Bluegrass

If almost all categories of skilled migrants have to meet the basic requirements and pass the point test, then what is the point of variety?

Why should someone applies under a limitting category such as regional and sponsored schemes while has a chance as skilled independent?

Points are raised to 120, to increase Australia skills and migrants. What a stupid argument.
If I want to increase the skills of migrants I would increase the points gained for qualifications and experience, rather than increasing the whole pass mark.
It's like a math teacher who wants to measure students' abilities in geometry, then he puts more points on geometry questions than algebra ones, not raising the pass grade from say 60 to 70.

bridiej

When you put it like that it does seem a bit crazy, but I think the point of the regional sponsored categories is so that those who dont have quite enough points can apply and assist the area by staying there for at least two years and paying taxes and stuff.

Plus if you are 5 points short of the 120 it saves the hassle of having to sort out the bond money...

We actually have 120 points (just discovered!) so not sure what path we'll take, will see nearer the time as by the time we get to the point where we can apply for the actual visa it will probably be March / April so the points may have changed again...

yinwong

I can only guess:

* Of the 4 subclasses under class BN - 137 only needs to meet the pool mark, and 139 has no point test. That leaves only 136 and 138 that have to actually pass the point test.

* The increase to 120 also made it harder for onshore students, who need not show evidence of work experience. I *guess* it was more for that purpose.

* And the MODL and SOL are DIMIA's knobs to calibrate the parameter of what skills they want in Australia, not the overall pass mark.

walaj

erm...

points are gained for experience, thus rewarding those who more than satisfy basic requirements.

differing points for differing visas - encourages people to go where there are shortages - ie match skills to where they are shortages. If you can meet the 120 points then a PR visa is much more desirable than temporary SIR visa.

You only need to look on this and the lifestyle forum to see the variety of people (background and skills) applying/moving/moved to Oz.

Anyway DIMIA makes the rules, they and the Oz government can decide how they choose immigrants. It sounds like for some reason you don't met the criteria and are lashing out at the system just because it does not fit your set of circumstances

KenJan333

What about all the people (like my hubby) who has 'ancient' skills in a 60 point occupation and has to get this occupation assessed to meet the points for skilled visa category. He has no intention in going back to his old occupation and will not be seeking employment in that skill if and when we get to Australia. This seems to be the only way for us to gain a PR visa and there are plenty of other people in the same boat, where their present occupation (lower points on the SOL) is not the 'nominated occupation', as they wouldn't have enough points to meet the pass mark otherwise.

Cheers

Jan

stevereed

I can't quite make out what you mean here, but as far as I am concerned, the family sponsored categories encourage family reunion whilst still ensuring skilled migrants. The Designated area sponsored visa with no points test goes that bit further, but statistics probably show that many 139 migrants do settle close to their families in regional areas although they don't have to)

Australia obviously wants to get skilled people into the regional / rural areas and offers incentives for that.

The employer sponsored schemes ensure that skilled people who are a bit short on the points have a job before they arrive.

These 'limiting categories' as you term them probably add as much, if not more benefit to the Australian economy in the areas it needs it than the skilled independent ones. Controversial????...maybe

JAJ

The points test is a way to select those who have a skills and age profile that most matches the *general* needs of the Australian economy.

Thos who do not meet the points test can still apply under one of the *specific* schemes, like employer nomination.

That's the way it is and it's not going to change anytime soon. If you can't qualify then you need to look somewhere else.

Jeremy