Month: November 2010

New General Skilled Migration Points Test Released

Posted by Rebecca Berkovic on

The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, The Honourable Chris Bowen MP, has today announced changes to the skilled migration points test which will come into effect on 1 July 2011. The new points test will apply to the following visas:

  1. Subclass 175: Skilled- Independent (Migrant) visa
  2. Subclass 176: Skilled-Sponsored (Migrant) visa
  3. Subclass 475: Skilled- Regional Sponsored (Provisional) visa
  4. Subclass 487: Skilled- Regional Sponsored (Provisional) visa
  5. Subclass 885: Skilled- Independent (Residence) visa
  6. Subclass 886: Skilled- Sponsored (Residence) visa

The new points test can be viewed here.

The new points test puts greater emphasis on applicants’ work experience and high level educational qualifications. Points will no longer be awarded for occupations under the new points test, however it is essential for applicants to nominate an occupation listed on the new Skilled Occupation List (SOL).

Notably, the age limit in applying for a skilled visa will increase from being under 45 to under 50. The tiered points system will change so that the 25-32 year old age group will receive the most points.

Under the new points test, points will continue to be awarded for completing an approved Professional year, study in Australia, study in a regional area, partner skills and community languages. Points will be available for demonstrating “superior” English language skills through obtaining an IELTS score of 8.0.

Anyone applying for skilled migration to Australia after 1 July 2010 will need to meet the passmark for the new points test. If you are eligible under the current points test, it may be prudent to apply for your visa soon.

This is general information only and does not constitute legal advice.

Disclaimer:

The information on this website is intended only to provide a summary and general overview on relevant matters. It is not intended to be comprehensive nor does it constitute legal advice. You are advised to seek legal or other professional advice before acting or relying on any of the content contained in this website.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Migration Plan

Posted by Rebecca Berkovic on

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has now released its State Migration Plan which will come into effect today. Applicants who have an occupation in demand in the ACT, may be eligible to apply for sponsorship from the ACT Government.

Sponsorship may be approved for applicants seeking to apply for subclass 176 Skilled-Sponsored (Migrant) visas or subclass 886 Skilled- Sponsored (Residence) visas. In order to apply for ACT sponsorship, it is necessary to have an occupation listed in the State Migration Plan Occupation List.

For the latest information on the ACT State Migration Plan, access the links below:

In order to be eligible for ACT State Sponsorship, as well as having an occupation on the list it is necessary to have sufficient English language abilities for reasonable employment opportunities in the ACT, there must be sufficient employment opportunities in the ACT in your chosen occupation, you must have sufficient financial resources to remain in the ACT whilst seeking work and must show a commitment to living and working in the ACT for a minimum of two years.

As well as being eligible for ACT State Sponsorship, it is of course necessary to meet all the visa requirements for grant of a subclass 886 Skilled- Sponsored (Residence) visa or 176 Skilled-Sponsored (Migrant) visa. If you wish to check your eligibility for ACT State Sponsorship, you can contact usfor more information.

This is general information only and does not constitute legal advice.

Disclaimer:

The information on this website is intended only to provide a summary and general overview on relevant matters. It is not intended to be comprehensive nor does it constitute legal advice. You are advised to seek legal or other professional advice before acting or relying on any of the content contained in this website.

Victoria State Migration Plan Released

Posted by Rebecca Berkovic on

Victoria has released its State Migration Plan which will come into operation on 3 November 2010.

Victoria’s State Migration Plan includes a separate list of occupations for sponsorship under the subclass 886 Skilled Sponsored visa program. Moreover, sponsorship arrangements for the subclass 176 Skilled Sponsored (Migrant) visa, subclass 475 Skilled Regional Sponsored visa and the subclass 487 Skilled Regional Sponsored (Provisional) visa have also been published.

Click here to view the visa subclass 886 State Sponsorship Eligibility List.

Click here to view the visa subclass 175, 475 and 487 State Sponsorship Eligibility List.

Based on formal arrangements between the Victorian Government and the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC), the number of visas granted to skilled migrants by the Victorian Government is limited by a quota, which for 2010/11 is set at 4,500. Each occupation listed on the State Sponsorship Eligibility List is also limited by a quota.

If you are a skilled worker interested in applying for sponsorship by the Victorian Government, please contact us for assistance.

This is general information only and does not constitute legal advice.

Disclaimer:

The information on this website is intended only to provide a summary and general overview on relevant matters. It is not intended to be comprehensive nor does it constitute legal advice. You are advised to seek legal or other professional advice before acting or relying on any of the content contained in this website.