs of tertiary students looking for work. SJS does this better than anyone else because we specifically serve students!

Our vision is to enable every student that wants employment to secure employment!

Our purpose is to connect students and employers in mutually beneficial ways.

Did you know... 9 out of 10 students and employers that have used Student Job Search would recommend us!

New Zealand Visa Application Centre – Sri Lanka

3rd Floor, No 28,

Abdeen Jewelers Building
Temple lane, Off Duplication Road 
Colombo 03
Sri Lanka

Website - https://www.ttsnzvisa.com/lk-en/Home

EMail:

ttslankanz@ttsvisas.com

Phone:

+94112506257/258,+94114334976/401

Cost Of Living New Zealand

Cost Of Living in New Zealand

Link to original post

the cost of living varies depending on where you live in New Zealand. Auckland (- New Zealand’s largest city -) is the most expensive place to live, particularly for housing but this can be offset by the higher salaries often on offer there. The further south you choose to live, the less expensive the cost of living becomes.

Whilst you are looking for longer-term accommodation you may find staying in a hostel or independent backpackers for travelers the cheapest option; visit www.backpack.co.nz or www.yha.co.nz.
New Zealand offers a mixture of the usual ways for finding accommodation. Either purchase a copy of Saturday’s local newspaper (such as The Herald, the Dominion Post or The Press), use local real estate agencies or visit the following websites:

• www.trademe.co.nz
  
• www.flatfinder.co.nz
  

To find out your rights and obligations as a tenant, visit the Housing New Zealand website . Generally your first payment to a landlord will include 2 – 4 weeks rent in advance, as well as a bond equivalent to the same.
When looking for a room or property to rent, consider the following:

• If the room/property is fully, part or not furnished.
  
• Which bills are included in the cost of the rent.
  
• What the landlord’s expectations are at the end of the tenancy.
  
• Where the bond will be held for safe-keeping.
  

Table of other costs

Expense	Cost (NZD $)
Monthly Rent (two bed flat)	1,500
Monthly Rent for room	700
Food per week (for two)	130
Coffee	3.50
Cinema ticket	15.00
Litre of Petrol	1.80
Bottle of Beer (at pub)	6.00
Glass of Wine (at pub)	6.00
Night out for two	60.00
Litre of Milk	2.50
Loaf of Bread	1.00

Mobile Network operators in New Zealand

http://www.telecom.co.nz/home/

http://www.2degreesmobile.co.nz/home

http://www.vodafone.co.nz/

How To Convert An Overseas Driving License

http://www.nzta.govt.nz/licence/index.html

Although you are permitted to drive in New Zealand if you hold a valid driver’s license from another country, you will need to convert this license to a New Zealand one if you are staying here for 12 months or more. Here’s how you do it.

Where to go

You will need to apply in person at a New Zealand Transport driver licensing agent to get your current license converted. These agents are selected VTNZ and VINZ stations and most AA offices. Look these up online to see where your nearest or most convenient agent is.
When you get to your nearest or most convenient agent, find the relevant application for that you will need to complete.

What You’ll Need

You will need to present your current overseas driving license in order for you to be issued with a valid New Zealand license. You will also need to bring along another form of ID, a passport is preferable, and evidence of address. The evidence of address can be in the form of a bank statement or a utility bill, both no more than 12 months old.
You may also have to present a current medical certificate if required and pass an eyesight screening check.

Cost

Once you have filled out the relevant forms you need to pay a fee to get your new license. This varies between $70 and $120 depending on what license you need to get (learner, restricted or full).
After all the forms have been checked and your fee paid, you will then get your photograph taken and your new license will be sent to you by post.

Annual Update of Skilled Occupation List - 1 July 2013

Annual Update of Skilled Occupation List - 1 July 2013

The Skilled Occupation List

The Skilled Occupation List (SOL) will change from 1 July 2013, with five occupations to be removed. The SOL determines which occupations are eligible for independent and family sponsored skilled migration.
The updated SOL is based on expert advice from the Australian Workforce Productivity Agency (previously known as Skills Australia). The list of occupations reflects the Australian Government's commitment to a skilled migration program that delivers skills in need in Australia. The SOL will continue to deliver a skilled migration program focused on high value skills that will help to address Australia's future skill needs.


Summary of changes to the SOL
The following changes have been applied to the SOL.
Occupations removed from the SOL

ANZSCO Code	Occupation
251511	Hospital Pharmacist
251513	Retail Pharmacist
323111	Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Avionics)
323112	Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Mechanical)
323113	Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Structures)

Occupations on the SOL from 1 July 2013

ANZSCO Code	Occupation
133111	Construction Project Manager
133112	Project Builder
133211	Engineering Manager
133513	Production Manager (Mining)
134111	Child Care Centre Manager
134211	Medical Administrator
134212	Nursing Clinical Director
134213	Primary Health Organisation Manager
134214	Welfare Centre Manager
221111	Accountant (General)
221112	Management Accountant
221113	Taxation Accountant
221213	External Auditor
221214	Internal Auditor
224111	Actuary
224511	Land Economist
224512	Valuer
231212	Ship's Engineer
231213	Ship's Master
231214	Ship's Officer
232111	Architect
232112	Landscape Architect
232213	Cartographer
232214	Other Spatial Scientist
232212	Surveyor
232611	Urban and Regional Planner
233111	Chemical Engineer
233112	Materials Engineer
233211	Civil Engineer
233212	Geotechnical Engineer
233213	Quantity Surveyor
233214	Structural Engineer
233215	Transport Engineer
233311	Electrical Engineer
233411	Electronics Engineer
233511	Industrial Engineer
233512	Mechanical Engineer
233513	Production or Plant Engineer
233611	Mining Engineer (Excluding Petroleum)
233612	Petroleum Engineer
233911	Aeronautical Engineer
233912	Agricultural Engineer
233913	Biomedical Engineer
233914	Engineering Technologist
233915	Environmental Engineer
233916	Naval Architect
234111	Agricultural Consultant
234112	Agricultural Scientist
234113	Forester
234611	Medical Laboratory Scientist
234711	Veterinarian
234912	Metallurgist
234914	Physicist (Medical Physicist only)
241111	Early Childhood (Pre-Primary School) Teacher
241411	Secondary School Teacher
241511	Special Needs Teacher
241512	Teacher of the Hearing Impaired
241513	Teacher of the Sight Impaired
241599	Special Education Teachers nec
251211	Medical Diagnostic Radiographer
251212	Medical Radiation Therapist
251213	Nuclear Medicine Technologist
251214	Sonographer
251311	Environmental Health Officer
251312	Occupational Health and Safety Advisor
251411	Optometrist
252111	Chiropractor
252112	Osteopath
252311	Dental Specialist
252312	Dentist
252411	Occupational Therapist
252511	Physiotherapist
252611	Podiatrist
252712	Speech Pathologist
253111	General Medical Practitioner
253211	Anaesthetist
253311	Specialist Physician (General Medicine)
253312	Cardiologist
253313	Clinical Haematologist
253314	Medical Oncologist
253315	Endocrinologist
253316	Gastroenterologist
253317	Intensive Care Specialist
253318	Neurologist
253321	Paediatrician
253322	Renal Medicine Specialist
253323	Rheumatologist
253324	Thoracic Medicine Specialist
253399	Specialist Physicians nec
253411	Psychiatrist
253511	Surgeon (General)
253512	Cardiothoracic Surgeon
253513	Neurosurgeon
253514	Orthopaedic Surgeon
253515	Otorhinolaryngologist
253516	Paediatric Surgeon
253517	Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon
253518	Urologist
253521	Vascular Surgeon
253911	Dermatologist
253912	Emergency Medicine Specialist
253913	Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
253914	Ophthalmologist
253915	Pathologist
253917	Diagnostic and Interventional Radiologist
253918	Radiation Oncologist
253999	Medical Practitioners nec
254111	Midwife
254411	Nurse Practitioner
254412	Registered Nurse (Aged Care)
254413	Registered Nurse (Child and Family Health)
254414	Registered Nurse (Community Health)
254415	Registered Nurse (Critical Care and Emergency)
254416	Registered Nurse (Development Disability)
254417	Registered Nurse (Disability and Rehabilitation)
254418	Registered Nurse (Medical)
254421	Registered Nurse (Medical Practice)
254422	Registered Nurse (Mental Health)
254423	Registered Nurse (Perioperative)
254424	Registered Nurse (Surgical)
254499	Registered Nurse nec
261111	ICT business Analyst
261112	Systems Analyst
261311	Analyst Programmer
261312	Developer Programmer
261313	Software Engineer
263111	Computer Network and Systems Engineer
263311	Telecommunications Engineer
263312	Telecommunications Network Engineer
271111	Barrister
271311	Solicitor
272311	Clinical Psychologist
272312	Educational Psychologist
272313	Organisational Psychologist
272314	Psychotherapist
272399	Psychologists nec
272511	Social Worker
312211	Civil Engineering Draftsperson
312212	Civil Engineering Technician
312311	Electrical Engineering Draftsperson
312312	Electrical Engineering Technician
313211	Radio Communications Technician
313212	Telecommunications Field Engineer
313213	Telecommunications Network Planner
313214	Telecommunications Technical Officer or Technologist
321111	Automotive Electrician
321211	Motor Mechanic (General)
321212	Diesel Motor Mechanic
321213	Motorcycle Mechanic
321214	Small Engine Mechanic
322211	Sheetmetal Trades Worker
322311	Metal Fabricator
322312	Pressure Welder
322313	Welder (First Class)
323211	Fitter (General)
323212	Fitter and Turner
323213	Fitter-Welder
323214	Metal Machinist (First Class)
323313	Locksmith
331112	Stonemason
331211	Carpenter and Joiner
331212	Carpenter
331213	Joiner
332211	Painting trades workers
333111	Glazier
333211	Fibrous Plasterer
333212	Solid Plasterer
334111	Plumber (General)
334112	Airconditioning and Mechanical Services Plumber
334113	Drainer
334114	Gasfitter
334115	Roof plumber
341111	Electrician (General)
341112	Electrician (Special Class)
341113	Lift Mechanic
342111	Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic
342211	Electrical Linesworker
342212	Technical Cable Jointer
342313	Electronic Equipment Trades Worker
342314	Electronic Instrument Trades Worker (General)
342315	Electronic Instrument Trades Worker (Special Class)
399111	Boat Builder and Repairer
399112	Shipwright
411211	Dental Hygienist
411212	Dental Prosthetist
411213	Dental Technician
411214	Dental Therapist

Australia to tighten skilled immigration rules from July 1

A number of changes will be made to 457 visa programme to prevent abuse

By

• Majorie van Leijen

Published Saturday, June 15, 2013

A number of changes will be implemented to the 457 visa programme beginning July 1.




According to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIC), the primary aim of the changes is to safeguard the integrity of the program.

The 457 visa program was developed with the purpose to enable employers to fill skills shortages by recruiting qualified overseas workers where appropriately skilled Australians are unavailable.

It is a temporary visa, lending a quick-fix solution to labour shortages. However, over the years, the program has been prone to misuse by employers as well as foreign employees.

As a result, the position of the local employee has been undercut, and the conditions of overseas employees have been neglected in certain cases.

“The 457 program has expanded well above the national employment growth rate, and while most employers are using the subclass 457 appropriately, the nature of the program’s use by some employers indicates that the objectives of the program are not being fully met,” the DIC explained on its website.

“Within the program, significant growth in applications was recorded in 2011-12 from working holiday maker and student visa holders. Many of these subclass 457 visa applicants were nominated to work in occupations and regions which are not experiencing widespread skills shortages, and in some industries, they accounted for over half of total grants. This trend suggests that usage of the program is being increasingly driven by temporary visa holders seeking to remain in Australia instead of the demands of the Australian labour force.”

With the changes to the program, the DIC hopes to increase its capacity to respond to the integrity concerns by strengthening current legislation. The following changes will be introduced by the beginning of next month:

- The position must be a genuine vacancy within the business. When there are concerns the position may have been created specifically to secure a 457 visa without consideration of whether there is an appropriately skilled Australian available, investigation may be carried out;

- DIC may take action against sponsors who engage in discriminatory recruitment practices;

- The market salary exemption threshold will be increased from $80,000 to $50,000 to ensure that higher paid salary workers are not able to be undercut through the employment of overseas labour at a cheaper rate;

- The English language exemptions for certain positions will be removed. In this way 457 visa who have an ongoing position with their employer and want to apply for permanent residence in the long-run will not disadvantaged because of their language ability;

- Applicants who are nominated with a salary greater than $92,000 will continue to be exempted from the English language requirement;

- The requirement for sponsors to train Australians will be strengthened with some amendments, introducing an ongoing and binding requirement to meet training thresholds for the duration of their approved sponsorship;

- Workers with a 457 visa must be engaged with the company through an employment contract, as opposed to a business contract for services;

- Sponsors will solely be responsible for recovery costs.

“The changes will not adversely affect the vast majority of employers who are using the program appropriately. The changes will, however, strengthen the government’s capacity to identify and prevent employer practices that are not in keeping with the purpose of the 457 program,” stated the DIC.

Likewise, existing 457 visa holders will not be affected by the rule, because presumed is that they are already doing the right thing. Potential applicants for the 457 visa program will have to take notice of the rules because they might be required to provide with additional evidence to prove their integrity, the DIC concluded.

Sri Lankan community celebrates New Year

Changes to the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) from 23 March 2013

Changes to the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) from 23 March 2013

From 23 March 2013, in response to recommendations four and eight of the Strategic Review of the Student Visa Program 2011 (the Knight Review), new post-study work arrangements will be introduced for graduates of an Australian Bachelor Degree, Masters Degree or Doctorate. The post-study work arrangements are being introduced as a new stream of the existing Temporary Skilled Graduate (subclass 485), which will be renamed the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485).
See: Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)

Australia and NZ Jointly Manage Overseas Immigration Physicians

Australia and NZ Jointly Manage Overseas Immigration Physicians Tuesday, April 23, 2013 According to a recent announcement, New Zealand and Australia agreed to jointly manage an offshore network of panel physicians to improve the quality of health examinations visa applicants receive. Panel physicians consist of doctors and radiologists who undertake immigration health examinations for visa applicants. Australia and New Zealand signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) which creates a jointly managed network co-ordinated by Immigration New Zealand (INZ) and the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC). The MOU is considered to bring several benefits to both countries, according to the Head of INZ, Nigel Bickle, and his Australian counterpart, the Secretary of DIAC, Martin Bowles. The benefits of alignment include: improved customer service targeted communication, administration, performance management and training for a single panel physician network, and related cost savings enhanced integrity through robust auditing and analysis expansion of tuberculosis screening and treatment networks, and progression of Five Country Conference objectives including the promotion of health protection and efficiency through effective shared management and quality assurance, and promoting best practice, partnership and shared investment. Mr Bowles said the arrangement would facilitate INZ implementing electronic processing of its immigration health examinations and support broader alignment of Australian and New Zealand immigration health policies and processes. The implementation of the network will occur in three phases and is expected to be fully implemented by July 2014. If you are interested in Australian visas, contact Migration Expert for information and advice on which visa is best suited to you. You can also try our visa eligibility assessment to see if you are eligible to apply for a visa to Australia. Hanna Eliasson | Migration Expert Australia

New Zealand Sri Lanka Foundation

Welcome

We are the New Zealand Sri Lanka Foundation (NZSLF), a community organization promoting communal harmony amongst the various ethnic groups within the Sri Lankan (SL) Community and between various ethnic groups living in New Zealand (NZ).


The New Zealand Sri Lanka Foundation was established in 1998 with a vision of building a common bond through the SL community. Based on our vision and mission we present in our website information about the NZSLF, information about SL for those who are going to SL and information about NZ for those who are coming from SL.

WEBSITE 

Student Loan

Selylan Bank – Seylan Scholar
The loan scheme will fund Overseas Education and Local Education (Eg CIMA, CIM, SLIM, IPM, IIT & MBA)
Maximum loan of LKR 7.5 Million, repayment up to 7 years.
http://www.seylanscholar.lk/About_Scholar.php
You can use loan calculator of Seylan bank to determine loan installments.


HNB (Hatton National Bank) Educational Loans
HNB provides three types of loans: (1) School/tuition fees, (2) Higher studies, (3) Career Development
Loans upto Rs 300,000/-
http://www.hnb.net/data/for_individuals/educational_loans.php

BOC (Bank of Ceylon) Educational Loans
They offer two student loan systems:
BoC Comprehensive Educational Loan Scheme
Loans upto Rs. 4.0 Mn
http://web.boc.lk/index.php?route=product/category&path=87_165_166
Educational Loan Scheme For Students of Institute of Bankers of Sri Lanka
http://web.boc.lk/index.php?route=product/category&path=87_165_168

Peoples Bank Educational Loans 
Facilities are considered for your local or foreign education needs to cover university fees, living and medical expenses, based on repayment ability, requirement and security offered.
http://www.peoplesbank.lk/products/educationloan

Commercial Bank Educational Loans
Student preparing for a professional examination or a parent or guardian of such student can apply.
Loans upto Rs. Rs 3,000,000/-
http://www.combank.net/newweb/personal/loans?product=16

Educational Loans from NDB Bank
Funding for your local and foreign educational needs.
Loan amounts will range from Rs.100,000/- upwards, depending on your repayment capacity.
http://www.ndbbank.com/prsnl_serv/educat_loans.jsp

DFCC Vardhana Bank Nenasa Educational Loans
A loan scheme for both Undergraduate and Postgraduate Studies
Loan amount determined by the loan Installment that you can pay based on your budget.
http://www.dfcc.lk/personal-banking/loans/nenasa-educational-loans

HSBC Sri Lanka Lifestyle Education Loans
You can apply if you are currently employed in a confirmed post.
Loans upto Rs. 2,500,000
http://www.hsbc.lk/1/2/personal/lifestyle-loans/education-loan

TFC (The Finance Company) Education Plan
Parents or guardians who wish to send their children overseas to study or students pursuing professional courses can apply.
http://www.thefinance.lk/eplan.php

Sampath Bank PIM loans
They provide loans to students follow MBA Programmes at the Postgraduate Institute of Management (PIM) affiliated to the University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
http://www.sampath.lk/pim.php

VETASSESS - Australia

About VETASSESS

VETASSESS is Australia’s leading vocational education and training (VET) assessment provider.  We help individuals, training providers and industry groups around the world define and achieve their learning and assessment goals.

http://www.vetassess.com.au/index.cfm

Funds Transfer to a bank account in New Zealand

Funds Transfer Scheme

Transfer of living expenses to a bank account in New Zealand

We have received information from various education providers that some overseas students are facing problems in obtaining part-time work in the current economic situation. Whilst all students are required by instructions to demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to pay for the tuition fee and to meet their living expenses in New Zealand, it appears that a majority of the Sri Lankan students may not be carrying sufficient funds for their living expenses and are looking for part-time work soon after entering New Zealand.

As the economic growth slows down, overseas students might find it harder to get part-time work as more New Zealand residents and citizens will be looking for jobs. This could leave more international students disappointed which has the potential to adversely affect the New Zealand's reputation overseas.

In order to mitigate this risk Bangkok branch proposes to put in place a system requiring students to transfer at least 12 months’ living expenses to a bank account in New Zealand, in addition to paying the tuition fee for one year. The amount deposited in the bank is locked for a period of 12 months and then drip-fed to the student on a prearranged basis.

The banking option will work in one of the following three ways.

1. Students will have an option to open an approved savings account with ANZ Bank in New Zealand from Sri Lanka and deposit the amount stipulated by INZ for cost of living support funds, into that account. They would then provide evidence of this with their visa application. If the application is declined, INZ will advise the bank and provide a copy of the biodata page from the student’s passport. ANZ will then remit the funds and the accrued interest back to a nominated bank account in Sri Lanka, or
2. The student can indicate when the visa application is lodged that they will remit the funds to the ANZ bank account. This can be done by opening an account with ANZ and attaching a copy of the 'welcome letter' received in response along with the application. If they do this they will not be required to show INZ source of funds for cost of living expenses in New Zealand.  If all other aspects of the application are positive the application will be considered a Positive Profile student.  The student will then receive an Approval in Principal (AIP) letter requesting them to pay the course fee, deposit the cost of living funds in the ANZ account and provide INZ evidence of this within 30 days.  A visa will then be issued. If, after receiving the AIP letter, the student declines to deposit the money, the application will be transferred back to the immigration officer for reassessment, or
3. Where INZ Bangkok has concerns as to whether the money shown for cost of living in New Zealand will actually be made available to the student, the student will be offered the option of demonstrating that our concerns are unfounded by transferring that money to an ANZ account in New Zealand. Should the student choose not to transfer the money this will be taken into account in assessing whether the funds will be made available to the student to take to New Zealand and, therefore, whether the application meets instructions to be approved.

How the funds transfer scheme will operate

INZ has arranged with ANZ Bank in New Zealand to facilitate the funds transfer scheme.

Step 1: The applicant completes the enquiry form available below and sends it with the first biodata page of their passport to ANZ Bank at indianz@anz.com.

Step 2: The applicant then lodges their student visa application with the branch along with evidence of having a reference number for the FTS account application issued by ANZ Bank.

Step 3: The INZ branch processes the student visa application and, if satisfied, notifies the applicant that they have been approved in principle.

Step 4: The applicant provides a copy of the AIP letter to ANZ Bank. An account will be opened and account details will be sent to the applicant. The applicant then approaches their bank in Sri Lanka to remit the money to the New Zealand account.

Step 5: ANZ Bank notifies INZ confirming the applicant’s account balance.

Step 6: Applicant submits fee receipt, ANZ account balance letter and other AIP requirements for issuance of a student visa.

Step 7: On arrival in New Zealand, the student visits the nearest ANZ Bank branch and activates their bank account after which the bank releases funds on a prorated basis from the student's holding accounts to the transaction accounts which the student can use for meeting living costs.

In the event that a student takes up the funds transfer option after submitting an application with INZ, step 2 will be redundant.

Note: Students will have only limited access to the holding account. ANZ bank will notify INZ if students request to withdraw money directly from their holding account.

The fund transfer scheme will ensure that the students are aware that whilst their student visa allows them part-time work in New Zealand, this work may not be readily available and will require them to make sufficient arrangements to meet their living expenses.

This is not a student instructions requirement but only an option that can be provided to students as an alternative to submitting numerous documents to demonstrate access to sufficient funds or alleviate any concerns that INZ may have with regard to funds shown by a student.

Advising students of the funds transfer option during the course of processing of an application

Students should be advised of the funds transfer option when INZ is not satisfied that the funds shown in support of a student visa application will not be available to the student, for example:

• funds shown are not owned by an immediate family member
• funds shown are recent in nature and satisfactory evidence cannot be provided to establish the source of these funds.

The advice should clearly indicate that this is only an option and not a mandatory requirement. If the student does not choose to take up this option, comments and/or additional documents should be provided to satisfy any concerns around funds.

Deciding applications under the Funds Transfer Scheme

When an application where the funds transfer option has been taken is approved, an additional AIP requirement would be that evidence is provided that the stipulated funds have been transferred to New Zealand. This evidence will be in the form of a confirmation of receipt of funds directly from ANZ Bank.

Once the AIP requirements are met, the visa will be issued.

In the event that an application is declined and the funds have already been transferred to New Zealand, the immigration officer must advise ANZ Bank quoting the account number and the student’s details. ANZ Bank will then arrange for the funds and the accrued interest to be remitted back to a designated bank account in Sri Lanka.

Once the student arrives in New Zealand

On arrival in New Zealand the student will need to go to the nearest branch of the ANZ Bank to activate their transaction account and start the monthly payments into this account from the deposit account.

In case the student terminates their study and intends to return to Sri Lanka, they will need to provide a letter from their institution confirming termination of education and air tickets. The outstanding amount in the savings account along with the accrued interest will be remitted back to a bank account in Sri Lanka. In such an event ANZ Bank will also advise INZ Bangkok for appropriate action.

Benefits of the process

For the students

• Allows students’ parents to have control over the amount of money that their child has access to in New Zealand.
• Ensures that the student will have access to sufficient money to meet cost of living expenses in New Zealand.
• It is a lot easier than the current alternatives available – where a range of documentation is required and/or a bank loan must be taken out.
• Applications submitted under this scheme will not be subjected to in-depth fund assessments which will reduce processing times.

For INZ

• Helps the immigration officer to determine the ability of parents to fund their child’s tuition and living costs in New Zealand.
• Cuts down on processing timeframes as in-depth funds verification and assessment is not required.

ANZ contact

The ANZ contact is Sunil Kaushal:
Sunil Kaushal
Head of Indian Segment
ANZ New Zealand
Level 6, 209 Queen Street, Auckland, New Zealand
Phone: +64 9 252 4244 | Mobile: +64 21 280 4189 | Fax: +64 9 252 4233

 

Canterbury Skill Shortage List updated

Canterbury Skill Shortage List updated with new construction occupations

Friday, 16 November 2012

Thirteen construction-related occupations have been added to the Canterbury Skill Shortage List after a review of critical skill shortages in the region and analysis of available skilled New Zealanders to do the work.

All the occupations on the Canterbury Skill Shortage List require qualifications, experience or registration and apply to people undertaking senior roles in the rebuild.


If an occupation is on the Canterbury list, employers can hire migrants more quickly. Suitable applicants who meet the requirements of the occupations on the list and who have a job offer in Canterbury may be granted a temporary work visa without a check needing to be done on whether there are skilled New Zealanders available.

The Canterbury list will be reviewed every three months from now on. Occupations may also be removed from the list as New Zealanders become available who have the level of skills and experience required.

The review involves a detailed analysis of how many beneficiaries, trainees or people from elsewhere in New Zealand are available to fill the skilled vacancies; forecasts for where and when there will be demand for skilled workers in certain occupations; and consultation with key Canterbury stakeholders.

What are the new occupations?

Download the full list and read the Questions and Answers.
The skilled occupations that have been added to the list, yogether with the relevant ANZSCO code, are:

• Solid Plasterer (333212)
• Painting Trades Worker (332211) 
• Wall and Floor Tiler (333411)
• Fibrous Plasterer  (333211)
• Brick layer (333111)
• Carpenter (331212)
• Roof Tiler (333311)
• Joiner  (331213)
• Glazier (333111)
• Floor Finisher (332111)
• Stonemason (331112)
• Drainlayer (334113)
• Carpenter and Joiner (331211)

Page Last Updated: 15 Nov 2012

First court finding against 457 visa sponsor

First court finding against 457 visa sponsor

02-07-2012 -

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) today welcomed a Federal Magistrates Court decision against a Victorian 457 visa sponsor who underpaid a worker by $10 000.

The court issued a pecuniary penalty of $35 000 plus costs of almost $11 000 and put significant weight on the need to deter other employer sponsors from breaching their obligations.

A departmental spokesman said today that, for the first time, an action had been brought before the courts under the Migration Legislation Amendment (Worker Protection) Act 2008. He said the court found 457 sponsor Sahan Enterprises Pty Ltd had failed two of the obligations: the obligation to pay equivalent terms and conditions, and the obligation to keep appropriate pay records.

“DIAC will not tolerate abuse of the skilled migration program and this finding should send a strong signal to sponsors that they must fulfil their sponsorship obligations,” the spokesman said.

“This is a timely reminder that Australian workplace laws apply universally to all. Sponsors found to be doing the wrong thing by the department’s inspectors may be subject to administrative sanctions, an infringement or civil litigation, as in the case of Sahan Enterprises.”

During the monitoring process, inspectors uncovered failures of the sponsorship obligations. The sponsor was initially served with an infringement notice and asked to repay the visa holder. The sponsor did not comply with the requests and the matter was referred to the courts for a civil penalty.

The spokesman said the court finding represents a significant win and underscores the strength and importance of the reforms embodied in the Migration Legislation Amendment (Worker Protection) Act 2008 (the Worker Protection Act) sponsorship obligations.

“While other cases have been filed, those matters have been settled via alternative means to the satisfaction of the department and any sponsored people involved,” he said.

“While the vast majority of sponsors are compliant, DIAC remains committed to strengthening the integrity of Australia’s skilled visa programs by identifying and penalising employers who do the wrong thing.

“The department welcomes this finding, which is the result of its thorough approach to monitoring investigations and the high calibre of the sponsor monitoring inspectorate.”

Media Enquiries: National Communications 02 6264 2244

Four more boat arrivals returned to Sri Lanka

Four more boat arrivals returned to Sri Lanka

20-10-2012 -

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship said today four more Sri Lankan men were returning home voluntarily from Nauru after choosing not to pursue their asylum claims.

This brings the total number of Sri Lankans to return home in 2012 to 79, including 47 since the department began transferring people to Nauru as part of the new regional processing arrangements.

“These individuals have chosen not to pursue asylum claims and therefore are no longer seeking to engage Australia’s protection obligations,” a departmental spokesman said.

“The men were in the post-13 August cohort and so were subject to transfer to a regional processing centre – they have instead chosen to return home voluntarily.”

The spokesman said transfers of boat arrivals to Nauru continued this week and more would follow in the coming days and weeks.

“Regular transfers to Nauru and more Sri Lankans returning home is further proof that there is no advantage engaging with people smugglers,” the spokesman said.

People in immigration detention can request their removal from Australia at any point in time. Those who choose to depart voluntarily can be provided with individual reintegration support to assist with their sustainable return, through the International Organization for Migration.

Reintegration packages are determined on a case-by-case basis depending on need and eligibility.

Media Enquiries: National Communications 02 6264 2244