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Skilled Migration: Significant Changes in the Offing (Again)
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| Author: |
Alan Collett |
| Date: |
Saturday, February 06, 2010 |
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Melbourne's The Age newspaper is reporting that changes to the skilled migration program are imminent.
With a significant backlog of skilled migration applications already awaiting processing it appears clear that Australia's Immigration Minister has decided further steps are necessary to limit demand. We anticipate that these are likely to include some or all of the following:
- Only permitting applications under the skilled program where there is an offer of employment, State or Territory Government sponsorship, or sponsorship from a family member.
- Abolishing all of the various skilled occcupations lists that attach to the general skilled program, and replacing them with a single list of occupations that represents occupations considered to be in shortage in future years (a "Future Skills List").
The Age newspaper article makes mention of a speech to be given by the Immigration Minister on Monday 06/02/2010. It remains to be seen whether this speech will set out changes taking place with immediate effect, or floats ideas for further discussion with stakeholders.
More details will be forthcoming on Go Matilda News as soon as we have information to report.
With so many changes to skilled migration in the last 14 months we continue to be of the view that those who are in a position to lodge a visa application based on present processing requirements should do so sooner rather than later - delaying can be fatal to an ability to migrate to Australia.
If you are an individual who would like to explore the possibilities of migration to Australia under the skilled visa program please contact Go Matilda for a free initial discussion. We will be delighted to assist.
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| Weblink: |
http://www.theage.com.au/national/skilled-migration-shakeup-20100205-nip5.html |
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