ausvisaissues

> Whoever owns duck.com forwards

https://whois.icann.org/en/lookup?name=duck.com

And Google owns it... how can this be legal?

Thanks, that was what I was looking for. It should be the default url.

When I want to use the non-default search engine (non-default is usually ddg). When trying a search engine for the first time. When using a public computer.

Biggest problem is on mobile. On Chrome (for iPhone), I have the following options:

1. Google

2. Yahoo!

3. Bing

I don't see any way to add a search engine not on the list.

Different topic:

Why do they use www.duck.co as their development url and www.duckduckgo.com as their search engine name?

The latter is just way too long to type. Especially for casual users who has google set at their main search engine. Compare URL lengths:

duckduckgo.com 14 (10+4)

google.com 10 (6+4)

yahoo.com 9 (5+4)

yandex.ru 9 (6+3)

bing.com 8 (4+4)

baidu.cn 8 (5+3)

I really want to like duckduckgo, but the name is really not well chosen. Even google (with a relatively long name) at least have two repeating characters.

> The issue here is that polish workers are putting downwards price pressure on the construction industry.

It also puts downward price pressure on wages of blue-collar workers!

Immigration should depend on jobs that are in demand. If construction jobs are in demand, I am sure that there would be thousands of people (from non-EU countries) willing to satisfy the demand.

> The "value" of a worker depends on the demand for workers in said field. Accepting a million people with PhDs in particle physics

That is true. But then, make a uniform standard and measure everyone fairly (whether from European Union or India).

Look at Australia's highly-skilled visa (189). They have a "Skilled Occupations List" that consists of jobs that are in demand (including non-university technical occupations).

There is no reason why this can't be implemented in the UK.

> Why does the blue collar worker from Eastern Europe deserve less opportunity than a blue collar worker from Sheffield?

Does a blue collar worker from India deserve less of an opportunity than a blue collar worker from Eastern Europe?

You may answer no to this (i.e., believe in completely open borders). But I think that the general public will not accept this.

I don’t have a horse in this race, but the language you use (‘bigoted’) is way too strong…

The UK is a really popular immigration destination (perhaps due to it being a rich English-speaking economy and the legacy of its colonial empire).

Let's say the British public is willing to accept a fixed amount of immigrants. The UK can easily fill this up with high-skilled immigrants (Masters/PhD’s in technical fields). Wouldn't that be better than accepting blue-collar workers from Eastern Europe? Are you ‘bigoted’ because I think a PhD from India would be better for the economy than a blue-collar worker from E-Europe?

It is high-time that the UK start re-engaging with its own commonwealth. This includes closer trade and immigration.

Usually when Russians write their name, they write:

Given Name + Patronymic Name + Surname

Given name: Vladimir

Patronymic name: Alexandrovich (son of Alexandr)

Surname: Putin

The patronymic name and surname changes between male and female.

What is not clear is why Igor is not written as Igorevich.

Perhaps a Russian/Ukrainian user can weight in?

Part 2:

The advantages of the temporary work (skilled) visa (457) is:

(1) Easier to obtain than 189, (2) Cheap and quick (within 6-8 weeks), (3) No skills assessment, (4) lower English requirements, (5) you have 90 days to find a new employer if you lose your job, (6) employer may be able to sponsor you for a permanent visa after a while.

I think this visa is much better than equivalent visas in other countries.

The disadvantages of this visa is:

1. You have to get private medical care (can be expensive)

2. Private medical care has some waiting time (big problems if you get pregnant within 12 months of entering Australia)

3. Employers have to be recognized by DIBP (only larger well established companies)

4. Employers must do market testing and prove that they cannot fill the position with an Australian citizen (less jobs)

PS: There are other variations on these visa schemes. For instance, if you get state sponsorship, you can apply for a 190 visa (and receive more points). There are other visa classes for recent graduates (485). There is also working holiday visa (417). The impression that I get however is that 90% of people either start with a 457 or 189 visa.

PPS: I encourage you to do a skills assessment to check if you qualify for a 189 visa. Here is the test: http://www.harriswake.com/skillselectpointscalculator

For job search sites, use indeed.au and seek.au. Note that most jobs do not sponsor 457 visas.

Also, all jobs on http://www.austjobs.com/ sponsor visas.

PPPS: Forgot to add: Melbourne is (IMHO) much better to live in than in Sydney. Both are large cities (4 million+), but the cost of living in Melbourne (rent) is much lower. See here: http://goo.gl/pCwKNO

I am also looking to go to Australia, and read up quite a bit about it. Below is a rough summary (by me). It may contain errors.

Part 1: There are two ways to go about it. One option is to first get a Skilled Immigrant Permanent Residence visa (189) and then apply for a job.

Another is to find an employer to sponsor a Skilled (Temporary) visa (457).

The advantages of permanent resident visa (Skilled Independent Visa, 189):

1. Visa is permanent: you can change jobs

2. You can enroll for public healthcare and get many public benefits (e.g. child care rebates)

3. You do not need to have a job offer to go to Australia

4. A company does not need to sponsor your visa. This means that smaller companies can employ you. For 99% of the jobs, you are equal to an Australian citizen (some jobs like government/security jobs, you need to be a citizen)

5. Children born during PR receives Aus citizenship.

6. After 4 years, you can apply for Australian citizenship.

The problem with the 189 visa is that it is based on a point system. This point system takes into account:

1. Degree (or equivalent work experience), 2. Age, 3. English language ability, 4.Work experience, 5. Field of employment (should be on the Skilled Occupations List). Software engineering is.

Another problem is that it can take quite a while to get it. The process is:

1. Do a skills assessment (Australian Computer Society)

2. Lodge expression of interest (now your watch begins ;) )

3. Get an invitation to apply

4. Apply (with police clearance, medical clearance, etc.…). Costs around AUD$3000