New Points Test Takes Effect in Australia
June 10, 2011— A new points-based system will take effect July 1, 2011 for the General Skilled Migration (GSM) category of permanent residence programs that do not require employer sponsorship in Australia. Also taking effect July 1 is a new Skilled Occupation List of occupations eligible for all categories of permanent residence programs that do not require employer sponsorship, and a 15% increase in visa application charges (VAC) for many immigration categories.
GSM applicants who file on or after July 1 will be judged against the new points-based test, which focuses on selecting highly skilled individuals to meet labor market demand. The pass mark needed to be eligible for a GSM visa will be 65 points. Points can be earned for a broad range of skills and attributes, with higher points being awarded for high English language abilities, extensive skilled employment experience, higher level educational qualifications, and targeted age ranges. Although specific occupations will not earn additional points, all applicants must nominate an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) and have their skills assessed in their nominated occupation.
A new SOL will apply to all new unsponsored skilled migration applications submitted on or after July 1, 2011 that will have thirteen new occupations added and four occupations removed. This will bring the total number of occupations on the SOL to 192.
The occupations added to the SOL are:
| |
• Medical Physicist
• Environmental Health Officer
• Occupational Health and Safety Adviser
• Hospital Pharmacists
• Retail Pharmacists
• Barrister
• Solicitor |
|
• Fitter and Turner (General)
• Fitter and Turner
• Fitter-Welder
• Metal Machinist (First Class)
• Boat Builder and Repairer
• Shipwright |
The occupations removed are Optometrist, Orthopist, Panel Beater, and Vehicle Painter. |
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