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General Skilled Migration Update

Please see below for updates regarding the following matters:
     1. New Skilled Occupation List
     2. Temporary suspension of offshore General Skilled Migration applications
     3. Changes to the IELTS requirement
     4. Changes to skills assessments for Accountants
I encourage you to forward this email to any friends, relatives or colleagues who may be interested.

1. Skilled Occupation List
The new Skilled Occupation List has been announced and can be found here:
http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/whats-new.htm

The new Skilled Occupation List will take effect from 1 July 2010.

Everyone holding a student visa on 8 February 2010 will be able to apply for a temporary visa, even if your occupation is not on the new Skilled Occupation List. However, students in various disciplines may need to consider alternative pathways for permanent residency. Affected students include those studying courses such as: Hospitality, Business, Finance, and Community Welfare.

AMI Education students will have a chance to learn more and ask questions at two upcoming seminars, expected to be held on campus early next week. Details will be confirmed as soon as possible.

All other students and prospective applicants may direct their enquiries to: Lucy.Nguyen@hentystamfords.com.au

2. OFFSHORE applications under General Skilled Migration
On 7 May 2010, DIAC announced that it would not be accepting any offshore applications for General Skilled Migration visas until further notice. This was to prevent offshore applicants from nominating occupations on the current Skilled Occupation List. It is highly likely that all offshore applicants must now wait until the new Skilled Occupation List comes into effect on 1 July 2010 before the suspension is lifted.

This means that offshore applicants cannot lodge any application for General Skilled Migration unless their nominated occupation is on the new Skilled Occupation List.
http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/pdf/factsheet-gsm-temp-spnsn.pdf

3. IELTS test changes
DIAC announced a change to this requirement last week. Students who have completed their course may now lodge their General Skilled Migration applications without an IELTS test if they have not had time to complete the test prior to their exams.

However, it is strongly recommended that the IELTS test be completed as soon as possible after the date of lodgement. DIAC has advised that applications may be refused if a suitable IELTS test report form is not provided within 28 days of the lodgement date.

Students therefore should not view this as an opportunity to continuously delay doing the IELTS test and should still try their best to complete the test before they complete their course.

4. Accountants – changes to skills assessments
All three bodies that issue skills assessment certificates have introduced an English language requirement for their assessment criteria. This will take effect from 1 July 2010. Students will need to complete the IELTS Academic test and obtain a score of 7 for each category in order to receive a positive skills assessment from CPA Australia, Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia and the National Institute of Accountants.

http://www.nia.com.au/category.asp?categoryID=1955

CONCLUSION
Any enquiries regarding this update may be directed to Lucy.Nguyen@hentystamfords.com.au. Please do not attend the office without prior appointment.

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