Immigration News

  • Overhaul of GSM Announced Feb 8, 2010

    On 8 February 2010, the Minister for Immigrationand Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, announced theoutcomes of a review of the Migration Occupations inDemand List (MODL).The review found that the existing MODL needed tobe revoked and replaced by a more targeted skilledoccupations list to better meet the demands ofAustralia's labour market. 

    Summary of Changes:

    • the outcomes of a review of the Migration Occupations in Demand List (MODL)
    • the replacement of the current Skilled Occupation List (SOL) in the second half of 2010
    • offshore GSM visas made before 1 September 2007 would be capped and ceased
    • priority processing arrangements
    • skills assessment requirements for GSM applicants nominating a trade occupation.

     

  • WA Skills Shortage looms Jan 18, 2010

    The economic resurgence in WA will bring back the Skills Shortage to the State with greater effect than in 2008 according to a report in by Mining Australia.

  • Job Ready Test for Onshore Trades Jan 1, 2010

    From 1 January 2010, onshore GSM applicants who nominate a trade occupation will be required to demonstrate that they are 'job ready'. This new requirement will be assessed through the Job Ready Program. The Job Ready Program has been developed by the Trades Recognition Australia (TRA).

  • DIAC Priority Processing Changes Dec 14, 2009

    The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, has set new priority processing arrangements for certain Skilled Migration visas. These arrangements are designed to better address the needs of industry by targeting skills in critical need across a number of sectors. The current priority processing Direction commenced on 23 September 2009.

    The Direction applies to applications in the pipeline that have not been finalised, and to applications lodged with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, on or after 23 September 2009. Priority processing applies to both onshore and offshore applications

     

  • Changes to GSM for Students? Dec 14, 2009

    Here is an extract to a Sydney Morning Herald article about possible changes to the current General Skilled Migration process whereby overseas students who have studied in Australia for 2 years, may be able to gain permanent residence. These considered changes would have massive effect on the students who have spent considerable time and money to study in Australia, and also gravely affect the Eduction industry in Oz.

  • SA Zero Unemployment Forecast Dec 2, 2009

    New Research by the University of Adelaide's Australian Institute for Social Research claims that South Australia is heading for 'zero unemployment' by 2012.

  • New Australian Citizenship Test Oct 20, 2009

    The new Australian citizenship test which assesses prospective new citizens on their understanding of Australian civics and the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship commences today (Monday 19 October).

  • 457 Visas Changes from 14th Sept Sep 8, 2009

    Minster Evans has announced the market salary rates requirements for temporary skilled overseas workers which will come into effect from 14 September 2009. These market rates will apply to all newe subclass 457 visa holders from this date. For current subclass 457 visa holders, transitional arrangements will allow employers currently paying less than market salary rates to have until 1 January 2010 to commence paying market rates. There is also the introduction of the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT). A nomination under the Subclass 457 visa program will be refused in most cases if the market salary rate for the nominated position is below this level of income. Even if the employer is willing to pay the employee above the TSMIT of $45,220, but the market rate fo that position is below, then the nomination could be refused.

  • Migrants to Get Market Rates Sep 7, 2009

    On September 14th, 2009 changes will be introduced to the Temporary Business Sponsor visa, aka 457 Visa which will help to dter exploitation of overseas migrants on temporary 457 visa, and help protect local jobs. Below is an extract from The Australian newspaper.

  • Skills Shortage to Get Worse in WA Aug 25, 2009

    According to a recent KPMG survey, Australian businesses continue to rely on overseas labour to fill a skills shortfall despite the global financial crisis freeing up the labour market, according to a report. The report warns that Western Australia's (WA) skill shortages could get worse as major resource and energy projects gear up.

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