Australia Visa Skilled Migration Program
September 2007 Changes

On 1^st September 2007 the Australian Immigration Department (DIAC) is making major changes to the Skilled Migration Visa Program. It is said to be the largest set of changes since regulated immigration was legislated through parliament in 1958.

Changes to the Basic Requirements

English: After 1.09.07, the top points for English language ability will be for Proficient English, with 7.0 or above in all components on the IELTS test	25 points.
Competent English with 6.0 or above in all components, required for Professionally qualified people.	15 points
Vocational English with 5.00 or above on all components permitted for trade skilled applicants	15 points
To gain the 25 points, EVERBODY must provide an IELTS certificate with the required marks. Accepted passports (British, New Zealand, USA, Canada) will be satisfactory for Competent or Vocational English. All other nationalities will require an IELTS test.

Current Work experience: Applicants will need to demonstrate that they have been employed in an occupation on the SOL for at least 12 months out of the last 24 months if they are not eligible for the 2 year study exemption.
Periods of paid leave can be included, but not unpaid leave, like long service leave or parenting leave, if it is unpaid. Work must be post-qualification only and total at least 20 hours a week, paid work.

Two year study waiver: The current work experience requirement can be waived if the migrant has completed two years study in Australia, finishing in the last 6 months. Studies must be closely related to the nominated occupation, and ELICOS courses cannot be included. It is possible to include more than one completed diploma, certificate or degree.

Changes to points and 40 point skills

After 1st September, 2007, migrants cannot apply onshore for a 40 point skilled visa.
Onshore Migrants:
Skilled visas without sponsorship.	Pass 120 points
Skilled visas with State or family sponsorship	Pass 100 points
Onshore Provisional:
Regional sponsored, State or family	Pass 100 points
Offshore Migrants:
Skilled visas without sponsorship	Pass 120 points
Skilled visas with State or family sponsorship	Pass 100 points
Offshore Provisional:
Regional sponsored, State or family	Pass 100 points
New Zealand citizens are now included in the above subclasses – they are eligible to apply onshore or offshore.

Five visas will be on offer for Onshore application:

    Skilled Residence: Independent Subclass 885, Sponsored Subclass 886, Regional Subclass 887.
    Skilled Provisional: Graduate Subclass 485, Regional Sponsored Subclass 487

Four visas will be on offer for Offshore application:

    Skilled Migration: Independent Subclass 175, Sponsored Subclass 176.
    Skilled Provisional: Regional-Sponsored Subclass 475, Recognised Graduate Subclass 476

Recognised Graduate, Subclass 476

A new visa for people with specialised occupations in high demand. Like the Subclass 485, it is valid for 18 months from date of grant, is not points tested, and has no work or study restrictions. This will be a special visa for a limited number of graduates. Applicants must: a) be under 30 years of age. b) have completed a named degree from a named University in the last 24 months. A list will be published. c) have Competent English Holders of this visa can apply for permanent or provisional General Skilled Migration Visas, or Employer Sponsored Visas, at any time.