Key terms: SkillSelect – Invitation to Apply – Skilled Independent subclass 189 - Skilled Regional Provisional subclass 489 – Expression of Interest – Points Test

Results for the SkillSelect invitation round on 15 February 2017 have been published. Here is a summary of the results:

• 1253 Skilled Independent visa invitations were issued (up from 1144 in the previous round)
  • applications with 60 points or more were invited
  • applications submitted 15 February 2017 have been invited
• 27 Skilled Regional Sponsored visa invitations were issued (down from 28 in the previous round)
  • applications with 60 points or more were invited
  • applications submitted 14 February 2017 were invited

Key terms: SkillSelect – Invitation to Apply – Skilled Independent subclass 189 - Skilled Regional Provisional subclass 489 – Expression of Interest – Points Test

Results for the SkillSelect invitation round on 1 February 2017 have been published. Here is a summary of the results:

• 1144 Skilled Independent visa invitations were issued
  • applications with 60 points or more were invited
  • applications submitted 1 February 2017 have been invited
• 28 Skilled Regional Sponsored visa invitations were issued
  • applications with 60 points or more were invited
  • applications submitted 31 January 2017 were invited

The latest invitation round for the SkillSelect programme was held on 23 November 2016. During the invitation round occupation group 2335 - Industrial, Mechanical and Production Engineers was placed in the group of occupations that are subject to pro rata arrangements due to high levels of demand. Occupations are placed under a pro rata arrangement to ensure availability throughout the course of the migration programme year. The occupation group includes ANZSCO code 233511 Industrial Engineer, ANZSCO code 233512 Mechanical Engineer and ANZSCO code 233513 Production or Plant Engineer.

According to the invitation round results, industrial engineers, mechanical engineers and production or plant engineers will now need to achieve at least 70 points in the SkillSelect points test to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

Latest pro rata arrangements and cut off for points score

The pro rata arrangement for Invitations to Apply under SkillSelect now applies to:

• ANZSCO Group 2211 Accountants
• ANZSCO Group 2212 Auditors, Company Secretaries and Corporate Treasurers
• ANZSCO Group 2334 Electronics Engineers
• ANZSCO Group 2335 Industrial, Mechanical and Production Engineers
• ANZSCO Group 2339 Other Engineering Professionals
• ANZSCO Group 2544 Registered Nurses
• ANZSCO Group 2611 ICT Business and System Analysts
• ANZSCO Group 2613 Software and Applications Programmers
• ANZSCO Group 2631 Computer Network Professionals

The results for the latest invitation rounds are as follows:

Source: Department of Immigration and Border Protection

Contact Work Visa Lawyers if you need further information about the above.

Sources:

http://www.border.gov.au/WorkinginAustralia/Pages/23-november-2016-round-results.aspx

Comments by Chris Johnston – Principal Lawyer and Registered Migration Agent at Work Visa Lawyers

The 2016-17 migration programme year is reaching its halfway point as we come to the end of 2016. For the General Skilled Migration programme, this may mean that certain occupations which have received many applications face limitations in receiving Invitations to Apply (ITAs), require higher points to receive ITAs or are unable to obtain state nomination or sponsorship for the year.

It is best to proceed with a visa application as quickly as possible but at the same time you should ensure that all information and documents provided are accurate and relevant to your application. If you need to consider other visa application options please contact Work Visa Lawyers to arrange an appointment to discuss alternatives.

This information is accurate on 8 December 2016

Do you need help with an Australian visa application?

At Work Visa Lawyers we are experienced in assisting applicants in all matters relating to Australian visa applications. Our areas of expertise include Skilled Migration visas, Business Skills Migration visas, Employer Sponsored Work Visas, Partner and other Family Migration visas as well as the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) Review, Judicial Review and Ministerial Intervention.

If you require further information regarding your Australia visa options you can contact us through:

(08) 8351 9956 or +61 8 8351 9956

or   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

An article in The Australian today has reported that the Health Department submitted an unpublished submission to the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) that recommended for 41 health occupations to be removed from the Skilled Occupations List (SOL).

“Overseas-trained medical practitioners would no longer be granted visas to work in Australia, under a contentious proposal from the Health Department that heralds the end of the nation’s shortage of locally trained doctors.”

“Visa plan to stop foreign doctor influx”, Sean Parnell, Health Editor, The Australian, 9 August 2016

Among these 41 health occupations are:

- General Practitioners
- Anaesthetists
- Cardiologists
- Paediatricians
- Psychiatrists
- Surgeons, General or Specialists
and others.

While the recommendations were not accepted by the Australian government before the Australian general elections, it is reported that the recommendations might be reconsidered in the next few months. Suggestions by the Health Department earlier in the year resulted in the removal of the following from the SOL:

- Dental Hygienist (ANZSCO 411211)
- Dental Prosthetist (ANZSCO 411212)
- Dental Technician (ANZSCO 411213)
- Dental Therapist (ANZSCO 411214)

The article also reported that at the end of March 2016 there were 2155 General Practitioners and 1562 Resident Medical Officers who were holding visas in Australia (implying they are non-citizen arrivals who are working in the health industry). They were followed by Occupational Health and Safety Advisers at 130 visa holders and Psychiatrists at 100 visa holders.

Sources:

1. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/health/visa-plan-to-stop-foreign-doctor-influx/news-story/67a9915f4c258f360875785499d3975c
2. https://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Work/Work/Skills-assessment-and-assessing-authorities/skilled-occupations-lists/SOL
3. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-08-09/calls-to-stop-giving-overseas-trained-doctors-visas/7706612

Comments by Chris Johnston – Principal Lawyer and Registered Migration Agent at Work Visa Lawyers

The SOL is a list of occupations that are suitable for applying the Skilled Independent subclass 189 visa under the General Skilled Migration programme. The removal of the 41 health occupations mentioned above will mean that overseas health professionals will need to seek state, territory or employer sponsorship to move and work in Australia. The removal of the occupations from the SOL list will not completely stop health professional from moving to Australia, unless the occupations are also removed from the Consolidated Skilled Occupations List (CSOL).

While the Australian Medical Association (AMA) and Rural Doctors Association (RDA) argue that there are many Australian medical graduates who cannot find a position in the Australian health system, there are strong arguments that overseas trained medical professionals are required to provide basic health services to a growing and ageing population, especially in the regional areas of Australia.

The removal of health professionals from the SOL will also create setbacks in the plans of many small to medium private medical practices. Many of these medical practices are unable to find an Australian medical professional to fill positions because of the location of the medical practice. Skilled Independent visa applicants from overseas are one group of health professionals that can help fill in the shortage in such areas, providing necessary health care to local Australian residents.

This news has been discussed among Registered Migration Agents and it was reported that a general practitioner from New Zealand has received a letter stating Medicare will stop issuing Medicare provider numbers to overseas trained medical practitioners in 2 years time because there are too many local medical graduates. This would be a major disincentive for medical practitioners who migrated to Australia from overseas.

This information is accurate on 9 August 2016

Do you need help with an Australian visa application?

At Work Visa Lawyers we are experienced in assisting applicants in all matters relating to Australian visa applications. Our areas of expertise include Skilled Migration visas, Business Skills Migration visas, Employer Sponsored Work Visas, Partner and other Family Migration visas as well as the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) Review, Judicial Review and Ministerial Intervention.

If you require further information regarding your Australia visa options you can contact us through:

(08) 8351 9956 or +61 8 8351 9956

or   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

On 16^th May 2016 the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) announced a new Skilled Occupation List (SOL) and Consolidated Skilled Occupation List (CSOL) for the upcoming fiscal year 2016-17. You can recap the changes and our initial thoughts in our earlier article here.

Since the announcement of the new SOL and CSOL, there has been increasing queries from students and professionals asking if their field of study and profession is still “in demand” or suitable for the Australian migration programme.

Popular occupations remain in the consideration for Australian visa applications

Work Visa Lawyers has continued to receive enquiries such as those below:

“I am an Accountant and I am going to apply for skilled migration later this year. Am I still qualified?”

“I will be graduating in July 2016 with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing. Are my studies still suitable for a visa application after I complete my studies?”

“My restaurant needs to hire and sponsor an overseas restaurant manager/cook. Can I still sponsor them when the new SOL and CSOL are in effect?”

Many will be pleased to know that the majority of the most common occupations for skilled and employer-sponsored visas are still on the SOL and CSOL. The most popular occupations include:

• Accountants
• Cooks
• Café or Restaurant Managers
• Marketing Specialists
• Sales and Marketing Managers
• Software Engineers
• ICT Business Analyst

The only occupations that were removed from the SOL and moved to the CSOL are in relation to the mining industry, which includes Mining Engineers, Petroleum Engineers, Occupational Health and Safety Advisors, etc.

Comments by Chris Johnston – Principal Lawyer and Registered Migration Agent at Work Visa Lawyers

In general there isn’t much of a significant change to the SOL or CSOL. Most visa applications with the most common occupations will still be able to proceed. However it is advised that visa applications should be lodged as early as possible to prevent being affected by new changes announced by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP).

You should also remember that the SOL or CSOL is only one of the many requirements of the visa application criteria. You need to make sure you meet all other requirements before submitting your visa application. Seek advice from a Registered Migration Agent if you need more information about your situation.

This information is accurate on 6 June 2016

Do you need help with an Australian visa application?

At Work Visa Lawyers we are experienced in assisting applicants in all matters relating to Australian visa applications. Our areas of expertise include Skilled Migration visas, Business Skills Migration visas, Employer Sponsored Work Visas, Partner and other Family Migration visas as well as the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) Review, Judicial Review and Ministerial Intervention.

If you require further information regarding your Australia visa options you can contact us through:

(08) 8351 9956 or +61 8 8351 9956

or   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Closure of ACT nomination program to overseas applicants for 2015/16 - subclass 190 visa

The following has recently been announced by Migration and Information Services section of the ACT Government.

“Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa – Closure of ACT nomination program to overseas applicants for 2015/16

Effective immediately (18 March 2016 at 4pm AEST) - The ACT Migration program is closed to all overseas residents. If your client is not in Australia, you will not be able to apply for ACT nomination of a Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa until the program reopens on 1 July 2016.

Applications for ACT nomination submitted before 4pm today will still be processed in queue order.

Please note, the current processing time is 3 - 4 months due to the large number of applications received post publication of the February 23 Occupation List.

CANBERRA RESIDENTS

This action does not affect Canberra based applicants. If your client is living in Canberra the 190 ACT nomination program is still open if they meet the nomination criteria. The average processing time of applications from Canberra residents is 4 weeks.”

Comments by Chris Johnston – Principal Lawyer and Registered Migration Agent at Work Visa Lawyers

This closure of the list announced by the ACT government is probably just the first of a number of similar actions by States and Territories.   The migration program year runs from the 1 July to the 30 June each year.

The states have a limited numbers of positions to nominate and they also try to set their own internal target in relation to different occupations.  As the end of the migration program year approached, and we get closer to the 30 June 2016, the state and territories may run out of positions to nominate.

The positive side of the cycle, is that the states will have new quotas of position to nominated from the 1 July 2016. So it is often still worth while for you to get your skills assessed and to achieve the required English scores, with a view to the new lists.

Source:

 http://www.canberrayourfuture.com.au/portal/migrating/article/skilled-migration-visas/

Do you need help with an Australian visa application?

At Work Visa Lawyers we are experienced in assisting applicants in all matters relating to Australian visa applications. Our areas of expertise include Skilled Migration visas, Business Skills Migration visas, Employer Sponsored Work Visas, Partner and other Family Migration visas as well as Migration Review Tribunal, Judicial Review and Ministerial Intervention.

If you require further information regarding your Australia visa options you can contact us through:

(08) 8351 9956 or +61 8 8351 9956

or   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Information and Communications Technology (ICT) professionals have been a main group of applicants for the Skill Stream of the Australian Migration programme for a long time. In the year 2014-2015, 2 out of the top 5 occupations of primary applicants in the Skill Stream were ICT positions. ICT professionals are identified by 3 main groups in Australia, namely:

• ICT Business and Systems Analysts (ANZSCO: 2611)

• Software and Applications Programmers (ANZSCO: 2613)

• ICT Support and Test Engineers (ANZSCO: 2632)

According to the Job Outlook website by the Australian Government Department of Employment, here is a table summarising job prospects and median weekly salaries for ICT professionals in Australia:

*Weekly earnings for all occupations were $1,152

The employment indicators for ICT professionals look favourable for the future and it is expected that many ICT professionals from overseas will be moving to Australia temporarily or permanently. ICT professionals from overseas can move and work in Australia by applying for:

• Employer Sponsored visas such as:

  • Temporary Work (Skilled) – the “457” visa

  • Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) - subclass 187 visa

  • Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) - subclass 186 visa

• General Skilled Migration (GSM) visas such as:

  • Skilled Independent - subclass 189 visa

  • Skilled Nominated - subclass 190 visa

  • Skilled Nominated or Sponsored (Provisional) - subclass 489 visa

The visa options are also available to international students who have completed their studies in Australia. The Temporary Graduate visa is an additional visa that is available to international students who meet the Australian study requirement.

Most visa applications for ICT professionals will need a positive skills assessment from the Australian Computer Society (ACS). The ACS Skills Assessment has many different pathways and you will need to check that you meet the requirements of the correct pathway that is applicable to your circumstances (qualifications, work experience, etc.). Here are some of the considerations you should take note of when applying for a Skills Assessment from ACS:

• Is your IT qualification highly relevant to your role at work/nominated occupation?

• Is your IT qualification equivalent to an Australian diploma? Or Bachelor’s degree?

• Did you work in different roles during your IT career? You cannot combine work experience from different IT occupations for the Skills Assessment.

• ICT Support Technicians are assessed by Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) and not the ACS

• Professional IT qualifications or vendor certifications, such as Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE), Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD), Cisco Professional, Cisco Expert and Cisco Architect are accepted as IT qualifications for ACS Skills Assessment purposes.

As other traditional major occupations such as Accountants face saturation in the Australia visa application pool, studying in an IT education course may lead to a better pathway for further visa applications. Currently Accountants need to score 70 points in the Expression of Interest (EOI) to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA). ICT professionals in ANZSCO group 2611 and 2613 only need 65 points to receive an ITA.

Comments by Chris Johnston – Principal Lawyer and Registered Migration Agent at Work Visa Lawyers

The strong employment outlook and attractive conditions will help ICT professionals make a decision on moving to Australia. Prospective students should also consider studying in the field of ICT as the profession looks more favourable for visa applications that allow further stay in Australia.

Work Visa Lawyers is very familiar with the ACS Skills Assessment requirements and can also provide guidance on the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) pathway for suitable applicants. We will help identify the right application pathway and manage the application for you. Contact us to book an appointment and we can explain the ACS skills assessment process and your Australia visa application procedures to you.

This information is accurate on 14 November 2015

Source:

1. http://www.border.gov.au/ReportsandPublications/Documents/statistics/2014-15-Migration-Programme-Report.pdf

2. http://joboutlook.gov.au/occupation.aspx?code=2611&search=industry&Tab=prospects

3. http://joboutlook.gov.au/occupation.aspx?search=industry&tab=prospects&cluster=&code=2613

4. http://joboutlook.gov.au/occupation.aspx?search=industry&tab=prospects&cluster=&code=2632

5. https://www.acs.org.au/migration-skills-assessment/information-for-applicants

6. http://www.border.gov.au/WorkinginAustralia/Pages/SkillSelect-23-October-2015-Round-Results.aspx

Do you need help with an Australian visa application?

At Work Visa Lawyers we are experienced in assisting applicants in all matters relating to Australian visa applications, including state sponsorship applications. Our areas of expertise include Skilled Migration visas, Business Skills Migration visas, Employer Sponsored Work Visas, Partner and other Family Migration visas as well as Migration Review Tribunal, Judicial Review and Ministerial Intervention.

If you require further information regarding your Australia visa options you can contact us through:

(08) 7225 5091 or +61 8 7225 5091

or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Applicants for the 190 and 489 visas may have received the following email notification from case officers in the past few days:

I am writing to you regarding your application for an Australian skilled visa (subclass 190).

The visa for which you have applied is part of the Skilled Nominated category. The Migration Programme determines the maximum number of visas that can be granted in each visa category. Applications for this visa are processed in line with Migration Programme planning levels. These planning levels have precedence over indicative client service standard timeframes.

The Migration Programme planning level for the Skilled Nominated category now has limited number of places left for the 2014-15 program year. This means processing times will be longer and that once the remaining places are used, the Department cannot grant further visas in this category during this programme year.

As planning levels affect all applications, including those in the final stages of processing, I cannot give you an indication as to the likely timeframe for finalisation of your application.

In the meantime, I encourage you to continue checking the department's website (www.immi.gov.au) for any updates regarding application processing or changes to the Skilled Migration Programme which may affect you.

I appreciate your patience in this matter.

What Does This Mean?

Once planning numbers are met for the programme year, visa applications of that particular category will be deferred until the next programme year. While this delays the migration plans for applicants, it is important to know that the visa applications in progress will still be considered for processing for the next programme year.

More updates to follow...

This information is accurate on the 22 March 2015

Do you need help with an Australian visa application?

At Work Visa Lawyers we are experienced in assisting applicants in various Australian visa applications including General Skilled, Employer Sponsored, Business Skills, Family, and Migration Review Tribunal applications.

If you require further information regarding your Australia visa options you can contact us through:

(08) 7225 5091 or +61 8 7225 5091

or   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

General Skilled Migration 190/489 - South Australian State nomination made easier for UK Canada NZ US and Rep of Ireland

Immigration SA has made it easier for citizens and current passport holders of exempt countries to apply for South Australian state nomination.

Exempt Countries include:

United Kingdom
Canada
New Zealand
United States of America
Republic of Ireland

If you are a citizen or passport holder of one of the listed exempt countries, you no longer need to provide an English test result (IELTS or OET) to Immigration SA regardless of Immigration SA’s English requirement for your occupation.

If you are an International Graduate of South Australia and a citizen or passport holder of one of the listed exempt countries, you can also access the Immigration SA work experience waiver for ‘available’ occupations. See point eight under eligibility requirements for information on how to qualify for a work experience waiver.

Please note you may still require an IELTS or OET to gain additional points on the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) points test. Additionally Skills Assessing Authorities and Registration / Licensing bodies in South Australia have their own English / work experience requirements so people from exempt countries need to ensure they can meet those requirements prior to applying for state nomination.

Source and date of accuracy:

Immigration SA:

https://www.migration.sa.gov.au/news%20and%20events

 This information is accurate on the 16 September  2014.  Immigration SA and DIBP will change requirements in an ongoing manner and all current requirements must be established prior to lodging an application. 

Do You Need Help?

At Work Visa Lawyers we are experience in assisting applicants with the Expression of Interest, State Sponsorship and Visa application process for state sponsored subclasses 190 and 489.  We can also assist with the Independent 189.

If you require further information regarding an application or your Australian visa optionsyou can contact us through:

 (08) 7225 5091 or +61 8 7225 5091  

or   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Immigration SA has released the following information about State Nomination of provisional visa holders for the permanent subclass 190:

“Permanent state nomination for South Australian provisional visa holders

From 14 May until 15 June 2014, people who hold a South Australian state nominated provisional visa (subclass 489, 475, 487 and 495 only), who are living and working in the state can apply for a 190 - Skilled Nominated Permanent visa through Immigration South Australia. 

This trial program enables people who have already secured a provisional state nominated visa to apply for a permanent visa through the same program.  

State nominated applications made under this program will be priority processed.  The program will run from 14 May until 15 June 2014 or until the nomination quota has been reached.  

Not sure if this pathway is right for you?

Find out more about the benefits of permanent residency including access to Medicare and local study fees plus many more.  And read about the features and requirements of the 190 – Skilled Nominated visa.”

Source:

Immigration SA

http://us5.campaign-archive1.com/?u=a69011c047c7d5d323942b5d4&id=d0e5e58c18&e=1e56c72cf8

This information is accurate on the 14 May 2014.  Immigration SA will change requirements in an ongoing manner and all current requirements must be established prior to lodging an application. 

Need Help?

At Work Visa Lawyers we are experience in assisting applicants with the Expression of Interest, State Sponsorship and Visa application process for state sponsored subclasses 190 and 489.

If you require further information regarding a RSMS application or your Australian visa options you contact us through:

 (08) 7225 5091 or +61 8 7225 5091  

or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) is the body authorised to do skills assessments for Australian migration purposes.

On 17 September 2013 ANMAC has sent the following information regarding the skills assessment process:

“New process of returning applications for migration skills assessments when incorrect documents are submitted”

“New protocol to be implemented

To continue to process applications in a timely manner, ANMAC is introducing a new protocol to manage incomplete and incorrect applications. Applications that are received incomplete or without correct supporting documentation will be returned. This will allow the applicant and their nominated agent to review the requirements for each document before resubmitting the application.

This new process will reduce the unnecessary administrative burden on the ANMAC assessors allowing for faster assessment times while ensuring that responsibility for the submission of correct documents appropriately resides with the applicant and their nominated agent.

We appreciate your support and assistance with the new assessment strategy.”

The release by ANMAC provides the following description in the rise in the number of applications for assessment and the documents that are usually required. “

“ Situation analysis

As you would be aware from the information provided on our website, the ANMAC assessment process can take more than 14 weeks during busy periods. ANMAC has been experiencing unprecedented numbers of skills assessment applications since the introduction of SkillSelect by DIAC in January 2013.

Traditionally ANMAC has assessed approximately 2000 applications per year. Since 1 January 2013 this has increased significantly to an average of over 100 applications per week, putting us on course to assess over 5000 applications this calendar year. The increase in application numbers has created extended assessment times for skills assessments although we are working to mitigate this.

The following steps have already been taken by ANMAC to improve assessment times:

New database to improve information storing and reporting

• Increasing number of assessors and support staff
• Increasing attendance at Migration Institute of Australia continuing professional development sessions to inform agents of ways to minimise barriers to their clients’ assessment process
• Checklist for required documents to ensure only those required documents are provided

The increase in applications has created an additional administrative burden on ANMAC especially where the submission includes incorrect documents and incomplete applications.

Common errors include:

• Incorrect certification of documents including cover sheet and photograph
• Incorrect AHPRA registration certificates
• Missing education details (eg graduation certificates) for bridging/adaptation programs
• Submission of professional references that do not meet ANMAC requirements, despite a template being available on our website
• Submission of unsolicited documents such as pay slips, utility bills, drivers licence, police criminal history checks (not required)
• Submission of continuing professional development documents such as OH&S, mandatory training updates and other short course certificates
• Curriculum Vitae or resume (not required) “

Source: Information released by ANMAC on 17 September 2013

Do You Need Help in Relation to a Skills Assessment as a Enrolled Nurse or Registered Nurse?

At Work Visa Lawyers we are experienced in assisting with skills assessment to enable applications for skillselect subclass 189, 190 and 489 visas and Employer Nomination Scheme applications.

We can help you with a skills assessment as an Enrolled Nurse or Registered Nurse.

For further information regarding skills assessments or your Australian visa options you contact our offices on (08) 7225 5091 or +61 8 7225 5091.

Or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

This information is accurate on the 20 September 2013. 

Immigration SA has widened the state sponsorship criteria for off-list nominations.

SA State sponsorship is no longer restricted to students who graduated within the last six months. All international graduates of South Australia will be considered, regardless of how long ago they graduated.

The off-list currently has 242 occupations available for state sponsorship.   

The off-list offers the opportunity for SA graduates to be sponsored for the 242 occupations.

The SA graduates must have a full skills assessment for one of the 242 occupations.

The  changes to the criteria for off-list will only apply until 30 June 2013 at the latest. 

There are a limited number of off-list places available per financial year and this number is reached, then Immigration SA will most likely close off-list sponsorship.  This could happen before the 30 June 2013.

One of the occupations currently on the off-list where graduates often have a full skills assessment is Welfare Worker. 

If you require further information regarding the SA State Sponsorship criteria or would like to book a consultation with Christopher Johnston, please do not hesitate to contact our offices on (08) 7225 5091.

The full list  of SA sponsored occupations is available at:

https://www.migration.sa.gov.au/SNOL_data

Here are some of the off-list occupations that are being sponsored:

141311  Hotel or Motel Manager                               IELTS 7.0 in each band

221214  Internal Auditor                                IELTS 7.0 in each band plus 3 yrs work experience in field

224112  Mathematician                 IELTS 6.5 in each band

225111  Advertising Specialist                     IELTS 6.5 in each band

225112  Market Research Analyst                             IELTS 6.5 in each band

225113  Marketing Specialist                       IELTS 6.5 in each band

225213  ICT Sales Representative                              IELTS 6.5 in each band

225311  Public Relations Professional                      IELTS 6.5 in each band

232312  Industrial Designer          IELTS 6.5 in each band

232313  Jewellery Designer                          IELTS 6.5 in each band

232411  Graphic Designer                             IELTS 6.5 in each band

232412  Illustrator                            IELTS 6.5 in each band

232414  Web Designer                   IELTS 6.5 in each band

233512  Mechanical Engineer                      IELTS 6.5 in each band

272613  Welfare Worker

351111  Baker                    IELTS 6.0 in each band plus 3 yrs work experience in field

351112  Pastry Cook                        IELTS 6.0 in each band plus 3 yrs work experience in field

351211  Butcher or Smallgoods Maker                    See IELTS explanation listed in Point 9 here

351311  Chef                      IELTS 6.0 in each band plus 3 yrs work experience in field

351411  Cook                      IELTS 6.0 in each band plus 3 yrs work experience in field

362211  Gardener (General)                        See IELTS explanation listed in Point 9 here

362212  Arborist                                See IELTS explanation listed in Point 9 here

362213  Landscape Gardener                      See IELTS explanation listed in Point 9 here

362311  Greenkeeper                    See IELTS explanation listed in Point 9 here

362411  Nurseryperson                 See IELTS explanation listed in Point 9 here

391111  Hairdresser

392211  Graphic Pre-press Trades Worker                            

392311  Printing Machinist

394111  Cabinetmaker

411511  Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker                         IELTS 6.5 in each band

411711  Community Worker                        IELTS 6.5 in each band

411712  Disabilities Services Officer                          IELTS 6.5 in each band

411713  Family Support Worker                 IELTS 6.5 in each band

411714  Parole or Probation Officer          IELTS 6.5 in each band

411715  Residential Care Officer                                IELTS 6.5 in each band

411716  Youth Worker                    IELTS 6.5 in each band

511112  Program or Project Administrator           IELTS 6.5 in each band

We are able provide you with assistance in relation to SA State Sponsored visas.  You can contact Chris Johnston at Work Visa Lawyers.

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

This New posting is accurate on 8 June 2013.

Immigration SA has announced changes to their off-list sponsorship criteria:

“Changes include: (these apply to applicants living and working in South Australia only)

• - All international graduates of South Australia will be considered; nomination is no longer restricted to students who graduated within the last six months.
• - Applicants who have completed a vocational education and training (VET) or higher education qualification in South Australia with a minimum duration of one academic year (or CRICOSregistered for a minimum of 46 weeks).
• - Students who have completed a PhD or Masters by Research qualification in South Australia, no longer require work experience if they have an IELTS score of 7.5 overall or 7.0 in each band.”

Refer to the off-list section in the following link:

https://www.migration.sa.gov.au/node/104

Changes will only apply until 30 June, 2013. 

Due to the short timeframe, the above changes for the off-list  will be most suitable for persons who already have a full skills assessment in a vocational occupation, such as a Nurseryperson.

IELTS Validity extended from two to three years:

Other changes include that Immigration SA will now accept IELTS results which are three-years-old or less on the state nomination decision date

I will post more details on the SA sponsorship changes as they emerge.

If you require further information regarding the SA State Sponsorship criteria or would like to book a consultation with Christopher Johnston, please do not hesitate to contact our offices on (08) 7225 5091.

A 5 point drop in the pass mark for some visas has been announce by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship.

“The pass mark for the new SkillSelect visa subclasses 189, 190 and 489 will be 60 points. Intending migrants will first need to submit an expression of interest (EOI) and be invited to make an application for these visas.”

“The pass mark for existing general skilled migration subclasses 175, 176, 475, 487, 885 and 886 will remain at 65 points.

The pass mark for the new SkillSelect visas will encourage a broader range of people with the skills and attributes needed in Australia to register their interest in migration.”

Source:

http://www.newsroom.immi.gov.au/media_releases/1063