George Lombard

I've received an indication today of the pass and pool marks for the new suite of General Skilled Migration visas from 1 September. Although they won't have been formalised in the legislation yet, the following details appear to be reliable:

Visa Pass Mark Pool Mark
Skilled - Independent (subclass 175) 120 100
Skilled – Sponsored (subclass 176) 100 80
Skilled – Regional Sponsored (subclass 475) 100 100
Skilled - Independent (subclass 885) 120 120
Skilled – Sponsored (subclass 886) 100 100
Skilled – Regional Sponsored (subclass 487) 100 100

If these points are applied, it represents a concession for the sponsored visas and an introduction of the points test for regional sponsored temporary visas. More to come as it becomes available.

Cheers,

George Lombard

Pollyana

I'll make a you into a sticky for a while, George! Thanks for the info

George Lombard

I have been able to confirm those pass and pool marks as accurate. There are some further policy developments:


allowing GSM applicants to include their interdependent partner in their application;

removing Assurance of Support provisions from GSM visas;

removing the SSASSL;

awarding points for sponsorship by a relative in a designated area;

removing points for Capital Investment;

clarifying the two year study rule;

removing requirement for 2nd stage sponsorship or nomination for provisional visa holders;

extending the English language concession;

opening up access to RSMS for provisional visa holders .

I hope to have this and further supporting information accessible in the next couple of hours. In the meantime, watch this space.

Cheers,

George Lombard

saleh_noures

Thanks George Lombard for the VALUABLE information , but now news about
Skilled Independent visa (subclass 136)
Regards

George Lombard

Hi Saleh,

You need to go back to the previously advertised changes here: http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/gener...changes/qa.htm to see that the 136 will become the 175 with an entirely new form and new requirements.

Cheers,

George Lombard

DianneH68

George,
Thanks for the info.
When do you think it is likely we will be able to see the new points test in its entirety?
I still have a horrible feeling I'll fall short, but it's hard to tell until I can actually sit down and go through the new test.
Thanks
Dianne

Pollyana

As soon as something concrete becomes available we'll make sure its prominently posted on the forum.

In the mentime some of the changes will be greatly welcomed - for example, I know we have had several queries lately about GSM for interdependent partners.

Dorothy

It only makes sense to have interdependant partners included. I mean, if a defacto partner of the opposite sex is allowed then I don't see why a defacto partner of the same sex shouldn't be. If two people have been living in a married-like state for the required time then it should not matter whether or not they are the same sex.

Pollyana

I know, its crazy that until these changes interdependent partners face being apart until the Skilled partner becomes a PR and then manages to sponsor the other one in on a Spouse visa. This should make things much fairer.

Mike and Stella

Thanks for this info George
Can you just clarify the point about removing the assurance of support provision.Does this mean that there will be no requirement for an assurance of support for an australian sponsored visa.
Many thanks
Mike and Stella.

Pollyana

It certainly looks that way at present - George has promised to clarify things as he gets more info, and I'm sure the other agents out there will do the same.

globe

Thanks for the info George.
Do you know if the 10 points for State sponsorship (Sir-495) still will be available for the new Skilled Regional Sponsored -subclass 475, so you actually would need only 90 points for this visa?
Thanks.

Mike and Stella

Thanks for the quick reply Pollyana.
Mike and Stella

andysarah

Hi,

Have been reading this with interest!

Does anyone know if any of these changes will be affecting the employer nominated visas?

Hubby is a nurse and we are looking at being sponsored on a 457 then will be nominated for PR by the hospital via the ENS scheme after 3 - 6 months. We had been keen on this as it means we will be there faster and can wait for our visa in Oz rather than here. We had already decided to go on a 457 even if PR wasn't/isn't granted rather than have never gone and then regretted it, so have accepted the risks.

However, now with all these changes we are wondering if the whole situation has changed??

Grateful for any help and advice!

George Lombard

As a follow-up to the various posts in this thread I have put the table of pass and pool marks from 1 September, and the criteria for which points will be available, under The Latest News on our front page at www.austimmigration.com.au - should be a simple download for each.

Cheers,

George Lombard