Australia has reduced skilled migration passmark
Is it a real change?
This change is probably one of the unexpected changes, after a complete overhaul of the General Skill Migration (GSM) Program. From July 1, the cutoff mark, so called the passmark will be 60 points. Since the migration legislations were changed in July 2011, applicants were required to score 65 points to qualify to lodge a visa application under the GSM program. Prior to that, the point test stood at 120 points, and this system differs largely to the existing system, and no way could be considered as the points were reduced from 120 to 65. Since the change in July 2011, statistics reveal a drop in applications received, and this could be interpreted as the changes had a negative impact on the number of qualifying people. Nevertheless, the reduction from 65 points to 60 is welcoming news for all potential candidates. The difference of 5 points could make a huge impact to an application, where most people will qualify for a Permanent Residency ( PR) visa under the new system. Therefore, this change will open up tremendous opportunities and options for applicants considering migration to Australia.
Who will be benefited?
In the past 12 months, applicants qualifying for Australia under trades occupations ( mechanics, plumbers, electricians, carpenters, A/C technicians) had a considerable drop, particularly from Asia. This was due to an unreal score of IELTS 7 being the essential for trades peo- ple to qualify. Under the new laws to be implemented from July 2012, trades applicants could qualify with 6 in each band. Not only this benefit of qualifying from a lesser IELTS score can be enjoyed by trades applicants, it will be common to all applicants. It is anticipated this change will lift in numbers substantially, particularly bringing back the lost opportunity for trades people
Brand new application process
From July 1, further to the reduction of the passmark to 60 points, the processing system will change into a brand new e-system. Skills Select will allow applicants to lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) prior to lodging a visa application. Depending upon the criteria set by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC), applicants will be invited to lodge a visa application. This new system has much in common with the current New Zealand system of processing skilled visas.
Complications in the new system
You may wonder how am I to access this new system to lodge a visa application to Australia. Prior to lodging an EOI, you must assess your skills, and your IELTS scores required must be available. Once you are convinced the needed 60 points are there, an EOI application can be submitted. There will be considerable number of state sponsored applications, and it is said the state will allocate a nomination through the electronic system, but the mechanisms are not
From July 1, further to the reduction of the passmark to 60 points, the processing system will change into a brand new e-system. Skills Select will allow applicants to lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) prior to lodging a visa application. Depending upon the criteria set by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC), applicants will be invited to lodge a visa application