A number of questions still remain unanswered!!

Yesterday’s announcement with respect to the new Skilled Occupation List (SOL) was certainly a relief but this announcement still leaves a number of questions unanswered.

·         Enter ANZSCO exit ASCO – The new list introduces the long awaited ANZSCO coding, which is already in operation within NZ  migration.

·         Clarity as to how points will vary for each occupation, which is the current practice, is required?

·         There are some new occupations on the new SOL. Clarity is required which Australian body will be responsible for assessing these occupations.

·         Once the new points test regulations are introduced  further clarity may will questions, many of which stem from the fact that the new list of occupations is drawn from the ANZSCO as opposed to the ASCO.

·         Where will those applicants holding current positive skills assessments under the ASCO coding be left. Skills assessment bodies are expected to make announcements with respect to any transitional arrangements or possibly DIAC  will accept old skills assessments for a period of time. Engineers Australia sheds some light on this process stating the following at their web site:-

What does this mean for people applying for a Migration Skills Assessment by Engineers Australia?

 

1.       Up to and including 30 June 2010, assessment outcome letters will be issued in ASCO codes only

2.       From and including 1 July 2010, assessment outcome letters will be issued in ANZSCO codes only ... this will also apply to any reissued outcomes after that date

Please note - For applicants who hold, or are about to hold, an assessment outcome letter with an ASCO code issued by this office prior to 1 July 2010, and who lodge an application to DIAC within 12 months of the date of this letter:

 

DIAC have advised us that they will honour the ASCO code assessment for a period of 12 months after the introduction of the new SOL, or the expiry date of their 12-month validity of the assessment outcome letter, whichever is the sooner.

 

·         Moving to ANZSCO also introduces some different skill level requirements (i.e. the level of degree, trade certificate or years experience required). There may be instances were an applicant has a valid skills assessment under ASCO and ANZSCO requires slightly different skill level. This may be splitting hairs but requires clarity never the less.

·         And then there are the migration pathways that will hopefully become available again from 1 July 2010e when the State Migration Plans will be introduced. Where does this leave those individuals holding current sponsorships from the State/Territories? Will these convert or be valid under the State Migration Plans?

 

Lots of questions! So given that we are in a period of transition we advise you to engage a registered agent, who will be able to represent you in this ever evolving landscape. Please contact us regarding your application or future application but in the meantime though, we will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as and when we receive these.