Employers lament GFC staff cuts: survey
A survey has just been undertaken by Sweeney Research on behalf of HUDSON, a recruitment group in Australia, New Zealand as well as throughout Europe, USA, China, Dubai, Hong Kong and Singapore.
It has been suggested that businesses in Australia and New Zealand may have cut into the muscle when they tried to trim the fat with staff redundancies during the economic downturn, a survey has found.
Sweeney Research surveyed 605 employers and 1690 employees across Australia and New Zealand.
The survey found 84 per cent of employers surveyed in both countries believed they had made too many redundancies during the global financial crisis and many now lacked people power.
Hudson chief executive Mark Steyn warned that the talent exodus predicted last year had gained momentum.
“Almost two-thirds of employers and employees alike say their teams are under-resourced and 54 per cent of employees say the team they work in is now weaker,” he said in a statement.
“During the downturn, many organisations ‘cut the fat’ but these results suggest that many also ‘cut into the muscle’.
“Employers desperately need to bolster not only the size, but also the strength of their teams to bring their businesses back to a place where they can compete effectively in their markets and establish a solid foundation for sustainable, long-term growth.”
From a survey such as this and the results suggests that Australia and New Zealand have trimmed to such an extent that those coming from off-shore may have the ability to find employment with such Companies as they try and pick up the slack to build their businesses and remain competetive.
The writer has also read another article which has suggested that the short-fall in Skilled Workers is evident in the increased number of applications for Skilled Visas and will most likely have a flow-on affect to “457″ Business (Long Stay) Visas which are also on the increase.
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) have also just recently made an announcement to alter the way their Parramatta Office will process ENS & RSMS visa applications. Due the large increase in applications in 2010, they are now transferring approximately 1,700 application, at random, to either Perth or Melbourne DIAC offices to speed up the processing of these visas.
General Skilled Migration Visas – NEW Priority Processing
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Employer Sponsored Workers
Increase to the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT)
From 1 July 2010, the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT), was indexed by 5 per cent, in line with the Australia-wide increase in average weekly earnings. This will increase TSMIT from $45 220 to $47 480.
The increase to the TSMIT will apply to all nomination applications which are decided on or after 1 July 2010, regardless of lodgement date.
A “457″ Standard business sponsor is required to pay their overseas workers the market salary rate. The increase to TSMIT means that where the market rate for a position is less that $47 480, the position cannot be nominated under the “457″ program.
The TSMIT is set at this level to ensure that all Subclass “457″ visa holders have sufficient income to independently provide for themselves in Australia.
The TSMIT helps ensure that Subclass “457″ visa holders do not impose undue costs on the Australian community or find themselves in circumstances which may put pressure on them to breach their visa conditions. This is particularly important given these workers do not have access to a range of government support available to Australian citizens and permanent residents.
Increase to the high-income exemption to the English language requirement
In line with the increase to the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT), the high income exemption to the English language requirement will also be indexed by 5 per cent. This means that from 1 July 2010, the exemption salary amount will increase from $81 040 to $85 090. This applies in relation to all nominations lodged on or after 1 July 2010.
The transition to ANZSCO will not affect which occupations are exempt from the English language requirement, except that from 1 July 2010 these occupations will be described in ANZSCO instead of ASCO. All occupations exempt when described by ASCO are still exempt when described by ANZSCO.
Should the reader wish to ask further questions or gain further advice regrading this or another matter, please contact us via our FREE VISA ASSESSMENT opportunity on our home page or send a short enquiry via the “NEED A QUICK ANSWER” section also on our home page.
Annual Adjustment of Fees and Charges – 1 July 2010
From 1 July 2010, the Migration Regulations are amended to effect the annual adjustment of most fees and visa application charges (VACs).
This year, certain fees and charges under the Migration Regulations are increased by 1.8 percent, in accordance with the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The 2nd instalments of the VACs for Contributory Parent and Contributory Aged parent visas increase in accordance with the Contributory Parent Visa Composite Index (CPVCI), calculated by the Australian Government Actuary, which is 10.6 percent for the 2010-11 financial year – from $34,330.00 to $37,965.00.
All increases are rounded to a multiple of $5.00.
The amount of the increase to these fees and charges does not exceed the applicable charge limits set out in the Migration (Visa Application) Charge Act 1997 and the Immigration (Education) Charge Act 1992 and the process is completed in accordance with government policy.
The Immigration (Education) Regulations 1992 (the Immigration Education Regulations) are also amended from 1 July 2010 to effect the annual adjustment of fees for prescribed English courses for migrants and other persons prescribed in section 4 of the Immigration (Education) Act 1971 (the Immigration Education Act). The prescribed fee for an English course provided in accordance with section 4 of the Immigration Education Act is increased from $400 to $410.
Adjustments to these fees and charges occur each year, effective 1 July. The last fee and visa application charge adjustment took effect from 1 July 2009.
Additional information
Forms
The July 2010 version of the Charges Form 990i reflects the changes in fees and visa application charges which result from the annual adjustment process.
Should the reader have any further questions regarding this entry or anything else regarding a visa issue, please contact us via email, phone or complete our FREE VISA ASSESSMENT on the home page.
ASCO to ANZSCO – 01 July 2010
From 1 July 2010, The Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) will replace the Australian Standard Classification of Occupations (ASCO) as the standard used by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) for information about occupations in all visa, settlement and citizenship programs.
ANZSCO comprises the 1st edition (2006) and Revision 1 (2009). Note that ANZSCO 1st edition (2006) and Revision 1 (2009) are two separate documents. ANZSCO can be downloaded from the ABS website free of charge, and a hard copy is available for $125.
Differences between ASCO and ANZSCO
The ANZSCO structure consists of the following hierarchy:
- Major Groups (one digit, example: 1 Managers);
- Sub-major Groups (two digits, example: 13 Specialist Managers);
- Minor Groups (three digits, example: 133 Construction, Distribution and Production Managers);
- Unit Groups (four digits, example: 1331 Construction Managers 1331); and
- Occupations (six digits, example: 133111 Construction Project Manager).
Occupation tasks
Because very few tasks are listed at the Occupation level of ANZSCO, it may be necessary to look at the next higher level (Unit Groups), where a greater range of tasks are listed. This may be useful to help establish that qualifications or work experience are closely related.
There is not always an exact match between ASCO and ANZSCO occupations, e.g.:
- ASCO had Registered Nurse as one ASCO code; in ANZSCO there are 10 codes, depending on specialisation;
- ASCO had three Information and Communication Technology (ICT) unit groups and nine ICT occupations; ANZSCO has 13 ICT unit groups and 37 ICT occupations;
- ASCO 431101 Supervisor Electrician, 431111 General Electrician and 431181 Apprentice Electrician are now all represented by one ANZSCO occupation ( 341111 Electrician (General));
- Tradespersons listed at ASCO Major Group 4 are now mostly listed in ANZSCO Major Group 3, together with technicians; and
- Associate Professionals listed at ASCO Major Group 3 no longer exist as a separate group in ANZSCO, but are spread across a number of ANZSCO Major Groups (primarily 3 and 4, and to a lesser extent 2, 5 and 6).
Skill levels
Skill levels in ASCO were built in at the major group level while skill levels in ANZSCO are at the occupation level, meaning that a major group in ANZSCO might include occupations at several different skill levels.
DIAC endorsed ASCO – ANZSCO correlations
Correlation tables between ASCO and ANZSCO have been prepared by ABS, however, because many correlations are only partial, DIAC has issued lists of correlations between ASCO and ANZSCO which it will accept. Any other correlations will not be accepted by DIAC. There has been a correlation list prepared by DIAC which will give readers a guide on a one-to-one basis, to compare the old ASCO skilled occupation with the new ANZSCO skilled occupation. There have also been correlation documents prepared for the new Skilled Occupation List (SOL) and for the Employer Nomination Skilled Occupation List (ENSOL).
This document has 4 schedules. It is recommended that the correspondence at the beginning of each Schedule be read to understand if that Schedule is correct for the intended visa application.
Schedule 1 – This list is, in effect, the pre-1 July 2010 SOL (in ASCO) that applies to all General Skilled Migration (GSM) visa applications that were not finally determined as at 1 July 2010. It lists the ASCO occupations, the skills assessing authority and the occupation points.
Schedule 2 – This list is based on the pre-1 July 2010 SOL, which can be used for transitional arrangements. As applications made after 1 July 2010 must be in terms of ANZSCO, this list has the ANZSCO occupations and their correlated ASCO occupations, the relevant skills assessing authority, and the occupation points. The transition arrangements apply to:
- Applications made on or before 31 December 2012 for a Subclass 885 (Skilled – Independent), 886 (Skilled – Sponsored), or Subclass 487 (Skilled – Regional Sponsored) visa by an applicant who held a Subclass 485 visa on 8 February 2010, or had applied for a Subclass 485 visa that was not finally determined on 8 February 2010. People to whom this transition arrangement applies may nominate an occupation on the pre 1 July 2010 SOL or the new SOL that commences from 1 July 2010; and
- Applicants who held a student visa in subclasses 572, 573 and 574 on 8 February 2010 and who apply for subclass 485 visa on or before 31 December 2012.
Schedule 3 - The list is based on the new SOL, effective from 1 July 2010, which applies to all General Skilled Migration (GSM) applications lodged from 1 July 2010, except for those for whom the transitional arrangements (see Schedule 2 above) apply. Note that these people, whom the transitional arrangements apply, can choose to apply using the new SOL if they wish. This list has the ANZSCO occupations and their correlated ASCO occupations, the relevant skills assessing authority, and the occupation points.
Schedule 4 - This is the list from which State and Territories can choose occupations for their State Migration Plan occupation lists. The list of skilled occupations in Schedule 4 is broader than the lists in Schedules 1, 2 and 3. This allows applicants who are nominated by State or Territory government agencies to apply on the basis of undertaking a wider range of skilled occupations. This will enable State and Territory government agencies to better target skills shortages in their regions. It remains to be seen if states will be able to list occupations not on this Schedule 4 list. It applies to applicants for subclasses 176 (Skilled – Sponsored), 886 (Skilled – Sponsored), 475 (Skilled – Regional Sponsored) and 487 (Skilled – Regional Sponsored) visas who are nominated by a State or Territory government agency.
NEW SOL FOR SOME 175; 176 AND 475 APPLICANTS
This Legislative Instrument (IMMI 10/027) specifies the skilled occupation for the purposes of applying for the 175, 176 & 475 visas, which requires the applicant to have worked in their chosen occupation for at least 12 month the last 24 months just prior to lodging the application. The skill must also be successfully assessed by the recognised assessing authority. The list of occupations in this new instrument covers a much wider list of occupations than are in the new SOL, including Cooks and Hairdressers. It is recommended that to apply using this new list, the applicant checks with DIAC first to make sure. It is also based on the premise that DIAC will lift the ban on applications for the 175, 176 & 475 which was imposed earlier this year. This Instrument should be treated with some caution until further advice is known. Please email us for a copy of this document.
Subclass 457 (Business – Long Stay) and Subclass 442 (Occupational Trainee) Occupation Lists
The occupations allowed for nomination for these visa subclasses are listed here. Subclass 457 occupations can come from Schedule 1, and Subclass 442 occupations can come from both Schedule 1 and Schedule 2. The only occupation listed in Schedule 2 is 272211 Minister of Religion. The occupations specified in this instrument are unchanged from the previous list published 22 October 2009, except that they have ANZSCO references rather than ASCO references.
The list of occupations wherein Subclass 457 visa holders are not required to work only for the business or an associate entity of the standard business sponsor is also unchanged from the previous list, except the occupations have ANZSCO references rather than ASCO references.
It is recommended that you first check if your skilled occupation appears on the ANZSCO, then check if your skilled occupation is on the Schedule List for the type of skilled visa program you intend to apply for. Then check if there is an existing correlation between the old ASCO and the new ANZSCO.
Lastly, Regulations should be checked to make sure the eligible criteria are met.
Skills Assessments:
An applicant with a relevant valid skills assessment in an ASCO occupation should map it to the relevant ANZSCO occupation. Skills assessment obtained before 1 July 2010 can only be used for visa applications from the 1 July 2010 and onwards if all the following apply:
- There is a DIAC endorsed ASCO-ANZSCO correlation for that occupation;
- The occupation continues to be an acceptable occupation for skilled visa program purposes; and
- The skills assessment is still valid (validity periods differ between occupations and authorities).
You may need to contact the relevant skills assessing authority if you are unsure whether your skills assessment is still valid. Check first to see if that information is available on the skills assessing authority’s website.
Transitional arrangements
Transitional arrangements will be in place to allow, under certain circumstances, a mix of ASCO and ANZSCO based documents and information (for example, a nomination in ANZSCO and a valid skills assessment in ASCO, or vice versa) to be accepted in the one application. More information is available here.
Should you have further need of advice or more information about what has been written here or more particularly about your particular needs, please contact us via email, phone or complete or FREE VISA ASSESSMENT FORM on the home page.
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.
New Skilled Occupation List (SOL) Announced
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) has announced a new Skilled Occupation List (SOL) for the
General Skilled Migration (GSM). The new SOL does not apply for non-GSM visas, such as ENS, RSMS or Subclass 457.
The new SOL can be found here and is proposed to commence 1 July 2010.
The new list comprises 181 occupations. The old SOL had 408.
The new SOL is based on ANZSCO (Australian & New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations) and not ASCO (Australian Standard Classification of Occupations).
Some of the occupations which are no longer on the SOL include: Cook, chef, Hairdresser, Pharmacist, Graphic Designer.
Some of the retained occupations include: Accountant, Architect, Engineers, Medical Professionals, Motor Mechanic, and many building trades.
As previously announced, the new SOL does not apply to GSM applicants 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 permanent or provisional onshore GSM visa by 31 December 2012; or at the date of the
announcement had a pending GSM visa application.
Transitional arrangements will apply to international students who, on 8 February 2010:
• Held a subclass 572 (vocational education and training sector), subclass 573 (higher education sector);
or
• Held a subclass 574 (postgraduate research sector) student visa.
These students can apply for a subclass 485 (skilled graduate) visa using the current SOL as long as they lodge
their subclass 485 application by 31 December 2012.
As the new SOL is based on ANZSCO, the names of occupations and tasks associated with occupations need to be
carefully checked.
Also available is a new SOL FAQ, a fact sheet on the List and a fact sheet for those unable to apply for
independent GSM.
For further enquiries regarding the new SOL or anything else which you need answered, please contact Emigrate
Australia Pty. Ltd. via email – david@emigrateaustralia.com.au or phone 61 (0)7 55314140.
Should you require information regarding your current visa options, please complete our FREE VISA ASSESSMENT,
available on our home page.
Australian General Skilled Migration Reforms
Senator Evans, the Minister in charge of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC), as per a previous entry to our blog site confirms, on the 8th February, made some sweeping changes to the GSM for Australia.
I have down loaded part of his speech to hilight several points I believe my clients may be interested in.
- 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.
- 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.
I believe a most important point which clients should take note of is:-
“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.”.
Senator Evans then went on to say:-
“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. 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.”.
Senator Evans believes “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.”.
Senator Evans admits there is a down side to these changes – “The government recognises that the changes will affect some overseas students currently in Australia intending to apply for permanent residence.”.
As mentioned in a previous entry in our blog site, we mentioned that the MODL (Migration Occupations in Demand List), as well as the CSL (Critical Skills List) have both been discontinued as at 8 February 2010 and that the SOL was to be revised and a new SOL was being releade in July 2010.
This is Senator Evans response to this:-
“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.
Should you require further information regarding this entry, or have an enquiry regarding some other matter regarding Emigration to Australia, please contact us via email or complete our FREE VISA ASSESSMENT available on our homepage. We will respond within 48 hours and give you the best advice from the information you provide.
General Skilled Migration – visa applications suspended
For some months now, we have been guiding our clients, and those who are just making general enquiries regarding
their best chance of Emigrating to Australia, away from the “175″; 176″ & “475″ skilled visas.
Some time ago, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC), made the announcement they had suspended
reviewing these visas. They MAY commence reviewing them again around the end of 2011.
Recently, DIAC made the announcement they were no longer going to review applications which had been lodged prior to 01 September 2007 and would be refunding the Visa Application Charge (VAC).
It seemed evident to us that if the queue commenced at 01 September 2007, to join this queue now would mean a
wait of at least 2.5 – 3 years, on top of the “end of 2011″ – i.e. mid to end 2014.
This we believed was not the most satisfactory result for our clients and therefore we have been recommending
other visa sub-classes.
Even more recently, DIAC made the announcement that they had discontinued the MODL and the CSL and intended, through consultation with Skilled Australia, to release a new SOL in early July 2010. Those applying prior to this date could still use the old SOL (Form 1121i – available from their website).
Now, today (07 May 2010), the Minister has announced a temporary suspension of certain general skilled migration
visas.
The move hopes to ensure that all offshore general skilled applications made after today are in accordance with
the occupations included on the new Skilled Occupation List (SOL), to be released later this month.
The Minister has not indicated when the suspension will be lifted, however it will be no earlier than the
announcement of the new SOL.
The Minister has announced that his Department will not accept applications for the following visa subclasses
from 8 May 2010 until further notice:-
• Subclass 175 – Skilled Independent;
• Subclass 176 – Skilled Sponsored; and
• Subclass 475 – Skilled Regional Sponsored.
Therefore, any applications received by the Department after 8 May 2010 for one of the above visa subclasses will
be returned and the visa application charge refunded.
Please note that this suspension does not affect International Students applying for Onshore General Skilled
Migration visas.
For further information or clarification of this announcement and to pursue your best option to obtain a visa to
Emigrate to Australia, please contact the writer or complete our FREE VISA ASSESSMENT application on our Home Page.
