28/02/2012
Changes to the Migration Programme are due and may affect you!
SkillSelect Expression of Interest (EOI) System
The Department of Immigration will introduce a new SkillSelect System on 1 July 2012. It will no longer be possible to apply directly for certain types of visas. Instead applicants will need to first lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) and only the best candidates will receive invitation to lodge their applications.
The following types of application can only be lodged through SkillSelect after 1 July 2012:
• Skilled Points tested visas such as independent, sponsored and regional Sponsored; and
• Business Skills Migration
Some employer sponsored visas can applied for via SkillSelect, however this is optional and it is still possible to apply directly rather than through SkillSelect:
• Employer Nomination Scheme - ENS
• Regional Skilled Migration Scheme - RSMS
• 457 - Business Long Stay
How SkillSelect will apply to Skilled Points Tested Visas
For Skilled Points Tested visas, Expression of Interests will be lodged online.
To lodge an EOI, you must have completed your skills assessment and your English language test (usually IELTS).
You also may wish to obtain a nomination from a state or territory government prior to lodging an EOI as this will improve your chances of getting a nomination.
Processing of EOIs
Every few months, the Department of Immigration will review the EOIs which have been lodged, and issue the best candidates with an invitation to make an application for skilled points tested migration.
If you are nominated by a state or territory government and meet the current pass mark, you are very likely to be issued with an invitation.
Otherwise, there will be quotas for each occupation. The people with the best points score will be issued with an invitation. So people with more work experience, better English scores and higher qualifications will have the best chance of getting an invitation.
Time Limit to Apply after being Invited
Once you receive an invitation, you will need to make your visa application within 60 days.
If you are unable to apply within this time, your invitation lapses. If you are invited once, there is no guarantee that you will be re-invited later, and in any case you can only be issued with a maximum of 2 invitations before your application is removed from the EOI system.
In other words, you need to be prepared ahead of time to make sure you are in a position to take up the opportunity when it comes your way.
Exceptions to SkillSelect
There will be exceptions to SkillSelect and the "transitional applicants" will be able to apply under the old points system until the end of 2012.
The "transitional applicants" are international students who had applied for or been granted a subclass 485 Skilled Graduate visa prior to 8 Feb 2010.
Advantages of Applying through SkillSelect
There will be some advantages to applying after 1 July 2012. The main advantage of applying after 1 July 2012 is that your application will be processed much faster than under the current system.
Under the current system it can take 18 months or more for points tested visas to be processed. The new system is designed to allow Dept Immigration to more carefully manage the application pipeline and ensure that a large backlog of applications does not develop. As a result, people lucky enough to get an invitation will be able to "jump the queue"
Advantages of Applying Prior to 1 July 2012
If you have a passing score in the points test, you may well be better to apply prior to 1 July 2012. Many aspects of the new system have not yet been finalised, and there is no guarantee that you will be issued an invitation after 1 July even if you have a high score.
You should definitely seek to apply prior to SkillSelect being introduced if:
• You have an occupation used by a lot of applicants, and which is likely to meet quota quickly - eg accounting, nursing, trades
• You are relying on applying onshore so that you can stay in Australia on a bridging visa
If this applies to you then you are encouraged to complete your skills assessment and any State sponsorship applications ASAP with a view to lodging before July if possible.
If you have any questions about your visa pathway or options, please do not hesitate to contact us.
