[DeclanClune]

Just thought I'd drop a line to all forum members looking at migrating to Australia to advise that Australian Immigration (DIAC) will be changing the process of applying for a skilled migration visa.

The Skilled Migrant Selection Register (SkillSelect) is a new program which will ensure the selection of the best and brightest skilled migrants from a pool of intending migrants.

SkillSelect is a major reform in the way Australia selects skilled migrants.
This will seriously impact anyone that is considering applying for permanent resdiency in Australia on a skilled migration visa.

The changes are expected to be implemented on 1 July 2012.

So how will it work ?
SkillSelect is based on an electronic two-stage process whereby intending migrants first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and they MAY subsequently be invited by the department to make a skilled migration visa application. Note however that THERE IS NO GUARANTEE OF THIS.

Those interested in independent, family, state or territory sponsored and business skills migration will now be required to receive an invitation first from DIAC in order to lodge a visa application.

When lodging an EOI, you must meet the points criteria, have your skills assessed and any English language test already carried out so there will be a financial outlay without any guarantee of being invited to submit a visa application.

The higher the points you score, the better the chance of being selected.
This will ensure that the best applicants in each occupation are identified and selected first.

Bear in mind that occupation quotas will also apply in some cases. Once the ceiling for a particular occupation is reached, no more invitations will be issued until the following year when the quota is renewed again.

My advise - if you are looking at applying for permanent residency, you should consider getting your application lodged as soon as possible to prevent you being affected by the July 2012 changes. If you have any concerns, make sure to get the correct advise as early as possible so you can take appropriate action in time.

Declan Clune

[mandrake04]

Welcome to Boards Declan, I see noted your MARA number but you forgot to mention you work for Visa First.

[hussey]

Declan has provided some good posts so far and factual. Once he is not pimping any services/website, we're all happy.
Keep on trucking Declan

[Zambia]

Old skilled Migration Process

1: Apply submit skills assessment - wait for response from assessing body
2: Once skills assessed submit visa application - wait for response from DIAC
3: Handle any further DIAC queries more , police medical etc
4: Get Visa

After change

1: Apply submit skills assessment - wait for response from assessing body
2: Wait for invitation to apply for Visa
3: Once Invited Submit visa application - wait for response from DIAC
4: Handle any further DIAC queries more , police medical etc
5: Get Visa

Would this be correct?

[mandrake04]

Originally Posted by Zambia

Old skilled Migration Process

1: Apply submit skills assessment - wait for response from assessing body
2: Once skills assessed submit visa application - wait for response from DIAC
3: Handle any further DIAC queries more , police medical etc
4: Get Visa

After change

1: Apply submit skills assessment - wait for response from assessing body
2: Register your interest and Wait for invitation to apply for Visa
3: Once Invited Submit visa application - wait for response from DIAC (your application has to be submitted within 60 Days of the invitation)
4: Handle any further DIAC queries more , police medical etc
5: Get Visa

Would this be correct?

If you don't get invited within 2 years you have to re-register

[Zambia]

Ouch, that is good though its unfair for some to get PR then sit on it while others wait in the queue.

Plus I imagine after 2 years it would be worth re-applying as your skill base would be higher.

[DeclanClune]

@ Mandrake - I am posting as an independent agent so there is no mention of Visafirst in my posts. I work and provide visa advice and visa assistance to a number of companies including Visafirst though alright.

@ regarding the topic -
I believe the reason why DIAC is bringing in the new system is to allow them to process applications in occupations that they need - as and when they need them. The system is to encourage a Demand orientated approach to bringing in skilled migrants rather than a supply approach.

So it is unfair on people that might meet the points criteria as they could be sitting in the pool for up to 2 years and actually never be invited to apply for a visa by DIAC while other people that apply at a much later date could submit an EOI and could be invited to submit their visa application immediately.

[mandrake04]

Originally Posted by DeclanClune

@ Mandrake - I am posting as an independent agent so there is no mention of Visafirst in my posts. I work and provide visa advice and visa assistance to a number of companies including Visafirst though alright.

Fair enough Declan I think I might have seen you on TV on a few RTE programs, just thought I would throw that info out there in case anyone who might have attended VF expo and never got the chance to ask any questions might be able to do so now.

Originally Posted by DeclanClune

@ regarding the topic -
I believe the reason why DIAC is bringing in the new system is to allow them to process applications in occupations that they need - as and when they need them. The system is to encourage a Demand orientated approach to bringing in skilled migrants rather than a supply approach.

So it is unfair on people that might meet the points criteria as they could be sitting in the pool for up to 2 years and actually never be invited to apply for a visa by DIAC while other people that apply at a much later date could submit an EOI and could be invited to submit their visa application immediately.

I think you are right Declan, DIAC is trying to target exactly what occupations it requires and how many of each then they will be inviting what it considers the most suitable candidates where as the current system anyone who met the threshold could just apply wily-nily.

Its going suit some people but definitely going to disappoint others.

[backrow]

hi all, just at the early stages in applying for oz visa, can some 1 please tell me where i can get a skills assessment test done(carpenter). living in dublin. also i've been self employed for the last 8 years would tax returns be enough proof or do i need more evidence. please dont tell me i have to knock on previous clients doors and ask for references!!! cheers thanks

[mobius42]

Do these changes affect visas where a company is sponsoring you or is it just the skilled migration ones?

[ANAPOLIS]

I too have been looking into moving to Oz or new zealand. i have looked at all the skills assessments but unfortunately my occupation is not on there im an unemployed plant operator,(i see loads of jobs advertised on different sites yet plant operator is not one of them i am almost 42 and would be leaving my wife and family behind for 12months or more.

how does someone of my age get a work visa? cheers

[hussey]

Originally Posted by ANAPOLIS

I too have been looking into moving to Oz or new zealand. i have looked at all the skills assessments but unfortunately my occupation is not on there im an unemployed plant operator,(i see loads of jobs advertised on different sites yet plant operator is not one of them i am almost 42 and would be leaving my wife and family behind for 12months or more.

how does someone of my age get a work visa? cheers

Being honest - very slim chance. You can try get someone to sponsor you, but that can be extremely difficult from Ireland.
Do a search on the forum others have asked the same question

[ANAPOLIS]

Originally Posted by hussey

Being honest - very slim chance. You can try get someone to sponsor you, but that can be extremely difficult from Ireland.
Do a search on the forum others have asked the same question

why do you say i have a slim chance,because im almost 42? well if theres a chance,that will do for me.

i was kinda hoping Declan would have a go at answering it,as through my numerous searches i have seen him giving advice,not just on Boards,on the way to go.
I have a mate of similar age going south very soon,he is being sponsored but this was a complete fluke of being in the right place at the right time,jealous?dam right!

cheers,i'll keep searching

[LizOHagan]

Hello Anapolis,

The reality is that Sponsorship is very difficult to obtain unless you are in Health and Engineering fields. It is not impossible but is very difficult due to a number of factors including

- demand for sponsorship from those onshore in Australia (such as backpackers) is very high
- Immigration impose very strict criteria on sponsoring companies so therefore there is a reluctance to sponsor on behalf of employers
- larger companies tend to be able to sponsor moreso than small companies
- many companies operate similar to Ireland in that they engage subcontractors as opposed to direct employees and therefore sponsorship is not an option
- when a company sponsors you they also sponsor your family unit and this can 'scare' some sponsors due to financial obligations if something goes wrong
- most companies require you to be in Australia where they can view your work and this is not possible for applicants over 31 as you will not have a visa with work rights
- plant operators are a popular occupation whereby people are seeking sponsorship and many end up finding a sponsor through contacts as opposed to jobs advertised by recruitment agencies etc

So, what are your options?

- study the skilled occupations list for 457 visas as options for plant operators are limited however many plant operators have other skills as well
- visit newspapers in Australia for vacancies
- visit gumtree.com as some companies advertise there
- use every contact in Australia to see if they know of any vacancies
- contact companies direct who may have work in the area you wish to settle (do a search for projects and tenders won etc)
- contact irish companies who advertise in papers such as the irishecho as whilst they may not have vacancies they may know of others
- sell yourself with a good CV, referees and have access to technology such as skype etc and be available during Australian business hours
- be familiar with the criteria the company and you must satisfy with Immigration so you are informed when you approach potential sponsors. Do a search for 457 on www.immi.gov.au
- if you are successful in finding a sponsor find out what your visa options long term will be as most companies will only offer a 457 visa which is a temporary visa of up to 4 years and you would need to know how you can remain permanently as permanent residency is NOT guaranteed

I do not recommend

- paying companies to find a sponsor - such services should be free
- going to Australia on a holiday visa in the hope of finding a sponsor (we have had a number of people recently turned back at the airport in Australia due to trying to enter Australia with the intention of finding work which is against the conditions of the holiday visa

My final bit of advice is that sometimes it hard to accept the negative information such as the realistic chance of people securing sponsorship and it is easier to believe what you want to hear. I have no reason to be negative but take pride in being honest and realistic.

I hope my reply helps somewhat and I wish you all the best in finding a sponsor.

Liz

[mandrake04]

^ Probably one of the best posts in a while. Should really be stickyed somewhere.