Waiting for the new SOL!

This announcement by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) today (7 May 2010) regarding the suspension of accepting General Skilled Migration applications was certainly unexpected. Applications for Offshore General Skilled Visas will no longer be accepted from midnight tonight (AEST 7 May 2010), until the end of the current program year on 30th June, 2010.  This temporary suspension means that people will not be able to lodge a valid application for an affected GSM visa for the duration of the suspension. I am of the opinion that DIAC were clearly trying to avoid a similar spike in applications that occurred in September 2007 before regulations were changed back then. We sympathize with those who still need to apply as it now becomes one of waiting to see if you will be on the NEW Skilled Occupation List. http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/pdf/faq-temporary-suspension.pdf

 

We are confident that for those professionals in occupations such as Engineering, Computing, Accountancy and Nursing amongst others will more than likely be on the NEW Skilled Occupation List. Although you may not be able to lodge an application until at least the 1 July 2010, one can continue in obtaining your skills assessments and completing your IELTS. Form the 1 July we also expect further information from a number of States/Territories regarding their State Migration Plans which will list many occupations that may not be on the NEW SOL enabling you still to apply for a visa; and one that will command a high priority  from a in processing point of view as well.

 

Andrew Heathcote  CA  MMIA

Registered Migration Agent  MARN 0850840