TRA is just one of the skills assessing bodies
who will be making changes on 1 July 2009.
Following on from my Australian immigration blog regarding the changes coming from DIAC, I'd now like to discuss the changes that will be implemented by some of the key Australian skills assessing bodies on 1 July.
Changes from the TRA
Trades Recognition Australia (or TRA) is the body that assesses whether the skills of certain tradespeople on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) are sufficient to be eligible for an Australia visa.
TRA processing times changed
As covered in a previous blog post, Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) recently made the following statement:
"Changes to Processing Times
From 1 July 2009 Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) will introduce additional quality assurance arrangements to improve the integrity of its assessments. As a result processing times will change. It is expected that most applications will be assessed within 30 working days."
The processing times for TRA skills assessments used to typically be 10 working days for occupations listed on the Migration Occupations in Demand (MODL) list, and 20 working days for all other occupations, so the standard 30 working days for all applications is an important change.
New TRA application form
Additionally, they have stated that applications MUST be made using the new TRA application form, and any applications made using an old version of the form will NOT be accepted.
Changes from the ANMC
The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council (or ANMC) is the body that assesses whether the skills of internationally-qualified nurses are sufficient to be eligible for an Australia visa, and the news regarded changes to the English language requirements placed on all ANMC assessment applicants. They will be making a number of changes to their processes on 1 July.
ANMC English language requirement increased
There are English language requirements as part of the Australian visa basic requirements set by the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC), but we were alerted to the following recent addition to the 'Frequently Asked Questions' section of ANMC's website:
"CHANGES TO ENGLISH LANGUAGE TESTING REQUIREMENTS AS OF 1 JULY 2009 FOR ALL INTERNATIONALLY-QUALIFIED NURSES AND MIDWIVES
As of 1 July 2009, all internationally-qualified nurses and midwives applying for assessment to the ANMC under the general skilled migration scheme will be required to complete an English proficiency test. New Zealand registered nurses and midwives are exempt from providing English proficiency under the Trans Tasman Mutual Recognition Act 1997.
A pass level of 7 in all four bands of the IELTS Academic test or a B level in all four bands of the OET will be required in one sitting. The test will be valid for a period of two years."
Essentially, this announcement means that all nurses applying through the ANMC will be required to complete an academic English language test before lodging their skills assessment. For more information, refer to our previous blog post regarding the new English language requirements for nurses.
ANMC application fee increased and new ANMC application form
Additionally, a new fee will apply to all ANMC applicants applying after 1 July, 2009. The following fees will of July 1, 2009 the following fees will apply:
Additionally, there will also be a new ANMC application form that must be used by all applicants from 1 July.
Changes from other Skills Assessing Bodies
While I've covered all the major changes that have been announced, it's still possible that the other major Australian Skills Assessing Bodies have changes planned. Further updates will be released on the blog as and when they happen.
- Lauren Mennie is Casework Department Manager for the Australian Visa Bureau
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