Changes to the Australian General Skilled Migration Program
On February 8, 2010 the Australian government announced major
changes to the General Skilled Migration Program (GSM). The GSM
program allows independent applicants, who have skills in
particular occupations required in Australia, to apply for
Australian permanent residency without needing the sponsorship of
an employer. Below is an overview of the changes to the GSM
program:
- Removal of the Migration Occupation in Demand List
(MODL). The MODL has been immediately revoked. All
applicants filing GSM applications on or after February 8, 2010
will be required to satisfy the minimum points necessary for
eligibility without accruing additional points for working in an
occupation included in the MODL.
- New Skilled Occupation List (SOL). The
Minister for Immigration and Citizenship is working to replace the
existing SOL with an updated list that will include targeted
skilled occupations that is expected to better represent the
industries of Australia in need of talent. This new SOL is expected
to be announced in mid-2010 and will replace the current MODL and
the Critical Skills List.
- Points System. In conjunction with the new
SOL, a new points system will be introduced that is expected to
place an emphasis on English language abilities and sponsorship by
an employer or government agency.
- Previous Filings. All pending offshore GSM
applications filed before September 1, 2007 and still awaiting
decision will be capped, and any cases beyond the number determined
by the Minister will be returned to the applicant and the visa
application charge will be returned.
- Priority Processing Schedule. The Priority
Processing Schedule will now make Employer Sponsored residency
applications the first priority of the Australian government.
Source: Globe Business Publishing Ltd