Changes to GSM 8 Februrary 2010/Cap and Cease info
Feb 8th 2010, 6:52 pm
#61
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Feb 2009
Location: UK
Posts: 14,284
Re: Changes to General Skilled Migration 8 Februrary 2010
Does this effect you if you have been granted your visa 07, validated but yet to make the move?
I can understand why this is such a difficult time for everyone. We had a similar panic when they ceased the 139 visa with us frantically getting the application in. I really do hope that everyone can find a way.
I can understand why this is such a difficult time for everyone. We had a similar panic when they ceased the 139 visa with us frantically getting the application in. I really do hope that everyone can find a way.
Feb 8th 2010, 8:46 pm
#62
Just Joined
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 11
Re: Changes to General Skilled Migration 8 Februrary 2010
pants ! 
Feb 8th 2010, 9:08 pm
#63
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2007
Location: Woodvale WA
Posts: 310
Re: Changes to General Skilled Migration 8 Februrary 2010
After a number of years on this forum let me assure you that when an announcement like this one is made, we really do feel for the people affected by it. That is one reason why we try to help out, by offering information, creating sticky threads and WIKI entries, and by simply keeping order so that useful information doesn't get lost under a barrage of abuse and/or chit chat. To suggest that just because we are Moderators we have no feelings is just ludicrous.
If you do not like the way BE is moderated, I suggest you a) take it up with Admin (Sue) by pm, and b) go and find a different forum on which to post.[/QUOTE]
Very much echo these sentiments especially after being caught up in the capital investment scheme which held so many of us up in 2007, this forum often flashed up 'new news' across 18 months of agony before our agent became aware on many occassions.
good on ya BE and hang in there everyone going through this worrying time
If you do not like the way BE is moderated, I suggest you a) take it up with Admin (Sue) by pm, and b) go and find a different forum on which to post.[/QUOTE]
Very much echo these sentiments especially after being caught up in the capital investment scheme which held so many of us up in 2007, this forum often flashed up 'new news' across 18 months of agony before our agent became aware on many occassions.
good on ya BE and hang in there everyone going through this worrying time
Feb 8th 2010, 9:31 pm
#64
Forum Regular
Joined: Aug 2008
Location: Uk...But hopefully not for too much longer!
Posts: 48
Re: Changes to General Skilled Migration 8 Februrary 2010
I just really wish that we knew when the new state migration plan will be released?....
Seems that, yet again, we are left with questions.....
Seems that, yet again, we are left with questions.....
Feb 8th 2010, 9:46 pm
#65
Reg. Migration Agent
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2003
Location: Inner Western suburbs of Sydney
Posts: 4,483
Re: Changes to General Skilled Migration 8 Februrary 2010
Text of Minister's speech yesterday:
Migration reforms to deliver Australia's skills needs
Monday, 8 February 2010
The Rudd Government is reforming the permanent skilled migration program to ensure it is more responsive to the needs of industry and employers and better addresses the nation’s future skill needs.
The reforms will deliver a demand rather than a supply driven skilled migration program that meets the needs of the economy in sectors and regions where there are shortages of highly skilled workers, such as healthcare, engineering and mining. The major reforms to the skilled migration program are:
20 000 would-be migrants will have their applications cancelled and receive a refund.
All offshore General Skilled Migration applications lodged before 1 September 2007 will have their applications withdrawn. These are people who applied overseas under easier standards, including lower English language skills and a less rigorous work experience requirement. It is expected about 20 000 people fall into this category. The department will refund their visa application charge at an estimated cost of $14 million. Average applications cost between $1500 and $2000 and most contain more than one person.
The list of occupations in demand will be tightened so only highly skilled migrants will be eligible to apply for independent skilled migration visas.
The wide-ranging Migration Occupations in Demand List (MODL) will be revoked immediately. The list is outdated and contains 106 occupations, many of which are less-skilled and no longer in demand. A new and more targeted Skilled Occupations List (SOL) will be developed by the independent body, Skills Australia, and reviewed annually. It will be introduced mid-year and focus on high value professions and trades. The Critical Skills List introduced at the beginning of 2009 which identified occupations in critical demand at the height of the global financial crisis will also be phased out.
The points test used to assess migrants will be reviewed to ensure it selects the best and brightest.
Potential migrants gain points based on their qualifications, skills and experience, and proficiency in English. The current points test puts an overseas student with a short-term vocational qualification gained in Australia ahead of a Harvard-educated environmental scientist. A review of the points test used to assess General Skilled Migration applicants will consider issues including whether some occupations should warrant more points than others, whether sufficient points are awarded for work experience and excellence in English, and whether there should be points for qualifications obtained from overseas universities. The review will report to Government later this year.
Certain occupations may be capped to ensure skill needs are met across the board.
Amendments to the Migration Act will be introduced this year to give the Minister the power to set the maximum number of visas that may be granted to applicants in any one occupation if need be. This will ensure that the Skilled Migration Program is not dominated by a handful of occupations.
Development of state and territory-specific migration plans.
Individual state and territory migration plans will be developed so they can prioritise skilled migrants of their own choosing. This recognises that each state and territory has different skills requirements. For example, Western Australia may have a shortage of mining engineers while Victoria may have a requirement for more architects. Under the new priority processing arrangements, migrants nominated by a state and territory government under their State Migration Plan will be processed ahead of applications for independent skilled migration.
The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, said the new arrangements will give first priority to skilled migrants who have a job to go to with an Australian employer. For those who don’t have an Australian employer willing to sponsor them, the bar is being raised.
‘There are plenty of occupations where there is an adequate supply of young Australians coming through our schools, TAFE colleges and universities to take up new job opportunities. They must be given the opportunity to fill these vacancies first,’ Senator Evans said.
‘But there are some occupations where there will be high demand for skills. Hospitals can’t go without nurses, country towns can’t do without a local GP and the resources sector increasingly needs skills.
‘These latest changes will continue reforms already implemented by the government and result in a more demand-driven skilled migration program that attracts highly skilled migrants to Australia to work in areas of critical need.’
The government recognises that the changes will affect some overseas students currently in Australia intending to apply for permanent residence.
Those international students who hold a vocational, higher education or postgraduate student visa will still be able to apply for a permanent visa if their occupation is on the new Skilled Occupations List. If their occupation is not on the new SOL, they will have until 31 December 2012 to apply for a temporary skilled graduate visa on completion of their studies which will enable them to spend up to 18 months in Australia to acquire work experience and seek sponsorship from an employer.
The changes will in no way impact on international students coming to Australia to gain a legitimate qualification and then return home.
The speech by Senator Evans explaining the changes to the skilled migration program delivered at the Australian National University.
See: Changes to Australia's skilled migration program
Migration reforms to deliver Australia's skills needs
Monday, 8 February 2010
The Rudd Government is reforming the permanent skilled migration program to ensure it is more responsive to the needs of industry and employers and better addresses the nation’s future skill needs.
The reforms will deliver a demand rather than a supply driven skilled migration program that meets the needs of the economy in sectors and regions where there are shortages of highly skilled workers, such as healthcare, engineering and mining. The major reforms to the skilled migration program are:
20 000 would-be migrants will have their applications cancelled and receive a refund.
All offshore General Skilled Migration applications lodged before 1 September 2007 will have their applications withdrawn. These are people who applied overseas under easier standards, including lower English language skills and a less rigorous work experience requirement. It is expected about 20 000 people fall into this category. The department will refund their visa application charge at an estimated cost of $14 million. Average applications cost between $1500 and $2000 and most contain more than one person.
The list of occupations in demand will be tightened so only highly skilled migrants will be eligible to apply for independent skilled migration visas.
The wide-ranging Migration Occupations in Demand List (MODL) will be revoked immediately. The list is outdated and contains 106 occupations, many of which are less-skilled and no longer in demand. A new and more targeted Skilled Occupations List (SOL) will be developed by the independent body, Skills Australia, and reviewed annually. It will be introduced mid-year and focus on high value professions and trades. The Critical Skills List introduced at the beginning of 2009 which identified occupations in critical demand at the height of the global financial crisis will also be phased out.
The points test used to assess migrants will be reviewed to ensure it selects the best and brightest.
Potential migrants gain points based on their qualifications, skills and experience, and proficiency in English. The current points test puts an overseas student with a short-term vocational qualification gained in Australia ahead of a Harvard-educated environmental scientist. A review of the points test used to assess General Skilled Migration applicants will consider issues including whether some occupations should warrant more points than others, whether sufficient points are awarded for work experience and excellence in English, and whether there should be points for qualifications obtained from overseas universities. The review will report to Government later this year.
Certain occupations may be capped to ensure skill needs are met across the board.
Amendments to the Migration Act will be introduced this year to give the Minister the power to set the maximum number of visas that may be granted to applicants in any one occupation if need be. This will ensure that the Skilled Migration Program is not dominated by a handful of occupations.
Development of state and territory-specific migration plans.
Individual state and territory migration plans will be developed so they can prioritise skilled migrants of their own choosing. This recognises that each state and territory has different skills requirements. For example, Western Australia may have a shortage of mining engineers while Victoria may have a requirement for more architects. Under the new priority processing arrangements, migrants nominated by a state and territory government under their State Migration Plan will be processed ahead of applications for independent skilled migration.
The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, said the new arrangements will give first priority to skilled migrants who have a job to go to with an Australian employer. For those who don’t have an Australian employer willing to sponsor them, the bar is being raised.
‘There are plenty of occupations where there is an adequate supply of young Australians coming through our schools, TAFE colleges and universities to take up new job opportunities. They must be given the opportunity to fill these vacancies first,’ Senator Evans said.
‘But there are some occupations where there will be high demand for skills. Hospitals can’t go without nurses, country towns can’t do without a local GP and the resources sector increasingly needs skills.
‘These latest changes will continue reforms already implemented by the government and result in a more demand-driven skilled migration program that attracts highly skilled migrants to Australia to work in areas of critical need.’
The government recognises that the changes will affect some overseas students currently in Australia intending to apply for permanent residence.
Those international students who hold a vocational, higher education or postgraduate student visa will still be able to apply for a permanent visa if their occupation is on the new Skilled Occupations List. If their occupation is not on the new SOL, they will have until 31 December 2012 to apply for a temporary skilled graduate visa on completion of their studies which will enable them to spend up to 18 months in Australia to acquire work experience and seek sponsorship from an employer.
The changes will in no way impact on international students coming to Australia to gain a legitimate qualification and then return home.
The speech by Senator Evans explaining the changes to the skilled migration program delivered at the Australian National University.
See: Changes to Australia's skilled migration program
Feb 8th 2010, 10:48 pm
#66
Forum Regular
Joined: Aug 2008
Location: Uk...But hopefully not for too much longer!
Posts: 48
Re: Changes to General Skilled Migration 8 Februrary 2010
And for those in my situation......
Feb 9th 2010, 2:00 am
#67
Living in Perthection
Joined: Mar 2003
Location: Wickedy WA WA...
Posts: 1,868
Re: Changes to General Skilled Migration 8 Februrary 2010
...Individual state and territory migration plans will be developed so they can prioritise skilled migrants of their own choosing. This recognises that each state and territory has different skills requirements. For example, Western Australia may have a shortage of mining engineers while Victoria may have a requirement for more architects. Under the new priority processing arrangements, migrants nominated by a state and territory government under their State Migration Plan will be processed ahead of applications for independent skilled migration.
The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, said the new arrangements will give first priority to skilled migrants who have a job to go to with an Australian employer. For those who don’t have an Australian employer willing to sponsor them, the bar is being raised...
The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, said the new arrangements will give first priority to skilled migrants who have a job to go to with an Australian employer. For those who don’t have an Australian employer willing to sponsor them, the bar is being raised...
It isnt clear from the announcement what role employers will play within the state based plan, are all employers being surveyed to find out what they think they'll need in coming weeks/months?
I've asked a couple of senior HR representatives at large IT consulting firms and neither had any idea these changes were coming and how they are expected to deal with it and what support they will be getting from a state and federal level.
An employer sponsoring candidates at present is typically a very last resort and often because of the hassle of the whole process the costs involved and the general lack of understanding and support provided to employers, they dont even consider it an option.
99% of the time an employer will want to meet a prospective employee face to face, they want a larger pool of options in their local market so they can choose who they want on face value (I realise I might be being a little generalist around the IT sector that I work in).
If these State migration plans are going to put further responsibility on the employer then they are not going to work.
The minister talks about the state plans being set up so they can choose what they specifically need, yet there's been no detail provided around how these plans function and who does what, how things get changed, who has control over what, timeframes around the processing, the costs, the obligations to each party etc etc.
If something like this is being announced to the general public and being put "live" in a few months, you would have to assume that all of that has been defined and mapped out prior to his announcement (who did it and how is another matter...) yet there's been no detail provided around any of this. That would imply they dont know, (if the info is there release it, there's no reason not to surely...)
Im not sure if im just being cynical but to me these state based plans just seem to be another way of claiming to give more power and choice to each region, but all it is going to do is potentially chop off general skilled migration and push employers to have to make the commitment, which if their prepared to do at all will basically be on the most temporary basis possible, that way if anything changes its an easy option to send them back to where they came from, the government wins because unemployment remains low, and they guarantee a steady flow of people paying visa application charges.
Hopefully im wrong and over the coming weeks and months we'll see a clearly defined plan around how they've come up with this idea and how it all works and benefits everyone involved...
Feb 9th 2010, 2:04 am
#68
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2009
Location: In a paradise island
Posts: 624
Re: Changes to General Skilled Migration 8 Februrary 2010
Could anyone shed some light on the status of 3500 visa to be granted for Cat 5. Will this be stopped ?
Feb 9th 2010, 2:59 am
#69
Just Joined
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 17
Re: Changes to General Skilled Migration 8 Februrary 2010
More on the changes from the Australian press:
Australia rejects 20,000 migrants
MARK METHERELL
February 8, 2010
THE government will dump 20,000 applications from would-be migrants in a crackdown on low-skilled entrants.
In changes aimed at making skilled migration more responsive to Australia's needs, the government will tighten the list of target occupations and focus instead on healthcare, engineering and mining.
All general skilled migration applications lodged before September 1, 2007 - when English and work experience requirements were easier - will have their applications withdrawn and application fees totalling $14 million refunded.
The government will also abolish the current list of skills in demand, which contains 106 occupations, and review the points test used to assess migrants to improve selection.
The Immigration Minister, Chris Evans, said last year 170,000 people applied to live and work permanently in Australia as skilled migrants, but there were just 108,100 places available.
Australia needed a program that ''delivers the skills that are actually in demand in the economy, not just the skills that applicants present with'', he said.
''If hospitals are crying out for and willing to sponsor nurses then of course they should have priority over the 12,000 unsponsored cooks who have applied and who, if all were granted visas, would flood the domestic market,'' Senator Evans said.
''In recent years, the skilled migration program has been skewed as the pool of applicants has become dominated by a handful of occupations.''
The current points system puts an overseas student with a short-term vocational qualification gained in Australia ahead of a Harvard-educated environmental scientist.
The bar was being raised for applicants without an Australian employer prepared to sponsor them. There were many occupations where the supply of qualified young Australians was adequate. But there were some jobs where there was a high demand for skills such as for hospital nurses, country doctors and resource sector employees.
Yesterday the Finance Minister, Lindsay Tanner, warned against a dramatic migration drop. The need for doctors, nurses, mining engineers, and IT specialists from overseas was ''crucial to our economy'', he told Channel Ten's Meet the Press.
The Opposition Leader, Tony Abbott, warned yesterday he would take a tough line on asylum seekers.
Asked on ABC television what he would do to counter strains on the Christmas Island detention centre, he said: ''We will try to stop it becoming overcrowded by making it absolutely crystal clear that people who get here illegally can't expect to stay here.
http://www.smh.com.au/national/austr...0207-nkxh.html
Australia rejects 20,000 migrants
MARK METHERELL
February 8, 2010
THE government will dump 20,000 applications from would-be migrants in a crackdown on low-skilled entrants.
In changes aimed at making skilled migration more responsive to Australia's needs, the government will tighten the list of target occupations and focus instead on healthcare, engineering and mining.
All general skilled migration applications lodged before September 1, 2007 - when English and work experience requirements were easier - will have their applications withdrawn and application fees totalling $14 million refunded.
The government will also abolish the current list of skills in demand, which contains 106 occupations, and review the points test used to assess migrants to improve selection.
The Immigration Minister, Chris Evans, said last year 170,000 people applied to live and work permanently in Australia as skilled migrants, but there were just 108,100 places available.
Australia needed a program that ''delivers the skills that are actually in demand in the economy, not just the skills that applicants present with'', he said.
''If hospitals are crying out for and willing to sponsor nurses then of course they should have priority over the 12,000 unsponsored cooks who have applied and who, if all were granted visas, would flood the domestic market,'' Senator Evans said.
''In recent years, the skilled migration program has been skewed as the pool of applicants has become dominated by a handful of occupations.''
The current points system puts an overseas student with a short-term vocational qualification gained in Australia ahead of a Harvard-educated environmental scientist.
The bar was being raised for applicants without an Australian employer prepared to sponsor them. There were many occupations where the supply of qualified young Australians was adequate. But there were some jobs where there was a high demand for skills such as for hospital nurses, country doctors and resource sector employees.
Yesterday the Finance Minister, Lindsay Tanner, warned against a dramatic migration drop. The need for doctors, nurses, mining engineers, and IT specialists from overseas was ''crucial to our economy'', he told Channel Ten's Meet the Press.
The Opposition Leader, Tony Abbott, warned yesterday he would take a tough line on asylum seekers.
Asked on ABC television what he would do to counter strains on the Christmas Island detention centre, he said: ''We will try to stop it becoming overcrowded by making it absolutely crystal clear that people who get here illegally can't expect to stay here.
http://www.smh.com.au/national/austr...0207-nkxh.html
Feb 9th 2010, 3:47 am
#70
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,514
Re: Changes to General Skilled Migration 8 Februrary 2010
I m electrical engineer and i am applying to EA for my assessment. But by the time i recieve postive assessment from EA i.e 16 weeks it will be june and the new list will be in place. Can you tell me how it will affect me. Do you think Electrical Engineers will continue to be in their new skilled occupation list?
Feb 9th 2010, 5:39 am
#71
His Excellency
Joined: May 2008
Location: Baghdad Central Prison
Posts: 380
Re: Changes to General Skilled Migration 8 Februrary 2010
Sorry, but why would you be compensated for medicals or police checks unless they were requested by the case officer. If they were then you are probably close to the end of your visa processing. If not, then you paid for them at your own peril as stated on the DIAC website. And why would you be compensated for agent fees? Using an agent is not mandatory, so again you use an agent at your own peril.
Where did it say that your application will be ceased at all? The announcement says 20 000 applications will be processed. It's entirely possible there are only 19000 applications in the system so EVERYONE who applied before 1 Sept 2007 will get a visa.
Are you saying now that even if your visa were granted tomorrow you wouldn't want it? A visa to live in Australia is a priviledge, not a right.
Where did it say that your application will be ceased at all? The announcement says 20 000 applications will be processed. It's entirely possible there are only 19000 applications in the system so EVERYONE who applied before 1 Sept 2007 will get a visa.
Are you saying now that even if your visa were granted tomorrow you wouldn't want it? A visa to live in Australia is a priviledge, not a right.
PS: And I don't think they said how many applications will actually be processed. The media reports indicate that around 20,000 applications may actually be dumped and their VAC fee returned
Feb 9th 2010, 5:45 am
#72
His Excellency
Joined: May 2008
Location: Baghdad Central Prison
Posts: 380
Re: Changes to General Skilled Migration 8 Februrary 2010
If your question was: ........ Refuse visa due to new SOL ? , then NO.
One can still apply for GSM if nominated occupation is not on new SOL, as long as the applicant as of 8/1/2010 holds a 485 visa or has a pending 485 application or has a pending GSM application. In all this three cases, new SOL wont affect the above applicant and wont lead to visa refusal due to new SOL.
But, if the applicant is on student / VET visas as of 8/1/2010 he/she can apply ONLY FOR 485 Graduate visa by nominating old SOL. "However these student visa holders will be required to have an occupation on the new SOL to apply for a permanent GSM visa."
One can still apply for GSM if nominated occupation is not on new SOL, as long as the applicant as of 8/1/2010 holds a 485 visa or has a pending 485 application or has a pending GSM application. In all this three cases, new SOL wont affect the above applicant and wont lead to visa refusal due to new SOL.
But, if the applicant is on student / VET visas as of 8/1/2010 he/she can apply ONLY FOR 485 Graduate visa by nominating old SOL. "However these student visa holders will be required to have an occupation on the new SOL to apply for a permanent GSM visa."
I understand what your saying but George thinks (as I understand it) most of these applications will most likely be refused is what's got me thinking.
cheers
Feb 9th 2010, 7:06 am
#73
Still alive
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 28,994
Re: Changes to General Skilled Migration 8 Februrary 2010
wow you could atleast be a little more symphathatic towards someone whose just been told the only thing they've been looking forward to for the past 3 years isn't happening for no fault of their own.
PS: And I don't think they said how many applications will actually be processed. The media reports indicate that around 20,000 applications may actually be dumped and their VAC fee returned
PS: And I don't think they said how many applications will actually be processed. The media reports indicate that around 20,000 applications may actually be dumped and their VAC fee returned
Feb 9th 2010, 7:21 am
#74
Just Joined
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 13
Re: Changes to General Skilled Migration 8 Februrary 2010
I felt so bad for everyone yet to apply for GSM prior to 8th Feb 2010. I am cat 7 175 applicant...does that mean my applications can be processed before 2012 as the number of applicants is slowing down due to the removal of MODL? Sorry
Feb 9th 2010, 9:26 am
#75
Forum Regular
Joined: Aug 2008
Location: Uk...But hopefully not for too much longer!
Posts: 48
Re: Changes to General Skilled Migration 8 Februrary 2010
Good & Bad news....
I have had a very prompt reply to an email I sent WA state migration centre yesterday.....(thats the good news)....
Heres the reply (thats the bad news)...
Dear Kelly,
The new State migration plan is expected to be published in the beginning of the next program year which is 1st of July, 2010.
At this point of time we are not able to commit to the occupations that will be included in the plan.
I hope this has been of assistance.
Regards
State Migration Centre
Government of Western Australia
I have had a very prompt reply to an email I sent WA state migration centre yesterday.....(thats the good news)....
Heres the reply (thats the bad news)...
Dear Kelly,
The new State migration plan is expected to be published in the beginning of the next program year which is 1st of July, 2010.
At this point of time we are not able to commit to the occupations that will be included in the plan.
I hope this has been of assistance.
Regards
State Migration Centre
Government of Western Australia