GSM POINTS FOR NEW SOL

Those who have been following the continual changes within the GSM (General Skilled Migration) program will know and hopefully understand that the current SOL (Skilled Occupations List) or Form 1121i, available from www.immi.gov.au website, will be superseded on 01 JULY 2010.

The new SOL has been available from previous entries made to this blog site. Part of an earlier advice from DIAC states:-

“ The new list (based on the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations, or ANZSCO) identifies occupations that reflect the high value, nation building skills Australia needs – skills that take time and diligence to acquire, that are put to the use intended, and where the cost to the economy and local communities of the skill being in short supply is great.”

It is important to note:-

“It is proposed that the new list of occupations would not apply to any valid GSM applications already lodged before the date of implementation. It is also proposed that it would not apply to people who, on 8 February 2010:

                        held a Subclass 485 (Skilled Graduate) visa or

                        had a pending Subclass 485 visa application, and who apply for a provisional or permanent onshore GSM visa before 31 December 2012.

Further, it is intended the new list of occupations would not apply to international students who, on 8 February 2010 held:

                        a Subclass 572 (Vocational Education and Training Sector) visa

                        a Subclass 573 (Higher Education Sector) visa or

                        a Subclass 574 (Postgraduate Research Sector) visa

when they apply for a Subclass 485 (Skilled Graduate) visa before 31 December 2012.

This would enable these students to remain in Australia for 18 months on the temporary skilled graduate visa after the completion of their studies to gain valuable work experience and the opportunity to secure an employer or state/territory government to sponsor them.”

It is noticeable that points are absent from all listed skills. Up until now, there has been no advice. This has just been released:-

“It is intended that the points awarded under the GSM Points Test to the occupations on the new list would reflect the allocation of points to occupations on the current SOL. The review of the SOL did not include a review of the points allocated to each occupation.”

 DIAC has advised that, should they have not addressed to subject of points for the new SOL by 01 JULY 2010, the current points will be attached to the skilled occupations listed in the new SOL.

Therefore, if an occupation has a specific professional body designated as its skills assessing authority (such as Accounting, or Computing Professional) it will have 60 points, and if there is no specific assessing body for that profession, it will be a 50 point occupation whose skills for migration purposes is Vetassess, and it will get 50 points. A review of the points test itself is occurring, but from 1 July effectively the old points test or the current points test will be replicated against the new SOL.

 

Should the reader have further questions or need assistance with their visa application, please complete the FREE VISA ASSESSMENT available on the home page, otherwise, contact the writer.

Student Visa Funds & Living Costs

On 01 January 2010, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) made an announcement that all International Students must now show evidence of funds to contribute to the cost of living and studying in Australia.

DIAC acknowledges that all International Student have the opportunity to working a maximum of 20 hours during each semester and unlimited work during Semester breaks, but this is only to supplement their living costs. This 20 hours or work per week should not be the entire manner in which an International Student supports themself. No work is permitted before their course starts (including Secondary Applicants), but unlimited work is permitted for all applicants once the entire course has been completed.

NEW LIVING EXPENSES FUNDS REQUIRED

Prior to 01 January 2010, the basic living expenses figure for every International Student was $12,000.00. DIAC now requires all International Students to provide proof that they, as the Primary Applicant, have access to $18,000.00. The Partner must show $6,300.00, for the first children $3,600.00 and any further children $2,700.00 each child. The Applicant must be able to demonstrate to DIAC that these funds are available for each year of their visa.

Depending on the “Assessment Level” or AL, DAIC will determine if the Applicant must prove these funds are available for just the first year or whether the Applicant must have the entire funds already held.

WHAT STUDENTS MUST DO TO PROVE THESE FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE

It will depend upon:-

• The Student’s previous record regarding financial stability and Immigration history.
• The employment history of the Student and those providing the funds as financial support.
• The source of the funds – i.e. cash, bank loan and if these funds are already in a Bank Account in Australia.