URGENT ALERT!

A major overhaul of the General Skilled Migration (“GSM”) Scheme took effect from 1 September 2007. Applications made prior to 31 August 2007 are not affected by the changes.

In order to simplify the GSM visa structure, the 15 visa subclasses have been replaced by 9 Visa subclasses – four offshore and five onshore.

The English language threshold requirements have been raised. The threshold for the International English Testing System (IELTS) score which was previously 5 (vocational) has been raised to 6 (competent) on all four components. Applicants applying for trade occupations are still only required to meet the threshold of an IELTS score of 5. In addition, Bonus points are awarded to applicants who achieve English language scores above the threshold level.

High Demand Skills: migration occupation in Demand List (MODL) points are now only rewarded to applicants with at least 12 months’ experience in their nominated occupation or one that is closely related.

A new temporary Skilled graduate visa has been introduced to enable International students who are unable to meet the new requirements for a permanent skilled visa to build on their skills and work experience and improve their English language skills.

International students with 50 point occupations now qualify to apply for the GSM visas in Australia.

Points for Capital Investment have been deleted.

Interdependent partners can now be included in a migration application.

Applicants with Australian Employment experience can now score 10 additional points. They need to have been employed in Australia in their nominated skilled occupation or a closely related occupation for at least 12 months during the past 4 years. Alternatively they need to have completed a “professional year” in their nominated skilled occupation or a closely related occupation for at least 12 months during the past 4 years.

Assurance of support requirements has been abolished for post 1 September 2007 visas.

How can we help you: contact us on migration@flsd.com.au or (08) 9325 6133 for free initial, no obligation advice. 

Disclaimer: this article contains general information only as at 7 December 2007. For your specific case, you must obtain legal advice before acting or not acting on the information in this article.