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.
