Department of immigration and citizenship, Australia has announced a new and updated skilled occupation list and new point test for certain skilled Immigration Sub class Visa. The new list and points test more popularly known as pass-mark for skilled migration to Australia will come into force from 1st of July, 2011.

The changes are very significant and few are enumerated here for immediate reference:

1. Occupation List is much shortened when compared with earlier lists
2. Australia is now one of the few countries that accept skilled migrants from information technology, teaching professions and almost all engineering streams under the skilled migrant category. Review the complete and updated skilled occupation list for Australia right now!
3. Applications filed after 1st July, 2011 will get faster processing; in most cases within 12-15 months – including skills assessment.
4. 1st July, 2011 to 30th June, 2012 is the last year before which a new application processing system will come in force. Effective 1st July, 2012, interested candidates can only make an application against invitation from Government of Australia. To get an invite, the applicant must first file an expression of interest which will be matched by agencies with overall labor market situation, employer needs and other relevant factors. If found suitable, only then the applicant can make an application as a skilled migrant. Applicants wishing to avoid this situation in 2012 MUST take immediate steps to start the immigration process with ABHINAV.
5. An applicant must have English language proficiency at a level of minimum competence – which means an individual band score of 6.0 under each of the four components of IELTS test. Additional points are now offered for applicants having superior English – which means an individual band score of 8.0 under each of the four components of IELTS test
6. Applicants can make applications under Australia skilled migration process reaching up-to age of 50 years. Considering all factors and the pass-mark, candidates in the age group of 25 years and up-to 39 years are most likely candidates.
7. The new pass-mark recognizes the importance of experience in related or closely related occupation. More the experience during last 10 years, better are the chances of a successful application. Applicants getting Australian experience get additional points credits.
8. Qualification earned overseas must be comparable to Australian standards
9. If married, the spousal credits can be obtained provided the spouse meets the minimum threshold levels.
10. State or regional nomination gets additional points credit as well.

Summary

The new application process and selection criteria for Australia skilled migration are more transparent and simple. New policy encourages some of the most popular occupations for Immigration to Australia! But to avoid the highly restrictive application by invite process which will become applicable from 1st of July, 2012, interested applicants must start the process immediately. For more details simply visit www.abhinav.com or send your following information to ajay@abhinav.com

• Your updated resume
• If married, provide the resume for your spouse as well
• If applicable, please provide information on children and their age
• Information on any blood relatives residing in Australia. This is not a compulsory requirement to qualify for immigration but serves as additional positive assessment factors for various countries. If yes, please also advise on the state/city of their stay. For example, Sydney (Australia) and so on.