grantvt

I have some concerns that the current economic crisis may bring about to Skilled Migration for which I am in the process of. I would appreciate feedback from someone with experience (either having migrated in similar situations or a migration agent) but any feedback and thoughts are welcome.

I am in the process of applying for a GSM 175 visa. By in process I mean that I have done everything I can (completed an English Language Exam - as I am from South Africa), obtain police clearances (from South Africa and the UK as I lived in the UK for 2 years), obtained my birth certificate and most importantly my skills assessment has been completed and was sent to me via registered post last week - as of today I have not received it yet but I am hoping it arrives this week or the following and that it is successful.

So besides lodging my application with the department of immigration I have done everything I can.

My concern is that the current global financial crisis (which Australian no doubt is also effected by) will have negative implications on my application.
I have read that the Australian Prime Minister has issued a statement that immigration quota MANY be cut over the next year and that the unemployment rate now stands unofficially at 6% but full details of unemployment with be release next month.

These statements are fair in my opinion as the need to have the best interests of the country at heart.

If the quotas are cut when would we see the effects (over the next year 2009 - 2010 or already in the current year 2008 - 2009) and would they consider applications that are in pre-lodgment phase (waiting for skills assessment results to arrive)?

The immigration system in Australia is massive so I hope that any changes will be introduced slowly as a change in direction may take time.

Feedback appreciated.

Dorothy

If the current government wants to cut the quota of migrant visas it will. Whether it's tomorrow or next year or next decade. It's really impossible for anyone here to predict when/if the quotas will in fact change. Even if they do, so long as you meet the criteria you in all likelyhood will be granted a visa. It will probably just be a longer process; more like Canada, where instead of a matter of 6-12 months it's a couple of years' wait. The fact is, Australia is a big country with a small population. Immigration is good for the country.

The part in bold is irrelevant to DIAC as there is no such thing as the pre-lodgement phase. People get their skills assessments done for any number of reasons, not just for migration purposes. Your application is not considered lodged until it has reached DIAC's offices.

There is never a "right" or "wrong" time to apply. It's a personal choice for each individual/family to make.