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Viewing Single Post From: Visa Processing - Changes WEF 01.01.09!
Tallyho!	Dec 17 2008, 11:00 PM
Croc Posts: 254 Group: Members Member #221 Joined: April 25, 2008	Had an email from our agent today confirming changes to the skilled migration programme with effect from 1 January 2009. Email is as follows :- The Minister has just announced changes to the Skilled Migration program. In this context, "skilled migration" refers to both employer sponsored visa applicants and General Skilled Migration applicants. These changes will be effective from 1 January 2009. Employer-sponsored permanent migration Employer-sponsored permanent migration applications will be fast-tracked. In his press release, the Minister said that "this could see employer sponsored visas occupying an increasing share of the skilled program, with 36,000 visas likely in the current year" General Skilled Migration For General Skilled Migration applications, priority processing will be given to those who: (i)have State or Territory sponsorship; or (ii)have a nominated occupation in the new "Critical Skills List (CSL)" (attached to this email). This list focuses on medical and key IT professionals, engineers and construction trades. Occupations that are not included in the CSL will not be given priority processing unless the applicants have a job offer or are sponsored or nominated by a state or territory government." It is not clear if this mention of a job offer is only for employer nominated applications or also for General Skilled Migration applications. It would seem that these changes will apply to applications already lodged. However the MIA will meet with DIAC at the end of this week and we will be advised of any further details or clarification on these changes. Shortcut to the the new Critical Skills List :- http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/pdf/critical-skills-list.pdf The MODL list will still exist and you will get extra points if your occupation is on the list. The new CSL list is only for priority processing. In other words the occupations in the CSL, will take precedence over other occupations. Just to add more clarity ... here are the processing priorities :- 1. Employer Sponsor Visa (457..) 2. State sponsor 3. Critical skills list. (175..) 4. NON-CSL, MODL's 5. SOL & others Hopefully this might mean that things move a little quicker for us in the new year as George is on the new CSL list! Kim Edited by Tallyho!, Dec 17 2008, 11:09 PM.
	Kim, George, Emily and Grace Vetasses submitted 23.04.08 - passed 28.05.08 - practical done 21.07.08, passed 07.08.08 175 Visa submitted 11.08.08.

Visa Processing - Changes WEF 01.01.09! · Migration Matters