New Skilled Migration Model
A New Skilled Migration Model Announced on 10 May 2011
The Australian Government has decided on a major reform in the way Australia selects skilled migrants and it is called the Skilled Migration Selection Model (the model).
The Model will be an electronic system based upon a two stage process. Prospective applicants will first submit claims for skilled migration by an online expression of interest (EOI) and subsequently be invited to make a visa application if they have the skills and qualifications needed in the Australian labour market.
Introduction date
The proposed Skilled Migration Model is proposed to commence on 1 July 2012, with the first round of visa offers under the new system in January 2013.
Who does this affect?
Anyone who held or applied for a 485 visa prior to 8 February 2010 will remain eligible for transitional arrangements until 31 December 2012, otherwise this new model applies to all other people who apply for permanent residence (PR) from 1 July 2012.
The new points system
The new points system has been introduced on 1 July 2011.
From 1 July 2011 until 1 July 2012 (when the new Skilled Migration Model is introduced) applicants will have to apply for PR under the new points system.
Is the Professional Year Program (PY) affected?
The PY is not affected by the new changes and will continue to offer five (5) migration points upon completion, and will assist most applicants to reach the total of 65 points needed from 1 July 2011.
A key feature of the proposed Skilled Migration Model from 1 July 2012 is that it will be beneficial for applicants to accumulate more than 65 points to get priority processing. The 5 points from PY will assist applicants achieve this.
An Important Recommendation
To avoid the complications of the new Skilled Migration Model, applicants must complete the PY prior by 30 June 2012.
To achieve this, applicants must commence the PY by 22 August 2011. The graduation date for this class is 22 June 2012 allowing sufficient time to lodge PR applications prior to the new rules.
Further Information
To read more information about the new Skilled Migration Model, read http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/skilled-migrant-selection-model.htm
and http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/pdf/model-faq.pdf