» A Note from the CEO

Last week I visited Australia to attend the CeBIT Conference, Australia’s largest information and communications technology event. It was great to catch up with past ANZA Technology Network Alumni companies and to meet the growing number of partners and sponsors with whom we have developed strong relationships.

The active SME presence at the conference could not be ignored confirming that this sector is the backbone of the Australian technology industry. There are very exciting companies finding success in Australia but most of them are asking the all important question “how do we go global?”. Having attended the iAwards event on the Wednesday night, there are some great examples of innovative companies taking their solutions global. Two ANZA Tech Alumni companies have recently announced developments in the US which you can read about below.

On the eve of the launch of the ANZA Technology Network ‘Gateway to the US’ Conference Program 2005, I trust that this year's program will be a catalyst for more innovative technology companies from Australia and New Zealand to find success on the global stage. Stay tuned for the announcement in the coming days.

David Cannington, CEO ANZA Technology Network

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» ANZA Technology Announces Five Gold Sponsors for the 2005 ‘Gateway to the US’ Conference Program

We are proud to announce that Microsoft, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, Austrade, Western Australian Government and Air New Zealand are Gold Sponsors of this year's ‘Gateway to the US’ Conference Program.

In an acknowledgement of the derived value of their sponsorships, four of the above sponsors were Gold Sponsors last year.

The Gateway to the US Conference Program will be launched in early June with the commencement of the website outlining the activities and events surrounding the six month program. The first series of events will be the US Experts Tour of Australia and New Zealand commencing the last week of July.

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» New E-3 Visa’s Open up 10,500 Spots in the USA for Australian Workers

The E-3 visa is a new category for Australian nationals to enter the US temporarily to work in specialty occupations.

Specialty occupations are defined under US law in the context of the existing H1-B visa program, i.e. requiring theoretical and practical application of a body of highly specialised knowledge (ie. professional occupations).

There will be up to 10,500 E-3 visas issued annually. They are issued for two years and can be renewed indefinitely. They allow Australians to work for US employers where there is accompanied by a job offer. This makes it different to the existing E-1 and E-2 visas which require a direct and significant link between the occupation and international trade and investment between the US and Australia.

The E-3 visa will give work rights to spouses, which is a significant benefit of this new visa. Spouse work rights are not capped (i.e. they do not form part of the 10,500 allocation). Australians will still be able to apply for other US visas, including the H1-B. Existing H1-B and E visa holders can apply for an E-3.

Similarly, E-3 visa holders will be eligible to apply for other US visas. This is the first time the US has created a new visa category specific to one country. It is a quantum improvement in access to the US for Australian professional and business people. Last year, Australians were granted 986 H1-B visas out of a global allocation of 65,000. The H1-B visa is heavily oversubscribed.

The E-3 is a NEW visa category created specifically for Australians. President Bush still needs to sign the Bill into law but it should be made available to Australians within a short period of time.

The new "E-3" visa is a cross between an H-1B (professional) and E (treaty) visas.  To qualify, one must satisfy the following criteria:

• The visa applicant must be an Australian;
• Have a job offer from a U.S. employer;
• The job is a "specialty occupation" - one requiring a specific degree (Accountant, Engineer, Systems Analyst).  A "specialty occupation" is one that requires theoretical and practical application of a body of highly specialized knowledge, and attainment of a bachelor's or higher degree in the specific specialty (or equivalent work experience) as a minimum for entry into the occupation in the U.S.  The definition is the same as that for an H-1B "specialty occupation" visa;
• The individual must be a professional/specialist (i.e., have a college degree or equivalent work experience in the intended field of work);
• The prevailing wage must be paid as determined by a published wage survey, just like an H-1B visa;
• After filing an attestation with the U.S. Department of Labor that the proper wage will be paid and working conditions provided, the foreign national bypasses USCIS (formerly INS), and files the application directly with the American Consul in Australia;
• There are 10,500 visas available annually (not including dependents);
• Spouses may apply to work; and
• E-3 visas can be issued for up to five years and can be renewed indefinitely.

The key to the E-3 visa will be proving the job is a specialty occupation and qualifying those without a university/college degree based on their work experience. 

If you have any question please contact viki@anzatechnet.com

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» Jobs Outlook in Silicon Valley Picking Up

Over the last year we have been reporting the economic signs of the rebound in Silicon Valley. Up until now this rebound was not being reflected in jobs growth. However, on May 13th, the San Francisco Chronicle reported that according to the Bay Area Council’s quarterly survey, 39% of Bay Area companies, many in the technology industry, said they plan to hire more workers in the next six months. This was the highest percentage since 2001 when the survey started.

It's beginning to look like the “tech. rebound” will no longer be called “jobless recovery”.

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» ANZA Technology Network Hosts a Lunch at Intel for Australian and New Zealand Executives

After we hosted a lunch at Cisco in May, ANZA Technology Network is planning its next ‘Top Tech.’ lunch at Intel in June.

These ‘Top Tech.’ lunches are designed to engage Australian and New Zealand executives working at the top technology companies in the valley...

ANZA Technology Network thanks Vanessa Clark for helping organize this event at Cisco in May and thanks Craig Thompson in advance for helping organize the lunch at Intel. If you are interested in helping with this initiative please contact viki@anzatechnet.com

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» ANZA Technology Network Announces Executive Search Service

As the leading independent organization connecting the Australian, New Zealand and US technology sectors, ANZA Technology Network has a network of 4200 executives.

The network represents fertile ground for executives looking for job opportunities in the region and for companies and organizations looking for executives with specific global technology experience. This is particularly relevant for expats looking to move home to Australia or New Zealand or for Australian and New Zealand companies or organizations looking for expats with solid US experience.

Please contact viki@anzatechnet.com for more information on how ANZA Technology Network can help you make the right employment connections in the region.

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» Job Opportunities

A leading NZ Technology Company is looking for a COO for their Concord California Operation.

HumanWare Ltd, formerly Pulse Data International Ltd, New Zealand, specializes in the development, manufacture and distribution of information access products for people who are visually impaired. HumanWare Ltd has been recognized as one of New Zealand’s 50 fastest growing companies, and has established itself as a world leader in its field. Due to growth and expansion into new markets the company is seeking to appoint a Chief Operating Officer to lead the US business.

Please contact viki@anzatechnet.com for more information.

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» Alumni News

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