Budget : Changes for migration program

myhorse

http://www.minister.immi.gov.au/media/media-releases/2009/2009-10-skilled-migration-program-factsheet.pdf
>This will ensure that employer-sponsored and government-sponsored visas continue to be fast-tracked and will remain uncapped.
>The CSL will remain in place for those people seeking to migrate to Australia without a sponsor.
These arrangements ensure that only those with a job offer or skills in critical need will be given priority in the current economic climate.
>Note, that under the priority arrangements, fewer trades-level occupations will be granted a visa in 2009–10.



my reading of this is that for skilled independent who are not on the csl are in for a huge wait. Reading other forums the wait seems to be going back to 2002 levels. There are a few other changes (re ielts and skilled sponsored) on the pdf to come into effect in jan 2010. Should read in case it affects you.

aiecquest

Increased visa fees to fund embassy makeovers FOREIGN students wanting to study in Australia will be forced to pay an extra 20 per cent for their entry permits after another hike in visa fees....students, business people, skilled migrants and certain family categories are going to be hit hard, with the new measures expected to raise $402.3 million over the next four years

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25470975-12332,00.html

myhorse

http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/skill...sco5-7-faq.htm

From another forum but anyone going for a (regional) 457 visa looks like there are major changes