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2007-2011 Migration Policy Changes in General Skilled Migration

Date

Topic

Brief
01 Sep 2007 English Language Requirement 885/886/175/176/487 /475 visa applicants will be awarded 25 points if they have proficient English (minimum 7 in each of four components) in GSM Points test.
17 Dec2008 The CSL list The CSL （Critical Skill List）gives priority processing to occupations that are in high demand in Australia, such as computing professionals, nursing professionals, accountant,  building and engineering professionals, etc.
01 Jul 2009 Tighter English Language Requirement English language requirement for GSM applicants who nominate a trade occupation will be increased to minimum 6 in each of four components.The threshold English language standard for 475 visa applicants will be raised to average 6 in IELTS Test.
23 Sep 2009 New priority processing directions New priority processing directions for certain skilled migration visas is implemented.
01 Jan 2010 Skill assessments 885/886/487 visa applicants must have their skills assessed before lodging a visa application.
08 Feb 2010 Immigration Minister Announcement
  • The CSL list and MODL are revoked;
  • The current Skilled Occupation List (SOL) will be replaced;
  • All offshore GSM applications lodged before 1 September 2007 will have their applications withdrawn and the visa application charge (VAC) refunded;
  • Amendments to the Migration Act to cap and cease by selection factors such as subclass or occupation;
  • The points test used to assess GSM applicants will be reviewed;
  • new priority processing arrangements for certain skilled migration visas;
  • State and territory specific migration plans will be developed;
17 May 2010 New Skilled Occupation List (SOL) for GSM The new SOL does not apply for non-GSM visas, such as ENS, RSMS or Subclass 457
26 May 2010 English (IELTS) requirement IELTS is the criteria at time of application lodgement for visa subclass 885，886，175，176，475，476，485
19 Jul 2010 New priority processing arrangement Priority 1. Employer sponsored under ENS and RSMS; Priority 2. Nominated by a State/Territory government agency under a State Migration Plan agreed to by the Minister; Priority 3. Occupation is on new SOL List; Priority 4. All others processed in the order in which they are received.
Nov-Dec 2010 State Migration Plans State Migration Plan was introduced by each state one by one.8 Nov 2010, ACT State Migration Plan announced.Occupation list, English language requirement and work experience requirement were introduced.
11 Nov 2010 New Points Test for skilled migrants New points test for skilled migration will come into effect on 1 July 2011. The passing park is 65 points.Applicants eligible for 8 Feb 2010 transitional arrangement.
17 Dec 2010 Discussion papers about simplifying Australia’s visa system Australian government committed to reduce by 50% of temporary working visas by 2012 and reduce by 50% of total visa subclasses by 2015.
10 May 2011 Proposed Skilled Migrant Selection Model

(Skill Select)

 Two Stages:Potential applicants first register their claims for skilled migration through an online Express of Interest (EOI) .After selection, eligible applicants will be invited to submit a visa application later. Commencement date of Skill Select is from 1stof July 2012.
22 Sep 2011 Student visa Program
  • All applicants for higher education degree courses will be processed as Assessment Level 1;
  • Applies to those students who obtain their first student visa following the proposed introduction of the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) which is proposed to commence in late 2011;
  • All Australian bachelor degree with at least two years study in Australia be given two years post-study work rights in Australia; Masters by research graduated be given three years post-study work right. PHD be given four years post-study work right;
  • The student work entitlements be 40 hours per fortnight instead of 20 hours per week;
  • More details in DIAC website: www.immi.gov.au/news

 

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