More changes to a number of Australia visa application forms are set to be made by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC), with the 9th of November given as the date that the new forms will be introduced.

There will be both essential and non-essential changes made to dozens of forms, with a PDF summarising all the forms that will be changed available from the DIAC website by clicking here.  However, see below for some of the most commonly used forms that are going to have essential changed made to them:

• Form 40 - sponsorship for a parent to migrate (used when lodging an Australian contributory parent visa application)
• Form 47PA - application for a parent to migrate (also used for the Australian contributory parent visa)
• Form 80 - character assessment ( used for the Australian spouse visa, but DIAC have also be known to request that this form be submitted for Australian skilled visa applications) 
• Form 1276 - application for skilled migration (used for paper-based Australian skilled visa applications)

The medical forms 26 and 160 will also be updated, but these changes are non-essential so applicants may still use the ‘old’ versions for the time being (although we would advise very strongly that applicants use the most current Australian visa application form whenever possible). Look for the new versions of the forms to appear on DIAC's website on the 9th of November.

- Lauren Mennie is Casework Department Manager for the Australian Visa Bureau

©Visa Bureau 2003-2009

Visa Bureau takes no responsibility and cannot be held accountable for action taken as a result of any information or comment provided on this blog, and we recommend that you always seek a number of opinions before making a decision regarding your migration or visa application. Please refer to the Visa Bureau terms of use for more information.

The decision by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) on Wednesday of a snap change in the order of processing priorities (as covered in a previous blog) has surprised and angered many migrants.

Indeed, a state general skilled migration manager frankly admitted in a seminar for migration agents that she was surprised and had no knowledge of the decision before DIAC made the change in priority processing. She admitted that the impact of the change had not yet settled in, that the states were already asking DIAC for more information, and there were fraught weeks ahead for Australian immigration.

"Fraught weeks ahead for Australian immigration"

As yet, neither DIAC, nor the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship Senator Chris Evans have issued a press release about the changes. The change may be interpreted as a kneejerk reaction to immigration concerns by the Federal Government facing an election in the near future.

The change, made this week with no prior warning, and created with a lack of consultation with state and territory immigration departments makes little practical sense in our opinion.

This move effectively overrides the states’ carefully researched and state-specific occupations in demand lists, giving greater importance to the Australian Critical Skills List (CSL) and leaving some state sponsored applications facing up to three years for processing.

It was only a few months ago that DIAC announced a slowdown in processing Australian skilled visas (with the exception of applicants who were either employer sponsored, state sponsored or who had a nominated occupation on the CSL). In that change in June, applicants with an occupation on the Migration Occupations in Demand List (MODL) were to be considered fourth in the line of priority processing, followed by all other applications in date of lodgement order.

Until yesterday, state sponsored visa applications were given high priority, and once DIAC received and approved a nomination from a state or territory authority, the processing of the application typically commenced within 10 working days.

It was considered unlikely that applications from the first three groups would be exhausted in the 2009-10 program year, and so the final two groups faced a wait of at least another year for processing, unless they applied for and received sponsorship from an Australian employer, or a state or territory.  Many migrants who were in the position to do this changed their pathway in response to this new priority list, switching their application to be for a state or territory sponsored visa.

Since the June processing change, the states’ immigration departments have consulted industries and employers, and designed and tweaked their occupations in demand lists in record time.

For the Federal Government to now decide to process state sponsored applications after four other categories of applications is a complete oversight or breakdown of communication between the states and the Federal Government.

"Complete oversight or breakdown of communication between the states and the Federal Government"

One of the main issues in Australian immigration is regional development, and the state sponsored occupations in demand skills list was designed to supply regional employers with skilled workers in a flexible and supportive way. Western Australia, in the middle of a second resources boom, is in desperate need of mechanical and electrical engineers and technicians. The Western Australian Treasurer Troy Buswell confirmed recently that the state’s has a AU$316 million budget surplus, thanks in part to a 19 per cent jump in the state’s minerals and petroleum exports and record prices for the commodities.

Western Australia has a very different list from New South Wales, a state home to 80 per cent of multinational pharmaceutical companies in Australia and in need of skilled professionals in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and information technology.

The Government have stated that they want the migration program to more tightly target Australia’s skills needs. The CSL is an Australia-wide shortage list whereas the individual state shortage lists are, by definition, much more targeted than the CSL. So, for the Government to decide that state sponsored applications without an occupation on the CSL are unlikely to be processed for three years makes a mockery of their stated intention to more tightly target skills shortages. 

This new priority processing order will be almost unworkable on a state level, and I can only assume that a further announcement will be made, after lobbying by the states, to redress this situation.

"New priority processing order will be almost unworkable on a state level"

It is possible that the Federal Government has received so many state sponsored applications in the past few months that they are actively seeking to stem that pathway with difficulties, to discourage further Australia visa applicants.

Perhaps the Federal Government, facing up to three years processing time for some applicants and constrained by the precedent law on the MODL lists which gives favour to the applicant over the change in occupations on the list, is wanting to rid themselves of this ineffective tool and seek to address labour shortages by circumventing the MODL with the CSL or a similar Australia-wide list.

This change in Australian visa processing priorities may be a precursor to a bigger change hinted in the two recent issues papers released in relation to the scheduled Migration Occupations in Demand List review (the first of which we covered in this blog, and the second of which we looked at in this blog) and a complete overhaul of the structure of skilled immigration to Australia. 

Any way you look at this recent change it seems badly researched, ill conceived, poorly managed and a step backwards for Australian immigration policy.

- Martin Beveridge is a Migration Consultant for the Australian Visa Bureau

©Visa Bureau 2003-2009

Visa Bureau takes no responsibility and cannot be held accountable for action taken as a result of any information or comment provided on this blog, and we recommend that you always seek a number of opinions before making a decision regarding your migration or visa application. Please refer to the Visa Bureau terms of use for more information.

We received another update today regarding the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) processing priorities for Australian skilled visas and a new set of changes that have been made

What changes have been made to the Australia visa processing priorities?

Formerly, state nominated visa applications were marked as high priority and were typically entered into processing within a few weeks of state sponsorship confirmation. However, DIAC today released a new order of processing priorities (which you can see for yourself in full by clicking here to download the PDF).

Please understand that these changes only affect the time it takes your visa to be decided, and not your visa eligibility. See below for the new order (with the highest priority listed first):

1. Applications from people who are employer sponsored under the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) and the Regional Skilled Migration Scheme (RSMS);
2. Applications from people who are nominated by a State/Territory government AND whose nominated occupation is listed on the Critical Skills List (CSL);
3. Applications from people who are sponsored by family and whose nominated occupation is listed on the CSL;
4. Applications from people who are neither nominated nor sponsored but whose nominated occupation is listed on the CSL;
5. Applications from people who are nominated by a State/Territory government whose nominated occupation is not listed on the CSL;
6. (i) Applications from people whose occupations are listed on the Migration Occupations in Demand List (MODL); OR
   (ii) Applications from people who are sponsored by family and whose nominated occupation is not listed on the CSL;
7. All other applications are to be processed in the order in which they are received.

What does this mean for Australia visa applicants?

The new order of processing priorities puts much greater importance on processing applications with a nominated occupation on the CSL. The following information further clarifies the new timeframes for both CSL-listed and non CSL-listed applications:

"APPLICATION ON THE CSL

If your nominated occupation is on the CSL and you have applied for an onshore or offshore GSM visa it is estimated that your application will be finalised within 12 months from your lodgement date.

APPLICATIONS NOT ON CSL

If your nominated occupation is not on the CSL and you have applied for an offshore GSM visa it is unlikely that your visa will be finalised before the end of 2012."

Essentially, anyone without a nominated occupation on the CSL will have to wait a considerable time before DIAC finalises their visa application. However, DIAC have announced that they are currently undertaking a Migration Occupations in Demand List (MODL) review (which we've discussed on an earlier Visa Bureau blog) which could result in further amendments to the processing priorities.

One potential outcome of the MODL review could be the introduction of the Future Skills List; a new targeting mechanism which could replace both the MODL and the CSL as the tool used by DIAC to determine the priority of visa applications.

What should I do at this time?

With the MODL review still in the pipeline, it's unlikely that these will be the last changes made to General Skilled Migration for now. Therefore, the best thing for all applicants to do is to stay calm and continue working towards their visa lodgement.

Additionally, while less priority has been placed on applications which are state sponsored, I would still advise continuing your application for state sponsorship if you have yet to do so. Possessing state sponsorship is still considered beneficial and would place in you a higher position than you would otherwise be in.

This information has just been announced today by DIAC and it has come as an enormous surprise to both migration agents and visa applicants alike. We'll post a more extensive blog providing comments on these changes soon, as well as any further updates we receive as the situation progresses.

- Jodie List is a MARA-registered migration agent for the Australian Visa Bureau

©Visa Bureau 2003-2009

Visa Bureau takes no responsibility and cannot be held accountable for action taken as a result of any information or comment provided on this blog, and we recommend that you always seek a number of opinions before making a decision regarding your migration or visa application. Please refer to the Visa Bureau terms of use for more information.

We received news yesterday that, from 1pm on Wednesday 23 September, a non-refundable fee of AU$220.00 will be charged by the Government of Western Australia for anyone lodging a skilled sponsorship application.

Applications lodged prior to this will not be required to pay the fee but, as the Western Australia Skilled State sponsorship online application system will be suspended until Wednesday 23 September, any applications not already lodged will be subject to this fee.

We are currently unsure whether the Government of Western Australia will be adding any additional requirements or criteria to the sponsorship application process. However, we will post further updates on the blog as we receive more information.

- Lauren Mennie is Casework Department Manager for the Australian Visa Bureau

©Visa Bureau 2003-2009

Visa Bureau takes no responsibility and cannot be held accountable for action taken as a result of any information or comment provided on this blog, and we recommend that you always seek a number of opinions before making a decision regarding your migration or visa application. Please refer to the Visa Bureau terms of use for more information.

As of 16 September 2009, the sponsors of Australian child visa applications and Australian partner visa or prospective marriage visa applications which include a minor applicant will be required to provide a National Police Check as part of the assessment process.

The results of the National Police Check will be used by the department to ensure that children seeking to enter Australia are protected from being sponsored by people with convictions for child sex offences or other serious offences indicating that they might pose a significant risk to a child in their care.

This new requirement applies to new applications as well as any existing applications that have not already been decided.  Therefore, if you have yet to have your Australia visa application approved, your sponsor will be required to provide a National Police Check.

Will these checks lead to processing delays?

The requirement for sponsors to obtain an Australian National Police Check may lead to some delays in finalising existing visa applications. These are expected to be relatively short for the majority of cases where the result of the check does not indicate any significant convictions.

For new applications, it will be open to the sponsor to obtain the Australian National Police Check prior to making the visa application if they wish to do so to speed up processing of the visa application.

How can my sponsor obtain an Australian National Police Check?

An Australian National Police Check may be obtained from the Australian Federal Police. Information on obtaining the check is available from the AFP website (www.afp.gov.au/business/national_police_checks).

- Lauren Mennie is Casework Department Manager for the Australian Visa Bureau.

©Visa Bureau 2003-2009

Visa Bureau takes no responsibility and cannot be held accountable for action taken as a result of any information or comment provided on this blog, and we recommend that you always seek a number of opinions before making a decision regarding your migration or visa application. Please refer to the Visa Bureau terms of use for more information.

 We covered the first issues paper in a previous blog, but yesterday saw the Australian Government release the second issues paper for the Migration Occupations in Demand List (MODL) review. 

Full details won't be available for some time, but the second issues paper does provide a little more explanation on what migrants and migration agents can expect from the review and the impact it will have on Australian General Skilled Migration (GSM).

What new information regarding the MODL review is in the second issues paper?

The most pertinent new information in the second issues paper is regarding the Future Skills List.  The Future Skills List is set to be the replacement for both the MODL and the Critical Skills List (CSL) as the tool used to select applicants with high value skills, and the Government is now considering three potential options:

1. No Future Skills List in the GSM process
   
   The first option is not to have an occupational targeting mechanism at all, essentially scrapping any scheme where applicants with 'in-demand' skills receive additional points towards their GSM points test. This would help ensure that the program is not filled by applicants with a narrow range of occupations and remove the perception from some applicants that having an MODL-listed nominated occupation provides an 'easy' avenue towards permanent skilled migration.
   
   However, the drawback is that there would then be no method to ensure a positive migration outcome for those who fail to meet the Points Test requirements by just a few points.
   
2. Future Skills List as component of GSM Points Test
   
   This option would see the MODL tied into the GSM points test, where applicants with recognised skills in a MODL occupation are awarded 5 points or 10 points where they had a job offer. A significant reduction of the points value would put less emphasis on the MODL as the best way to obtain a GSM Australia visa, while still rewarding applicants who have 'in-demand' skills.
   
3. Future Skills List replaces the CSL as a prioritisation mechanism
   
   This option would have the Future Skills List essentially replace the Critical Skills List (i.e. applicants nominating an occupation under the Future Skills List would have their application receive priority processing).
   
   However, while this would give the occupations in demand priority, it has the same drawbacks as removing the Future Skills List from the GSM process.  Additionally, it could see applicants with high Points Test scores being processed some time after applicants with lower Points Test scores who happen to have an occupation on the Future Skills List.

When will the MODL review be decided upon and the changes introduced?

The results of the review are still scheduled to be handed to the Australian government in October, 2009.  Additionally, the following section from the second issues list now gives us some idea of when and how the changes will be introduced:

"All three options for integrating a new Future Skills List with the GSM assessment process require complementary changes to the Points Test. A sensible transition period would need to be established to ensure a smooth administrative implementation and to provide potential applicants with adequate notice of changes to the eligibility requirements.

It would also be sensible to look to align any changes to MODL with DIAC’s plan to transition from using ASCO to ANZSCO as a basis for the SOL in the first half of 2010."

So, it can now be assumed that all the changes we previously anticipated will all be made, and the Government is hoping to launch all the changes as part of one, unified overhaul to the Australian migration program in early 2010.

However, with so many changes involved, it seems very possible that they'll be forced to stagger them over a series of months and some could arrive sooner than expected.  Until some more concrete announcements are made, it's hard to put too much stock in any prospective timeframe.

What does Visa Bureau advise applicants to do at this time?

Again, the message remains the same; critical changes to the Australian visa application process are coming and all visa applicants should work quickly towards lodging their visa application, if they have not already done so. Further information will be announced on our blog as and when we receive it.

- Lauren Mennie is Casework Department Manager of the Australian Visa Bureau.

©Visa Bureau 2003-2009

Visa Bureau takes no responsibility and cannot be held accountable for action taken as a result of any information or comment provided on this blog, and we recommend that you always seek a number of opinions before making a decision regarding your migration or visa application. Please refer to the Visa Bureau terms of use for more information.

We received a notification today that the Australian Government has released issues papers for, and called for comments to, the Migration Occupations in Demand List (MODL) review.

While full details will not be released until later in the year, there is every sign that this latest MODL review will result in serious, lasting changes to the Australian General Skilled Migration (GSM) program which is why we are advising all our clients to lodge their visa applications as soon as possible.

Why is the MODL being reviewed?

Since its introduction in 1999, amendments to the MODL have not been uncommon. They typically take place approximately every 6 months and result in occupations being both added and removed from the list (with the number of occupations added usually outweighing the number of occupations removed).

However, it has been almost 18 months since the last MODL review. In that time, the Government has instead concentrated on introducing other methods of further targeting the skill needs of Australia, such as the launch of the Critical Skills List (CSL) in January, 2009.

However, on the back of the CSL being introduced, the Government sent clear signals that this new MODL review would be significant, due to the general feeling that the MODL was no longer sufficiently responsive.

What changes can be expected to come from this MODL review?

The details of the review are still being decided upon, but due to such factors as the current economic climate, the need for the GSM program to respond to future skill needs and the desire for a more integrated migration process, we anticipate that some (or possibly all) of the following changes will take place:

• Occupations will be removed from the MODL.
• The Critical Skills List will remain in place while the review is in progress and then be phased out following the implementation of any recommendations flowing from the review.
• The MODL will be integrated with the CSL and possibly the points test too, creating one, all-encompassing migration tool that will determine exactly which occupations will be most in demand, the points allocation for these occupations and the according processing timeframes.
• The older ASCO (Australian Standard Classification of Occupations) will be replaced by the ANZSCO (Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations).

When will the MODL review be decided upon and the changes introduced?

The results of the review are scheduled to be handed to the Australian government in October, 2009 but it’s currently impossible for us to say how quickly the changes will then be put into action. Given that the nature of the project is to make the MODL more immediately responsive though, we can assume that once the changes have been agreed upon, they will be implemented sooner rather than later.

What does Visa Bureau advise applicants to do at this time?

At a time of such uncertainty, speed is of the essence, especially for clients whose occupation is currently listed on the MODL.

Also, while the ANZSCO mirrors the ASCO fairly closely in terms of its depth of classification, it can’t be guaranteed that every occupation will be accounted for when the replacement is made (providing another good reason for applicants in more specific jobs to move quickly before the MODL review takes place).

Further information will be announced on our blog as and when we receive it, but for now, the message that all visa applicants should take is to work quickly towards lodging their visa application, if they have not already done so. 

- Lauren Mennie is Casework Department Manager for the Australian Visa Bureau.

©Visa Bureau 2003-2009

Visa Bureau takes no responsibility and cannot be held accountable for action taken as a result of any information or comment provided on this blog, and we recommend that you always seek a number of opinions before making a decision regarding your migration or visa application. Please refer to the Visa Bureau terms of use for more information.

Even after the changes made to sponsored Australia visa criteria on 1 July (as covered in this blog), yet more amendments have been made to the sponsorship criteria for the following states.

Western Australia 

The WA State Migration Centre has informed the Migration Institute of Australia (MIA) of the following changes to WA Sponsorship:

English Requirements for Accountants

From 24 July, the WA State Migration Centre (SMC) requires all Accountants seeking state sponsorship to achieve a score of at least 7.0 in all four components of their International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test. This applies to all applications lodged after this date including Graduate Students and applications from citizens from the following countries: UK, USA, Ireland, Canada and New Zealand.

Work Experience

Also from 24 July, the State Migration Centre (SMC) requires that all applicants who are required to demonstrate recent work experience must have worked for at least 12 months in the last 24 months in their nominated occupation they are seeking state sponsorship for.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

Since 1 July, ACT have not been accepting applications for state sponsorship.  Unfortunately, any potential applicants will need to wait for the new ACT sponsorship list and policy to be announced.

South Australia

Sponsorship List

While we were under the assumption that South Australia were going to be making changes to their sponsorship list on 1 July, they've temporarily reverted back to the previous sponsorship list. However, it's still very hard to say what further changes can be expected and whether they'll be temporary or permanent measures, so it is still advisable for anyone looking for state sponsorship to apply for nomination as soon as possibe

Additionally, we've heard that South Australia are closing the capital investment scheme on 31 October. The capital investment scheme was re-opened on 29 January 2009, but with it set to be closed again, it's vital applicants who indicated they intended to lodge a capital investment  finalise their capital investment before the scheme is closed.

- Lauren Mennie is Casework Department Manager for the Australian Visa Bureau

©Visa Bureau 2003-2009

Visa Bureau takes no responsibility and cannot be held accountable for action taken as a result of any information or comment provided on this blog, and we recommend that you always seek a number of opinions before making a decision regarding your migration or visa application. Please refer to the Visa Bureau terms of use for more information.

Could it be the 21st Century return of the "10 pound pom"? The price makes it seem too good to be true, but the £10 flight to Australia offer being promoted by STA Travel is 100% genuine, although some are still confused as to how they can take advantage of this astonishing deal.

For the uninformed, on Wednesday, 5th August, 150 one-way Qantas tickets to Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane or Adelaide will be put on sale for just £10 from STA Travel. However, there's one small catch; only Australian working holiday visa holders will be eligible for the offer.

How can I be eligible for a £10 flight to Australia?

As the offer's exclusively for working holiday visa holders, the answer's simple; makes sure you've been granted your Australian working holiday visa! While applying is fairly simple with our online visa application, it can take a week or two in some cases for the visa to be granted. Therefore, it's vital that you make your application sooner rather than later if you're keen to get your hands on the deal of the decade.

What does an Australian working holiday visa let me do?

The Australia Working Holiday Visa gives young people between the ages of 18 and 30 from working holiday visa eligible countries the opportunity to have an extended stay in Australia for up to 24 months. 

The visa allows you to make your initial entry into Australia no later than 12 months from the date that the visa was granted. The visa permits you to stay in Australia 12 months from the date that you first enter Australia, and you can then leave and re-enter Australia as many times as you wish during your 12 month stay. However, if you depart Australia during your 12 month stay you are not able to recover the period of time you have spent outside Australia.

Where can I go to purchase a £10 flight to Australia once I have my working holiday visa approved?

The flights are set to be put on sale at the eight following STA promotional branches on Wednesday, 5th August:

• Belfast (92/94 Botanic Avenue BT7 1JR)
• Birmingham High St (222-224 Corporation Street B4 6QB)
• Bristol (43 Queens Road BS8 1QQ)
• Glasgow (122 George Street G1 1RF)
• Leeds (88 Vicar Lane LS1 7JH)
• London Victoria (52 Grosvenor Gardens SW1W 0AG)
• Manchester (Albert Square 86 Cross Street M2 4LA)
• Southampton (6-8 Civic Centre Road SO14 7FL)   

Doors open at 8am, but don't expect to be alone in trying to take advantage of this deal, as keen applicants have been advised to camp out beforehand to be in for a chance at the £10 tickets.

Remember though, even if you're first in line on the 5th of August, you won't be able to purchase the ticket without a valid working holiday visa. Don't miss out on becoming a "10 pound pom"; apply online for your Australian working holiday visa today.

- Tom Blackett is Online Editor for the Australian Visa Bureau

©Visa Bureau 2003-2009

Visa Bureau takes no responsibility and cannot be held accountable for action taken as a result of any information or comment provided on this blog, and we recommend that you always seek a number of opinions before making a decision regarding your migration or visa application. Please refer to the Visa Bureau terms of use for more information.

Following on from my Australian immigration blogs regarding the changes coming from DIAC and the changes coming from the assessing bodies, I'd now like to discuss the changes that will be implemented by some of Australian States and Territories on 1 July.

South Australia state sponsorship changes

The current South Australia sponsorship lists are dated as being valid from 1 April - 30 June.  While they've yet to release anything officially, I think it can be assumed that a new set of provisional and permanent sponsorship lists for South Australia will be released on 1 July.

Western Australia English language requirement changes

Western Australia have stated the following on their website:

"The Department of Immigration and Citizenship has announced that from 1 July 2009 ALL offshore skilled visa applicants, other than those who are citizens of the UK, USA, Ireland, Canada or New Zealand, must obtain a score of at least 6 in each component of the IELTS test. When lodging a State sponsorship application, all applicants that are required to provide IELTS test results are now required to provide an eligible IELTS test result at time of application."

As a result, from 1 July, all applicants required to provide International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test results at any other stage of the visa application stage must also make sure to do so when applying for Western Australia state sponsorship.

ACT state sponsorship changes

The current Australian Capital Territory (ACT) sponsorship lists are set to close on the 1 July, and any ACT state sponsorship application received after this date will NOT be approved unless the application meets the criteria established by the new list that is set to be released mid-July.

Other State and Territory changes

As evident in the planned 1 July changes and the recent sponsorship list updates made by Queensland, the Australian States and Territories under pressure to react to the new demand created as a result of state sponsored visa applications receiving priority 1 processing status. However, it's still very hard to say what further changes can be expected and whether they'll be temporary or permanent measures, so it is still advisable for anyone looking for state sponsorship to apply for nomination as soon as possibe.

- Lauren Mennie is Casework Department Manager for the Australian Visa Bureau

©Visa Bureau 2003-2009

Visa Bureau takes no responsibility and cannot be held accountable for action taken as a result of any information or comment provided on this blog, and we recommend that you always seek a number of opinions before making a decision regarding your migration or visa application. Please refer to the Visa Bureau terms of use for more information.