June Updates: New Changes to Australian Immigration
New Points Test to be introduced 1 July, 2011 When applying for skilled work permits to Australia, prospective foreign employees must successfully complete a skills test.
After much analysis, the test has been overhauled by the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship so that applicants are assessed on a broad range of skills and experience rather than focussing on one particular attribute.
These changes are particularly relevant for foreign students wanting to study in Australia or to gain employment here immediately after the completion of their education.
The new test awards points to those applicants displaying: · Proficiency in English.
· A higher level of qualifications in the relevant occupation.
· More extensive skills and experience in the relevant occupation.
In order to meet the criteria of the points test, the applicant must score at least 65 points.
Updated Skilled Occupation List (SOL) to be instated on 1 July, 2011 An updated version of the Skilled Occupation List will come into place at the beginning of the new financial year.
The SOL, which is examined and re-written by experts from Skills Australia, an independent body, covers all levels of employment from trade to professional work.
The SOL offers a concise overview of those occupations prioritised by the Australian Federal Government when it comes to granting work permits to foreign employees.
Applications lodged prior to 1 July will not be affected by the changes.
Occupations added to the List include: · Medical Physicist · Environmental Health Officer · Occupational Health and Safety Adviser · Hospital Pharmacists · Retail Pharmacists · Barrister · Solicitor · Fitter (General) · Fitter and Turner · Fitter-Welder · Metal Machinist (First Class) · Boat Builder and Repairer · Shipwright Occupations removed from the List include: · Optometrist · Orthoptist · Panel Beater · Vehicle Painter The Future of Overseas Migration to Australia New data has revealed that Net Overseas Migration (NOM) in Australia has fallen by 41% since its record peak of 315,000 in 2008.
The new figures suggest that the overall NOM for 2011 will be 185,000.
The decline in migration figures is due to fewer arrivals, along with an increase in the number of migrants departing Australia.
These numbers are the direct result of new government policy.
The total number of Permanent skilled work permits allocated is set by the Australian Federal Government.
While Temporary skilled work permits are not capped, they are affected by immigration policy changes.
The significance of the decrease in NOM is mostly due to changes to the level of English proficiency expected from applicants, leading foreign students to seek education elsewhere.
The strong Australian economy has also impacted the NOM, with fewer visitors able to contend with the increasing Australian dollar.
After much analysis, the test has been overhauled by the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship so that applicants are assessed on a broad range of skills and experience rather than focussing on one particular attribute.
These changes are particularly relevant for foreign students wanting to study in Australia or to gain employment here immediately after the completion of their education.
The new test awards points to those applicants displaying: · Proficiency in English.
· A higher level of qualifications in the relevant occupation.
· More extensive skills and experience in the relevant occupation.
In order to meet the criteria of the points test, the applicant must score at least 65 points.
Updated Skilled Occupation List (SOL) to be instated on 1 July, 2011 An updated version of the Skilled Occupation List will come into place at the beginning of the new financial year.
The SOL, which is examined and re-written by experts from Skills Australia, an independent body, covers all levels of employment from trade to professional work.
The SOL offers a concise overview of those occupations prioritised by the Australian Federal Government when it comes to granting work permits to foreign employees.
Applications lodged prior to 1 July will not be affected by the changes.
Occupations added to the List include: · Medical Physicist · Environmental Health Officer · Occupational Health and Safety Adviser · Hospital Pharmacists · Retail Pharmacists · Barrister · Solicitor · Fitter (General) · Fitter and Turner · Fitter-Welder · Metal Machinist (First Class) · Boat Builder and Repairer · Shipwright Occupations removed from the List include: · Optometrist · Orthoptist · Panel Beater · Vehicle Painter The Future of Overseas Migration to Australia New data has revealed that Net Overseas Migration (NOM) in Australia has fallen by 41% since its record peak of 315,000 in 2008.
The new figures suggest that the overall NOM for 2011 will be 185,000.
The decline in migration figures is due to fewer arrivals, along with an increase in the number of migrants departing Australia.
These numbers are the direct result of new government policy.
The total number of Permanent skilled work permits allocated is set by the Australian Federal Government.
While Temporary skilled work permits are not capped, they are affected by immigration policy changes.
The significance of the decrease in NOM is mostly due to changes to the level of English proficiency expected from applicants, leading foreign students to seek education elsewhere.
The strong Australian economy has also impacted the NOM, with fewer visitors able to contend with the increasing Australian dollar.