New APEC forms - 1 Nov 2012

[moa999]

New APEC forms and procedures released
(I have started a new thread given the criteria has changed)
APEC Business Travel Card Scheme

- removes the old forms and introduces new Stage 2 certification requirements that had been flagged
- no longer a requirement to be in the "top 3" management levels - merely a nomination by CEO/CFO/Regional head
- requirement to list travel in last twelve months

Potentially puts a few people back on the eligibility list for the card but adds some additional certification requirements unless you work for a large organisation
Fee remains at $200 and non-refundable

Links for reference (if applying go to the main Dept site above in case links have changed in the meantime)
Full forms - http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/business/_pdf/form-1390.pdf
Nomination letter - http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/business/_pdf/pro-forma-nomination-letter.pdf
Full Crimtrac search - http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/business/_pdf/nat-checking-service.pdf

Requirements for "most" of us (my summarising)
- Frequent travel - Four trips in past 12 months to APEC economies - you need to list travel
- CEO/CFO/Owner/Director/Regional head OR nominated by CEO/CFO/Owner/Director/REgional Head
- Business is certified as engaged in trade
- Forbes Global 2000 (about 50 Australian companies, I think all ASX listed, and obviously foreign subsidiaries) - The World's Biggest Public Companies
- Austrade Export Market Development Grant or Export Awards National finalist in last five years
- Certified by Approved body

The Approved Body is the new "Stage 2" process that had been flagged a couple of years ago - and is for the non-large/ non-Austrade qualified companies (which I suspect is most)
At present there are only two approved bodies and both are charging $330. Approval process found by googling - nothing on Dept Immi site.
- The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) - International trade
- The Australian Industry Group (Ai Group) - Australian Industry Group > APEC Business Travel Card Scheme
The latter (Ai group) promises a response within 7 business days, application process appears fairly similar. Does not appear to be any streamlined process for existing members of the ACCI or its subgroups.

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I had been about to apply under the old forms... so this creates more work for me getting the Stage 2 certifcation stuff done as well.

--

For those who are eligible, this is an extremely useful card.

Previous APEC threads for those interested
Master thread - http://www.australianfrequentflyer....pec-business-travel-card-express-5653-18.html
The rules changing - http://www.australianfrequentflyer....ustoms/10-000-travellers-lose-apec-28416.html

 

[moa999]

The ACCI and AiGroup links are now on the Immi website.
Sent in forms for my employer with CEO approval today to AiGroup. Will see how we go.

 

[rowdy]

My card expires in May so am interested in how long and tortuous it is to jump through these new hoops. My CEO just got his first card last month so got in before these changes

 

[trippin_the_rift]

Got my new APEC card just last week under the old criteria. Good thing I'm an important CEO

I have noticed over the past year that airport staff have the "ohh apec..." attitude. Like it's some kind of ongoing joke... anyone else get that vibe?

 

[Fantic125]

My previous APEC card expired in Nov 2011, but I didn't bother re-applying due to my role being considerd a "support service".

With the revised changes ( and a new passport due as the current one has 1&1/2 pages left) I'm tempted to re-apply.

 

[moa999]

To give an update on the new procedures.

Stage 2 Company application through AiGroup
Sent in form and got successful response within a week - you get a 1 page certificate, a copy of which needs to be attached to each application.

APEC Card
Sent in pack with all the forms (inc CEO letter, Crimtrac etc) to new Queensland address
Email received advising receipt within 3 business days.
- Stated assessment procedure via Case officer is 6-8 weeks (including up to 4 weeks for Crim Check) then 3-6 months for most country clearances

However received email within 2 weeks over Xmas (about 8 business days over Xmas/NY) that application had been approved and average approval time was presently 6 months

(although a colleague who sent in application in early October (under old rules) received a full card just before Xmas (under 3 months))

 

[moa999]

One month since processing and am at 11 countries:
Australia, Korea, Philippines, Hong Kong (China), Chile, New Zealand, Malaysia, Thailand, Japan, Peru, Singapore

 

[trippin_the_rift]

Applied late Aug 2012 and got all countries cleared just this week. Singapore was the slowest, whereas China was the first.

So ~5 months for mine to get fully done, although I did request interim cards to make use of it now.

 

[moa999]

Seven weeks since processing and now at 15 countries:
Australia, Korea, Philippines, Hong Kong (China), Chile, New Zealand, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, Peru, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Vietnam

Missing: Brunei Darussalam, China, South Korea, Papua New Guinea, Russia

 

[Maco667]

Hi All,

Just wondering, I have yet to apply for my renewal as I am awaiting the renewal email from ABTC, however my question is, if I am rejected due to these new rules and regulations, would i still be able to use my card up to the day of expiry.

Example, if I go to say Thailand on the 29th June, 2013, and my cards expiry date is 01 July, 2013, would it still be valid to get a 90 day pass into the country?

Cheers

 

[moa999]

I think the card entitles you to the entry stamp with validity of 90 days, the stamp is then the important thing (you don't have to use the APEC lane on exiting) - so in that example you should get 90 day entry.

 

[Maco667]

thanks moa, I thought as much. Just a little concerned the officer may raise an eye brow as it would be so close to the expiry date.

 

[moa999]

To give an update to this thread (having finally received a completed card)
8-9 wks Brunei, China, South Korea, Russia -- received an interim card here (NZ, HK, China were my requirements)
29 wks PNG -- the outlier

 

[trippin_the_rift]

Update on my application, which was approved in late October 2012.

Just this week I received my final card - so it took ~9 months to get all countries onboard, despite having an APEC card that expired just before my new one was approved.

 

[dajop]

Anyone encountered a subsidiary issue? My partner has applied and ran into problems, as he works for a subsidiary of a Fortune 2000 (actually in top 300) company. As the subsidiary is obviously not Fortune 2000 (it would be if it was a separate company, it's revenues make up at least half of the parent's revenues!), no go with the card, and they are looking for an AIG certification, which may be problematic given he doesn't work in Australia). I think the easiest solution may be to get the authorising letter re-issued on parent company letter head ...

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Just this week I received my final card - so it took ~9 months to get all countries onboard, despite having an APEC card that expired just before my new one was approved.

t_t_f how far from expiration date of old card did you start new application process? I ask as my existing card expires mid Nov 14.

 

[trippin_the_rift]

t_t_f how far from expiration date of old card did you start new application process? I ask as my existing card expires mid Nov 14.

Started in early October. So about a month before the old one expired and there was a small window where I had no card.

Also I didn't notice any difference in speed of approvals from already having a card, although no doubt it speeds up the internal process in au as they can import your existing data

 

[Cruiser Elite]

My problem is getting China added - they are always the slowest - I think it took 6mths last renewal.

 

[trippin_the_rift]

My problem is getting China added - they are always the slowest - I think it took 6mths last renewal.

I put China in my first 5 choices fast approval!