Australian General Skilled Migration (GSM)

New Points Test Released

Introduction

The Australian Minister of Immigration & Citizenship, the honourable Chris Bowen MP, today announced a new points test for the Australian general skilled migration program.  Please be aware that the announced changes are currently ‘draft changes’ and very well may change before they are brought into law.

This article is written to give as accurate an indication as possible of the future for Australian skilled migration processes and should not be taken as legal advice or replied upon as such.

All Australian skilled migration visa applications lodged before 01 July 2011 will still be assessed under the current points test and other applicable Australian visa criteria and requirements.

All applications for skilled migration to Australia lodged after 01 July 2011 will be assessed against the new points test and other applicable criteria put in place the Australian immigration department.

Australian Visa Subclasses that are affected by the Changes

These changes apply to all subclasses that fall under the Australian General Skilled Migration Program including 175, 176, 886, 475 and 487 categories.

The changes shift the focus of the points test and generally award more points to experienced, established and well qualified professionals working in their nominated occupations and with superior English skills. As an example 6+ in IELTS scores 0 points, 7+ in IELTS will score only 10 points, 8+ in IELTS, to be called ‘superior English’ will score a proposed 20  points.

The following bullet points are a summary of some of the major draft changes proposed by the Australian immigration department proposed to take effect on 1 July 2011 –

·         The new points pass mark will be 65 points, The current GSM points test of 120 points will be removed.

·         Points will no longer be given on the basis of occupations.

·         Applicants who can demonstrate ‘superior English’ language ability will be awarded 20 points for 8+ in all 4 major components of the IELTS test, not an average of 8+.

·         Competent English language or a score of 6.0 will reward no points under the new structure, but will be the base score applicable sufficient to still allow you to apply subject to gaining the necessary 65 points in other categories.

·         The maximum age is raised from 45 years to 50 years allowing those applicants not having yet turned 51 to apply for the Australian GSM permanent residence visa. Note however, that it is proposed that 0 points will be awarded to people aged 46-50 years old.

·         Employment and work experience both Australian and overseas will be given points on a scale system of 5-15points. People who have more employment experience will gain the higher points of 15.

·         Applicants who hold a PHD qualification from an overseas University will be awarded 20 points for their qualification.

·         Australian bachelor degrees, and bachelor degrees obtained overseas also obtained overseas will be allocated 15 points.

·         Australian Diploma and Trade qualifications OR and an offshore apprenticeship will gain 10 points towards you total pass mark

There are facts sheets available on the Department of Immigration and Citizenship website; www.immi.gov.au

Conclusions

All applicants for an Australian Skilled Independent visa should at least take an initial consultation with specialist Australian immigration lawyers, such as Turner Coulson Immigration Lawyers, to understand the strategies available to them and the strengths and weaknesses of their own specific circumstances. This will ensure that when the application is lodged it is given the strongest possible chances of success.

To talk about your matter to a specialist immigration lawyer, please email info@tcilawyers.com.au or call Ray Turner or Stewart Coulson on +61 (0)2 9264 4654 who will be happy to take your call.