IMPORTANT CHANGES TO SKILLED MIGRATION
The Minister for Immigration has announced some sweeping changes to Skilled Migration program, commencing on 1st September 2007. These changes will affect any application lodged on or after that date.
The most far-reaching change is the allocation of points for the English Language factor. Currently the majority of people from the UK are awarded 20 points for English Language by virtue of the fact that they were born, educated and live in an English-speaking country. However, from 1st September all UK passport holders will be awarded only 15 points for English Language, unless they are prepared to sit an exam at an IELTS test centre and can achieve a minimum score of 7.0 in each of the 4 components (these are listening, reading, writing and speaking), in which case they will be awarded 25 points for the English Language factor. There are cost implications too as there is a fee to pay to sit the IELTS exam.
The information provided by the Dept of Immigration on their website suggests that tradespersons will not be affected by this change. However in our opinion, tradespersons from the UK will lose 5 points on the English Language factor like everyone else. Basically, the level of English Language a tradesperson has to meet is lower under the new legislation than it is currently but the points that are awarded are the same for anyone holding a UK passport regardless of their occupation.
There will be a change to the basic requirements for skilled migration. This is the criteria applicants have to meet to be eligible to apply for a permanent visa. Under the new criteria applicants will have to prove they have been employed for 12 months out of the previous 24 months in an occupation on the Skilled Occupations List (SOL) in order to be eligible to apply for a permanent visa. Currently it is 12 out of the previous 18 months or 24 out of the previous 36 months, depending on the occupation.
There are currently many trade occupations on the MODL (Migration Occupations in Demand List) for which applicants are awarded an additional 15 points. Currently if your nominated occupation is on the MODL you are awarded these points regardless of whether you have worked recently in this occupation. Under the new legislation you will have to prove that you have worked in this occupation (or a closely related occupation) for 12 months out of the previous 4 years. 'Nominated occupation' is the one you nominate for your skill assessment.
The Minister is currently also reviewing the pass and pool marks, the award of 5 bonus points for making an investment of A$100,000 in a government treasury bond and the inclusion of interdependent partners in skilled migration applications.
For full details of the changes please go to http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/changes/index.htm
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