IMSVISA Services: Australian visa application advice and support

The inconclusive outcome of last weekend's general election is not good news for those of us who have been waiting patiently for new policy developments - particularly in relation to the review of the Points Test and other elements of the skilled migration program.

Yesterday morning the Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, called a general election for 21st August. This, of course, has been expected for several weeks ever since the deposition of the former Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd. It does mean, though, while the government is in caretaker role, a number of expected policy changes are likely to be put on hold including the long awaited review of the Points Test.

The much awaited new Skilled Occupation List was published this morning by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship. It was originally expected on 30th April but was delayed until such time as the government had considered the recommendations from Skills Australia. Not surprisingly the occupations of hairdressing, cook,  chef and graphic designer have been removed from the list. Some of the retained occupations include: Accountant, Architect, Engineers, medical professionals, Motor Mechanic, and many building trades.

Prospective visa applicants and agents alike are still digesting the content of the recent Ministerial announcement. A significant element in the announcement are the changes to priority processing. This further reflects the government's intention to favour people who are nominated by an employer or by a regional authority. The new priorities groups are:

 The Minister of Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, announced a number of sweeping changes to the General Skilled Migration regime with effect from 8 February 2010. Changes were of course expected and we have been advising clients of the the likelihood of immanent changes for several months. 

The major changes now are:

 The Department of Immigration and Citizenship has just published its annual report on new settlers in Australia. Almost 30% of the more than 150000 new settlers in 2008-9 came from the the UK and New Zealand. New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland are the clear favourites amongst new settlers. Queensland has been growing much faster than the others with the attractions of the Sunshine State proving to be a very strong drawcard.

The second working holiday visa is a very popular option for many young people who want to stay on in Australia and enjoy the benefits of a resurgent economy. However there are some very strict conditions that need to be met before you will be eligible for a second working holiday visa and that includes working for at least 3 months in regional Australia in designated employment - typically harvesting work.

 The Department of Immigration and Citizenship have announced some important changes to the 457  Business (Long Stay) that come into effect on 14 September. You can see the details by clicking here.

 IMSVISA will conduct information and interview programs for the University of the Sunshine Coast in late October in Manchester, London, Birmingham and Dublin. To book a personal appointment simply 

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 Following months of rumour and guessing about proposed changes to the Migration Occupations in Demand List (MODL) the Australian Government last Friday issued the first of two discussion papers on the issue. The review is expected to be completed in October.