SKILLED MIGRATION CHANGES 1st JANUARY 2009
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) have just announced their intention to introduce a new list of skilled occupations, called the
In this context, “skilled migration” refers to both employer sponsored visa applicants and General Skilled Migration applicants.
Employer-sponsored permanent migration
Employer-sponsored permanent migration applications will be fast-tracked.
General Skilled Migration
For General Skilled Migration applications (both onshore and offshore), priority processing will be given to those who:
· have State or Territory sponsorship; or
· have a nominated occupation in the new “Critical Skills List (CSL)”. This list focuses on medical and key IT professionals, engineers and construction trades.
If you have a skilled occupation which is not on the CSL, it will not be given priority unless there is a job offer, or are sponsored or nominated by a State or Territory Government Body.
The changes released by DIAC will not affect the eligibility of those who have already applied or those who intend to apply under the General Skilled Migration stream, however, they will not be given processing priority.
There are no changes to the MODL (Migration Occupations in Demand List) or to the SOL (Skilled Occupations List), nor to the points awarded on either of these lists.
19/12/2008
