New Year, new Australian immigration changes: Assessing body updates for 2010

by Lauren 11/01/2010 10:06:00

The Australian Computer
Society (ACS) will change
their policy on 1 February.

While the scheduled MODL review has yet to be announced, 2010 has still already been an eventful year for Australian immigration changes made by various departments and bodies that are set to have a lasting impact on the Australian immigration process.

On Friday, I covered the recent updates made by VETASSESS, and today, I'll look at changes made by some other major skills assessing bodies, including the Australian Computer Society (ACS), Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) and  Teaching Australia (TA).

Changes to Australian Computer Society (ACS) assessment policy from 1 February

We have received notification of an upcoming change to Australian Computer Society (ACS) assessment policy which will be implemented from 1 February, 2010

The criteria for the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process is set to change. At the moment, the requirement is that applicants write three mandatory 'core body of knowledge' essays,  with applicants also able to write on other areas of knowledge using their own discretion.

However, from 1 February, 2010, there will be a new set of criteria called 'Key Areas of Knowledge'. There will be very little overlap between this new set of criteria and the criteria currently in place.

Therefore, if you are in a position to lodge to the ACS or are close to this point, it is recommended that you do so immediately.

However, if you are not able to lodge with the ACS before 1 February, it is advisable to cease working on the RPL aspect of the application, as much of the work you will do will be obsolete (although it is still possible to work on the employment references required for the application, as they will still be necessary).

As yet there is no further guidance on the new criteria, but we expect that it will be released before the implementation of the new assessing policy. As soon as we have any further details you will be notified.

Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) release new application form

On 1 December, 2009, Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) released an updated version of the General Skilled Migration Skills Assessment application form (Version 1.8).

The new application form has new mandatory fields to collect the applicant's passport and visa information.  It's important that all applicants ensure to use this new application form as failure to provide the aforementioned information may result in delays in processing your application.

Teaching Australia (TA) change name to Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL)

The Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) came into being on 1 January, 2010, as the new name for Teaching Australia (TA).

While the change seems to be a predominantly superficial change (i.e. one with no updates to assessment criteria), there have already been changes scheduled for 22 March, 2010 relating to demonstrating English language ability and the amount of days of supervised teaching practice required. I'll write more on these changes closer to the time and will continue to monitor the AITSL to see whether any further updates are introduced.

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

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.

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Comments

22/01/2010 21:05:11

Hi Lauren,

Thanks you for posting updates regarding all the changes with Australian Immigration.
I lodged my VISA 176 (Skilled - Sponsored) on September 2008 with ACS Skills Assessment Approved Approved 2231-79 (Network Security). How does the change in RPL affect my status?

Cheers from a patiently waiting Canadian.

Fil

22/01/2010 21:17:50

Hi Lauren,

Thank you for your updates with all the changes with Australian immigration. I lodged my VISA 176 (Skilled - Sponsored) on September 2008 with ACS Skills Assessment Approved (Computing Professional - specializing in Network Security/Firewall/Internet Security) 2231-79 MODL.

How does the changes to RPL affect my status?

Cheers from a patiently waiting Canandian!

Fil

10/02/2010 10:38:18

Can you tell me hairdressing already removed from MODL please. If it's not yet remove when are you going to remove that.

Chaminda Mendis

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